After several installations, they run out of equipment, so they return to the branch. They get out of the vehicle and enter the building.
—Lately, we've only been facing goons in the vehicular combat against the anti-project faction. — Manolo said.
—And you want more of that. —Isidro replied.
—No. — Manolo answered.
—So, it's better over there; it'll get damaged. —Isidro replied.
— I think they're planning something big. —Manolo answered.
— You're just being paranoid, relaxed, Manolo, and enjoying peace. — Isidro replied.
—Well, if you say so. — Manolo answered.
—Manolo! — Meredith exclaimed, running toward Manolo and ramming him head-on, knocking him to the ground.
— Meredith! — Manolo exclaimed as his breasts were rubbed in her face.
—Yes, what do you want, my love? —Meredith replied.
— Get off me. —Manolo answered.
—Okay. —Meredith replied, sitting up and adding. —Do you want to eat with me? It's lunchtime."
—I don't eat the food here; you guys have a diet that's... a bit different. —Manolo replied.
—Don't worry, I made you some human food. — Meredith answered.
—Seriously. —Manolo replied, looking at the ghost of his wife beside him.
—Yes, I did it with all my love and affection. —Meredith answered.
— How did you know I was going to come? — Manolo replied.
—Magic, Sherlock. — Meredith answered.
—Yes, I forgot, but there's no trick; if there's anything weird... —Manolo replied.
—There's nothing weird about it. —Meredith answered.
—Sure. —Manolo replied, looking at her in an intimidating way.
—Yes, of course. —Meredith answered, looking at him with naive, innocent eyes.
—Okay, I'll trust you if you say so. —Manolo replied.
— How great! — Meredith exclaimed, jumping for joy and taking Manolo by the hand to lead him to the dining room. She takes him to the table where they're going to sit, then goes to get her food and Manolo's. When she comes to get him, at that moment Malcolm Moon, Camilion, Sonya, Hope, and Isidro sit down. They chat until Meredith arrives and sits next to him.
—I prepared it for you like a bento, a Japanese meal, since you like Japanese things. — Meredith said.
—Well, it's one of my tastes, but I never told you that. —Manolo replied.
—Ludovico told me when I spoke with him. —Meredith answered, picking up a meatball with her chopsticks and adding. — Now say ah!
At that moment, he had a premonition of what would happen if he ate that.
—I don't think I'm hungry. I'd better pass. —Manolo said fearfully.
—What do you mean you're passing? I made it for you. —Meredith replied, insisting.
—No, seriously, I'd rather pass. —Manolo answered, but she's trying to force it on him.
— Meatball... umm... delicious. —Ludovico replied, stealing the meatball.
—Damn it, that was for my beloved Manolo. — Meredith Exclaimed, grabbing another meatball, and Ludovico came back and stole it.
— It's ground human meat, right? —Ludovico asked.
— Ground human meat! —Manolo exclaimed.
— It was a surprise, damn it! — Meredith exclaimed, whining.
—You! You wanted to blackmail me into eating human flesh. —Manolo pointed at Meredith.
—Hey! Blackmail! I just wanted to play a prank on you. —Meredith replied.
—A fatal joke. Thanks, Ludovico, for saving me this time. —Manolo answered.
—At your service, Manolo; you know we're here to serve you. —Ludovico replied.
—Do you eat human meat, Ludovico? — Isidro asked, intrigued.
—Yes, it was a bad day when I forgot to bring food from my world and, out of necessity, ate food from this world, which I must admit is very good despite being insects, humans, beasts, and other things. —Ludovico replied.
—Yeah, you say so; at least you saved Manolo's ass, that's good, although your eating habits are questionable. I hope you didn't do anything weird in our world. —Isidro answered.
—It's not like he's Hannibal Lecter. —Ludovico replied.
— Stop questioning my savior already; I'm going to invite him for pizza when we're free. Although that whole eating human flesh thing is pretty messed up. —Manolo answered.
—And how do you eat, if it's so hard to find human food in the Dark Dimension? —Hope said.
—There are restaurants that serve human food, although they're very expensive, so we go to Sonya's house to eat human food or use portals to go to Earth. —Isidro explained.
—So, you guys leave work to buy food. —Malcolm replied.
— We only do it to buy food. — Manolo said.
—I'm going to allow it, because they perform so well, but it's not legitimate. —Malcolm replied.
—Just because they're human, we'll allow it, even though they can come here and eat the meat that comes from the beasts of our world. —Camilion answered.
— Also. — Ludovico replied.
—You'll pay for this, Ludovico Montoya; one day I'll get my revenge. —Meredith said, getting up angrily and taking her food away.
—Oh, cla, cla, cla. —Manolo replied.
—You've made a powerful enemy, Ludovico. —Isidro answered.
—Well, what can you do. — Ludovico replied that he didn't care.
—Let me make you some human food at my house, come on. — Sonya answered.
—Also, I want to see what human food is like. — Malcolm replied.
They go to Sonya's house, which is just a few meters from the branch. They enter the patio, then go through the front door and into the living room, where they poke around a bit.
—I'm going to make mangú with ripe plantains and stewed salami. —Sonya said she's boiling water in some pots on the stove.
—It makes my mouth water. —Manolo replied.
—Me too. —Isidro answered.
—What is that? —Malcolm said.
—Yes, it's a typical dish from your country. —Camilion replied.
—Since when do you boil plantains? —Hope said.
—I'm going to make these really ripe plantains; ever since Isidro prepared them, I've been amazed so much that I bought a bunch to eat every now and then. —Sonya replied as she peeled several plantains and dropped them into the boiling water, then added salt." On another burner of the stove, she places a pot, pours in oil, and takes Dominican-brand salami out of the refrigerator.
—That salami... oh yeah, I know the brand, I'm safe. —Manolo said.
—What do you think I'm like Meredith? I'm very serious about what I do. —Sonya replied as she sliced the salami and tossed it into the pot of oil.
—If you say so. —Manolo answered as she picked up onions and peppers, chopped them with a knife, and dropped them into the pot of oil. Then she stirred them with a large metal spoon, added vinegar, water, tomato paste, and soup mix, and began making the sauce.
After a while, the plantains are ready and the stewed salami is done; Sonya begins serving the meal to her guests. Manolo takes a bite.
—My God, this stuff is good. —Manolo said.
—Typical of my wife. Umm, umm... How delicious! — Isidro replied.
—I'm in paradise! — Ludovico exclaims, who looks like he's from Shokugeki no Sōma; the same goes for Camilion, Malcolm, and Hope.
—I'm already starting to feel like I'm in a certain cooking anime. —Manolo replied.
—And if this is good, I felt like I was in the movie about the cooking mouse when the judge tasted the food, and in a cooking anime where you end up naked with the food because it's so good. —Ludovico answered, crying a little about it.
—I'm glad you like it, but don't think I'm going to make it for you every day; I charge for it, and it's not human currency. — Sonya replied.
—Because you ruin the moment. —Manolo said.
—Because I don't want to be your cook. —Sonya replied.
—Okay, but you can cook for us when we come over, at least since we're always ordering takeout. —Manolo answered.
— I'll think about it, but only if I wake up feeling like it. —Sonya replied.
—You know, Isidro, treat her right. —Manolo answered.
—I treat her well. —Isidro replied.
—Just in case. —Manolo answered.
They keep eating until they're full, then they rest and chat for a while before each one returns to their workstation, except for Manolo and Isidro, who are in Camilion's office.
—What do you have for us now, super? —Isidro said.
—I've got a premium setup for you. —Camilion replied.
—Oh no! A premium installation, what's going to happen now? —Isidro answered.
—It's in Hell; they'll have to install all three services in the nine houses of Hell. — Camilion replied.
— And what's the problem? — Manolo asked.
—That the infernal knights wouldn't let them set up in their homes. — Camilion replied.
—And the client knows it because he doesn't talk to the gentlemen. —Manolo answered.
—That's why we chose you, since you have experience in this field. —Camilion replied.
—It had to be, so we had to face the knights to carry out the installation. —Manolo answered.
—Exactly, but don't worry, you'll be provided with divine weapons to face them. — Camilion replied.
—At least something good. — Manolo answered.
— Yes, because confronting those people under those conditions would have been foolish," Isidro replied. —Isidro replied.
—And how are we going to get around? Are we going to take the car? —Manolo asked.
—On foot, using special chalk, you draw seals to teleport yourselves to the next floor, but don't do it in the houses, since they're very picky about cleanliness; do it in a designated area. —Camilion replied.
—Understood. —Isidro answered.
—Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go get the equipment and install it. That's an order. — Manolo replied.
Manolo and Isidro are going to stock up at the equipment warehouse. Isidro, with a spell, takes the storage dimension of Shen-ray's vehicle with him. They go to a flat floor so that Isidro can paint the seal on the ground to reach the gates of hell. Once inside, a demon is waiting for them.
—Welcome to the gates of Hell. I am Vergilian, your guide on this descent into the depths of this beloved place. You must be the technicians who will install the utilities in the nine houses of Hell. —Vergilian said.
—If it's us, it's good there's a guide to lead us through this place. —Manolo said.
—I smell a man of God; that will give him an advantage against the diabolical knights who guard the nine houses of hell. —Vergilian replied that he smells like Manolo.
