Alisha and Missy followed the demons down a long, dimly lit corridor, their footsteps muffled by the plush black carpet beneath them. The walls were adorned with grotesque tapestries depicting scenes of battles and conquests, the colors vivid yet dark, as if the fabric itself drank the light.
The demons leading them walked with rigid precision, their armor clanking softly with every step. Despite their intimidating presence, Alisha's sharp glare didn't falter. She kept a firm grip on Missy's hand, her every muscle tense.
"Where are you taking us?" Alisha demanded, her voice cold and unwavering.
One of the demons glanced back, his crimson eyes glinting with annoyance. "You'll know soon enough. Keep moving."
Missy, her face pale and her heart racing, whispered, "Alisha, what do you think they'll do to us?"
"Nothing," Alisha replied firmly, though she wasn't entirely sure herself. "They wouldn't dare harm us—not as long as Jack has plans for us. Just stay close to ."
After what felt like an eternity, they arrived at a heavy wooden door reinforced with iron. One of the demons pushed it open, revealing a surprisingly well-furnished room. The interior was far more welcoming than they had expected, with soft bedding, a crackling fireplace, and a table laden with food and drink.
"You'll stay here," the demon growled. "Refresh yourselves. Do not wander. When the Master calls, you will be summoned."
Without waiting for a response, the demons turned and left, the door shutting behind them with a resounding thud.
Alisha imdiately began scanning the room, her sharp eyes searching for anything that could be used as a weapon. Missy, anwhile, collapsed onto the edge of the bed, her nerves frayed.
"They're letting us stay here?" Missy asked, her voice trembling. "Why does it feel like the calm before the storm?"
Alisha didn't respond imdiately. She walked to the window, peering out into the dark expanse beyond. The castle grounds stretched endlessly, bathed in an eerie glow from the violet flas that lined the paths. "It's better than a dungeon," she said finally. "But we can't let our guard down."
Missy nodded, though her hands fidgeted with the hem of her dress. "Do you think Asriel will be okay? He didn't seem worried at all."
Alisha's lips pressed into a thin line. "Asriel always acts like that, but he's not as invincible as he pretends to be. He's smart, though. He wouldn't have brought us here without a plan."
*****
anwhile, Jack and Zamazo continued walking deeper into the castle. The halls grew wider, the decorations more elaborate. Jack took in every detail—the intricate carvings on the walls, the ominous statues of demons that seed to watch his every move, and the faint hum of power that resonated through the air.
"Your castle is... impressive," Jack admitted, his tone neutral.
Zamazo smirked. "It's more than just a castle. This is a fortress, a symbol of my dominance over this plane. It's also the key to maintaining control." Stay updated with My Virtual Library Empire
Jack raised an eyebrow. "Speaking of control, we need to discuss our plans. If I'm going to reclaim my position—and take over these planes entirely—I'll need more than just brute force."
Zamazo stopped and turned to face Jack, his crimson eyes narrowing. "Reclaim your position? You speak as though you were once at the top."
"I was," Jack replied coolly. "In another life, perhaps. But that doesn't matter now. What matters is that we consolidate power. The other lords will hear of my return, and I doubt they'll take it kindly."
"They won't," Zamazo agreed. "So of them are already consolidating their forces. And trust , they won't hesitate to eliminate you."
"That's where you co in," Jack said with a faint smirk. "You've already proven your strength by beating once. I need you to train —not just to control my dark powers, but to surpass what I was capable of before."
Zamazo crossed his arms, studying Jack closely. "You're bold, I'll give you that. But training you will be no small task. Your current power is unstable. Without proper control, you're as much a threat to yourself as you are to anyone else."
"That's why I'm asking," Jack replied. "I'm not here to waste ti. I need to be ready."
Zamazo sighed, rubbing his temples. "Fine. I'll train you. But don't expect rcy. I'm not interested in coddling you."
Jack chuckled. "I wouldn't expect anything less."
As they resud walking, Zamazo gestured for Jack to follow him into a large hall. At the center was a raised platform surrounded by glowing runes, their light pulsating with raw energy.
"This will be your training ground," Zamazo said. "The runes are designed to push your limits, to force you to confront your weaknesses. It won't be pleasant."
Jack stepped onto the platform, feeling the power thrumming beneath his feet. "Pleasant isn't what I'm looking for. I need results."
"Good," Zamazo said with a wicked grin. "Because this process will break you down before it builds you back up. Let's see if you have what it takes to survive."
After their discussion, Jack left Zamazo to bring the others.
Zamazo ordered a servant to summon the guards. "Bring the humans to the hall," he commanded. "It's ti for them to understand what they've gotten themselves into."
The guards bowed and departed, their footsteps echoing down the corridor.
*******
Back in the room, Alisha and Missy were startled by a knock at the door. Before they could respond, it swung open, revealing the sa demons who had escorted them earlier.
"The Master calls for you," one of them growled. "Co."
Alisha stood, her expression hard. "Missy, stay close to ," she whispered.
The two won followed the demons through the labyrinthine corridors, their anxiety mounting with every step. When they finally entered the grand hall, they found Jack standing on a glowing platform, his arms crossed and his expression unreadable.
"big brother?" Missy called out hesitantly.
He turned to them, a faint smile playing on his lips. "You're just in ti."
Zamazo stepped forward, his imposing figure casting a long shadow.
"From now on, you two will be part of this operation. Whether you like it or not, I do not need any resistance. Consider this your new reality."
Missy swallowed hard, her eyes darting between Jack and Zamazo. "What does that an?"
Jack stepped down from the platform, his expression softening slightly. "It ans we're all in this together. If we're going to survive—and win—we need to work as a team."
Alisha crossed her arms, her gaze sharp. "And what's the plan?"
Jack's eyes glead with determination. "We're going to take control of the planes. But first, we need to get stronger—and that starts now."
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