Chapter 74: My Demands Will Be Met

Xyenn and Yuuna stood before Sugred, feeling the suffocating weight of his presence. His third eye glowed faintly, as if it could see through everything they were, every lie they might speak. Xyenn's golden eye darted toward Yuuna, and she gave him an almost imperceptible nod. They had to act fast—they had to create a story convincing enough to satisfy the vessel of Lancelot himself. 

Sugred looked into their eyes, thinking, 'This is them. Xyenn and Yuuna. Yuuna..the queen of darkness herself. I'm staring right into her eyes.'

Xyenn turned back to Sugred, his expression steady as he began to speak, his voice calm but purposeful. "We didn't come here looking for conflict, my lord. When we were searching for Gabriel's Ladder, hoping to reach this realm , we didn't know what to expect. But…" He glanced at Yuuna, as if for confirmation, before continuing. "We encountered the cleric there. At first, we thought he was going to help us, but…" 

Yuuna stepped in seamlessly, her voice soft but layered with just enough tension to sell the story. "He thought we were members of the Holy Branch sent to hunt him. He said Sugred had commanded you all to destroy him. We tried to reason with him, but he attacked first. We had no choice but to defend ourselves." 

Sugred grinned, thinking more, 'Even using a realistic story to add to their story. No wonder Yuuna was able to cause so much damage! Am I enjoying this? I shouldn't be.'

Xyenn nodded, his expression darkening as though recalling the fabricated struggle. "We didn't want to kill him, but his light magic was overwhelming. We had to fight back with everything we had." He hesitated for a moment, adding a subtle tremble to his voice. "I didn't want to do it, but… if we didn't, we'd have died." 

Sugred said nothing, his tranquil yet menacing smile remaining as he tilted his head slightly. The room was silent, save for the faint hum of the glowing runes on the walls. Xyenn could feel his pulse quicken, the oppressive aura of Sugred's presence making every second drag on endlessly. 

Before Sugred could respond, the heavy doors of the throne room creaked open once more. The sound echoed through the chamber as six figures entered, one after another, their footsteps deliberate and synchronized. 

The Sirens of Sugred. 

Each one radiated an aura of power and authority, their unique appearances and presence filling the room. 

Joeseth, the 6th Siren, remained tranquil as always, his bushy brown and white hair wild and untamed. His glowing white robe hung loosely around his waist, and yellow strands of light coiled around his hands, sparking faintly as he walked. His red crystal eyes with intricate golden designs glimmered faintly as he joined the others. 

Behind him came the 5th Siren, Olnir Vast. Olnir was tall and broad-shouldered, with deep indigo skin that shimmered like obsidian in the light. His head was adorned with a crown of jagged, golden spikes, and his battle robe was a deep crimson, lined with glowing runes of gold. His hands were encased in gauntlets of translucent light, each one tipped with razor-sharp claws. His expression was stoic, but his piercing gaze seemed to judge everything in the room. 

The 4th Siren, Belith Corsai, was lean and wiry, his pale silver hair falling in sharp, uneven strands across his face. His robe was asymmetrical, with one sleeve long and adorned with intricate light-glyphs, while the other arm was exposed, revealing glowing tattoos that pulsed with golden energy. His eyes were golden slits, like those of a serpent, and his lips curled into a subtle smirk as he entered. 

The 3rd Siren, Vethar Ryen, was an older man, his face lined with scars that glowed faintly like molten metal. His robe was heavy and armored, its surface etched with countless runic symbols that shimmered as he moved. His hair was long and snow-white, tied back into a braid that fell over one shoulder. He carried a massive staff with a golden crystal embedded at its tip, its light flickering like a contained storm. 

The 2nd Siren, Kezrath Vorn, exuded raw power. His body was covered in armor made entirely of glowing light, the plates shifting and reforming as he walked. His piercing blue eyes burned like twin suns, and his bald head was adorned with a glowing circlet that pulsed in rhythm with the energy radiating from his body. He carried no visible weapon, but the sheer force of his presence suggested he didn't need one. 

And finally, the 1st Siren, Thalzak Grin. Thalzak was a towering figure, his presence utterly commanding. His hair was jet black and slicked back, and his eyes were like molten gold, glowing fiercely even in the bright throne room. His robe was regal, a blend of white and deep gold, with intricate embroidery that seemed to shift and move like flowing water. His demeanor was calm, but the slightest tilt of his head carried an air of absolute authority. 