—Great, then what are we waiting for? Let's go in. —Isidro answered.
Vergil opens the gates of hell to enter the ante-hell.
—And what is this place like? Have we already reached the first circle of hell? —Isidro said.
—This is the antechamber of Hell, where the souls who had lived without earning either merit or infamy the useless, the indecisive are condemned to run without rest, naked, pursued by insects and wasps that sting them all over their bodies. —Vergilian replied.
—Seriously, you can end up here for next to nothing. —Isidro answered.
—You have no idea. — Vergilian replied.
—Well, I guess I'll have to be more Christian than usual to avoid ending up in this place. — Manolo answered.
—Yes, you say so. —Vergilian replied.
—Let's get out of here; we've got work to do. —Manolo answered.
They travel thru the place until they reach the Acheron River, where Charon asks for money to take them across, but they have none.
—You're coming to hell, penniless—how miserable you are at Rare. —Vergilian said.
—Yes, that's how miserable they are, but we brought some enchanted chalk to move around Hell. —Isidro replied.
—That sounds good to me; let me guide you to where you need to get the stamp. —Vergilian answered, guiding them to a flat, clean floor. Isidro draws the seal and activates it to go to the first circle of hell.
—Welcome to the first circle of hell. The limbo where those who have not been baptized are found, deprived of faith and unable to enjoy the vision of God, yet not punished for any sin. —Vergilian explained.
—Thank you for the explanation, Vergilian. Now guide us to where the house of Limbo is. — Manolo replied.
—All right, come on. —Vergilian answered, leading them toward the house, which was an ivory-colored mansion.
—Stop right there. —Said one of the knights who looked alike.
— What's wrong? They just want to do their job. — Vergilian replied.
—It doesn't matter, Vergilian, this is our job; we put up with this every day. —Manolo answered.
—We're here to do the installation, so let us in. —Isidro replied.
—Exactly, Lord Lucifer requested the service, so you must obey the order or face the consequences of your disobedience. —Vergilian answered as one of the knights stepped between them, wearing a more robust, bone-white suit of armor.
—Oh, but it's Inobar Limbar, the head of the knights on the first floor. —Vergilian said.
—Lor... I mean, Lord Inobar, could you let us install the utilities in the house, please? — Manolo said, bowing, and Isidro played along to see if he would accept.
—Unfortunately, I think the same as my henchmen, but on second thought, you have a reputation for facing monsters in your line of work, and since we're not going to reach an agreement thru words, violence is the last resort. —Inobar replied.
—That means we have to fight you. —Isidro said.
—Exactly. — Inobar replied.
—I figured. —Manolo answered, unimpressed.
—All right, it'll be fun facing off against someone who sold his soul to a demon like he's a son of God. —Inobar replied, assuming a fighting stance.
—How do you know that? —Manolo answered.
—I can read you like a book; I'm a demon, or have you forgotten? — Inobar replied by launching an attack called Infernal Meteor Shower at them. They evade her.
—That was close. His attack looks like Seiya's Pegasus Meteor Shower. —Manolo commented as they dodged the shots.
—Thanks for the referral, Capi. —Isidro said.
—I'm glad you understand her. —Manolo replied.
—Now how do we defeat him, Sherlock? —Isidro answered as they dodged the meteors, and he cast magic to answer.
—Follow me. — Manolo said he uses his cross powers to launch himself suicidally through the meteor showers and engage in hand-to-hand combat. As they face off, Isidro hurls magical bolts at him, but Inobar fires his meteors in return; while he does this, it allows Manolo to take advantage and strike him. The combat intensified to such an extent that the exterior of the house began to be destroyed, prompting Inobar to realize this and halt the fight.
—Enough, you win. I'll let you do the installation just, so you'll get out of here. —Inobar Said.
— It was so difficult. —Manolo replied as they entered the house with Isidro to carry out the installation. They carry out the installation with complete normalcy until they're done; they show him how the service works, but Inobar refuses to learn, so they leave it to his henchmen.
—See, it wasn't that hard. —Isidro answered.
—I hate you, but don't think the other knights will make it easy for you. —Inobar replied.
—I know, but we already have a lot of experience. — Manolo answered as he and Isidro gave him a thumbs-up with a confident smile.
After finishing, Vergilian leads them onto a flying platform to a flat, clean floor so that Isidro can trace the seal and they can move on to the next circle.
—How strange, we didn't have to use divine weapons. —Manolo said.
—It's just that you're a divine weapon. — Isidro replied.
—You're right about that. — Manolo answered as they laughed about it. They descend through the portal.
—Welcome to the second circle of Hell, where the lustful are driven by the wind, brutally overcome by the infernal storm. — Vergilian Said.
— And what does it have to do with this devil's storm? —Isidro asked.
—It's because of the passions they experienced in life. — Vergilian replied.
—Gone with the Wind. —Manolo answered.
—Yes, something like that. —Vergilian said.
—Well, guide us through this storm to get to the next house. —Isidro replied.
Vergilian uses a device to create an energy field that repels the storm within a radius large enough for the three of them to fit on a platform and reach the house.
—Hold it right there, strangers... oh, how are you, Vergilian? What brings you here with these two? —Said one of the knights.
—They're the technicians who are going to install the services in the house. —Vergilian said.
—I'll let Lady Dagma know. —Said the knight who communicates via a device; shouts of excitement can be heard.
—What do you want, Damian? Can't you see I'm reaching climax? — Dagma said she's at a sadomasochistic love feast.
—It's just that Vergilian brought the technicians who are going to install the utilities. — Damian replied.
—Okay, let them in. I'll prepare something special for them. —Dagma said.
They enter and see a harem of demons and succubus in the house, showing affection to one another. Manolo touches his heart, and Isidro can't resist joining them until Dagma appears before him: a harpy in blood-red armor, with blond hair, yellow eyes, and a voluptuous, athletic figure.
—Welcome to this humble home; I imagine you'd like to start the installation. —Dagma said, but Manolo and Isidro can't concentrate because of the atmosphere.
—Yes, we want to do it quickly. —Manolo replied, but demons and succubus were approaching them from below, grabbing their legs; the same was happening to Isidro.
Manolo got them off his back and off Isidro's too.
—We just want to do the installation and nothing more. I'm married and he has someone special, so is he going to stop doing the installation for us or not? — Manolo said with authority and an imposing air.
—Unfortunately, I can't let you go, but I'll give you a challenge: if you defeat me and my minions, you can carry out your installation; if not, you'll join our feast of love. —Dagma replied.
—Okay, I accept it, although we won't stay forever since we have work to do. —Manolo answered.
—All right, it won't be forever; it'll only be a few minutes, nothing more. I'll keep my word, though that depends on you agreeing to join my feast of love. —Dagma replied.
Dagma led them to the courtyard while the male demons and succubus stood in formation, and Manolo and Isidro were in position. She gave the signal, and her minions pounced on them the demons on the ground and the succubus in the air. Manolo takes care of the demons, while Isidro summons his broom, mounts it, and uses his wand to cast damage spells on the succubus, stunning them and knocking them out of combat. However, Dagma attacks them by launching her sharp feathers, which are like knives in the air, and then flapping her wings to generate powerful winds that send any human flying all while they are being attacked by her minions.
—Damn, this is so hard. How are we going to beat her? —Isidro said he's pausing for a moment to think of a way to defeat her.
—The demons are very strong, but not strong enough, so I'll do something to take her down; you take care of the succubus. Manolo replied.
Isidro takes care of the succubus, while Manolo handles the demons, but at one point he grabs a demon and hurls it at Dagma, disguising himself as wind and feathers. Once knocked down, Manolo fights his way thru with all his might, holding nothing back, defeating the demons as if they were nothing. The succubus joins forces to stop him, but they can't handle him. Manolo and Dagma fight brutally with their fists until the whole place are shaking, and Manolo stuns her as she falls to the floor.
—Okay, do your job, they've won. —Dagma said she was filled with pleasure because she's a bit of a masochist.
They proceeded with the installation, but Manolo felt uncomfortable with the perverse acts being committed in the house. Once they were done, they showed them how the services worked, but some of them paid attention. Vergilian, who had been waiting while they went out. Manolo was disturbed, but Isidro wasn't.
— Let's get out of here, I don't want to be here anymore. —Manolo said.
—Yes, let's go; the little girl can't stand being here. —Isidro replied.
—I'm a serious man; I've seen worse but seeing all that... —Manolo answered.
—His little friend in his pants couldn't stand it. —Vergilian replied.
—Don't say it like that, Vergilian. —Manolo answered.
—Yeah, if you were so eager to give yourself a handjob, you should've gone to the bathroom, although there's no privacy in there. Well, I didn't waste any time when I installed it. —Isidro replied, laughing diabolically.
—You could be more serious about your work. —Manolo answered.
—I'm serious about my work, but I couldn't help giving in to temptation. —Isidro replied.
— Poor Sofia. —Manolo answered.
—She doesn't have a problem with it. —Isidro replied.
—Don't complain later when you get into a big mess and she leaves you for someone else. —Manolo answered.
—Alright, gentlemen, don't start fighting; you're colleagues, aren't you? —Vergilian asked.
