Pandemonuim

A spiritual world where beings commonly called demons wander and live. Its constitution is both similar to and different from the Palace of Shadows.

There is only one way to access Pandemonium: the Mirror of the Reflected World. The only exception was the Ruler of Pandemonium, who could leave this place whenever she wished.

The other demons couldn't even dream of doing the same.

The only solution available to them was the Mirror of the Reflected World.

But "demons" was merely a vague term to describe the creatures inhabiting this place. It was as if all the fantasies and imaginings of what humans would call legends or myths roamed freely in this realm.

All the inhabitants of this accursed realm had but one desire: to descend into the lower world. But with their physical forms, it was impossible.

They simply couldn't do it. And using the Mirror of the Reflected World was no easy feat, as it was bound by many rules.

Then, there was something that resembled a thick fog a dense mist that obscured everything. But with a keen eye, one would quickly realize that this fog was hiding something.

In truth, it concealed a colossal structure.

It had a humanoid form, long and disproportionately large.

One might have thought it was just a human-shaped statue if it weren't for the faint vibrations emanating from it. It had a distinctly feminine appearance, dressed in a manner reminiscent of noblewomen.

A black corset, adorned with golden embroidery, perfectly hugged her waist, emphasizing the regality of her form.

The rich fabric gleamed, almost luxurious, bearing the marks of masterful craftsmanship. Her long sleeves, made of delicate lace, were fastened with satin ribbons crisscrossing around her slender wrists, their pure white contrasting starkly with the darkness of her attire.

The hem, decorated with intricate silver floral patterns, moved slightly with each vibration, creating a gentle undulation that seemed to float in the mist. Every carefully arranged fold bore the discipline of perfection an artwork given form.

It could have truly been a masterpiece.

If only this creature this statue had a head.

Kneeling on the ground, her legs tucked beneath her, she appeared almost like a vision of forced humility, a shattered nobility crushed under the weight of punishment.

Her hands rested on her thighs, steady yet subtly tensed, her fingers slightly curled, betraying the restrained tension within. Her torso was slightly bowed, as if the head and eyes though absentwere fixed upon the ground.

Her posture, though modest for someone of high standing, still exuded a strange aura of dignity.

This being was the domain of one who reigned over Pandemonium.

Within this colossal figure lay a room.

A room that resembled a throne hall.

The massive doors groaned open with a sinister rumble, their echoes mingling with the whispers of lost souls in the surrounding darkness.

The chamber was vast almost infinite a space where light hesitated to enter. Shadows danced along the walls of black stone, warped by the intense heat emanating from them.

Veins of glowing crimson gold ran through the floor, snaking across the hall like frozen flames or traces of an ancient, undying bloodline.

At the center, on an elevated dais, sat a throne unlike any other, forged in the depths of the underworld itself.

The throne appeared to be made of charred metal, its armrests forming twisted claws—like the talons of an ancient beast, poised to seize and rend apart any who dared approach.

The high backrest was adorned with eerie organic sculptures, faces contorted in expressions of agony and fury, forever frozen in time. Chains, embedded with precious stones, coiled around the throne, shimmering with an eerie violet glow, as if they held a sinister energy, waiting to be unleashed.

Above, the ceiling stretched endlessly, like the vastness of an ocean swallowing everything beneath it. Ancient runes, pulsing with a dim, crimson light, were engraved deep into the stone symbols that seemed to breathe in unison with the very heart of this forsaken realm.

Torches, towering as high as human statues, lined the hall, their flames casting a crimson glow yet exuding an unnatural chill, a cold that gnawed at the very bones.

The floor was lined with demon statues, their faces carved in expressions of terror and triumph, each clutching a weapon or a relic twisted beyond recognition.

Their eyes, made of blood-red gemstones, seemed to follow the movements of any who dared enter the hall.

In the background, a massive window of wrought iron framed a stormy sky. Lightning cracked at irregular intervals, momentarily illuminating the darkened hall.

In this vast, oppressive space, steeped in macabre beauty, the throne was not merely a seat it was a prison. A living entity that dominated all, consuming and controlling everything within its grasp.

And the demon seated upon it was no mere king.

He was a force.

A being of raw power and incarnate terror.

Every inch of the room pulsed with his presence, as if the very walls breathed in tandem with his being an oppressive force, leaving no room for peace or defiance.

Upon this throne sat one of the Archdukes of Pandemonium.

"So, they dared to challenge the Ruler of Pandemonium?"

A smirk played upon his lips.

"I sensed something... but I never thought they'd all attack together. These fools... Trapped in Pandemonium for so long, they've lost their minds. Boredom truly is a poison."

A great shadow materialized beside him.

The Archduke paid it no attention and continued speaking.

"That, precisely, is why you failed to unify Pandemonium. Everyone here acts solely on their own whims."

The shadow remained still, unfazed by the Archduke's blatant provocation.

With an air of indifference, the Archduke rose from his throne.

"It's tiresome to remain in this hall when there's nothing to do... But that's not the point."

His eyes gleamed with malice.

"I'm sure you're curious about what I have planned. Watch closely... Soon, the Ruler won't be the only one with a monopoly over the world below."

For the first time since its arrival, the shadow spoke.

"You intend to use the Mirror of the Reflected World?"

The Archduke let out a mocking laugh before leaving the throne room.

And just like that, the shadow vanished as if it had never been there at all.