The silence between Yui—no, Lilliana—and the Demon King stretched like a blade.
Azazel's eyes glowed faintly, the silver light in them unblinking. "You hesitate."
Of course she did. Her brain was still trying to process the fact she had been hit by a truck, woke up inside a fictional world, was wearing someone else's body, and had just gained a game-like system that said she was soul-bound to a demon.
She was one panic attack away from collapsing.
"Can I... ask something first?" she said, voice small.
Azazel inclined his head slightly, a motion so still and graceful it didn't seem human. "Speak."
The system pinged softly as she focused on him.
[Passive Skill Unlocked: Intuitive Insight I]
You can now glimpse emotional states during conversation.
Her vision shimmered. A faint red ring flickered behind Azazel—emotion: restrained tension.
He's... holding back?
"I'm not the person you think I am," she said cautiously. "I don't remember... everything."
Azazel's gaze narrowed. "Amnesia?"
The system blinked a message:
[Lie Detected: Partial Truth]
Azazel does not believe you completely.
"You are changed," he said finally. "Your aura is quieter. No longer laced with venom." He stepped closer. "That suits me."
Yui swallowed hard.
New Objective Added:
→ Survive the Demon King's Domain
→ Avoid Execution at the Imperial Capital (89 days remaining)
→ Learn to Use Soul-Bound Skills
"Wait, what are soul-bound skills?" she whispered.
Another window popped open:
[Soul-Bound Skill Tree: Demon Pact (Locked)]
Skill 1: Shadowstep — Teleport to Demon King's side instantly (Locked)
Skill 2: Pact Flame — Channel demon energy for destructive magic (Locked)
Skill 3: Command Voice — Temporarily influence weaker minds (Locked)
Requirement to Unlock:
Build trust with Azazel. Synchronization Level: 2%
She stared. I can unlock powers by bonding with the Demon King?
"Lilliana," Azazel said, stepping even closer. "You were brought to the heart of my dominion. If you seek to leave, you will be hunted. If you remain, you must adapt."
She looked up at him, voice trembling.
"Then… I want to learn. How to survive. And how to fight."
A flicker of interest passed through his silver eyes. The ring behind him shifted—emotion: curiosity.
"Very well," he said.
He raised a hand, and black flames swirled around his palm.
"Your training begins now."