— Okay, you're right. —Manolo replied.
—Yes, let's get out of here; we're only just getting started. — Isidro answered.
Vergil carries them on a flying platform to a flat, clean floor so that Isidro can trace the seal, and they can move on to the next circle.
—Welcome to the third circle of Hell, where the gluttons are immersed in mud under an incessant rain of hail and snow, beaten by Cerberus. —Said Vergilian.
—God, it's so cold! —Manolo exclaimed, freezing from the incessant hail and snow. Vergilian, out of pity, once again summons his energy field to protect them from hail and snow.
—Oh yes! Nice and warm. —Manolo said.
—Yes, how warm. —Isidro replied.
—I'm glad you're feeling well. —Vergilian answered.
—Yes, let's go to the next house. —Manolo replied, as Vergilian summons some flying platforms to head to the Hell Circle house.
The knights stop him as always, explaining why they're there, so he contacts the knight, who lets him in. When he enters, he sees the knight eating at a large, long table.
—So, you're the technicians who are going to desecrate this house with your technology. —Said the gentleman.
—If it's them, he's the Knight of Gluttony, Pound Guloide. —Vergilian replied, introducing him. They greet him, showing their respect.
—Thank you for the greeting, but I don't agree with your technology. —Pound answered.
—Yes, he made it clear from the start, but he's already been given orders about it. What can we do to convince him? —Manolo replied.
—What do you think about a food contest? —Pound answered, looking at Manolo."
—No, I'll pass, since I don't want to end up devouring it and I don't like the kind of food they eat here. —Manolo replied, looking with disgust at the banquet of human parts that were screaming in pain because they were still alive.
—All right, then we'll go down the path of violence. —Pound said as his servants carried him to the kitchen, handing them some sweets and adding. —Don't worry, they don't contain human flesh; they're just regular candies imbued with magic.
Manolo and Isidro huddle at the kitchen table.
—Yes, they survive my waves of living food and me, obviously, because they thot I was going to make it easy for them. — Pound said.
—All right, throw everything you've got at us. — Manolo Exclaimed.
At that moment, the cook throws living ingredients at them to devour. Isidro fires magical energy spells at them, while Manolo engages the ingredients in hand-to-hand combat, slamming them to the floor and performing wrestling moves like DDTs, suplexes, piledrivers, etc.
—It's a good thing I turned into a monster, since I've used my magic a lot and haven't gotten tired. —Isidro said as he shoots at the ingredients.
—I'm glad you're accepting your new form, but we need to put an end to this once and for all. —Manolo replied.
—I don't use powerful spells because I want to know my enemy; after all, we're just here to steal. —Isidro answered.
After a while, they ran out of ingredients, but their parts combine to create new beings.
—Oh, just what we needed, they're back again. —Manolo replied.
—Now, I'm going to take care of them. —Isidro answered, using an incendiary explosive spell, but they regenerate as they burn, so Manolo pounced on him, beat him senselessly, tossed him into the air, and Isidro disintegrated him with a high-powered blast of magical energy.
—Incredible, let's see if they can handle this. —Pound said he pulls minions out of his belly, along with the ingredients the cook throws onto the table.
—So that's how it is, huh? Send us more, and when we get to you, we'll kick your ass with pleasure. —Manolo replied as he lunged toward them, and Isidro assisted him with an explosive spell and disintegrators.
—There are too many of them! —Isidro exclaimed, doing all he could.
While they continue to face them, the Pansa's minions are defeated, but those still standing devour the ingredients to gain more power.
—I'll gather them all so you can deliver the final blow, Isidro. —Manolo said.
—Understood. — Isidro replied.
Manolo gathers all of Pound's minions and the remaining living ingredients, merging them into a single entity so that Isidro can use a disintegrating spell to completely eliminate them.
—Alright, we're done with all your minions. Now come here and face us. —Manolo said.
—These are the candies to turn them back to normal; go get them if you can. —Pound said he swallows the candies with their wrappers.
—So that's how it is... "Isidro, follow me! —Manolo exclaimed as Isidro began flying like a fly, pestering Pound so that Manolo could grab onto his arm, climb up it, enter Pound's mouth, and be swallowed by him. Isidro flies into his mouth, using a spell to summon a hydraulic jack to pry it open and be swallowed by it.
Some monsters emerge from the esophagus to attack Manolo and Isidro, but they fight them off as they fall toward the stomach. After they almost reach the stomach, Isidro casts a spell that summons an inflatable boat with oars, into which they land. They see the candy, start rowing toward it, but monsters emerge from the stomach walls. Isidro uses his magic to quell the waves of monsters while Manolo rows toward the candy. Upon reaching one of the candies, they tear open the wrapper a bit and take a bite, causing it to grow. Isidro casts a spell to conjure a sword that pierces the stomach like the Xenomorph from Alien, surprising Pound, but the belly sprouts teeth and tries to bite them. Manolo grabs the teeth to keep them from being chewed. Isidro goes first, and Manolo uses his teeth to propel himself out of there.
—You can let us do our work now; we've put up with everything, and we've already beaten your minions and your inner self. Please let us work in peace! — Isidro said.
—You haven't defeated me yet. —Pound said.
This ignites the flame of Manolo's fury, and he lunges to attack him, landing a punch in his gut. But Pound absorbs the blow, morphing into a mouth to bite his arm. When he does, Manolo's skin stops the teeth; his muscles clamp down, his eyes glow white, and with sheer force he shatters the teeth. They burst out of the kitchen to continue fighting Pound, who evades his attacks by shifting his bulk in every direction. Manolo throws himself forward, delivering powerful blows throughout the house while remaining in control, since he doesn't want to destroy the client's home until they spill out into the yard.
Pound sends minions to stop him, but Manolo sends them flying back into his belly with the power of his fists. Isidro also follows him from behind; Manolo catches him in a tornado he creates by spinning around him so that Isidro can trap him in a bubble. Manolo gets into a running stance, then launches himself with such speed that he bursts thru the bubble, tearing Pound to pieces. He regenerates, and Manolo and Isidro stand before him in attack stance.
—Okay, you win. You're very persistent warriors, so I'll accept defeat since I have things to do, just like you do. —Pound said.
— Finally! Come on, Isidro, we've got work to do. —Manolo replied.
They carry out the installation, get it up and running, and show the gentlemen and Pound how the services work. After teaching them, they leave with Vergilian, who is waiting outside.
—They took longer than usual. —Vergilian said.
—Defeating that Pound was hell. — Manolo replied.
—Imagine what awaits them in the other circles. —Vergilian answered.
—This reminds me of a certain order I don't want to remember, Isidro. —Manolo replied.
—I know, but remember we're doing it for the commissions, because they're going to pay us anyway. —Isidro answered.
—Get rid of those long faces; I know the journey is tough, but you'll come out of it victorious. —Vergilian replied.
—Thank you, Vergilian, for your words of encouragement. —Isidro answered.
—Yes, you're right, let's get out of here and continue our adventure. —Manolo replied.
Vergilian invokes flying platforms to fly to a flat, clean floor so that Isidro can trace the seal, and they can move on to the next circle.
—Welcome to the fourth circle of Hell, where the avaricious and the prodigal are condemned to push enormous weights of gold according to the amount of earthly possessions they accumulated or spent in life. — Vergilian said.
—I don't know why I feel like this is where I belong. —Manolo said he sees the poor souls suffering their punishment.
—Don't say that Manolo; you seem like a good man. You wouldn't endure so much punishment for money ambition has its limits. —Vergilian replied.
—He's right about that. —Manolo answered.
—Yes, that place belongs to me because I actually did it for money. Although I'm already getting my punishment by working at my job. —Isidro said.
—I say the same. —Manolo replied.
—You are very interesting. —Vergilian answered.
—Let's go to the house of this circle; we have orders to carry them out. —Manolo said.
—Yes, Vergilian, lead us. —Isidro replied.
Vergilian invokes floating platforms to reach the house of the circle, which is made of gold and precious stones (diamonds, etc.).
—Hold it right there, identify yourself. —Said one of the knights guarding the entrance, adding that he recognizes Vergilian. —Oh! Vergilian, it's you! What brings you here?
—I'm just guiding the technicians who are here to install the services Lord Lucifer requested. Vergilian said.
—Seriously, let me validate it with Lord Avery. —The knight replied that he would check with his supervisor. After a moment, he returns and lets them thru. They enter a room filled with treasures, then proceed to an immense office overflowing with money, where a demon knight is counting all the cash.
—Forgive me for interrupting you again, Lord Avery; here are Vergilian and the technicians. —Said the knight as he withdrew.
—Thanks to you, I've already lost count; fortunately, I wrote down where I left off. —Avery said.
—Forgive me, Lord Avery, for interrupting you, but I've come with the technicians to install the utilities in this house. —Vergilian replied.
—Those mortals are going to defile the esthetics of this luxurious house with their technology. —Avery answered.
—Don't be so discriminatory toward them either, Lord Avery; I'm sure there's a solution. — Vergilian replied.
—Yes, we can decorate it, so it doesn't harm the environment. Don't worry, we came prepared. —Isidro answered.
—Look, as demon knights, we're all against them carrying out the installation, and that includes me. —Avery replied.
