Chapter 23: "Dark Alliances"

All alone in the room, the weight of my mother's brutal fate felt heavy upon my shoulders. The memory of her mutilation haunts me, etched into my mind like a scar that refuses to fade. Unbeknownst to myself, rage consumes my thought, turning me into a cold, ruthless figure. 

In the quiet solitude of this room, my thoughts are a whirlwind of torment. Each memory, each image of my mother suffering, drives me further into darkness. 

She probably witnessed horrors that no one should endure or face, not the kind of mom she is and was, no. 

Not only that, but no one should've also experience that at all, right? And the thought of that moment, all the fear and terror she must have felt.... But now they have fucking opened a path for themselves, a destiny really for me and themselves. 

It really fucking turned my mentality into something unrecognizable, something far colder, something evil about to befallen them all back tenfold in a fucking gift wrap I promise that much. 

The thought of ripping them apart seems to be fair, rage of that image etched to my mind flood into my mind, let's fight evil with evil in this wicked game. 

"System, open," I command in a cold, empty voice. 

The system greets me, as I immediately swipe to the bad karma section, my unstable emotions guiding me. 

I've spent 10 million bad karma point to purchase an additional 1000 undead soldiers immediately, bolstering my forces significantly in preparation for the impending slaughter, these fuckers deserve at least that much. 

While I was looking at the system shop my eyes spotted something really interesting a written info with a chilling description: 

"I will return to my house from which I came, and when I arrive I will find the place unoccupied, swept and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits, more wicked than itself, and they go in and make their home there. And the last condition of that man becomes worse than the first." 

The man in this passage had only seven other demons with him, and the demon called Demoniac was chief amongst 6000 demons, I command legions! 

I mutter to myself ''hmm.'' my eyes lighting up in cold stare upon reading the description. 

"Chief Demoniac huh? 15 million bad karma points wisely spent," I say with a grin, spending the points without hesitation. 

In a chilling spectacle, Chief Demoniac materialized from the abyss, his arrival heralded by a surge of cold, malevolent energy that oozes authority. 

With every step, the air grew thick with a palpable sense of dread, as if the very atmosphere recoiled from his evil presence. 

His form emerged slowly, shrouded in a swirling mist of darkness that seemed to swallow the light around him. 

As Chief Demoniac took a terrifying shape, his silhouette revealed a red dark tall, towering figure, cloaked in shadows and bathed in an ominous red glow. 

His eyes, dark and bloodshot, bore into my soul with a gaze that pierced through to the very core of my being. 

Each glance felt like a blade, cutting through my defenses and laying bare into my deepest fears. 

A sinister grin twisted his lips, revealing rows of jagged, razor-sharp teeth. 

With every movement, his aura exuded a raw, primal sinister power—a force born of centuries of darkness and bloodshed. 

As Chief Demoniac stood tall before me, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and terror unlike anything I had experienced before. 

He was the epitome of fear incarnate, the most terrifying demon I had ever summoned. 

And with his arrival, I knew that my quest for vengeance had taken a dark and perilous turn. 

In a voice that echoed with the depths of the abyss, Chief Demoniac spoke, his words dripping with an otherworldly menace. 

"Was it you? you weak frayed human that have chosen to summon me?" he asked in a eerie whisper, his tone as dripping cold, low and unforgiving. 

As the void from which he emerged from flicker around him. 

In a chilling spectacle, Chief Demoniac materialized from the abyss, his arrival heralded by a surge of cold, malevolent energy that sent shivers down my spine. 

With every step, the air grew thick with a palpable sense of dread, as if the very atmosphere recoiled from his presence. 

His form emerged slowly, shrouded in a swirling mist of darkness that seemed to swallow the light around him. 

As Chief Demoniac took shape, his silhouette revealed a towering figure, cloaked in shadows and bathed in an ominous red glow. 

His eyes, dark and bloodshot, stared intently into my soul with a gaze that pierced through to the very core of my being. 

Each glance felt like he tried to find my weakness, cutting through mee and laying bare my fears for him. 

A sinister grin twisted his lips, revealing rows of jagged, razor-sharp teeth. With every movement, his aura exuded a raw, primal power—a force born of centuries of darkness and bloodshed. 

As Chief Demoniac stood before me, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and terror unlike anything i've had experienced before. 

He was the epitome of fear incarnate, the most terrifying demon I had ever summoned. 

And with his arrival, I knew that my quest for vengeance had taken a dark and perilous turn. 

Surprise rippled through me, evident in the nervous tremor of my voice, as I addressed the system about the strangeness of summoning demoniac. 

"What's happening?" I questioned anxiously, as my confusion grew. 

The system responded with a solemn gravity, emphasizing the significance of the moment. 

"This is a high demon," it explained, its tone mirroring the weight of the situation. "He cannot be summoned lightly, and he will not be bound to serve you unless he acknowledges your power." 