The Sirens walked forward in silence, each one glancing briefly at Rye as they passed. Their gazes were sharp, filled with silent judgment, and Rye visibly tensed under their scrutiny. She bowed her head slightly, her wings folding tighter against her back as if trying to make herself smaller. 

The Sirens said nothing, their presence speaking volumes as they aligned themselves beside Sugred, forming a powerful and imposing semicircle. 

As Xyenn and Yuuna finished their story, Sugred's smile widened, and his third eye blinked slowly. He leaned back slightly, his voice calm yet chilling. "Interesting," he said, his tone dragging out the word. "So, you defended yourselves against a cleric who believed you were hunters sent by me." 

Sugred's smile didn't falter as he began to explain. "The Holy Branch has always been divided between loyalty and betrayal. The traitors you fought were likely among those who followed my former wife, Illyana. She, like the demon Yuuna, sought to turn the Holy Branch against me. They abandoned Lancelot's light for the promises of darkness." 

His gaze shifted to the far wall, and with a casual wave of his hand, golden light began to swirl through the air. Scenes formed within the glowing light, revealing images of the Land of Sovereignty and its people. 

"The Holy Land," Sugred continued, his voice deep and resonant, "is more than a city. It is a promise. A vision. My goal is to remake Hell itself into a second Land of Sovereignty. To banish the darkness that festers there and replace it with the purity of light. Imagine a world without darkness, without demons, without suffering." 

The images shifted, showing peaceful scenes of clerics tending to gardens, children laughing and playing, and mages meditating in glowing sanctuaries. Then, the vision darkened, revealing grotesque stacks of witch corpses piled high, their bodies bloodied and broken. The corpses were being dragged toward the edge of the land, where the massive Serpent of Radiance coiled, its glowing eyes watching as the bodies were fed to it. 

"This is what we strive for," Sugred said, his voice unyielding. "A world where peace reigns, where darkness is eradicated. It is what King Samuel strived for, and it is what I shall achieve." 

The light faded as Sugred turned back to Xyenn and Yuuna. His smile widened further, his white horns gleaming faintly in the golden light of the throne room. With a snap of his fingers, a small witch girl appeared before them, her frail body trembling as she fell to her knees. Trails of light followed her, dissipating as she landed. 

Sugred reached down, his hand closing around the girl's neck with alarming ease. He lifted her effortlessly, his tranquil smile never faltering as he turned to Xyenn. 

"Trevor," he said, his voice soft but menacing. "Kill her." 

'….What…?'

The throne room was silent, the weight of Sugred's command hanging in the air like a blade poised to drop. Xyenn's golden eye darted to the small girl trembling in Sugred's grasp, her frail body shaking as her wide, terrified eyes locked onto his. The strands of light trailing her from the summoning spell were fading, leaving her looking impossibly small and vulnerable. 

Xyenn's mind raced. He knew what Sugred wanted—obedience, loyalty, blood. The followers of Lancelot despised witchcraft, and children were no exception if they were branded as witches. But this was wrong. The girl didn't feel like a witch to him. There was no darkness, no taint of Hell's corruption in her aura. He clenched his fists at his sides, forcing himself to think. He couldn't blow their cover. Not here. Not now. He had to think fast.

"My lord," Xyenn began carefully, his voice steady but measured, "I… thought the followers of Lancelot had a soft spot for children. Surely, this girl—" 

Sugred's tranquil smile widened, and the room grew colder. The Sirens shifted slightly, their glowing eyes narrowing in unison as if Xyenn's words had just offended the very foundation of their existence. 

"You thought wrong." Sugred's voice was calm, but the menace in it was unmistakable. "Softness is for the weak, Trevor. Do you think light shows mercy to darkness? Do you think purity comes without sacrifice?" 

"Children are not exempt," Joeseth added, his tranquil tone carrying a sharp edge. "A child who carries darkness is no different than an adult witch. Corruption is corruption, no matter the vessel." 

Olnir, the 5th Siren, scoffed, his voice deep and rumbling. "What weakness is this? Hesitation? If you truly serve the light, you would not question this act." 

Xyenn opened his mouth to respond, his mind scrambling for a way to salvage the situation. But before he could even form a word, Sugred moved. 

FWOOSH!

In an instant, Sugred's hand shot forward, and Xyenn felt a searing pain in his chest. His breath hitched as he looked down, his heart pumping visibly in Sugred's hand. It glowed faintly, suspended by strands of bright white and golden light that tethered it to his chest. 

Xyenn dropped to his knees, his hands shaking as he clutched at the ground, blood spilling from his lips as he coughed violently. The pain was unbearable, radiating through his entire body like fire. 

