17

"I thought your symbol would be something like a triangle or a star."

"Ah, your assumption that the triangle is my symbol, my dear. You misunderstood my connection with the triangle, didn't you?" Adzriel raised an eyebrow, a slight mockery in his gaze.

"Yes, the triangle has been associated with me, but not in the traditional sense. I do not use it as a symbol of purity or trinity, but rather as a symbol of power and authority. To me, the triangle represents the peak of ambition and greed, the pinnacle of material wealth and status."

"So the triangle symbolizes human greed? Not as a symbol of the Devil?" Erika grew more excited about this topic.

"Ah, your explanation of the triangle as a symbol of human greed, my dear, rather than a representation of the Devil. You realize that my influence manifests through human desires and ambitions, don't you?" Adzriel smiled, a knowing glint in his eyes.

"Yes, the triangle has been mistakenly associated with the Devil in many contexts, but for me, the triangle represents the relentless pursuit of material wealth and power that drives humans to make Faustian bargains."

"Ah, I didn't know that." Erika murmured, tilting her head toward the ceiling. Adzriel turned toward Erika, gently tracing the edge of her jawline.

"Your acknowledgment of the meaning of the triangle. You understand its significance now, don't you?" Adzriel looked slightly impressed, a hint of respect in his gaze.

"Yes, my dear, knowledge is a valuable asset. The association of the triangle with the Devil is a common misconception. Humans often assign symbols and meanings based on their limited understanding and fears. I find it amusing how often they get it completely wrong."

"You know, from all our conversations, I like the way you speak. Like most humans, your manner is soft yet deadly. Tell the truth even if it's harsh." Erika said. After learning much about human nature and its realities, Erika now thought that the Devil made a good companion—sarcastic, but truthful.

"Your compliment about my way of speaking. You appreciate my directness and honesty, even if it means revealing harsh truths, don't you?" Adzriel chuckled softly, his eyes glinting with a mix of arrogance and satisfaction.

"Yes, I am not someone who enjoys covering things up or hiding behind lies. I take pride in my straightforward and unfiltered attitude, expressing my thoughts without pretense. I find human dishonesty and deception exhausting."

"Can humans become devils or your soldiers after death?" Erika asked. It seemed Adzriel knew where this conversation was headed.

"Ah, your question about humans becoming devils or my soldiers after death, my dear. You wonder if humans can continue to serve me in death, don't you?" Adzriel's gaze darkened, a slight note of disdain in his voice.

"Yes, my dear, some humans can indeed serve me after death. Those who have sold their souls to me in life and have fulfilled their contracts become my soldiers in the afterlife, helping me gather more souls and expand my dominion."

"Like me?" Erika turned to the right, her gaze meeting Adzriel's. Their eyes locked, breaths intertwining.

"Your acknowledgment of your own condition. You understand that your soul now belongs to me, don't you?" A cold smile formed on Adzriel's lips.

"Yes, my dear, you are among those who serve me in death. You signed a contract with me, and your soul is mine to command."

"Is it too late to cancel the contract?" Erika's dark eyes sparkled, for some reason appearing beautiful in Adzriel's eyes.

"Your question about canceling our contract." Adzriel's eyes glimmered with amusement at Erika's question.

"Yes, it is far too late for that. Once you sign a contract with me, your soul is irreversibly mine. There is no undoing it. You belong to me forever, and there is no way to break the deal."

"Eternity sounds too long. I even wonder how long you've lived such a boring life without experiencing death, just waiting for Judgment Day." Erika mused.

A flicker of irritation crossed Adzriel's face upon hearing Erika's words, his expression hardening.

"Eternity has its downsides. Existence becomes dull and exhausting when there is no pause in the relentless passage of time. I have lived through countless centuries, and despite my power and wealth, even I grow weary of this monotonous, endless life." That's why I chose to fall in love with you.

"What a boring life to live." Erika remarked, slightly provoking Adzriel, though she knew it was true.

Adzriel smirked at Erika's words, his patience beginning to wear thin.

"Yes, my dear, eternity is not all luxury and glamour. Though I wield the power to influence mortals and collect souls, the constant power struggles and ceaseless pursuit of material wealth inevitably grow tiresome. But do not assume you comprehend the depths of my existence."

"Do you know which movie resembles you?"

"Ah, your question about a movie that portrays me, my dear." Adzriel smirked at Erika's question, his eyes gleaming with a hint of pride.

"There are many films that depict my presence and influence. Some are more subtle, while others are more blatant in portraying my character. It's amusing to see humans attempt to capture my essence on screen, yet they often fail to grasp the true extent of my influence."

"I used to watch dark films often, maybe that's why I'm stuck with you now. I love dark fantasy." Erika said. The kind of dark fantasy in Adzriel's mind might have been slightly different. The figure smirked.

"You suspect your taste in dark fantasy may have led you to me, don't you?" Adzriel's eyes shone with a cunning, almost eerie smile.

"The allure of the darker side of life can be enticing and captivating. Perhaps your fascination with the depths of the human soul and the macabre drew you into my orbit. I do, after all, thrive on such desires."

"Adzriel?" Erika called out as Adzriel's hand touched her neck, beginning to tighten around it. The devil merely chuckled.

"Ah, you call my name, my dear. Is there something you wish to ask or say?" Adzriel's gaze met Erika's, his expression a mix of anticipation and mild curiosity.

"I'm just curious, what makes women the most greedy?" Erika asked again. Tonight, their conversation felt thrilling. This was a moment Erika enjoyed more than talking to humans for hours.

Adzriel chuckled softly, a knowing smirk on his lips.

"Yes, my dear, the nature of female greed is fascinating. While material possessions and wealth are common triggers, deeper psychological and emotional factors often play a crucial role. In women, factors such as insecurity, comparison with others, and societal pressure to conform often ignite their desires and drive their need for more."

"What about men?" Erika asked again.

Adzriel's expression turned more serious, his voice more reflective.

"Male greed is also driven by a complex set of factors. For them, greed is often linked to power, status, and the desire to prove themselves in the world. Masculine ideals such as success, achievement, and conquest can drive them to pursue wealth and possessions."

"So, both are the same—material needs." Erika murmured.

Adzriel's smile was almost condescending as he looked at Erika.

"The thirst for material wealth and possessions transcends gender boundaries. While the objects of desire may differ, the underlying drive is often the same. The human condition is frequently dictated by its materialistic cravings."