With a menacing aura that seemed to darken the very air around him, Demoniac's voice echoed through the room in a chillingly dark tone. 

"Human, answer me before my patience runs out," he demanded, his gaze piercing me with a deathly glare that seemed to strip away any semblance of comfort or safety. 

My voice, though lacking in emotion, carried a sense of determination as I stated my intention to summon Demoniac to serve me. 

However, instead of compliance, Demoniac erupted into malevolent laughter that sent shivers down my spine. 

In response, I spoke in a measured tone, my mind already devising a plan. "Demoniac, I seek your loyalty, but it seems you're not inclined to offer it willingly. 

So, let's make a deal," I proposed, my voice steady despite the underlying tension. 

I locked eyes with Demoniac, my resolve unyielding. "Demoniac," I declared, my voice echoing with quiet authority, "I challenge you to a duel. If I emerge victorious, you will pledge your loyalty to me. 

If you win, you may claim 2000 souls from me as payment." 

Demoniac's dark laughter filled the chamber, resonating with malice. 

"You dare to challenge me, mortal?" he sneered, his eyes ablaze with infernal fire. 

"Very well, I accept your challenge. 

But know this, should you fail, your fate will be sealed." 

With a solemn nod, I accepted the terms, my determination unwavering. 

"So be it," I replied, my voice steady. 

"Let the duel begin." 

I grinned with a sense of anticipation as i summoned Reaper, my loyal companion. 

With a flicker of darkness, Reaper materialized beside me, his presence radiating power and readiness for the duel. 

As Demoniac met Reaper's gaze, a sense of recognition flickered in his eyes. 

He sensed an abnormality in this demon, a power that intrigued rather than intimidated him. 

Instead of faltering, Demoniac found himself drawn to the challenge, a surge of excitement coursing through him at the prospect of facing such a formidable opponent. 

As Demoniac and Reaper clashed, the very air crackled with their immense power, sending shockwaves rippling through the room. 

Each blow was met with an equally fierce counterattack, the force of their collision shaking the very foundations of reality. 

Demoniac, fueled by his malevolent energy, unleashed torrents of darkness, seeking to overwhelm Reaper with sheer brutality. 

But Reaper, with his agile movements and deadly precision, danced through the shadows, evading each strike with unnerving ease. 

The battle raged on, neither demon willing to yield an inch of ground. 

Every move was calculated, every attack executed with lethal intent. The room became a battleground, the walls echoing with the sound of their fierce combat. 

As the fight reached its climax, both demons pushed themselves to their limits, their powers colliding in a dazzling display of raw strength. 

But in the end, it was Reaper who emerged victorious, his scythe slicing through the darkness to strike a decisive blow. 

With a roar of triumph, Reaper vanquished Demoniac, sending him crashing to the ground in defeat. 

The room lay in ruins, the aftermath of their fierce struggle evident in the wreckage that surrounded them. 

Despite his loss, Demoniac's dark laughter echoed through the chamber, a chilling reminder of the power that lurked within him. 

And as the dust settled, Reaper stood tall, the undisputed victor of this titanic clash of demons. 

Reaper, his scythe still crackling with residual energy, turned to face me. With a graceful movement, he knelt before his summoner, his eyes glowing with reverence and loyalty. 

"My liege," Reaper intoned, his voice resonating with a deep, otherworldly power. He awaited my next command. 

Ace motioned with a subtle nod, granting Reaper permission to rest. With a silent acknowledgment, Reaper faded into the shadows, leaving Ace alone with Demoniac. 

Facing the formidable high demon, I spoke with a calm yet commanding tone. "Demoniac, it seems we've both shown our strength today. 

I propose a pact between us," I began, my eyes steady as i met Demoniac's gaze. 

Demoniac regarded Ace with a mixture of curiosity and respect. "Speak, mortal," he replied, his voice dripping with dark authority. 

"I seek your allegiance, Demoniac," I continued, my words measured. "In return, I offer you power and souls to feast upon. Together, we can achieve greatness." 

Demoniac's crimson eyes gleamed with interest at the offer. "And what do you ask in return, mortal?" he inquired, his voice echoing with anticipation. 

My expression remained composed as i laid out my terms. "Your loyalty, obedience, and service," i stated firmly. 

"In exchange, I will provide you with the souls you crave and the opportunity to unleash your wrath upon my enemies." 

A tense silence hung in the air as Demoniac considered Ace's proposal. After a moment, a sinister smile spread across his twisted visage. 

"Agreed," he hissed, extending a clawed hand towards Ace. "We shall forge a pact of blood and darkness." 

But just as their deal seemed sealed, Demoniac's curiosity got the better of him. "What else do I get in return?" he demanded; his tone laced with greed. 

