Chapter 99: Meeting of Young Demons
The current reality was quite simple. The Demon Realm was in complete turmoil, bubbling with anticipation and mockery as rumors of the Blood Armageddon spread like gasoline waiting to ignite.
Sapphire Agares' disciple was set to face Magnus Phenex, all for one person: Ada Baal.
The truth was that this information had been confirmed by Magnus himself, and the public saw him as the last romantic of the demon world, wanting to reclaim his "wife." At least, that's how he called himself. This detail, however, was kept from Vergil so he could focus solely on training.
But what was really happening? Demons were betting on who would win. For common demons, the outcome seemed obvious: Vergil would be crushed.
In the streets of infernal cities, the general opinion was ruthless and brutally honest. The lesser creatures, who barely had the right to exist before the demon aristocracy, sneered at Vergil with disdain. In back alleys and taverns, demons of various classes gathered around pools of infernal drink and discussed the fate of the unfortunate disciple. To them, the idea of Vergil defeating Magnus was absurd, a joke circulating among the crowds hungry for entertainment and blood.
After all, how could one defeat an immortal being? To them, even without knowing his name, Vergil was already the biggest joke in the demon world. Explore more stories with m,v l'e-m|p| y r
"This man thinks that just because he's Sapphire's disciple, he stands a chance? Ha, he's just another fool!" snarled a shriveled demon, drinking as the liquid dripped from the corners of his crooked mouth.
"Magnus will tear him apart before he even blinks," agreed another demon with greenish scales and glazed eyes. "And you know what's even more amusing? Sapphire herself will be watching. If I were the kid, I'd run to the underworld before facing the duel."
"He doesn't have that option, hahaha! Running from Sapphire Agares? HAHAHA only if he were dead!" Another demon shouted from afar, laughing as they toasted and mocked the man they didn't even know.
The laughter was loud, and the stakes were high. No common demon dared believe Vergil could withstand Magnus's overwhelming power. The few who tried to show any support for the young man were quickly silenced, receiving suspicious looks and mocking laughs. The disbelief in the air was so thick it seemed to suffocate any mention of a possible victory for Sapphire's disciple... Well, this was the most foolish thought in the whole demon world, and common demons...
Well, they weren't very bright, especially since they lived quite poorly, so to them, their strongest belief was in sight— they'd only believe in Vergil if he showed something remarkable, unlike Magnus, who had made numerous appearances in high society.
However…
Within the more refined halls, the atmosphere was slightly different. While the commoners openly expressed their disbelief, the demon nobility gathered to discuss the duel in a more sophisticated, yet equally skeptical, manner.
In one of the most luxurious meeting rooms of high society, a group of young demon nobles gathered to deliberate on the subject.
There were heirs from renowned clans, young representatives from lineages so ancient and powerful that even their names were spoken with reverence. Seated in luxurious chairs, the demons discussed the fate of Sapphire's young disciple with the same ease as they would discuss a game of chance or a hunt.
At the head of the table, Mael Raum, a young man with a sharp gaze and an arrogant expression, began the conversation. He was known for his cunning and the latent ambition in his eyes, traits that made him a feared figure among his peers.
"So, what do you think of Sapphire's new pawn?" Mael asked, a sneer on his face. "Vergil, isn't it? Some acquaintances said he killed two Exorcists a few months ago when he awakened. And now he's about to face Magnus."
Across the table, Leora Morax, an ethereal-looking young woman with icy blue eyes and long, silver hair, let out a light, cold laugh. "Vergil?" she asked, pronouncing the name with a hint of disdain. "He's a toy for Sapphire, that's all. She enjoys crushing the hopes of her 'disciples' before casting them aside. She doesn't have a good history with men. Maybe this is just another one of her games. She must be bored with always being the strongest woman in the Demon Realm."
On the other side of the table, Elias Shax, who always maintained a composed and thoughtful demeanor, crossed his arms and cast an intrigued glance at the group. "But isn't it curious that Sapphire chose someone like him?" he asked, his voice contemplative. "She doesn't usually waste her time with the weak. Vergil must have some potential... or she wouldn't bother training him, especially since he's a Newborn, barely aware of what a Blood Armageddon even is."