'No…no way! Did I fuck up?! Dammit! No…'

"Do not speak of softness in my presence," Sugred said, his voice low and deliberate, each word like the toll of a bell. "The doctrine of Lancelot is clear: 'Light is the blade that cuts through all darkness. To falter is to fail. To doubt is to betray.'" He began to drag Xyenn across the glowing floor, the strands of light tethering Xyenn's heart pulling taut as Sugred moved. 

'Moving me like I'm so animal..some fucking beast!'

Xyenn gasped, his vision blurring as he tried to crawl, his hands clawing at the smooth, glowing floor. Blood dripped from his mouth, leaving dark stains on the pristine surface. He bit down on the inside of his cheek, forcing himself to stay conscious, to focus. 

"You hesitate," Sugred continued, his tone almost mocking. "You doubt. Do you truly serve the light, Trevor?! Or are you a coward hiding behind your weak magic?!" 

The little girl whimpered, her small hands clutching at Sugred's wrist as he dragged Xyenn closer to her. Her wide eyes were filled with terror, tears streaming down her cheeks. 

Yuuna clenched her fists at her sides, her teeth grinding as she fought to keep herself from acting. Her entire body trembled with barely contained rage, her golden eyes sharp and burning. A faint, dark aura began to shimmer around her, almost imperceptible but growing stronger with every passing second. 

'How dare he…!' she thought, her nails digging into her palms hard enough to draw blood. 'I'll take them all down…'

Xyenn's mind was a storm of pain and fury. Haldrek's voice echoed in his head, a dark, insidious whisper that clawed at his thoughts. 

'Look at them… embarrassing you, humiliating you... like I did. Are you going to let them? Are you going to crawl like a dog while they drag you through the dirt? Kill them. Kill them like you killed the bandits. Show them what a monster you are.'

Xyenn shut his eyes tightly, shaking his head as his teeth gritted against the pain. 'Dragging me around like a dog…am I letting my pride be crushed?! After I fight hard to keep it intact?! Letting it be destroyed so I can struggle to raise it again?! Even if I was posing as a weak character…I hate experiencing this shit!'

His sharpened teeth bit into his lip, blood trickling down his chin as he dug his hands into the floor, forcing himself to stay in character. 'Stay in control. Stay in control!'

He even thought of Yuuna's smile, and the fun moments he had with the Tyrants, even if blood was leaking out of his mouth.

Yuuna couldn't take it anymore. She stepped forward, her eyes blazing as she ignored the dark energy flickering faintly around her. "Xy—" 

"ALICE!" Xyenn's voice cut through the tension like a blade. He thrust a bloodied hand toward her, stopping her in her tracks. His voice, though strained and weak, carried an unwavering determination. "Don't interfere! This… this is a test from Lancelot! My faith is being tested!" 

Yuuna froze, her mouth slightly open in shock. Despite everything—despite the blood pooling beneath him, despite Sugred holding his heart in his hand—Xyenn was still committed to the act. 

'How…?! How can he still be in character in that position!'

Sugred tilted his head, watching as Xyenn, trembling and coughing blood, raised his head to look at him. "My lord," Xyenn rasped, his voice hoarse but steady, "this girl… she isn't a witch." 

Sugred's third eye narrowed slightly, his tranquil smile shifting into something sharper. "Oh? And how would you know that?" 

Xyenn hesitated for half a second, his mind scrambling for an explanation. He couldn't reveal the truth—that he could notice darkness in someone because of Hell's darkness within him as well. He forced a weak smile, blood smeared across his lips. "This girl can't be a witch. It's like how children have weak magic…their bodies aren't grown enough to handle so much power. Better yet..dark magic. And dark magic in itself is powerful and corrupt, a child would die almost immediately! It's like a new worshipper or servant of a deity, too much power would make them combust, or they'll lose control of their power and it would backfire on them, not until they can get stronger. A child's body isn't suitable for immense power. Dark magic is no exception."

Xyenn had remembered that concept when he first met Yuuna.

Sugred's eyes narrowed, but then, to Xyenn's surprise, he began to laugh. It was a low, chilling sound that echoed through the throne room. The Sirens exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable, but none of them spoke. 

Sugred released Xyenn's heart, and it flowed back into his chest, the strands of light disappearing as if they had never existed. Xyenn collapsed onto the floor, gasping for breath, his body trembling from the pain and exertion. 

'I did it…I did it…'

Yuuna immediately knelt beside him, her hands fluttering uselessly as she tried to check on him without breaking their cover. "Trevor," she whispered, her voice laced with concern but still playing the part. 

