After losing against Arthur, Alex is healed by Ella. He is barely conscious, yet he still manages to ask:
Alex: "Hey, Ella… you're dragging me into a quest to kill the Demon King, but what exactly are demons, really?"
Ella: "You can't even open your eyes, you're half-dead, and you're still curious?"
Alex: "So what? I've always wondered."
Ella: "Fine. I'll give you a quick lesson then. Where should I start? …Let's say you at least know about the universal division and the world's levels?"
Alex: "I think so. You mean the concept of the world being divided into four?"
Ella: "Not bad, you're more educated than you look for a peasant. Anyway… There are four dimensions. First, the upper realm, home of the gods and beings who rule over creation. Then the intermediate dimension, where spirits and metaphysical bodies dwell. After that, the middle dimension, where we live. And finally… the Abyss.
The Abyss is the demon's domain. A dimension of pure negative emotions. In mythology, it's the embodiment of absolute evil. They say every single dark impulse flows into it, birthing the Abyssal Essence.
Demons are nothing but tormented souls trapped in the Abyss. When touched by that essence, they twist, fuse, and are reborn into new entities: demons. For millennia, they remained imprisoned… until one day, the Abyss gave birth to its ultimate fruit—
a demon with consciousness, intelligence, and power beyond comprehension.
He had the strength to tear open reality itself. He proclaimed himself king and took the name Darkn.
…Satisfied? Because I'm done healing you, and trust me, it wasn't easy."
Alex pushes himself up, still breathing heavily.
Alex: "That's one hell of a history lesson. Still… thanks for saving me. Weirdly enough, I feel lighter, stronger… even better than before."
Ella: "Of course you do. The spell I used wasn't just a healing spell—it restores the body entirely, cleansing both wounds and illnesses. I practically rebuilt you from the inside out. Took me a lot of mana, though."
Alex stares at her, making Ella uneasy.
Ella: "What? Why are you staring like that?"
Alex: "Nothing. Just thinking you didn't need to go that far. I don't even have a way to thank you."
Ella: "Don't worry about it. We're in the same group now. We'll probably become friends eventually, so it's fine."
A calm voice cuts in:
"That's right, my dear Ella."
They turn to see Iris, smiling warmly.
Iris: "So, young ones, how are you holding up?"
Ella: "Lady Iris! I thought you had left?"
Alex (thinking): (Oh, great. I didn't even notice everyone had ditched us. Nice to see how much they care. Wait—what was the proper etiquette again in front of a priestess? Oh, right.)
Alex bows deeply.
Alex: "Glory to DEA. I formally introduce myself: Alex Andreas. It's an honor to meet you."
Iris: "Drop the formalities. You're not even faithful, are you? Stand up."
Alex straightens up.
Alex: "As you wish."
Iris: "Good. I am Iris Kanté, priestess of the Church of Fate, under the goddess DEA."
Ella: "Lady Iris is the High Priestess of the capital. Her healing and divination skills are renowned across the continent."
Iris: "Ella, how many times have I told you not to say such things aloud?"
Alex (thinking): (They seem close… Still, it's strange. This woman, who hides behind that flattering smile and ditzy demeanor, is actually a High Priestess. Becoming one is no joke. It takes an innate gift for holy magic… or a true calling. And yet here she is. Everyone in this group is extraordinary. Everyone but me—the useless one. It stings.)
Lost in thought, Alex only snaps back when Ella calls out:
Ella: "Hey, Alex, you still with us?"
Alex: "Yeah, don't worry. Just drifted off for a moment."
Iris: "That's fine, but tell me, Alex, how long do you plan on staying in those clothes?"
Alex: "I'd change if I could, but I don't have anything else."
Iris: "Then perfect. Ella, bring Alex to the room near yours—I had it prepared already. He'll take a bath, get some clean clothes, and later you'll both go into the city to buy him proper attire. The king will cover the expenses."
Noticing his long hair, she adds:
Iris: "And stop by a barber too."
Alex: "Sorry, but my hair stays as it is. Don't touch it."
Iris (sighing): "Fine. Leave his hair alone."
Ella: "As you wish, Lady Iris."
Iris: "Go on then, don't waste time."
As they turn to leave, Iris's gaze lingers on Alex's back. A strange feeling washes over her.
Iris: "Alex… have you ever come into contact with an incarnation of the goddess?"
Alex freezes for a moment before replying:
Alex: "I think so."
Iris only smiles again.
Iris: "Not important. Off you go."
They leave.
Meanwhile, deep within the Abyss, a horned humanoid kneels before a massive crimson egg, shrouded in black flames. From within, a voice—unnatural, almost unreal—echoes:
"Where… am I?"
The demon bows lower.
Demon: "You were defeated again, Lord Darkn. We are at the heart of the Abyss. Your time has not yet come."
The voice inside the egg laughs.
Darkn: "So I lost once more… No matter. My time will come soon enough."
Back at the castle, Alex has already cleaned up, and he and Ella are about to leave for the city. But at the entrance, Alex notices a strange boy carrying a scythe. The boy mutters softly:
"My name is Karden. I am here to serve His Majesty."
Ella sees Alex staring.
Ella: "Let's go, Alex."
Alex: "Yeah."
And the two leave.
NEXT CHAPTER: Training