Duchess Astaroth stepped forward, her eyes narrowing with undisguised suspicion. "You'll earn our trust?" she demanded, her voice tinged with defiance. "And how will that be?"
Saruto didn't answer directly. Instead, he rose calmly from the table, his steps measured and deliberate. He raised his head, closed his eyes for a moment, and then unleashed the latent power of the demigod within him.
In an instant, the air in the hall changed. The walls shook, the table trembled, and a thick, dark aura emanated from his body. Everyone froze, the dukes' faces etched with astonishment.
But before the silence could be broken, two demons sprang forth, appearing beside Saruto in an instant, their weapons aimed directly at his neck. "My lord king… he possesses the power of a ruler… just like Umbra!" Duke Barbatos declared sharply.
"My lords," Duke Bathin added, clenching his fist, "permit me to cut his throat at once for what he dared to do in your presence!"
Slowly, Saruto turned his head toward them, his eyes blazing with a murderous glint. "Do you really think you can kill me?" he said in a low voice, but one laden with terrifying intent.
The two demons froze, even though their weapons were a moment away from ending his life. Something in Saruto gaze was enough to instill fear in them. Suddenly, King Lucifer raised his hand and burst into laughter, his voice echoing through the hall. "Stop it, all of you!"
Then, in a decisive tone, he added, "Saruto is my guest… and I will not allow anyone to disrespect him."
Astaroth stepped forward again, attempting to protest. "But, my lords—"
Before she could finish, an overwhelming aura erupted from the king, so powerful that even the dukes bowed slightly beneath its weight. "Astaroth… do not argue with me."
Silence fell. Saruto raised his hand slightly, speaking softly, "King of Demons… may I say something?"
Lucifer looked at him intently. "Go ahead, Saruto," he said.
He took a deep breath, then said firmly, "It seems there are those here who don't welcome me… who don't acknowledge my presence. So, what do you say we conduct a test, of your choosing, to prove whether you are worthy of entering the realm of Goetia?"
He paused, then continued, "If I fail… I will leave the demon world, never to return."
He looked at everyone. "What do you think?"
Silence fell over the hall, and the dukes exchanged glances. Then Lucifer burst into laughter again, this time with undisguised admiration. "Saruto… you never cease to amaze me."
He turned to the dukes. "What do you think? Shall we give him a test?"
Paimon raised his hand, smiling. "Sounds interesting… I agree."
One by one, the other dukes followed suit, until only Astaroth remained. The king looked at her and said, "And you, Astaroth?"
She hesitated for a moment, then finally raised her hand. "I agree."
Lucifer smiled and said in a tone of finality, "Good… then let's begin."
Then he looked directly at Saruto, his eyes gleaming. "You will take… the Four Calamities Test."
In an instant, the dukes' expressions changed, and surprise registered on their faces. Duke Zepar said with obvious concern, "My lord… are you certain about this test?"
Lucifer replied calmly, "Didn't you request a test to prove Saruto worthiness?"
Astaroth quickly interrupted, as if she had found the opportunity she had been waiting for. "Yes, my lord… the Four Calamities Test is the only way to know his true nature."
But inwardly, she smiled secretly. "He won't succeed… no matter how hard he tries."
Saruto moved closer to Paimon and whispered, "What is the Four Calamities Test?"
Paimon opened his mouth to speak, but Lucifer interrupted him. "Let me explain, Paimon."
The king looked at Saruto and said, "This test will allow you to gather the necessary components to craft a weapon… capable of killing rulers."
Saruto eyes widened, and excitement surged within him. But the king continued, his tone more serious. "But it is also the most dangerous and difficult test in the demon realm… and only a few have managed to pass it."
He paused for a moment, then said, "Are you sure you want to take it, Saruto?"
Saruto smiled, a determined smile. "Yes… I am determined to pass it."
Lucifer smile deepened, and he said in a low voice, "And that… is what I have been hoping for."