Beside Elias, Jade Beleth, a demoness with skin as dark as the night and golden eyes that glowed with intensity, shook her head in disagreement. "His potential doesn't matter, Elias. Magnus Phenex is a powerhouse of demonic power, a true prodigy of the Phenex family. Even if this Vergil has some talent, he'll be crushed. Sapphire likely just wants to see how long he lasts before he becomes another corpse."
Leora laughed again, satisfied with the prospect. "Exactly. And maybe she also wants to put on a show for us, nobles and spectators alike. After all, Sapphire has always enjoyed a good tragedy. I wouldn't be surprised if this duel is just another act in her theater of blood."
While the group continued their discussion, a reserved young demoness named Runeas Gremory remained silent, watching the faces of each one closely. She was known for her brilliant strategic mind, but she rarely took part in the superficial discussions her peers seemed to enjoy. In truth, she barely cared for any of them and had only come because she'd heard something potentially interesting...
Noticing Runeas's silence, Mael raised an eyebrow, curious. "And you, Runeas? What's your take on the boy? You tend to see far beyond what the rest of us think."
Runeas hesitated for a moment before responding, her sharp gaze glittering with intrigue. "I don't think Sapphire would choose him without reason," she said calmly. "She's many things, but foolish isn't one of them. Maybe we're underestimating this man. It's possible he could surprise us... if he's lucky."
"Surprise us? Magnus is a born warrior, Runeas," retorted Jade, shaking her head with disdain. "You know what that means? He grew up under the weight of a bloodline that forges warriors from birth. Magnus won't be defeated by a rookie, even if Sapphire has placed all her chips on him."
Elias, who had been deep in thought, added, "Vergil is in a dangerous position. He's the underdog, but maybe that's significant. If he survives, merely survives, his position in demon society will be elevated. After all, not everyone faces Magnus and lives to tell the tale."
From across the room, a voice rose among the small crowd of other young demons watching the discussion from a distance. It was Lilim Vepar, a demoness known for her stunning beauty and the pride that echoed in every word she spoke.
"I don't care who he is, to be honest," said Lilim, with a tone of calculated indifference. "In the end, Vergil is just a temporary distraction for Sapphire. Once Magnus crushes him, he'll return to the insignificance from which he came, and Sapphire will find another 'disciple' to play with, don't you think, Rune-"
"You bore me," Runeas said, standing up and cutting Lilim off. "Magnus cares only about his looks and material wealth. He will be utterly crushed without any chance of victory. That much is obvious," she said, smiling for the first time, her red hair falling over her ample bust.
"I'm leaving; I realized it's not worth staying with such narrow-minded beings." She said, and as she was about to open the luxuriously carved oak door, a hand grasped hers, stopping her.
"Want to bet?" Lilim, who had held her back, suggested with a smile.
Meanwhile, in the training chamber, Vergil himself faced a torment far greater than the nobles' mocking remarks or the commoners' disdain.
Sapphire was putting him through an infernal trial.
She attacked with inhuman strength, speed, and precision, forcing Vergil to react to every blow or be utterly destroyed.
Vergil was breathing heavily, every muscle in his body aching from the inhuman effort of keeping up with his mentor. Sapphire remained relentless, her gaze cold and determined, devoid of any hint of compassion.
"Vergil," she murmured, watching as he stood up, trembling. "You can't rely on luck or mercy in the duel against Magnus. All you have is your determination... and that's not enough."
He knew her words held a bitter truth. Magnus was a born warrior, a demon with refined skills and terrifying power. Vergil, on the other hand, was merely a newly transformed demon, molded by Sapphire's strength, but still far from being considered a true elite demon.
"I won't fail," he muttered between ragged breaths, forcing himself to stand despite his exhausted body.
Sapphire crossed her arms, observing him with an expression of impatience.
"You
will
fail, Vergil, if you don't start understanding the depth of your strength. And it won't be Magnus who kills you… it'll be me, if you don't show me something worthy of my time."
"Shut up and keep going; time is running out," Vergil said, forcing himself upright again. "Come at me."