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The Prince of Violence

Malkar reached the basement just in time before a particularly violent force destroyed most of the ruined structure above. The ruined roof then fell over where Malkar was several seconds ago, covering the entrance with a heavy debris and trapping the rest of the group inside.

The rest quickly turned their attention towards Malkar, who shouted Belial's name while facing the blocked entrance. Zardes, who knew that something dangerous and urgent happened above, ran towards Malkar and said, "(What happened?)"

"(It's that goat! He is engaging the enemy!)" exclaimed Malkar.

"(He'll pull through)." Zardes then pointed towards the blocked entrance. "(This is our problem now)."

"(Gehen, do you think you can teleport us out of here?)" asked Ammon when he heard what happened. The mute hound made signs, which Damos interpreted as, "(I wish I can. The ashes I can use are with me now)."

"(What do you mean?)"

"(Gehen can only teleport if those ashes are out there)," said Damos. "(He needs mana-infused ashes, not just any ashes)."

"(Lehrn, do you know any other exits?)" asked Zardes.

"(I'm...not sure myself)," said Lehrn. "(There may be others, but alas, I am only aware of the blocked exit)."

"(So, the only way forward is to destroy the blockage?)" said Malkar. "(Fuck)."

"(We are not completely hopeless)," said Zardes. He then looked at the debris and drew his sword. Without any reasons, he swung the sword towards the rock and, as expected, it bounced off. This move surprised the group.

"(What are you doing?)" asked Malkar.

"(This sword is imbued with magic, which in this case, is 'continual enhancement')."

He then struck his sword again, but this time, it created a deep gash.

"(If I can keep attacking without stopping for more than five seconds, the sword's enhancement will make it sharp enough to slice the rock as if it is butter. I am not sure about limit, but I think it is directly linked with my mana reserve. Fortunately, I've asked the artificer to install a magic crystal to draw magic from)."

He struck it one more time. It started to cut through and let light in.

"(Of course, If I apply too much force, I ended up enhancing it too much and caused to drain me more than it should. But right now, we have a pressing matter, so I don't care!)"

With a final slash, Zardes cut the debris, slicing it into two as if it was butter. He then kept doing so, cutting the debris into smaller fragments that could not harm others, before he walked up, followed by the others.

Zardes quickly saw a goat demon in front of him, carrying a fiery sword while Belial was nowhere to be found. They quickly found the Infernal prince near the temple's wall, hurt.

The rest ran towards Belial while Zardes faced the goat demon in front of him. Without giving the demon a chance, the hellhound quickly moved forward and slashed his adversary, who at first thought that the sword would bounce off him, only to quickly realize his mistake. It was too late to use his sword, however, and he simply caught the knife with his hand, which started to bleed out black-colored blood.

"Oh, damn, that hurts," said the demon while holding the knife in his hand. "You have one heck of a sharp knife."

Zardes had no time to be surprised. He also knew that the knife's enchanted sharpness would not be enough. He quickly pulled the sword and anticipated an attack from the demon. It never came.

"Smart move, hound," said the demon while licking his wound. "You clearly read the situation."

"Only an idiot thinks that he's going to kill an Infernal without proper planning," said Zardes while keeping his defensive stance.

"You are still an idiot. You know why?"

In just a blink, the demon was already in front of Zardes. He swung his sword, faster than what Zardes could see. It struck Zardes's sword, throwing the hellhound towards a row of stone benches, quickly knocking him out.

"Huh. I'll give you credit," said the demon. "I was aiming to cut through your weapon and you. Guess that knife's stronger than it looks. Still, as strong as the weapon is, if the wielder is weak, it is a useless piece of junk."

Belial, who saw what happened, quickly recovered and lunged towards the demon while shouting his name.

"Azazel!"

Belial's attack was quickly stopped by Azazel, who simply kicked the demon two times before doing a roundhouse kick towards his neck. It did not break, but it clearly hurt.

