The Survival of an Inferior

It was obvious someone aided the Demons and let Haren, someone affiliated with the Demons, into Rodgof. 

However, what really is going on in the Demons' territories? Humanity and other races may have fallen there but there are no ruins. Demons simply obtain full authority and conquer the kingdoms. 

All races, excluding Demons, will be subjected to oppression and brainwashing is widely used to view Demons as superior.  

Forced to be servants, there are many inhumane treatments by Demons on oppressed races. 

The majority of the time, each race has to give up a certain amount of people as "livestock" to survive. 

It truly is terrible but society is still functioning nonetheless. 

Why? 

Despite being oppressed. A selected individual like Haren with talents is granted survival and citizenship but they must serve the Demons. 

The Demon's Kingdom, Hanzing, is a neighbour of Elvis, separated only by a deep ravine that leads to an unknown void. No one that went down the ravine ever return to tell the story. 

The Demon Lord cannot possibly manage every single kingdom and land. Hence, he distributes territories to his offspring. Hanzing is managed by the Ninth Son of The Demon Lord, 

Zerstorung. 

Needless to say, greed, inferiority, and many aspects cultivated dissatisfaction. Violence and war commonly burst as the siblings compete for more land and power. 

That is the reason for the remaining kingdoms' survival. 

Any hasty attack on the three kingdoms will leave Zerstorung's territory defenceless. 

Asform(The Elf King from volume one) roams the City of Fallen. A city for humans in Hanzing. It seems like a normal city from afar but it is the embodiment of despair. Aside from youngsters and children who have not experienced the war years ago, adults and the elderly are as docile as dolls, succumbed both mentally and physically. No smiles. No laughs. No happiness. Only desolation. 

As Asform walks across the streets, he can spot some children chatting in an alleyway away from the adults. One particular girl has a blue scar on her neck. That is the mark of a "Livestock". After her coming of age, she will be offered to the Demons. 

A large metallic wall surrounds the city enhanced by many barriers that prevent any escape. 

Asform approaches the huge mansion at the end engulfed by a forcefield. Two demons stationed at the front bow at Asform when he pulls back the hood, revealing his identity. Part of the forcefield deactivates and allows entry. 

A servant escorts Asform to the guest room within the mansion. A demon with black sclera and ember-slit-like pupils sits on a lonely couch drinking tea. Wearing a comfortable jersey and black long pants, He smiles at Asform and stands up. 

"Asform! Welcome! Long time no see! How long has it been?" The demon says. 

"Hello, Hugo. Fifty years." Asform replies. 

The servant leaves both Demon Hugo and Asform alone. Hugo places his arm over Asform's shoulder, who glares at Hugo when he does that. 

Hugo sighs and takes his arm off. 

"Since The Hero's death huh...you are still the same. Don't be so serious." 

"My apologies, it is heresy."

"Your darn elf culture. Well, whatever. What's up? You need me for something, don't you? That's the only reason you will contact me."

Hugo takes a seat and Asform follows, taking on opposite Hugo. 

"Nothing much...Say, how high up are you in the hierarchy?" Asform asks. 

Hugo takes a sip of tea and looks around. "I would say...almost at the top. Why?" 

"Perfect, the favour from fifty years ago is still valid, no?"

Hugo frowns. "I suppose."

"Then get me something. I need the Condensed Viscera of Death." 

Hugo furrows his brow. "W-What? Why do you even need that for?"  

Asform stays silent, smiling.  

Hugo clicks his tongue. "Sorry but it's impossible, that's a National Treasure." 

"Go steal it."

Hugo leans forward. "Fuck off. You might as well kill me now. I will be dead either way. Lord Zerstorung can kill me without batting an eye."

"Hah...coward," Asform says and shakes his head. 

"Haha go do it yourself then." 

"No thanks."

...

Hugo scratches his head. "But...I do have something that works similarly." 

He swipes his hand and cuts a spatial crack in the space, putting his hand in to take out a polished wooden bottle and hands it to Asform. 

Asform ponders but accepts it in the end. 

"I don't owe you anything now,"  Hugo says. 

Asform nods. 

...

Hugo stares anxiously at his friend's back. He knows Asform's personality. In the past, Asform suffered greatly when found aiding the deceased hero. Hugo fears Asform is up to the same shenanigans. 

Unfortunately for Hugo, Asform views this as the only form of entertainment that interests him. A story can only be thrilling when there is a "protagonist" and an "antagonist". 

An elf slips out of the alleyway and walks behind Asform. 

Asform passes the bottle to his subordinate. 

"It is Samuel's birthday, this is my gift to him." 

The elf widens her eyes in disbelief. 

"Master...that..."

...

"Ever since his disappearance at Elvis, I am unable to find his location." 

"Mercenary Arsto from the BOV. He is most likely Samuel." Asform replies. 

"Understood."

The subordinate complies without complaint and disappears into another alley. 

Asform grins at the despair of humans. He is neither evil nor good. He simply follows his interest and instinct. 

================================== 

At Haeru... 

================================== 

I stand in front of the mirror in a white shirt and long black pants. Beside the mirror is a blue coat hooked. I take the coat and wrap it across my shoulders, wearing it. 

Pulling the coat, I button it. 

A few badges are pinned to the collar. 

It's been one year since I last met Rena. Following the banquet, arousing distrust and disagreement pop up everywhere. Finding the mere truth of Prince Armin's deeds planted sceptical in people's hearts. Although his clarification speeches and rumours did clear his name a little, some did not yield. 

I open the door to leave but find a box on the floor outside. 

"What?" I mumble and pick it up. Inside is a bottle. 

--------------------

Sealed Bottle of Demonic Essence 

A bottle that contains 20 pills of Demonic Essence. 

Consuming a pill can ignore the side effects of "Demonic Absorption" once. 

(Recap: Demonic beings can absorb life force from living beings that recently died to grow stronger but demonic humans face extreme side effects.) 

--------------------

I jolt at the sudden gift. Below the bottle is a slip of paper stating: 

"Happy Birthday. Stay alive."

...

Who sent me this?