—We know that, so what are we going to do to get him to let us do the installation? — Manolo said.
—How about a game of poker? —Avery suggested.
—I don't know how to play that game; I know you do, but I don't like playing games of chance. Let's fight your minions instead, and if we beat them, we'll do the installation. — Manolo replied.
—You really do like violence. Alright, you'll face my golden army, and if you defeat it, I'll let you carry out the installation. —Avery said he's summoning his army.
—Well, that should be easy, right? —Isidro replied.
—Yes, you're talking about an army; it must be easy, right? Of course it's not going to be easy! — Manolo exclaimed.
—Come on, Manolo, don't start. We'll do fine; if we could take on Pound's goons, we can handle this. —Isidro replied.
—If you say so. —Manolo answered.
They get into a position. Avery signals "On your marks, get set, go!" They charge toward the army, and Manolo, moving at faster-than-light speed, tears them apart as if it were nothing. Isidro, with destructive spells (explosions, disintegrations, etc.), completely obliterated them. However, this wasn't going to stop them; the golden army kept coming back as if nothing had happened, but they wouldn't give up because of it. At one point, one of the minions was launched toward Avery, but he had a magical shield that prevented any projectile from bothering him.
—There are too many of them; no matter how many we destroy, they keep coming back. —Isidro said.
—Let's catch them during one of their waits and turn them into diamond so they can't get out. —Manolo replied.
—I think it's a good idea; let's pitch it to Avery. — Isidro said they're heading toward Avery. They touch his shield; he's still counting gold coins, but he doesn't respond. Manolo knocks insistently until Avery notices him.
—What do you want? Can't you see I'm doing something important? You've already defeated my army! — Avery exclaimed.
—Not yet, since their army is very difficult to defeat. —Isidro replied.
—I can imagine. —Avery answered.
—Could you give us an alternative way to defeat your army, since we've disintegrated, obliterated, exploited, and other things? —Manolo replied.
—Umm... let me think... If you can incapacitate my army for ten seconds, you win. Does that sound good to you? —Avery answered.
—Perfect, thank you very much, Lord Avery. —Manolo replied.
—Now go away and let me keep counting the gold. —Avery answered.
Manolo and Isidro get down to business, gathering the army into a circle until Manolo pummels it to pulp with his blows, and Isidro melts it with his fire spells, turning it into a giant disk of molten gold. Isidro turns him into diamond with a spell, and Avery begins counting down slowly. Manolo and Isidro are biting their nails as the disk begins to crack until Avery reaches ten and they win. The disk breaks, releasing the army and restoring it to its original form. They start celebrating, and Isidro pulls out the materials from the dimension before setting about the installation in the house, but Avery asks one of his knights to make gold and gemstone (diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds) casings for the modem and routers, as well as for the Smart TV boxes. After a while, they finish the installation, so they show the knights how the services work, but Avery is too busy counting gold.
—Thank you very much, Lord Avery, for letting us carry out the installation; we're leaving now. —Manolo said.
—At your service, I guess, although I threw a few obstacles in their way to keep them from doing the installation, but no matter. Now get out of here; I want to get back to work. —Avery replies as they leave.
Vergilian invokes some flying platforms to fly to a flat, clean floor so that Isidro can trace the seal and they can move on to the next circle.
—Welcome to the fifth circle of Hell, where the wrathful and the slothful are submerged in the swamp of the Styx. —Vergilian said.
—Oh, my shoes! —Manolo exclaimed as they got covered in the swamp mud.
—I'll use my magic, so we don't get dragged down by the swamp mud. —Isidro said he uses a spell that summons a flying platform to fly over the swamp; Vergilian does the same, sharing it with Manolo.
—Let me clean your shoes for you. — Vergilian said he uses a spell that cleans his shoes.
—Thank you, Vergilian, you're very kind. —Manolo replied.
They land on the solid steps of the house, but one of the knights guarding it tells them to stop and identify themselves.
—We're here on Lord Lucifer's orders to install Rare's services in this house. —Manolo said.
—Let me discuss it with my superior. —The gentleman replied.
Once he speaks with his superior, the knight guides the technicians while Vergilian waits outside. They enter the house, making their way through the rooms until they reach a training room where many pieces of equipment are broken; a demon is furiously and ferociously pounding a punching bag until it's destroyed. They were a little surprised, but they tried to stay calm.
—Welcome, mortals. So, you're the technicians who will be carrying out the installation Lord Lucifer requested. My name is Rage Wrathius, and I'm the knight in charge of this house. —Rage said.
—My name is Manolo Restituyo. —Manolo introduced himself.
—My name is Isidro Montero. —Isidro introduced himself.
—Oh, how lucky I am! You're the famous technicians everyone talks about in the dark dimension, Manolo Restituyo and Isidro Montero. But wait Isidro wasn't human. —Rage replied, but he was surprised because Isidro wasn't human.
—That's a long story; one I'd rather keep to myself. —Isidro said.
— I'll bet you sold your body to a demon, right? —Rage replied.
—Yes, how did you know? —Isidro answered.
—I'm a demon, genius. —Rage said.
—Yes, you're right, I shouldn't have questioned it. —Isidro replied.
—So, Lord Rage, as your subordinate informed you, we've come to carry out the installation at this house on Lord Lucifer's orders. Will you let us proceed? —Manolo said.
—I'm against you carrying out the installation the way you did with the other knights you've faced, I imagine. —Rage replied.
—And what does he want us to do so he'll let us do the installation? —Manolo answered, not at all impressed.
—You and I will face off; if you defeat me, I'll let you do the installation. You've faced my companions, son of God; I can feel your power in the crucifix hanging around your neck, hidden beneath your shirt. —Rage said.
—Okay, I'm not going to hold back, but I don't want to do anything about the house. —Manolo replied.
—Don't worry, we won't do anything to the house. Come on, follow me. — Rage answered, guiding them out of the house to a flat, open area miles away where they could fight.
—Ready, Manolo Restituyo! —Rage replied, assuming a fighting stance.
—I'm ready, Rage! —Manolo replies, assuming a fighting stance.
They lunge at each other, their fists colliding in a nuclear explosion. Manolo is sent flying, but Rage pounces to strike him, sending him soaring through the air several times until he lands in the mud. Rage lands in the mud. Manolo is dragged into the mud by the souls, but Rage pulls him out to beat him brutally.
—This is the technician who's put the dark dimension in check... — Rage exclaimed, mocking him, but Manolo gave him an intimidating look, grabbed him, and delivered a powerful headbutt that made him let go. Manolo stands in the mud, grabs Rage, and gives him the beating of his life, using the souls as a club to hit him hard, but this only enrages him, causing him to break free from his punishment. Both stand in the mud, staring at each other.
— That tickled me. —Rage said.
—Tickles, I can see the rage in your eyes, Rage. Now let's see who will prevail in this fight. —Manolo replied as they charged at each other again, clashing fists and trading blows until they grabbed tormented souls and used them as clubs to beat each other, until Manolo struck him so hard that he sent him flying into some giant structures.
—I feel ecstatic! —Rage exclaimed, grabbing those structures and hurling them at Manolo, who dodged them. With a powerful leap, Rage seized one of the structures, swung it like a bat, and sent Manolo flying. He chased after him, leaping into the air to strike him mid-flight several times until Manolo turned the tables and returned the favor, driving them back into the mud, where they plunged in and pummeled each other, creating mud tsunamis. They run thru the mud, unleashing tsunamis and mud whirlpools. Manolo repels them with the strength of his hands. Rage flies toward him and slams into him.
—You can fly! —Manolo exclaimed.
—You can do it too; you're a child of God, and faith and imagination are on your side. —Rage replied.
Manolo tries, at first flying clumsily, but in an act of goodwill Rage teaches him how to fly; thanks to that help, he can fly at low speeds and at high speeds, even exceeding the speed of sound.
—Ready, Manolo. —Rage said, as he got into an attack stance.
—Ready, I'm going to stain this circle with your blood. —Manolo replies, assuming an attack stance, and they lunge forward to clash fists, triggering an explosion as powerful as a nuclear blast. From the mushroom cloud of the explosion, several sonic booms appear as Rage and Manolo strike each other at speeds the human eye can't perceive until they pull apart.
—This guy won't go down; how do I beat him? —Manolo said.
—Impressed by my power, Manolo. —Rage replied.
—I already knew you weren't going to make it easy for me. —Manolo answered.
—Come on, let's see what you're made of. —Rage replied.
They continue their violent combat, which shakes and destroys the entire circle in its wake. Isidro is waiting for Manolo in the courtyard; he could see them destroying the circle with a power.
—Manolo, stop playing around; you're sending the place to hell. — Isidro said he communicates telepathically like Manolo. This distracts him, causing Rage to beat him up, but he manages to counterattack.
—Where does that voice come from? —Manolo wondered to himself.
—It's me, Isidro. I'm using magic to speak telepathically with you. —Isidro replied.
—It's your fault I'm getting beaten up. —Manolo answered.
—And! End that fight once and for all we have houses to install. —Isidro replied.