"You can't win without your powers, prince," said Azazel with a mocking tone. "Can't go all-out if you're too busy protecting yourself."

"This is not my fucking choice!"

As Belial and Azazel kept fighting (with Azazel still keeping an upper hand), Gehen, who assessed the situation, tapped Damos's shoulders and quickly made signs, which the hellhound understood. After a while of explanation, Gehen then finished it with a particular hand sign that caused Damos to gasp.

"(Wait, Gehen, you can't be serious!)"

"(What?)" asked Malkar. "(What did he say?)"

"(We need to release Belial's suit if we want to survive. I told him it's a crazy idea. I know Belial can be trusted, but we don't know the full extent of his power! He's a demon prince!)"

"(Gehen is right, Damos)," said Malkar. "(If this continues, Azazel will claim victory over Belial, and he'll be the next Prince of Violence! I mean, I don't care about it, but at least we have a demon we know)."

"(What do you mean by that?)"

"(I heard what they said before they started clashing. If that demon can prove that Belial cannot fight back, he will lose his status as a prince, and we'll be the cause for it! That suit will never come off unless it is unsealed by the control box)."

"(You mean, it is a risk we must take?)"

"(Do you see anyone in this group that can take on that Infernal? Even Zardes is knocked out in one shot! Our only chance is Belial!)"

"(If that's the plan, then we have a problem)," said Ammon. "(Where did you leave the box?)"

"(Where did I...oh)."

Malkar realized that the control box and remote was with Zardes, who carried his leather bag around even when he was fighting. The hellhound was unconscious and was on the other side of the intense fight between Infernals.

"(Does anyone want to go there and take it from Zardes?)" said Malkar while pointing towards the unconscious hound.

"(Uh...well...)"

"(I'll go)," said Ammon. "(I can fly)."

"(Be careful)."

"(I know the risks, Malkar)."

"(I mean...do you really think you can get through that?)"

Malkar pointed towards the intensifying fight between Azazel and Belial. Azazel's flaming sword increased the surrounding temperature enough that only the two Infernals could survive in the middle of it. Flying over them was out of the question since there were fire everywhere, even up in the air. Their only option was to find a way around.

Still, they must be quick. Zardes was knocked out so dangerously close to the two combatants. If the fight intensified more than it was, he would be a collateral damage, and the group did not want that. They needed to go now and risk it, or they would lose both means of surviving.

Meanwhile, Belial, who was still engaged in the fight with Azazel could not fight back as every time he tried to retaliate, Azazel managed to counter him with some particularly nasty hellfire attacks that could hurt his unprotected head. Even with the suit, Belial could feel the heat of the fire through it. Hellfire was the only kind of fire that could hurt a circle demon, as it was several times more intense than regular fire. Azazel was his prime challenger for some time, and his hellfire could be said to be on par with him. He did not want to acknowledge it, however.

But in term of combat, Belial was far superior. While Azazel relied too much on his hellfire, Belial could fight without it. That was the reason why he could retaliate against Azazel's barrage of fire attacks despite of having much of his power sealed. He could also feel Azazel's power being severely downgraded due to being on the mortal plane, and not apparently possessing anyone.

As Belial was pushed towards a wall, Azazel started taunting him.

"Come on. This is no fun," he said. "I can't claim to defeat you because you're wearing a bondage suit. I know no one cares, but I do care."

"If I'm out of this fucking suit, you'll be sorry, Azazel."

"Then why are you still wearing that suit? Get it off! Let me defeat you when you're fully powered! I'll show them that the title of 'Prince of Violence' is not something to be underestimated."

"More like 'Prince of Idiots' to me!"

Azazel kept pushing his sword towards Belial, who could not hold on anymore. The sword's blade was already searing hot as it started to apparently damage the suit, which started to hurt the demon.

That was when the intensity of the heat started to become unbearable to Belial in a short notice, which prompted him to roar in a desperate attempt to keep fighting. However, it was also when Belial felt that his hand started to burn. When he looked down, the tight suit was no longer there, replaced by a naked, black furred body, along with a sudden surge of Infernal power and strength that caused him to start getting rejuvenated.

