Journey Through Darkness
The journey to Abyntar, the kingdom of Demon King Ghal, was no easy path. Arian was accompanied by two companions—Velmira and Kerl, the scout demon who had also served as a translator during the mission to the orcs.
They passed through frozen valleys, wild forests, and eventually entered a barren desert called Daran'kai, a vast sea of sand with extreme temperatures.
> "According to the letter, we're only three days away from Abyntar," said Kerl while looking at a worn map etched with ancient symbols.
In the middle of the desert, they encountered a massive creature like a moving hill. Though terrifying, it did not attack. It simply wandered, crossing time like a mountain that had forgotten how to stand still.
Arian pressed on.
---
A City in the Wasteland
After days of endless sand and exhaustion, they finally arrived.
But instead of ruins or chaos as they had imagined—they were greeted by a prosperous city. Red-gold stone buildings stood firm, bustling markets filled the air with the aroma of food, and demon children laughed along the streets.
> "This... is a demon kingdom?" Arian whispered in disbelief.
A nation of demons living in peace, cleanliness, and prosperity. A vision that shattered all old prejudices.
---
Palace Gates
The gates of Abyntar were guarded by two massive beings, four meters tall, humanoid with canine heads and cloaked in ritual robes.
> They were Shamans—the sacred guardians of King Ghal's kingdom.
One of them bowed and spoke with a deep voice.
> "What is your purpose here, bearer of the curse?"
Arian showed the letter. Before the guards could grant entry, the demon woman who had delivered the letter—Neretha—appeared and bowed respectfully.
> "His Majesty has been expecting you. But first... a bath and a meal. You look like a walking speck of dust."
Arian frowned. This hospitality was far from his image of a demon king.
---
An Unexpected Encounter
After washing and donning formal demon attire, Arian was brought to the audience chamber.
The room was vast, lit with crimson light from enchanted stones. And in the center—stood Demon King Ghal.
But he was... not what Arian expected.
His hair was dark red. He looked like a man in his twenties. His right eye was gold, the left red, and a single sharp horn rose from his forehead.
Even more surprising—he was laughing and playing with small children seated on his lap.
> "Ah! You've finally arrived!" he called out cheerfully, setting a child down and approaching with light steps.
Arian was stunned. He had imagined someone sly, cold, or intimidating. But this man was... almost human—with genuine charisma.
> "You are the bearer of Necral. The cursed sword that even made seven gods retreat a step," he said, looking at Arian with deep curiosity. "And you... are human?"
Arian nodded. "Half. My body has changed since the contract. But I can't go back—and I'm no longer accepted by the old world."
King Ghal nodded and invited Arian to sit.
---
Diplomatic Negotiation
Arian explained his mission and vision: to build a city, revive the ice demon race, and begin trade.
> "I want to exchange resources from the Gurvan-Khaz mine for currency. With that, I can build fortifications, acquire logistics, and advance our civilization."
Ghal did not laugh. He did not belittle him.
Instead, he listened attentively and even explained the Dark World's currency system, called Dranys, based on magic crystals, pure metals, and historical value.
> "We welcome cooperation. But you must know... the world will not sit idle if the ice demons rise again."
Arian nodded. "That's why I need allies."
After a long conversation, Ghal asked, "You came from another world... are the heroes from there too?"
Arian froze.
> "Yes… probably. I'm not sure. But I believe… they were once my friends."
Ghal stroked his chin. "My right eye can glimpse fragments of fate. And I can tell you one thing…"
He looked Arian straight in the eye.
> "You are destined to become their enemy."
---
End of the Meeting
Though heavy-hearted, Arian chuckled when Ghal invited him to dinner.
They shared stories, jokes, even laughter. For the first time, Arian felt like he had a true friend—not one bound by power, but by mutual respect for the paths they had chosen.
As he was about to leave, Arian shook Ghal's hand.
> "You are a great king... and now, my friend."
Ghal paused for a moment. The word "friend" wasn't one he often heard—not from his people, nor from fellow kings.
He nodded slowly.
> "Whenever you need me, just send word. You are no longer alone."
Arian promised to send metals and crystals from the mine soon as the first step of their trade alliance.
---
Closing:
Arian discovers a new side to the demon world: prosperous and peaceful
Demon King Ghal becomes his first ally—and perhaps his first true friend
Diplomacy succeeds; resource exchange to begin soon
Arian's perspective shifts: demons are not inherently evil, and humans not entirely pure
And a new omen arises... that one day, he and the heroes from his old world will clash in a fated war