—Okay, although this fight was helping me psychologically, since facing this demon helps me blow off steam from all the bad blood the clients have put me thru. —Manolo replied, managing to shake Rage off him and said. —It was an honor fighting you; this fight has been very therapeutic for me, but it's time to end our match.
—Oh, and how do you plan to defeat me? Are you going to unleash your full power or what? —Rage answered.
—You'll see, and you're not going to like it. —Manolo replied, lunging at Rage to land a couple of punches, but Rage caught his fists; then Manolo headbutted him and applied a neck lock with all his might until he knocked the wind out of him, leaving him out of commission. Manolo lifts Rage's body and carries him to the house, which is completely undamaged. After a while, Rage recovers.
—Seriously, you knocked me out of commission; that's not funny. —Rage said he got angry about it.
—But winning is winning, so let us do the installation. — Manolo replied.
—Yes, keep your promise. —Isidro answered.
—Alright, I'll let you guys do the installation since the fight with Manolo put a smile on my face and pushed me out of my comfort zone in the time I've been working here. —Rage replied.
—Perfect, thank you very much, Lord Rage. Come on, Isidro, let's proceed with the installation. —Manolo answered as Isidro takes out the materials for the dimensional installation, then begins the work. They proceed to run cables thru the house's pipes, placing the equipment in the spots Rage indicates, since he knows where the demon king of wrath wants it.
—And how do you know this information? —Manolo said.
—The demon king told me, since this is his house. —Rage replied.
—No wonder the knights we've faced know where we need to set up. —Isidro answered.
—It's obvious, although we haven't seen any of the demon kings. —Manolo replied.
—He probably left so he wouldn't interfere, or he had some things he needed to take care of. —Rage answered.
—That applies to the existence of the houses, but there's nothing we can do. —Manolo replied.
— But what's going to happen with the mess you guys made? This could cause problems or even lead to a lawsuit against the company oh my God, what have you done? —Isidro got so worried that his blood pressure dropped and he leaned on Manolo's shoulder.
—Don't worry, I'll take full responsibility; after all, that's what magic is for. —Rage said he's calling his mages to fix the mess they made. In a matter of minutes, the entire circle is in perfect condition.
—Wow, everything's as if nothing had happened. —Isidro replied.
—It's not the first time I've destroyed the circle; when the king of this circle gets angry, I must calm him down with my bare fists, and that ends with the circle being destroyed. —Rage answered.
—Oh, the daily bread. —Manolo replied.
—Yes, I know. — Rage answered, rubbing his sword with his right hand.
—Well, nothing, let's finish the installation. —Isidro replied.
They continue with the installation until they call the center to have the service activated with the device. After this, they teach the knights and Rage how to use the services. Once the services training is complete, they say goodbye, leave the area, and meet up with Vergilian.
—You have great destructive power, Manolo, that godlike power you possess; you could destroy the dark dimension if you set your mind to it.—Vergilian said.
—Seriously. —Manolo replied.
—Of course, if you expand your imagination, you could perform unimaginable feats, but that's up to you. —Vergilian answered.
—Yes, but I wouldn't want to use my power excessively without reason, and I still can't control it properly. —Manolo replied.
—But one day you'll have to do it. —Vergilian answered.
—Yes, but if I had to do it, it wouldn't be out of anger, but because it's necessary. —Manolo replied.
—Be careful with those words; power corrupts, especially when feelings are involved. One question, Manolo: do you love your work? —Vergilian asked.
—I have a love-hate relationship with my job, full of frustration and despair, and a little bit of love. I feel like I'm not progressing, that the way out is getting farther and farther away. I feel trapped; these negative feelings grow stronger every day. If there's any such thing in this dark, evil world, I'm like a nuclear bomb about to explode, but this fight against Rage and the ones I've had lately have helped me calm the urge to blow up that I feel inside. —Manolo got rid of it.
—I didn't know you felt that way, Manolo. — Isidro said, and he added, extending his arms to embrace him.
—Okay, I'll let you know. —Manolo replied as Isidro approached to hug him.
—I don't understand why you're hugging me when you're more screwed up than I am, but okay, I'll accept your comfort. —Manolo answered as Isidro hugged him.
—Can I hug you too? —Vergilian replied.
—You? A hug? A demon? —They both answered.
—I have feelings too. —Vergilian said.
—Okay, come on. —Manolo replied as Vergilian hugged him.
After a few seconds, they pull apart.
—How did you feel, Manolo? —Vergilian asked.
—I felt good. —Manolo replied.
—That's great. —Vergilian answered.
—Yes, I'm glad you're feeling good; I hope it helps with your sanity, but unfortunately I have to tell you that we have work to do. —Isidro replied.
—I know, unfortunately, I know, so let's go, Vergilian. —Manolo answered as they withdrew. Vergilian summons some flying platforms to fly to a flat, clean floor so that Isidro can draw the seal and they can move on to the next circle.
—Welcome to the sixth circle of Hell, where heretics are punished inside flaming tombs. —Said Vergilian.
—What is a heretic? —Isidro asked.
—He's someone who defends a heresy. —Vergilian explained.
—And what is a heresy? —Isidro asked again.
—It's basically opposing the laws, beliefs, and dogmas that the Church has established throughout its existence. —Vergilian replied.
—I understand, and that's why they have to dedicate an entire circle to it, I guess. —Isidro wondered.
—The problem is that heresies confuse and sow doubt, to the point that they can be harmful to the Church's beliefs; that's why, if a heretic attracts too much attention, they face immediate excommunication. Although nowadays there is more culture and heresy is not seen very often, it still exists, whether publicly or privately, and falls into this category. —Vergilian explained.
—Alright, Isidro, stop asking questions. Heretics go to hell, period. Let's go to work. — Manolo exclaimed.
—Okay, Manolo, calm down. I know I'm not a believer... well... now I am. Let me learn about hell. What does it offend you or something? —Isidro replied.
—No, it doesn't offend me; on the contrary, I like that you're learning more about hell, but every time I see each circle, I get an urge to get out of here. —Manolo answered.
—Are you afraid of hell, Manolo? —Vergilian replied.
—It's not fear per se; it's revulsion and disgust. I think I want to be here less than ever for the rest of eternity. I'll do good things; I'll increase my prayer... —Manolo said.
—You're afraid to be here, admit it, Manolo. —Vergilian replied.
—Well, okay. —Manolo answered.
—It's okay to be afraid. —Vergilian replied.
—Yes, thank you very much, Vergilian; you're too good to be a demon. —Manolo answered.
—I'm not as good as you think; I'm only as good as you are because I enjoy your fights against the knights and help you with your psychological issues so you can keep going. —Vergilian said.
—So that's why you're so helpful. —Isidro replied.
—Yes, I know. I am guilty. — Vergilian answered.
— Well, as long as you're on our side, nothing else matters. Although, as you can see, the fights happen if you're on the outside. —Manolo replied.
—With magic, I project my astral self to watch the battles in every detail. —Vergilian explained.
—Interesting. —Isidro said.
—Likewise. Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go to the next house. —Isidro replied. Vergilian summons floating platforms on the floor to reach the next house.
They are heading to the circle house. The knight guarding the house asked them to stop; they told him they were there to install the utilities in the house. The gentleman is going to inform his superior. After a while, the knight lets them in, and they enter the house. Vergilian stays outside, while they are led to the guest room where she is waiting for them.
—Welcome, mortals. My name is Harbinger Heresy, leader of the knights of the Sixth House of Hell. I have seen your mortal feats; I know why you have come, but come I wish to get to know you better. — Harbinger said she's a kind of woman similar to a Jewish vampire woman in white-and-gray clothing.
—It's a pleasure to meet you, my lady. —Manolo replied, bowing to her.
—Come, son of God. Let me see you. —Harbinger answered.
She touches his face, then rubs her hands all over it.
—You are indeed a child of God, but something doesn't add up. In this energy, though pure, there are impurities that aren't easy to detect. —Harbinger said.
—What do you mean by that? —Manolo asked.
—That energy you have within you is from God, but it isn't from God at the same time; it's as if... someone is impersonating God to give you that power... but why? —Harbinger replied.
—That's heresy! This cross I have is from God! Look into it! —Manolo exclaimed, feeling indignant, pushing her away and stepping away from her for a moment.
—I love your reaction, but that's what I see; maybe you should look into the powers you received more deeply. —Harbinger replied.
—Okay, I'll ask the person who gave me the cross. Now then, can you let us do the installation? —Manolo answered.
—I'm afraid I can't let you profane this house with your earthly artifacts in this infernal paradise. — Harbinger replied.
—How curious, coming from the sixth circle of hell. —Manolo answered.
— Yes, I know. Isn't that curious? —Harbinger replied.
—And how are we going to convince her to let us install it? —Isidro answered.
—How about this: a race down the mountain. If you beat me, I'll let you do the installation. —Harbinger replied.
—Something simple sounds good to me. —Manolo answered.
—Too simple. —Isidro whispered.
She summons a mountain outside the house. Platforms rise from the ground, lifting them to the summit. The mountain is the size of Mount Everest. From the summit, Harbinger summons some sleds. One of the demons is in charge of giving the starting signal. They climb into their sleds until the demon fires a shot of fire from his finger, signaling the start of the race. The competitors fight to be in first place, but as they raced downhill, navigating tunnels and other obstacles. Some hands emerged, stopping Manolo and Isidro's sled.