"Just in time, you fucking assholes," said Belial with a smile. The Infernal prince then started pushing Azazel's sword back.

Azazel, who felt that his sword was being pushed back, started pushing forward. Belial used this moment to break free, twisting his body to the side as Azazel's hellfire sword cut through the rock wall behind him, melting it. The goat demon then looked towards the prince and smiled.

"Now that's more like it," said Azazel while keeping his stance.

Belial was no longer wearing a skin-tight suit, which showed his scruffy black fur in its full glory. The prince, who had previously accustomed to his powered down state, felt an ecstatic feeling of strength. It was so ecstatic that he summoned his true power: a ring of Hellfire that surrounded the area, keeping the field small.

"You know, I still prefer you being a submissive bitch."

"Oh, being cheeky, are we?" said Belial. "You don't strike me as a dominant type. Maybe this suit looks better on you."

"I'll pass."

Belial and Azazel resumed their fight, which became even more intense for the rest of the group that returned to join the spectacle. Malkar and Ammon were the ones really hurt by the heat for different reasons (Malkar for not being a pure hellhound and Ammon for being an Ashen Lands native Fuzandre). The heat was unbearable for the rest of them, causing them to move away. Malkar, who risked the approach to deactivate the suit and get Zardes to safety, would be cooked alive in that distance if it wasn't for Gehen coating him with ash beforehand. Even if they were hellhounds, the hellfire was like how a human would react in front of a regular fire, which was burning hot.

The rest could only watch as Belial, now unprotected but with his powers returned to him, and Azazel, who kept the advantage, fought in a renewed intensity that was fitting for a fight among demons. As the two looked at each other, intend to rip each other's throat, the spectators watched as if their lives were at stake.

Then the two demons lunged towards each other.

Belial started by dodging Azazel's sword and counter it, grabbing his sword hand and pulled it over his head, throwing the demon away. Azazel managed to recover before he landed on the hellfire and commanded part of the fire to hit Belial, causing the demon prince to start burning. It did not seem to faze him, however, as he moved towards Azazel and kicked his sword out of his hand. Azazel had no time to take the sword before Belial powered his hands with hellfire and punched and kicked Azazel in a flurry of unarmed combo before he delivered a strong uppercut towards Azazel.

The other demon was not ready to give up. After a strong blow, he managed to recover fast enough to headbutt Belial with his horns, then grabbed the demon prince's hand and delivered a knee kick towards Belial, knocking his wind out. Belial could not retaliate quick enough before Azazel threw him towards the hellfire barrier, which burned his back.

As if not feeling it, Belial recovered then became engaged in a short hand-to-hand combat. Both tried their best to upstage the others in an intense martial arts combat that's both lethal and apparently choreographed. But, it ended as quickly as it started when Belial managed to find an opening. He dodged Azazel's attack, ducked into his belly area, then concentrated his hellfire on his palm to deliver a final explosive blow that engulfed both combatants.

The fire barrier became more intense for a moment before it quickly died down, revealing Belial standing over Azazel's still alive, but burning body. He started kicking Azazel, apparently to kill the demon, but then after three kicks or so, he stopped.

"You lost," said Belial while panting.

"Guess I am," said Azazel. "What's our score?"

"Five hundred to nothing," said Belial with a grin.

Azazel chuckled. "Damn. You keep count for a thousand years or what?"

"I always keep count. Not just you, but other wannabes too. You're the only one that hit five hundred. The rest is not that much."

"Guess I gotta train harder."

"Yup."

"I really need to start thinking of outplaying you."

"You can't outplay me if you use the same strategy every time you fight," said Belial. "But if you like another beating, just come at me whenever you like it."

"Heh. You really do love a good fight, huh, prince?"

"Life as a prince can be quite boring after a while."