Xyenn smiled weakly at her, his golden eye meeting hers. "I'm fine, Alice. See? Lancelot's test is over." 

Sugred's laughter subsided, his smile widening as he spoke. "Impressive, Trevor. You may be weak, but you're clever. And you're right." He turned his gaze to the little girl, still trembling on the floor. "She isn't a witch. She's an apprentice. Dressed as one to test you." 

Yuuna's heart pounded in her chest as she helped Xyenn to his feet, her hands trembling with barely contained rage and relief. 

Sugred's smile remained as he leaned back slightly, his horns gleaming faintly in the golden light. "You've proven yourself… for now." 

Sugred thought, 'Of course he knows that! He's a vessel of that queen of darkness beside him! I don't know what Yuuna is doing here, but knowing how evil she was, and how she killed the Sun-Drake ruthlessly, she would definitely help me with my situation, becoming my guidance through Hell. Of course she wouldn't refuse, after all the darkness she spread, there's no doubt she wouldn't want to open Hell again and get rid of the dragon gods. But then there's Lancelot..I have to reason with her, to leave him alive if she works with me. If she can guide me through Hell, and I reach the right spot…the Holy Land will be ours. And Lancelot wants to use her to unseal Samuel. She will not be used for that until after the Holy Land is acquired!'

The Sirens watched in silence, their expressions unreadable, but the faintest flicker of approval passed through their glowing eyes. Even Rye, standing off to the side, looked at Xyenn and Yuuna with a mix of shock and respect. 

Sugred stood over Xyenn and Yuuna, his tranquil yet menacing presence filling the throne room like a storm cloud waiting to burst. He gestured vaguely toward the golden double doors behind them, his voice calm but brimming with authority. 

"Trevor, Alice," he said, his smile widening slightly, "go. Explore the Land of Sovereignty. Let its light remind you of what it means to serve Lancelot. We'll be holding a celebration feast soon, and your attendance will be required." 

Xyenn, still recovering from the ordeal of having his heart nearly ripped from his chest, straightened himself and asked, "A feast? What's the occasion?" 

Sugred's white eyes gleamed, his third eye narrowing ever so slightly. For the first time, there was a flicker of emotion in his voice—excitement. "Because," he said, his tone dripping with anticipation, "we're close. So very close to retrieving the Holy Land." 

The Sirens behind him exchanged glances, but none of them spoke. Sugred continued, his voice growing more animated as his excitement bubbled to the surface. "The Holy Land, shining with purity and light, will be a place of eternal peace. No darkness, no corruption, no suffering. I've already envisioned its design—golden spires that touch the heavens, rivers of light that flow endlessly, gardens that bloom with eternal beauty…" 

Rye, standing slightly off to the side, stepped forward hesitantly, her wings twitching slightly. "My lord," she said softly, "perhaps… we should contain our excitement. You know how carried away you can get." 

Sugred's smile didn't falter, but his third eye turned to Rye, locking onto her with an intensity that made her gasp audibly. Her knees buckled, and she quickly dropped into a bow, her head nearly touching the floor. "Forgive me, Lord Sugred," she said, her voice trembling. "I spoke out of turn." 

The tension in the room was suffocating, the other Sirens remaining perfectly still as Sugred's gaze lingered on Rye for a moment longer. Then, he chuckled softly, his smile returning to its tranquil state. "It's all right, Rye," he said, his voice calm once more. "You're not wrong. I do get carried away." 

He turned his attention back to Xyenn and Yuuna, his tone shifting to something more serious. "The feast will not just be a celebration. It will be a sign—a symbol of freedom, of what is to come. Families and children will gather. They will see the promised Holy Land, the paradise I will create. A land free from darkness. A land where even Hell itself will kneel before the light." 

Sugred's smile widened further as his voice softened, almost reverent. "Do you know, Trevor, that in many ways, I'm not so different from King Haldrek? He wants to end war, to create equality and purity. I desire the same, but on a grander scale. I want infinite tranquility. A world where there is no need for conflict, no need for despair. That is what the Holy Land will be." 

Xyenn and Yuuna exchanged a glance but said nothing, keeping their expressions neutral. 

'Tired of hearing that name. Haldrek.' Xyenn and Yuuna thought at the same time.

Sugred's third eye blinked slowly as he leaned back into his throne. "Go now. The feast will begin soon. Enjoy the land. And prepare yourselves—."

As Xyenn and Yuuna turned to leave, one of the Sirens—Belith Corsai, the 4th Siren—stepped forward. "My lord," he said, his voice smooth and snake-like, "shall we keep an eye on them? Just to be sure?" 