—I knew it had to be too low to be true; if that nobody thinks she's going to get away with it, she's completely wrong. —Isidro said as he summoned swords that cut off hands, and at the same time he used a wind spell to propel himself.
Harbinger sees the technicians approaching in his sled's rearview mirrors, so he uses his magic to summon meteorites to halt their advance. Manolo stands up on the sled to punch the meteorites hurtling toward them, all while maneuvering as if he were on a skateboard. Isidro summons a shield to protect himself from the meteorites and their debris, but this didn't stop Manolo from doing what he was doing until the meteorites triggered an avalanche, prompting Isidro to use a fire spell to propel himself forward. They managed to overtake Harbinger, but she yanked them back with a chain to position herself in front of them. Isidro responded with magic of his own, and they began a magical battle, firing spells at each other. Harbinger's magic proved superior, but Manolo, wielding the power of the cross, repelled the excess magic with his fists. However, a vision enters Harbinger's mind of Manolo lifting the battered body of the Dark Dimension emperor, and then Ludovico appears.
—Shh, be quiet; you look prettier when you're quiet. —Ludovico said, as he gestures for her to be quiet.
—Who are you? Are you perhaps the god who doesn't belong here? —Harbinger replied, horrified, looking at Ludovico until he laughed. In that interval, Isidro was able to knock her out of the race with one of his spells and win.
—Okay, now it's going to let us do the installation. —Manolo said.
—Yes, yes, yes, do it, but get out of here. —Harbinger replied, terrified by what they were about to do. Manolo watched them do their work, but what Harbinger had told him left him disturbed, so when they finished he would ask Ludovico about it. After a while, they finished the job. They teach their knights how to use the services, but Harbinger didn't want anything to do with them, so they said goodbye to her, but she kept her composure and bid them farewell, while a specter resembling Ludovico smiled as it took its leave, unsettling her in the process.
—Good competition, although they won by luck, but winning is winning. —Vergilian said.
—Yes, winning is winning, let's go to the next house. —Manolo replied.
Vergilian invokes some flying platforms to fly to a flat, clean floor so that Isidro can trace the seal and they can move on to the next circle.
Next, Vergilian explains the seventh circle of Hell:
>>Welcome to the seventh circle of Hell, where the violent reside. Its structure is as follows:
In the outer ring: Murderers, tyrants, and criminals are immersed in a river of boiling blood called Phlegethon, guarded by centaurs armed with bows and arrows.
In the middle ring: The suicides and those who squandered their own possessions are transformed into gnarled trees in the Forest of Suicides, where the Harpies tear at their leaves and branches, causing them pain.
In the inner ring: Here are the blasphemers, sodomites, and usurers, who are in a burning desert of sand with a rain of flames.
—But how great. —Isidro said he admires the circle.
—Yes, I know... but let's go; we have work to do. —Manolo replied that he admires him too, but he turns around.
—All right, let me guide you. —Vergilian answered.
Vergilian takes them on a floating platform to the house of the circle. As was customary, centaur knights with spears guarding the entrance.
—Hold it right there, identify yourselves, you two. We already know you, Vergilian. —Said the centaur standing to the left of the door, pointing his spear at them. Just like his companion.
—I'm Manolo Restituyo, and this is my partner Isidro Montero. We're technicians from Rare Communications, and we're here at Lord Lucifer's request to install services in this house. — Manolo replied.
—Just a moment while my colleague informs our superior. —the centaur replied, sending his companion to inform their superior. After a moment, the centaur returns and tells them that the superior wants to see them.
Vergilian stays at the entrance, waiting while they go to the courtyard where there's a giant sphere. From the wait emerges a harpy (a woman with a human torso from the knees up, bird feet from the knees down, a human head but a bird's beak, and arms that are an amalgam of human limbs and wings) with biomechanical wings in violet and black, thrusters on her back, and other bio-organic parts in violet and black, semi-nude, armed to the teeth, with short black-and-violet hair and violet eyes.
—Hey, Mami, you look so good. —Isidro said he's impressed by your beauty.
It's not that big of a deal. —Manolo replied, but in his mind, he was saying the exact opposite. —My God, she's so beautiful.
—So you're the technicians who have come to desecrate this house with your technology. —the harpy answered.
—Yes, but don't look at it that way, my lady... excuse me, my lady, what is your name? Manolo asked.
—My name is Violet Violence, knight of the Demon King of Violence's residence, Violenzar. —Violet said.
—A pleasure to meet you, Lady Violet. —Manolo replied.
—Thank you. Now, as I said, I don't agree with the installation of those services, but I have a condition before I can grant you permission. —Violet answered.
—And what is it, my lady? —Manolo asked.
—Let's face off in a Mecha battle in my battle sphere. —Violet replied.
—Oh, I want to participate. — Manolo Exclaimed, who is excited to participate.
—And tell me, do you have a mecha, since you need one to participate, or can I lend you one of mine? —Violet replied.
—No, we'll use our own mecha; give us a moment. —Isidro answered.
— Do we have a mecha? The only thing that looks like a mecha is our vehicle's beast mode, but that's just a vehicle with arms and legs... although... I read that it does have one. Can it really be considered one? —Manolo replied.
—Yes, it has it, but it's an abomination of flesh and metal. Are you willing to use it? —Isidro answered.
—Yes, we're going to use it; I don't trust Violet to lend us a mecha, since she might cheat us. —Manolo replied.
—Yes, I don't trust those knights, especially after what happened with Harbinger on the mountain. —Isidro said.
—Let's go pick up the vehicle from the shop. —Manolo replied.
—Let me go get it; I must make several chalk seals, so I'll be back in a moment. — Isidro answered that he had to cast a flight spell to go seal by seal, ascending thru the circles of hell until he reached the branch.
Once he arrives, he carefully scans the surroundings and heads to the workshop using an invisibility spell. When he arrives, he sees his vehicle parked at the shop that was servicing it. Isidro goes to get the key, but Darius just stares at him.
—Isidro, what do you want now? —Darius Eon said, the workshop foreman who was wearing a pair of goggles. Isidro makes ghost sounds to throw him off and adds. —Enough games, Isidro! What do you want with the vehicle?
—How do you know I'm not a wandering spirit seeking revenge for the abuses the company inflicted on him? —Isidro said, making ghost noises.
—Because I see you thru my special magic glasses that show me what I want to see. —Darius said.
—Alright, Darius, you win. The reason I came here is to find the vehicle that one of the demonic knights challenged us to a mech fight with, and to avoid using theirs since they might cheat us and... —Isidro replied.
—And you suggested he use his own vehicle. —Darius answered.
—That's right. —Isidro replied.
—Alright, I'll let you use the vehicle to test the giant robot mode, but only at level 1. I think that'll be enough; unleashing its full power would wreak havoc on a universal scale. —Darius answered.
—It's that serious. — Isidro replied.
—Very serious, Isidro. —Darius answered.
—Oh my God. —Isidro replied.
—So, let's finish this, I'll drive. —Said Darius, taking the key from the key holder and starting the vehicle. They headed toward the seal, but when Isidro was about to activate it, he added. —Rest, you must have used a lot of your magic.
—Okay. —Isidro replied as Darius configured the vehicle's control panel and then pressed the horn to activate beast mode, but this time the arms emerged with bat wings, and he added. —The seal is too small; we need to make a bigger one, but don't worry, this is already prepared.
Darius keeps searching the board for the right gadget until he finds it: a kind of lantern bearing the seal to go to hell. When the lantern is pointed at a suitable surface, it shoots paint onto the floor, and with a roar it activates the seal, opening a portal to hell.
Once inside, Darius sets about finding suitable surfaces to throw the seal-shaped paint, fire it, and pass through the portal. They made their way through the circles until they reached the circle of violence, which is where Manolo was. They arrive at the house and honk the horn.
—Halt, identify yourself. —One of the centaurs said.
—It's me, Isidro Montero. — Isidro replied, lowering the window with the power window button and sticking his head out of the passenger-side window.
—Ah, Mr. Isidro, it's you. Please come in; Miss Violet is waiting for you. —The centaur replied. The vehicle flies over the house and lands in front of the sphere.
—Miss Violet, we've arrived. Where are you? —Isidro asked and shouted.
—Come in, so this is your machine, but it's a vehicle, not a mecha, unless it can transform. —Violet replied.
—Yes, it transforms, but don't worry, you'll see it when we enter the sphere. —Isidro answered.
— And who is this? —Violet asked, looking at Darius.
—He's Darius Eon, the workshop manager at the branch where we work; he'll take it when we're done. — Manolo said he'll introduce him.
—Oh, it's fine, he can stay here. Come on, I've got things to do. —Violet replied as they entered the sphere, but when they stepped inside, an elated crowd greeted them, along with cameras recording them and snapping photos.
—But what the hell. —Manolo said.
—Welcome to the Sphere of Destruction. I'm Violet Violence, your host, and I'd like to welcome our guests: Manolo Restituyo and Isidro Montero, the famous technicians from the dark dimension who have garnered attention on social media and other media outlets. They will face my battle mechs to prove they are worthy of being installed in this circle's house. —Violet explained to her audience.