Ace's smirk widened into a sly smile. "I offer you command of my 5,000-strong undead legions," he declared, his words sending a ripple of surprise through Demoniac. 

"They need a commander worthy of their might." 

Demoniac's composure faltered for a moment, his eyes widening at the unexpected proposal. But then, a gleam of malicious delight sparked in his gaze. 

"Very well," he conceded, his voice dripping with anticipation. "With your legions at my command, we shall wreak havoc upon your enemies." 

As Deborah and Keinan stepped into the room, their eyes widened in surprise at the chaotic scene before them. 

The room, once orderly, was now in complete disarray, a testament to the fierce battle that had taken place between Demoniac and Reaper. 

Deborah's fury was palpable as she marched toward me, her expression a mix of shock and anger. "How dare you ruin my favorite room!" she exclaimed; her voice filled with frustration. 

Before her hand could land on my face, I caught her wrist in a firm grip, my gaze empty yet intense as I rose to my feet. I stared at her with a chilling emptiness in my eyes, my mind consumed by a singular purpose. 

"Tell me," I demanded in a low, monotone voice, the words carrying an icy edge. "Where is this fucker called Morderkai and his people's location?" 

Deborah hesitated, her anger momentarily faltering in the face of my cold determination. 

She finally spoke in a subdued tone, her words tinged with reluctance. "I'll tell you,"She replied, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "But you need to promise me that you won't do anything reckless." 

My grip on her wrist tightened slightly, my gaze unwavering. "I promise nothing," I stated coldly. "Now tell me." 

Deborah couldn't help but feel a mix of fascination and frustration as she observed Ace. 

In all her years of leadership, she had encountered countless individuals, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. 

But Ace was different. He possessed a power and presence that she couldn't quite grasp, let alone gain an edge over. 

As she watched him stand there with his gloomy yet commanding demeanor, Deborah found herself drawn to him in a way she couldn't fully explain. 

There was a magnetic quality to him, an aura of strength and resolve that intrigued her. 

Despite her formidable authority, Deborah couldn't deny the subtle pull that Ace exerted over her. 

His refusal to yield, his unwavering determination—it all made her fall for him even more. 

In him, she saw a kindred spirit, someone who understood the weight of responsibility and the sacrifices required to achieve their goals. 

And as much as she tried to resist, Deborah found herself increasingly drawn to Ace, unable to shake the feeling that their fates were intertwined in ways she couldn't yet comprehend. 

Deborah: "I will tell you, but on one condition." 

Ace: "Name it." 

Deborah: "That both Keinan and I accompany you." 

My voice dripped with cold irritation as i reluctantly acquiesced. "Fine. Have it your way." 

Deborah and Keinan sighed in relief, their tension easing. 

"Good," Deborah said in a measured tone, 

"Now, after we get the report back, let's chill while we fix up this place again, we can head out in 2 days." 

But their relief was short-lived. 

My cold voice cut through the moment of calm as i declared coldly, "No. We are going right now. 

My people also need to hear from me soon." 

Keinan interjected, empathizing with my urgency. 

"Bro, I know that feeling, but the people need us here'' he pleaded in a low voice ''They will starve otherwise, and if we get attacked now by Mordekai's people or even worse a horde can come by because of the noise early, this place will get overrun." 

With a heavy sigh, I rose from my seat, feeling the weight of responsibility settling on my shoulders like a leaden cloak. 

"It's one thing after another," I muttered to myself, frustration simmering beneath the surface. I turned to Keinan and Deborah, my mind already racing ahead to logistics. 

"If you can get supplies and guns, where do you plan to store them?" I ask impatiently. 

Keinan's response came swiftly, his voice tinged with a hint of reassurance amidst the chaos. "We've got five spacious, empty garages lined up for storage," he affirmed, his words carrying a sense of careful planning in the face of uncertainty. 

"Show me," I insisted, my tone firm and resolute, as I sought confirmation of their plans. 

Their puzzled glances at each other didn't faze me; I just needed to make sure everything was sorted. 

Deborah finally gave in with a sigh of frustration. "Ah, screw this, let's just show him," she conceded, realizing it was no use to try to figure me out anymore, it would rather be best just to play along. 

She though... 

Balance Update: In the last chapter, Ace's balance of good and bad karma points shifted slightly: 

Good Karma Points: 2+5-1=6M 

Bad Karma Points: 25 + demoniac+1000 undead = 0M 

In this chapter, Ace bad karma points balance got drained leaving him broke. 

Ace Lackey's: 

Ibliss: Guarding Kingdom gate, can't be summoned. 

Cronus: Guarding Kingdom gate, can't be summoned. 

Reaper: Can be summoned. 

Demoniac: New Edition can be summoned. 

Dawn Jester: Can be summoned. 

Undead Soldier: Can be summoned, 1000 Strong fast, but dumb can't do task other than killing and guarding.