Sugred waved a hand dismissively, his smile never faltering. "No. Let them wander."

'I have to play into their little act in front of my own Sirens..'

As Xyenn and Yuuna stepped out into the radiant streets of the Land of Sovereignty, the tension began to ease slightly. The golden spires loomed above them, their surfaces glimmering with runes that pulsed in rhythm with the magic that filled the air. The streets were lined with glowing trees, their crystalline leaves shimmering in hues of gold and silver. Pools of radiant water reflected the light, casting shimmering patterns across the cobblestone paths. 

Yuuna walked beside Xyenn, her hands clenched tightly at her sides. "I'm sorry," she said suddenly, her voice trembling. "I should've come here alone. I hate seeing you like that. I hate what they did to you." 

Xyenn glanced at her, his lips twitching slightly. At first, he said nothing, and Yuuna continued. "You shouldn't have to go through this. I should've—" 

Xyenn's shoulders began to shake, and Yuuna stopped mid-sentence, her golden eyes widening in confusion. Slowly, Xyenn tilted his head back and began to laugh. It wasn't his usual chuckle—it was a full, loud, almost maniacal laugh, echoing through the glowing streets. 

"Ha!" he whispered loudly, a grin spreading across his face. "I'm a badass." 

Yuuna blinked, her mouth slightly open in disbelief. "What?" 

Xyenn turned to her, his grin widening as he wiped a bit of blood from his chin. "The old me would've tried to protect my pride. I would've let my temper get the best of me, been reckless, and gotten us both killed. But now? Look at me. I just had my heart ripped out, got dragged around like a dog, and still managed to stay in character!"

Yuuna puffed her cheeks out, crossing her arms as she gave him a sharp glare. "Don't laugh at something like that! You're worrisome!" 

Before Xyenn could respond, Yuuna raised her hand and gently bonked him on the head. 

"Ow! What was that for?" Xyenn squealed, holding his head with mock indignation. 

"Because you're reckless!" Yuuna huffed, her voice a mix of frustration and concern. 

Xyenn chuckled, his grin softening as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "You did good, though. For going along with roleplay even after I did. I'm proud of you." 

Yuuna's cheeks flushed slightly, and she looked away, muttering, "I wasn't doing it for you…" before bonking him on the head again, softer this time. "Okay I did! But man you piss me off, darling. You're so strange."

The two continued walking through the glowing streets, passing clerics and children who sat near the pools of light. Some of the children were gathered in groups, drawing glowing shapes in the air with their magic. The shapes shimmered and shifted, forming crude drawings of what they believed the Holy Land would look like. 

"I think it'll have even bigger spires than these!" a boy exclaimed, his glowing hands forming a tall, jagged tower that reached into the sky. 

"No way," a girl argued, her hands weaving a glowing image of a massive tree. "It'll have a tree like the Ohnupilath Tree, but even bigger!" 

"You're both wrong," another child said confidently, drawing a vast river of light that wound through glowing fields. "It'll be all rivers and flowers!" 

Xyenn and Yuuna exchanged a glance, their expressions growing darker as they passed the children. 

"That bastard will pay for dragging me around like that. When the time comes," Xyenn said quietly, his voice low and firm, "I'll tear this place to the ground. He wouldn't want to see this place destroyed."

'But the kids will have to be put somewhere safe.'

Yuuna glanced at him, her expression a smile. "Damn right we will. But Sugred is indeed strong."

Xyenn nodded thoughtfully. "But we'll have King Samuel, so we won't be entirely powerless. And for Sugred, What's his weakness? You know the weaknesses of most dragon gods, right?" 

Before Yuuna could answer, a scream shattered the serene atmosphere. 

Across the square, a witch stood with a terrified child clutched in her arms. Her skin was a sickly gray, her glowing red eyes filled with rage. Her black dress clung to her wet, matted hair, and crow feathers were stuck haphazardly to her skin. In one hand, she held a swirling mass of dark green and black magic, its power crackling ominously. 

"If you don't meet my demands," she screamed, her voice raw, "I'll kill the boy!" 

The child whimpered, tears streaming down his face as the witch tightened her grip. 

The clerics around just smiled at the witch, not showing any anxiety or worry at all. And Xyenn noticed.

Before anyone could move, Sugred appeared. 

He didn't walk. He didn't run. He was simply there, and he kneeled, his tranquil smile as calm and menacing as ever. 

"Now, now," Sugred said softly, his third eye glowing faintly. "What seems to be the problem?"