—But you don't have to tell everyone. —Isidro whispered.
—Okay, let's get in the vehicle and get this over with. —Manolo whispered.
They get into the vehicle, start it up, and move toward the ring.
—Ready, Manolo. —Isidro said.
—As always, Isidro. —Manolo replied.
Manolo activates beast mode by pressing the horn button for ten seconds until it kicks in, then Isidro sets the control panel to mecha mode and transforms into mecha mode, where the vehicle's front becomes the head, the chest is an amalgam of human flesh, muscle, and metal, the arms have the snowplow split in two as shoulder pads, the arms' composition is skin, muscle, and metal, and the hands feature exposed metal knuckles. Around his waist he wears a loincloth with a belt whose buckle is a skull, and his legs from the thigh down to the knee are flesh and metal, but from the knee down they're the vehicle's rear end transformed into boots. This transformation is like the Hot Wheels Modifighters, just for reference.
—Oh, how lovely! It's a work of art in bio-organic technology. I want it for myself. — Violet said.
—I'm sorry, but this mecha isn't for sale; it belongs to Rare Communications. — Manolo replied, who was at the pilot's controls above Isidro, while the co-pilot's controls were below Manolo.
—All right, I'll accept it, even if it hurts. —Violet replied, and added. —Well, nothing left but to let the show begin.
Three demon-shaped wicks, Manolo activates his weapons: a chainsaw sword made of flesh, bone, metal, and viscera; a bone club; and, on his back, a missile turret and a minigun turret, as well as mechanical dragon wings with thrusters.
*Shen-ray rises and flies, facing the mechs in a hail of projectiles. He evades the projectiles and lunges toward one of the mechs, but their swords clash several times, as do those of the other mechs. Until at one point he headbutts it, stunning it in the process. But when Shen-ray swoops in to slice it in half, one of the mechs intervenes and deflects the sword's strike.
*It's the name of the mecha where Manolo and Isidro are.
—Oh, he defended him. —Manolo said.
—Yes, I see that. —Isidro replied.
—What do you think, Manolo? — Isidro answered.
—Since we're in hell, I imagine the mechs are souls suffering here who were chosen to face us; they must have bonds of friendship, love, or whatever. —Manolo said.
—Isn't it sad? —Isidro replied.
—It's sad, but unfortunately... I don't care. I'm not Superman or Naruto to save them; I'm just a worker, and if they're here, it's because they deserve it, so Isidro, let's finish them off. —Manolo answered.
—Yes, let's do it; I agree with you. —Isidro replied.
Shen-ray fights the mechs simultaneously until one of them gets in the way and is sliced in half by the chainsaw sword. The other mechs avenge their fallen comrade by lunging toward him while unleashing an insane barrage of projectiles, but Shen-ray dodges them until he reaches light speed, allowing him to slice thru the hail of fire and cut one of the mechs into several pieces.
The mecha, having lost its companions, is filled with rage and lunges at Shen-ray. They clash swords several times until he headbutts it, but the mech returns the blow, allowing it to give him a brief beating. Manolo then activates a stun grenade, which is fired from behind by a grenade turret. This allowed him to catch his breath and regenerate a bit, so he lunged at him, tore off an arm, and used it to beat him to pieces while the audience screamed with excitement until he completely destroyed him.
—Congratulations, you've defeated my robots. —Violet said.
—You'll let us do the installation now. —Manolo replied, opening a hatch to communicate with her.
— Still, you haven't convinced me to let you defile the house with your technology. — Violet answered.
—You damned hellspawn, bring your robot, come here, and fight! —Manolo exclaimed.
—Oh, if that's what you want, but first defeat my robot army. — Violet exclaimed, laughing diabolically as the army of robots appeared.
—So, you want to play dirty? Then let's play dirty! — Manolo Exclaimed , activating his power and gripping the control stick tightly, transferring his power to the mecha. Shen-ray screams in pain, but then laughs diabolically, and Manolo joins in as well.
—They're sick, but I like that; let's go, damn it! —Isidro replied and then exclaimed.
Shen-Ray pulls his stomach and small intestine out of his abdomen and takes the chainsaw sword, tying it to his intestines to create Kratos's Blades of Chaos, but in his own way. These are imbued with Manolo's power.
—You know, you could wipe them all out with all the weaponry we have, and even more by harnessing the power of God. —Isidro said.
—Yes, I know... but I don't want to; I want to destroy them with my own hands. —Manolo replied, intoxicated by his bloodlust.
—Well, if you say so, but at least let me take part in this massacre. —Isidro answered.
—Okay, I'll let you use the turrets, so you don't get bored. —Manolo replied.
—Well, what are we waiting for! —Isidro exclaimed.
— Let's go! —Manolo exclaimed.
Shen-ray lunges toward the army, slashing, striking, decapitating, mutilating, and destroying everything in his path. The sphere was completely covered in oil. After a while, Shen-ray manages to defeat most of the army.
—I'm excited by all this carnage, by all this... Violence! —Violet exclaimed as she climbed into a mech and charged toward them, but Shen-ray stopped her with his chainsaw sword.
— Finally, you're ready to fight. Anyone, now I'll show you what real violence is. — Manolo replied.
Shen-ray pushes her back; their swords clash several times, but the minions take advantage of this to attack him. Isidro activates a shield and fires the turrets at them, but they still close in. Violet then uses her minions as whips to damage Shen-ray, who does the same, turning the fight into a chaotic mess that ends up wiping out the rest of the army.
Shen-ray and Violet's mech trade blows until he gains the upper hand, beats her mercilessly, launches her into the air, activates all his weaponry, and completely obliterates her.
—I think we went too far; now who's going to give us permission? —Isidro said, but Violet regenerates out of nowhere, clothes and all, and added. —Forget it, take back what you said.
—It's been a long time since I've had this much fun; okay, I'll let you guys do the installation. —Violet replied.
— Finally! Come on, Isidro. It's time to get to work. —Manolo replied that he's happy about it..
Manolo and Isidro get to work on the installation at the house. After a while, they call the center, install the services, and explain how they work to the gentlemen. Although at first, they were reluctant, Violet asserted her authority and forced them to listen, so they comply with her order. After they show them how to use the service, Darius takes Shen-ray in his vehicle to form to the branch, leaving Manolo and Isidro to say goodbye to him. They meet up with Vergilian.
—That mess was really good. —Vergilian said.
—Thanks, it's part of our job. Sometimes I'd like to cancel these services, but since they're not the account holders and the houses are wired which surprises me, I just want to finish this already; I can't stand being here. —Manolo replied.
— Don't worry, we still have two houses left. —Isidro replied.
—Yes, we're almost done. —Vergilian answered.
—Thanks for reminding me. Let's get out of here. —Manolo replied.
Vergilian invokes some flying platforms to fly to a flat, clean floor so that Isidro can trace the seal and they can move on to the next circle.
—Welcome to the eighth circle of hell, or Malebolge, where the fraudulent are punished in various ways in the ten ditches. —Vergilian explained.
— Yes, thanks for summarizing it because I'm not interested in hearing what they do in each of the pits like you did with the circles. — Manolo Said.
—I'm interested. —Isidro replied.
—Don't worry, I'll show you on the way. — Vergilian answered.
—Thank you, Vergilian. —Isidro replied.
Vergilian summons flying platforms to head to the house of the circle. Upon arrival, the knight guarding the house stops them. Vergilian takes the floor and explains the reason for their visit; the knight goes to inform his superior. After a few minutes, the knight lets them pass and guides them to a room where the knight in charge is.
—Welcome, my name is Philieas Fraud, and you are the technicians who come to desecrate this house with your technology. — Philieas said.
—Yes, it's us, we've already heard this from your other colleagues, now we want to know what you have to stop us. —Manolo answered.
—How about a board game? Whoever reaches the finish line first wins. If you win, you do the installation, but if you lose, you will give up on doing your installation. —Philieas replied.
—Alright, but that last part, it's not you who decides, it's Lucifer. —Manolo answered.
— I know, but I still maintain my disagreement. —Philieas replied.
—Let me call him to see if he changes his mind. —Isidro said he called him, but he didn't answer the call and added. — He doesn't pick up.
—Let's play, so we can get installed. —Manolo replied.
—Yes, let's play. —Isidro answered.
—Please, let it be something simple, nothing extravagant and bizarre. —Manolo replied.
—Don't worry, it will be simple. —Philieas answered, summoning a board and the dice.
—Can I see those dice for a moment, please? —Manolo said.
—Of course. —Philieas answered as he handed over the dice, but this is a grave mistake since Manolo's power nullified the powers imbued in the dice.
—Let me see the board. —Manolo replied, nullifying with his power any evil power it might have.
They started to play, the game was going normally, nothing out of the ordinary, but Philieas was surprised that his die wasn't behaving as he wanted. Manolo looks at him with a mocking smile.
—What is so funny? —Philieas said.
—No, nothing, I remembered a joke. —Manolo answered.
The game continues and Manolo is winning, Philieas can't believe it, he tries to cheat with his magic, but he can't because Manolo's power interferes with it until the game comes to an end and Manolo wins the game.
—That's not fair, I should have won. —Philieas got angry.
