interlude

Interlude

Nike's Perspective

As soon as Azazel entered his trial, I felt his soul detach from his body and merge with the core. A part of me wanted to tell him everything I knew—to guide him through what was to come—but I held back. It wouldn't be right. I'll help when he asks, but until then, I'll do my best to make him happy.

I moved closer to Azazel's body, placing a hand gently on his chest. His heartbeat was still there, steady yet quick—just like all demons. The rhythmic pulse reassured me, but I still hesitated before pulling away, lost in thought.

Should I have told him that dungeon guides don't have to go through trials? That our skills and abilities unlock naturally as the dungeon develops? Would it have changed anything? Probably not. I could already tell… we were going to be an unusual dungeon.

Even now, I'm still amazed he ended up with an earth-based dungeon instead of a demonic one. I understand why, but it's still hard to believe. I've never heard of a dungeon where the core's host didn't match its theme. He truly is something special… my beautiful, big-di—

Drool began to slip from my lips as my mind wandered, diving into thoughts of Azazel doing things to me. Maybe I'll give him a little reward when he returns. Something to keep him motivated… Absolutely not because I want him to make it impossible for me to walk, leaving me gasping for mercy. Definitely not that.

If Azazel could see me now, there'd be no mistaking the look in my eyes. My intent was crystal clear.