"Then why don't you give me your throne? Well, no one's going to accept it without proof, anyway. You need to go back, Belial. Lead your people."

"I know, but I need to finish what I started."

"Protecting the mortal realm is not worth it. Their problem is not our problem."

"But when an Infernal like you are involved, then it's also my problem. Just look at that hellhound you knocked out. He's a strong hound, but he's no match against you. Now, imagine the fight spilling up here. There will be chaos."

"That's how we live. Chaos and discord."

"Even some chaos needs control. I prefer to keep my domain down there, not up here when everyone's not strong enough."

"Always willing to get involved in a fight, huh?"

"Like I said. It can be boring after a while."

Suddenly, there was a demonic circle around Azazel, whose body was slowly wrapped in chains. The demon then said, "What should I say to the generals?"

"I give temporary command to you, Azazel."

This surprised the Infernal. "Do you think they'll listen?" said Azazel.

"They'll listen to someone who could challenge me for five hundred times. I know your reputation among them, Azazel. Even if you're not sitting on the throne, you still command respect.

"Then try and return home soon, prince," said Azazel. "Once you're done with whatever you're doing."

"When I'm done up here, we'll be one step away from taking my father's place as the true ruler of the Fifth Circle."

Azazel chuckled. "Well, well. Got some pride in you, huh?"

"I like to brag about it. Now, go heal yourself and lead them."

The circle then let out a bright red light that blinded the group for a moment. After a while, it was gone, along with Azazel, leaving only scorched mark over the floor.

Belial looked at the scorch mark for a while before he said, "And try not be a prick while you're at it."

"Uhm...Belial?" said Malkar. "Is it over?"

"He knows what to do now.," said Belial. "Also...thanks."

"About the suit?"

"Yeah. It's about time you do that, you fucking assholes! If you did not do it fast enough, well, it's bye-bye for me! That son of a bitch is going to show everyone down there that I am no longer a prince! It's double "

"At least you said 'thank you'," said Malkar.

"Anyway, is that hound alright?"

"He's still breathing, so I guess he's fine. Where does the suit go, though?"

"Beats me. It just disappeared when you released it. Anyway...you got the book, right? We can leave."

"I guess."

"Also, wasn't Ammon with you? Where is he?"

"Ammon? Oh, right. I wondered where he went. (Ammon? Where are you?)"

Malkar looked around but could not find Ammon. It was when Gehen and Damos realized that he was calling the bat (Gehen and Damos could not understand Common) that they approached Malkar. Damos then said, "(He's with Lehrn and Seja, but...let him be)."

"(Why? What's wrong?)"

"(Lehrn...died)."

"(What? Why didn't I know about this? I was there with Ammon. He should've seen...)."

"(We don't know. Whatever happens, when we came back here to watch Belial fight, Seja came running towards us and told us that Lehrn was dying. Ammon went with her)."

"(Who...who did it?)."

"(We don't know. But whoever it was, they slipped past us and Seja. The job was done, and we were not even aware of it)."

"(It's not your fault)."

"(I know)."

Malkar wanted to travel, knowing that their stay would burden the townsfolk. But, seeing that Lehrn was killed, Ammon was mourning, and Zardes was out cold, they could not go anywhere for a moment. The sheer exhaustion from the intense Infernal fight was enough to convince Malkar that they needed a rest.

"(I guess we do need a rest, after all)," said Malkar while rubbing the back of his head. "(I want to get to the Crossing Gate faster, but I guess that'll have to wait)."

"(I have to agree on that)," said Belial. "(I hate to say it, but I'm tired)."

"(You hate to admit you're tired)?"

"(I haven't had that much workout in ages. Even a prince needs a rest, right?)"

Malkar smiled. "(At least you know what it means to be tired)," he said.

It was then decided that they were in no condition to travel through. Aside from the fact that Ammon was still mourning his caretaker's loss and the group's exhaustion, the town was a safe place that they could use to rest up and be ready for what's to come.