—He's going to let us do the installation. — Manolo replied.
—Let's play other games. —Philieas answered.
—Alright. Let's play. —Manolo replied.
They play several games, but Manolo always beat him, so Philieas wanted to play with Isidro, but Manolo always intervened, which made Philieas lose his temper and let them do the installation.
They do the installation, call the center, and show the gentlemen how the service works, except for Philieas who is angry with them and doesn't want to know anything about them.
—What happened that there wasn't much action, where is that ultra violence? — Vergilian said.
—This time there wasn't any, thank God, at least it served as a rest for me. — Manolo answered.
—Yes, it bored me too, but what can I say, what did you expect from the circle where the fraudsters reside? —Isidro replied.
—Yes, you're right, I hope that in the last house I can close with a flourish. —Vergilian answered.
—It's fine if you say so. —Isidro replied.
—Let's get out of here. —Manolo said.
Vergilian summons flying platforms to soar toward a flat and clean floor so that Isidro can trace the seal to move on to the next circle.
—Welcome to the ninth and final circle of hell where the traitors reside... — Vergilian said.
—Leave it there, we got it, let's go home. — Manolo responded.
—I also want to know. — Isidro answered.
—Don't worry, I'll explain it to you on the way. —Vergilian responded, explaining it to him while they were transported by platforms toward the house.
—Welcome to this humble abode, I am the head of the House of Betrayal, Beatrix Betrayal. — Beatrix said as she bowed.
—This is strange, she has broken the status quo, I don't like this. —Manolo whispered to Isidro.
—Yeah, me neither, she's probably very powerful or something. —Isidro whispered to Manolo.
—What's wrong with you that you're mumbling? — Beatrix answered.
—No, nothing. —Manolo said.
—Yes, we only talked about unimportant things. —Isidro replied.
—Alright, I'll let them pass, I'll let them do their job, so if you'll excuse me, I'll be around doing nothing, but I'll be watching them. —Beatrix answered.
—Understood. Let's go, Isidro. Let's finish the job. —Manolo replied as Isidro summoned a creature with his wand.
They begin to install. Isidro takes the materials out of the portal of the storage dimension of Shen-ray's vehicle. They look for the entrance to the pipe, but it's on a pillar with a vase on top.
—We need to move this. Where is Beatrix? —Manolo said.
—I will call her. —Isidro answered, calling her by name several times until she appeared behind them.
—Yes! — Beatrix exclaimed, startling Isidro, which caused him to lunge at Manolo and almost drop the vase, but Manolo caught it.
—That was close. —Manolo replied, almost having a heart attack, breathing heavily, but then he regulated his breathing and added while handing the vase to Beatrix. —Here, holds the vase to move that pillar.
They move the pillar, but when Beatrix hands him the vase, she trips, but throws the vase to Manolo, who juggles to keep it from falling, but it slips from his hands. Isidro casts a spell, but it has no effect.
—It's anti-magic! — Beatrix exclaimed as the vase shattered on the floor.
At that moment, Lucifer arrives at the house.
—Beatrix, I arrived home. —Lucifer said as he opened the door and added when he saw the scene of the broken vase. Beatrix lunges at him, telling a false version of events that blames Manolo and Isidro for breaking the vase. This drives Manolo up the wall, but Isidro anticipated this and showed him what really happened thru a bat that Isidro summoned, which saw everything, and thru a magical holographic screen that projected the bat's vision.
—I understand, sorry for considering them in a bad way. —Lucifer said as Isidro tries to calm him down.
—It's fine, but don't worry, I'll fix it. — Manolo answered.
—No, it's fine, I'll take care of it, after all, with your powers you can fix it, or not Manolo Restituyo. —Lucifer replied.
—With my powers, as you know I have powers. —Manolo answered.
—I'm a demon, I can see what's inside your being and it terrifies me a little how a man as ordinary as you can have such great and immense power. You are like a bomb about to explode, and I want to see what will happen when that bomb explodes. —Lucifer replied, looking him in the eye, and added while making the pieces of the vase float and assembling them, he placed it in Manolo's hands and added. —Focus and make the vase return to how it was before.
Lucifer steps back, Manolo closes his eyes, concentrating his power on the vase, making the cracks disappear and returning it too normal.
—Incredible, you left it as good as new. — Isidro said.
—What do you mean by saying I'm going to explode? — Manolo replied.
—You'll find out when the day comes, but for now, just continue with your work because I want to enjoy your services. — Lucifer Answered.
They continued with their work until the service was up and running and showed him how to use the services.
—Remember that you will always be welcome here in hell, although your stay will be for all eternity. — Lucifer Said.
—I'm sorry, but I belong to heaven, not this dump full of scum. —Manolo replied as they went with Vergilian to a plain to open a portal with the chalk to ascend thru the circles of hell until they reached the gates of hell.
—May this not be a farewell but a see you later. — Vergilian answered.
—If they request additional services and it's our turn, we could come back, but with all the work we have, I doubt it. We haven't had a repeat client. —Manolo replied.
—I understand, well then, we'll see each other soon. —Vergilian answered.
—It was an honor to have been guided by you. — Manolo responded as they shook hands just like Isidro.
They come out of hell, return to the branch.
—What's wrong with you, Manolo? —Isidro asked.
— What's the point of having this power? — Manolo asked.
—Why do you say that? —Isidro asked.
—It's just that with this power I feel invincible, untouchable, powerful, but with all this stress, this helplessness, these chains that bind me, what will happen to me when I reach my limit? I feel like I want to explode because of all the garbage from the clients and the obstacles we have along the way, I can't keep up with so many things happening everyplace. — Manolo answered.
— What can I say, we all want to explode, but channel your anger like you did today against those who want to stop us in our tracks. — Isidro replied.
— But what if I cross the line? — Manolo answered.
— I don't know about that, but if you feel like you're crossing it, slow down, but don't let work stress and everything that's happening to us get to you. — Isidro replied.
— I'm fed up with you telling me that! —Manolo answered.
— And what do you want me to say, we are employes, our work is garbage, but a lot of people like that garbage and want it, and we are the means to give them that garbage. That the environment is different from the human one; I get it, but...—Isidro explained.
— I get it, I'm fed up with this job! Look at what you've become because of this damn job. I'm going to talk to Ludovico, but I don't feel like I'm going to get anywhere with you. — Manolo answered as he walked toward the venue.
Manolo walks energetically, desperate, angry, and furious until he reaches the analysts' office and only sees Hope working on the computer.
— And Ludovico! — Manolo exclaimed.
—Surely, he's at the water cooler talking with other employees. —Hope replied.
— Thank you, Hope. — Manolo answered as he went to look for Ludovico, and when he found him, he saw several monsters laughing where Ludovico was leaning against the water trough.
—Oh, Manolo! How are you! — Ludovico exclaimed as Manolo made his way through the crowd of monsters to reach him.
— I'm...fine. — Manolo answered.
—Don't lie to me, you're not well. — Ludovico whispered, who knows what's wrong, and added. — If you excuse me, I must return to my office, let's go Manolo.
They are going to the office.
—Hope, could you please leave us alone? — Said Ludovico.
— Alright, I'll go to work somewhere else, let me know when you're done. — Hope replied, taking her device that she uses as a kind of laptop, and she leaves.
— Tell me, Manolo, work is driving you crazy. — Ludovico answered.
—I have mixed feelings about this job. I love it because I can fulfilll the dream of having hilarious adventures like in cartoons, but I hate it because I want this to end, my clock isn't ticking down, and I want to have my telecommunications company and make my son's dream come true. I feel like I'm killing myself and have forgotten what it means to live. — Manolo explained with all his soul and all his being.
—I understand, don't worry Manolo, I'm working so you can get rid of this hell called work, I've given you the tools to survive, something that most, if not all, technicians have had to go thru, so you shouldn't complain about it. Maybe you don't like it, maybe you don't appreciate it, but you chose this, so take responsibility. —Ludovico explained, but when Manolo was about to respond, he raised his hand to stop him and added. —And the reason I came here is to save you from being consumed by this job because you just sold your soul to the devil and now we have to kick the devil's ass to break the deal and set you free, so be patient because when the countdown starts, I want you to overflow like you can't even imagine.
—Overflow? —Thought Manolo as he remembered what Lucifer said. —What do you mean by overflowing?
—To vent since you will be one step away from being free, it will be your decision how you behave. —Ludovico replied.
—Alright, Ludovico, your words have reassured me. I will return to work. —Manolo answered, but not before asking a question and added. —A demon told me that the energy of the cross did not belong to God, what do you think about it?
—And you're going to listen to a demon? Don't let them lead you astray; they are beings of pure evil and always want to confuse you so that you fail, especially since you are a child of God. —Ludovico replied.
—Yes, you're right, now I'm leaving. — Manolo answered.
Manolo leaves, and Ludovico laughs devilishly. Isidro is in Sofia's office, but he is interrupted by a call from Manolo.
—You feel better now. —Isidro said.
—Yes, I feel better now, let's go, we have work to do. —Manolo answered.
After a while, they gather, organize all their tools and equipment, and Isidro returns the storage dimension to Shen-ray. They mount Shen-ray and set off on their way to their next adventure in the dark dimension.