The Alliance of the Abyss

1. The encounter with the Arch-Demon

Erd walked at a leisurely pace, temporarily leaving the sub-dimension to explore his surroundings. Ever since his confrontation with the elite monsters of the dungeon, he had felt an urgent need to better understand the world around him. His power was growing, and with it the desire to push back the boundaries of his territory.

As he approached the town, a malevolent presence stirred the air around him. A massive shadow emerged from a dark rift, exuding raw power and the scent of sulphur. A huge, horned being, covered in black scales and battle scars, watched him with amusement.

- So you're the ruler of this land?" said a deep, cavernous voice.

Erd crossed his arms, analysing his opponent.

- And who are you?

The being spread his arms arrogantly, as if presenting himself to an invisible audience.

- I am Zalgaroth, Arch-Demon of the Abyss. Summoned by the Kingdom of Elmora, I am here to destroy this city and spread terror.

A wry smile appeared on Erd's face.

- An ambitious mission... but miscalculated.

2. The Arch-Demon Attack

Without another word, Zalgaroth swung his hand and a wave of black fire shot towards Erd. The explosion set the air ablaze, sending out a destructive shockwave.

Erd didn't move. At the last moment, he raised his hand, and the infernal flame was extinguished in an icy blast.

- Absolute freezing.

The temperature plummeted and the ground cracked with the intense cold. Zalgaroth grinned.

- Interesting.

With a leap, he charged, his fist covered in destructive energy. Erd drew his weapon, the Son of Artemis, a fearsomely fine blade forged by Torvald himself. The impact between the demon's fist and the blade lit up the plain with a golden glow.

3. The fight

The two warriors exchanged lightning attacks. Zalgaroth projected spheres of abyssal energy, which Erd sliced with the back of his blade.

The demon stepped back for a moment, raising his hand. Magical circles appeared around him, summoning chains of flame that wrapped themselves around Erd.

- Burn into the abyss!

The flames intensified, but just as they seemed to consume Erd, they suddenly disappeared.

Zalgaroth opened his eyes wide.

- Zalgaroth opened his eyes wide.

Erd smiled.

- You're in my Sanctuary.

An invisible aura spread around Erd, annihilating all traces of magic. Zalgaroth immediately felt the pressure, as if his own power was being torn from him.

In one swift movement, Erd connected a series of blows with his golden blade. One violent strike severed the demon's right arm, and he let out a howl of rage.

4. The Crucial Question

Zalgaroth fell to his knees, black blood pouring from his wound. He gritted his teeth, his eyes full of fury and incomprehension.

- You... are a monster...

Erd lowered his weapon, his gaze piercing.

- Answer me this. Why are you attacking this town?

The demon growled, then finally blurted out:

- A neighbouring kingdom... Elmora. They used a forbidden ritual to summon me to this mission.

Erd thought for a moment. This demon was powerful, fearsome... but forced to obey.

Perhaps he could be an asset rather than an enemy?

He concentrated and contacted Dune telepathically.

- Dune, I've got a powerful Arch-Demon on my hands. What do you think about recruiting him?

Dune's voice echoed in her mind, amused.

- Risky, but possible. Use the Allegiance Pact to ensure his loyalty.

5. The test of the Allegiance Pact

Erd approached the weakened demon.

- Zalgaroth, you have been summoned against your will. But I offer you an alternative.

The demon raised his head.

- What alternative?

- Join me. Under a Pact of Allegiance, you will be freed from your old constraint, but bound to my empire.

Zalgaroth hesitated.

- And if I refuse?

Erd twirled his golden sword.

- Then you will die here.

There was a heavy silence. Finally, the demon closed his eyes.

- So be it.

Erd held out his hand and activated the ritual. Chains of energy appeared around the demon, surrounding it in a luminous halo. A runic seal was inscribed on his torso, altering his very essence.

6. The Transformation of Zalgaroth

The ground shook. Zalgaroth rose slowly to his feet, his body emitting a dark glow. His scales took on a more metallic hue, his horns lengthened and his eyes lit up with a golden glow.

He let out a cry of power.

- I am Zalgaroth, Grand Duke of the Abyss!

His energy, once chaotic, was now ordered, controlled by the bond of the pact. He knelt before Erd.

- I serve you now, my Lord.

Erd nodded in satisfaction.

7. Analysis and Integration of New Skills

Erd activated Advanced Analysis.

Name: Zalgaroth, Grand Duke of the Abyss

Skills:

Major Demonic Summoning

Abyssal Flames

Supernatural Regeneration

Control of Darkness

Metamorphic Transformation

Erd smiled. This demon was a weapon of mass destruction.

- Interesting.

He turned to Zalgaroth.

- You will watch over my sub-dimension in my absence.

The demon nodded.

- With pleasure, my Lord.

8. Conclusion: Strengthening Erd's Empire

Erd looked at his new ally. With a Grand Duke of the Abyss under his command, his empire had just gained in power.

He thought back to Dune's words:

"World domination is within reach, but with every power comes a host of enemies..."

He smiled.

- We shall see.

And with that thought, he set off again, ready for his next challenge.