After a round of "playing around" with Lars, Erica finally let him go. Lars was now too exhausted to get angry with her, but before he could rest, he was dragged away again.
Erica cheerfully dashed toward the door, despite Lars still grasping at the papers in her hand.
Erica was naturally lively - too much so, in fact. This often caused trouble for Lars, just like right now.
" Hey! Where are you taking me!?"
" Obviously, to eat!"
" If we're just eating, don't run! It's not like we're escaping from the enemy!"
But the moment she opened the door, she was struck on the head. Both she and Lars were utterly surprised her large purple eyes widened as she looked up to see a tall man in a long coat with a belt.
He was the one who had hit her - or, more precisely, he had merely intended to knock on the door when she happened to opened it first.
Oh! Hello there, Warris. Look like I'm waking up late again." Erica said sheepishly.
The butler, Warrisone, responded kindly, "Not exactly, young lady. Everyone just finished eating. The master is still waiting for you."
" Really? Then I can't keep him waiting any longer. Let's go!"
The first demons of the Darker family once lived only in fiery caves fill with streams of molten lava. Over time, they began to construct a new place for themselves in the Fifth Layer of the Hell - Wrath. From simple tents and rundown wooden houses to solid stone dwellings, their settlement grew.
Now, it had become a massive fortress of black stone. Sharp spires reached toward the sky, guarded by demon sentinels with piercing eyes. Endless corridors sometimes carried whisper that only those of the household could understand. A colossal gate, made from the bones of sinful demons and surrounded by flowing lava, stood as it's entrance.
The Darker family had demonstrated their supreme authority, an undeniable power. Just this single fortress was enough to make any creature tremble.
Erica, walking ahead while Lars trailed behind, followed Warrisone. Her thoughts drifted to the woman. She had never believed in the visions she saw in her dream, but since dreaming of this, she couldn't help but wonder.
That woman is a member of the Darker family.
The family crest, embedded in her hairpin, was impossible to forge. It was crafted from three interlocking ellipses, representing the three covenants between the Darker family and Heaven. They intertwined to form a triangular core. She thought it looked like a stylized owl.
She was even wearing a kimono, leading Erica to guess that she must have been born around the same time as her father.
However, Erica couldn't, for the life of her, explain why this woman always appeared in her dreams. She didn't even know who she was, let alone what connection they might have.
" We're arrived, young lady."
Warrisone's voice startled Erica, she realized she was already standing in front of the dining room door.
I walked here without even paying attention.
" Tch! Are you still lost in your dream, my friend?" Lars asked tirely. If she wasn't fully awake yet, that would make sense - that is, if Lars believed her dreams were just dreams.
" Yeah, I still am. Because the image of your pathetic, rotten appendix keeps hunting me."
Erica strolled forward casually. She already knew exactly how Lars would react, so she didn't need to turn around to see his jaw dropping in shock.
Warrisone pushed the door open.
Inside was a dimly lit room, illuminated by torches burning with eerie blue flames. At its center stood a long dining table made of obsidian, surrounded by towering stone pillars. Mysterious glowing symbols were carved into their surfaces, pulsing faintly as if whispering an ancient language.
At the head of the table sat a large man with a pair of purple corns covered in intricate veins and neatly groomed white hair. He wore a fur-trimmed cloak over an embroidered tunic. On his chest was the family crest.
Erica noticed that he was smiling warmly in her direction as she entered. The man spoke cheerfully.
" Ah, my dear! You've arrived, have you? You look much more refreshed today."
" Yeah! Perhaps better than usual."
" That's good news! I was thinking of letting you sleep in a little longer, but you know how it is - those head chefs tend to get forgetful and might not remember that you usually eat late."
" We can't blame them for that, Sir. But anyway, we have a lot to do today, so everyone have to wake up early."
Warrisone said this while heading to the kitchen to fetch food.
Erica sat beside her father, while Lars jumped onto the table. The current head of the family - Biwagron Darker, gazed at her thoughtfully, chewing absentmindedly. Erica knew he had something to ask her.
Nightmares.
Right, the entire family was aware that she had been having trouble with her dreams. Of course, she wasn't foolish enough to reveal their true nature. But coming up with new nightmare each day to keep up the act was rather exhausting.
Her father had often advised her to seek psychological help, though she had only reluctantly complied - and unsurprisingly, it yielded no results.
Erica never like being a burden to others. She had always sought out answer on her own, searching through records of past generations of the Darker lineage. Though she hadn't uncovered much, at the very least, she knew that it was possible.
At the moment, the food was served. It was stir-fried lion kidney soaked in blood vines for her, and for Lars, charred human bones - his favourite.
Erica savored her meal, then glanced at her father. She smiled at the dignified man before her and playfully said.
" So, what are all these tasks we have to do today?"
" A lot... Yes, there are indeed many tasks." He responded.
Suddenly, the man's expression grew serious. His face hardened, deep wrinkles forming on his cheeks. He said coldly:
" Recently, the reconnaissance team has discovered unusual activities within the Mackroz society. This could be troublesome. They have followed our orders for decades, but who knows? The cowardly ones might be secretly plotting a coup.
Furthermore, more and more demons had been trying to escape from Hell. Their numbers are increasing, and their strength is significantly surpassing their former selves as mere wraiths.
Judgement Day is approaching, and we cannot afford any mistakes. I know this is only the beginning, but it's better to be prepared."
Hearing her father's words, Erica felt a growing excitement. The more tasks, the better. Not because there was a reward - there rarely was - but because it gave her the chance to find rare items, especially food.
Whenever she had free time, Erica would wander Hell in search of valuable artifacts. When assigned a mission, she would hunt down rebellious demons. Though they appeared destitute, their pockets were usually filled with treasure - precious gems, poisons, delicious food.
Stealing a few items wouldn't hurt; villains like them didn't deserve any mercy.
Her father continued, " That's why, during this period, we must work at full capacity. It might be tough for you since there's a lot to do."
" Pfft, that's nothing. Don't worry, dad, no matter how many missions there are, I can handle them all."
" Haha! That's my daughter! Always so confident!"
" If it's a mission, I have one just for you." A gentle voice suddenly chimed in front behind Erica.
Erica happily called out, " Hello, Yana!"
It was a kind-looking noblewoman with long, golden hair,, some strands braided to the side while a few locks cascaded gently over her face. Her eyes squinted slightly with a mischievous smile. She wore a long dress with puffed sleeves, a velvet choker with the family crest, and in her hand, a scroll containing a mission.
This woman, Halcyon, was the family's deputy leader, responsible for managing all affairs. She was also a gentle elder sister to Erica, despite the fact that they actually aunt and niece.
" I knew you'd insist on taking on a mission, so I saved one especially for you."
" So... all the harder missions were taken already?" Erica asked, a hint of regret in her voice.
Halcyon simply nodded with a soft smile, full of affection, as if comforting a little sister.
" Well, work is better than nothing. But first, let's finish this meal!"