At the end of the day, Zardes came around. At first, he noticed that Belial was no longer wearing his suit, which alarmed him, at least until the demon said, "Hey, you're awake. If you're wondering about this...it's a long story."

"W-wha? What happened?"

"You got knocked out cold from one attack, that's what," replied Belial. "Good thing I'm a friendly type, even though I admit it's not my style."

Zardes contemplated on the situation, then he sighed and said, "I...guess I owe you my thanks."

"Don't mention it."

"So...I guess they are getting desperate, huh?"

"Nah," said Belial. "That was not them. Life as a prince can be so tough sometimes, especially if your life starts to catch up on you."

"So, that demon was not summoned like the Asmodian?"

"They'd rather swim in the shithole instead of betraying their people. Asmodel was one thing, but Infernals are not traitors."

"You're a demon, Belial. That's what demon do."

"Maybe you should ask those Ninth Circle demons if you want to talk about traitorous demons. Don't the surface world humans have teachings about those who betrayed others? I heard there was a demon down there who apparently betrayed the whole world and got his due punishment in forever."

"Yeah, well, I don't follow human beliefs."

"I know. Me neither."

They chuckled to each other.

"So, this is it? You're free?" said Zardes.

"Let's just say this is just a temporary freedom. You notice anything unusual?"

Zardes took a glance at the naked black furred goat demon. He did not seem to wear anything except the piercings on his ears, horns, tail, and the black collar around his neck.

"You're just a naked demon?"

"Look closely."

The only one that resembled something was the collar. It seemed to be something peculiar for a demon prince to wear. It almost looked like a dog collar.

"The...collar?"

"Glad your head's still there."

"So, that's the suit?"

"The suit's deactivated, but that doesn't mean I'm free from it. Its dormant form is the collar, which, considering how the second circle works, symbolizes submission."

"It's vastly better than a bondage suit, right?"

"I know, I know. Can't choose if you're on parole or some shit like that."

"Glad you still remember the reason we are still following you. Well, you are free to use your powers, of course. That's what trust can bring you."

Belial scoffed. "More like gullible."

"Well, who's the one listening to an untrustworthy demon?"

For the first time in Zardes's relationship with Belial, the goat demon did not have any way to reply. Belial simply stared at him but did not say anything. He knew that the hellhound was simply stating the fact. Grumbling, He looked away and said, "You just have to remind me of that, do you? Well, at least Asmodel's telling the truth...for once. That does not mean he's trustworthy."

"Still, you're tricked by him."

"And it will be the last mistake I'll ever done."

Zardes then changed his topic.

"That Infernal you fought before...."

"Azazel."

"If he's really that determined to fight you even in the Outer Rings, I think you better go home and sort things out first. I mean, a prince cannot just abandon his responsibility, right?"

"Yeah, about Azazel. I've been thinking. What if I retire from my position and give the throne to him instead? No, I guess he won't do it until he can defeat me. He's that determined to show everyone that he can beat me like the princes of old. Throwing the towel would just insult him. Still, at least I can trust that he's doing his job sorting out the army."

"Are we supposed to be worried?"

"Nah. Azazel's the only one who's crazy enough to pull that stunt. No one have that kind of guts to face me. Good thing our fight turned out to be less than amazing. This place is a beauty in its own."

"Beauty? I don't blame you to consider this place a beauty, but...do you like our realm?"

Belial chuckled. "I guess I am. Can't lie about it now. Guess my time with you can make a difference, after all."

"For the better?"

"I leave that to your perspective."

Zardes chuckled. Guess Belial liked the Outer Rings more than he admitted it. The demon prince may be tough, but in the end, even he would appreciate things that was not violence. Zardes wished that, when this adventure was over, he would be able to stay in touch with the demon.

It sounded very weird. Who would want to stay in touch with a demon prince? Still, Zardes no longer considered Belial a tool or a beast that could fight for them.

He regarded him as an ally...and a friend.