Hector the Slaver

Hector stood facing the mirror. He wore sleeveless ceremonial robes that draped across his shoulders but left his chest bare. The white fabric contrasted with his long black hair and blood-red eyes.

Having cleaned up for the first time since the cave trials had begun, Hector took a minute to admire himself in the mirror.

Was it shameless to admit that he was handsome? Well, frankly, Hector did not care if it was. During his time as a vampire, he had never enjoyed the ashen skin or lean, almost fragile body that trademarked his species.

His human form was nothing like that. His build was broad and masculine, with large shoulders and chest. His skin was pale tan, which he had often desired in his past life.

He paused, running his fingers down his jawline, admiring the more powerful features his human form provided. Initially, he had felt uncomfortable in his new body, but that had quickly passed as he grew fond of physical exercise.

He had never before actually experienced human exhaustion. After all, vampires never grew tired, only hungry. Unlike many humans, Hector adored the feeling of aching muscles and stiff muscles. Being able to feel your body's growth was an addicting feeling. How could others disdain it?

Hector turned away from the mirror, still unnerved by the ability to see his own reflection. It was one of the many things he had yet to grow used to.

Turning to the doorway, Hector pulled the curtain aside and exited his small but comfortable room. Turning back, he gazed longingly at the coffin that had replaced a bed. Yes, there were some things that he would never let go of. Why would anyone prefer a bed over a well-upholstered coffin's plush, all-encompassing comfort?

Vikktor, who had been awaiting Hector inside the hallway. "Is the coffin to your liking?" He asked.

"It is. One thing humans can't get right is a good coffin."

Vikktor snorted, "Agreed. It's a disgrace those shabby wooden caskets they use. No finesses at all!"

Hector laughed with Viktor, his lips naturally turning into a smile. Then, he paused. What was he doing? Had he already forgotten the sickening atrocities that these people had inflicted upon the humans?

Hector mentally scolded himself. He may still possess the abilities of a vampire, but he was not one. In this new life, he would not allow himself to ignore the suffering of innocent people again. These vampires were not his friends. They were his enemies. So long as they abused their power, he would not stand idly by.

"Hector?"

Shaken out of his momentary stupor, Hector turned to Vikktor, his grin still plastered to his face. "Ah. Yes. Shall we go?"

With a nod of his head, Vikktor turned and walked through the castle hallways. The incomplete structure was mainly finished in the living quarters.

The narrow halls were surrounded on all sides by high-anchored walls. As they walked, Hector noticed the lack of windows and the numerous guard posts throughout the castle.

This place was not being built as a structure of grandeur. Instead, it was to be a fortress.

The two men cut through a large corridor that had yet to be finished. The red stones of the walls reached towards the sky as a roof had yet to be added. "What is the fortress for? You all seem very urgent about completing it. Is there a specific reason?" Hector asked curiously.

Vikktor nodded, continuing through the many halls. Indeed. Queen Hella was originally a dutchss who served under the Demon King Gravus. To put things simply, we believe he will not let us leave his control so easily."

"I see," Hector said, mulling over what he heard. Right now, anything that might point him in the right direction was necessary.

"Ah, here we are!"

The two figures approached the armory, a large room filled with weapons and armor. Leading Hector inside, Vikktor gestured for him to look around. "Take your pick of weapon. You'll need it if you are to deal with those damned fiends."

"Are they rebellious?"

"No. But they won't like obeying a human, even one with your peculiarities."

Hector nodded, looking over the assortment of weapons. The selection was rather impressive, but all the weapons were of standard quality. None truly stood out amongst the others, but Hector was grateful for a weapon regardless of quality.

He didn't take too long to make his selection. His father had exclusively trained Hector with the sword, calling all other weapons inferior.

Choosing a single-handed, double-bladed sword, Hector admired the standard build momentarily before tying the sheath to his belt. Finally armed again, Hector was relieved. It felt good to have a sword again. He always felt exposed without it, which is apparently just how Hella wanted him.

"Good. Choice." Vikktor said, nodding his head in approval. He, too, wore a similar blade on his hip.

"You shouldn't have a problem dealing with the fiends. They are weak creatures whose will can be easily dominated. As long as you do not show them weakness, you will be fine."

"Thank you, Vikktor."

"Of course. Queen Hella thinks highly of you, so do not disappoint us."

"Don't worry. Disappointment is one thing you will never experience with me." Hector said with a chuckle.

"Don't tell Queen Hella that. She might ravage you on the spot." He then paused as if considering. "Or do. She's a true beauty."

Hector burst out laughing. Although they were enemies, he couldn't help but enjoy his conversations with Vikktor. The stately vampire was calm, collected, and had a fun sense of humor. It was all too easy to get along with him.

This thought caused Hector to take a moment. After a moment of consideration, he finally found it odd. He didn't know much of anything about the Infernal Realm, but it felt all too real.

If these trials were truly meant to awaken a cultivator's strength, then why was it so lifelike? Hector had heard that all trials were different, manifestations of the mind powered by drawing on the infernal realm, which was a real place.

If it were really just a manifestation, then why were so many people linked to the same one? His first thought was that it was not a manifestation, but the real Infernal Realm. But if it was, then why had the trainees not been questioned about their sudden appearance in the middle of a slave camp?

He had too many questions and not enough answers. Perhaps Hurian, the trainee he had met, would know. It seemed that he had done far more research on the Infernal Realm than Hector had.

Hector was unsure of how they would proceed with this trial. However, one thing he did know was that he would make the most of this opportunity, no matter what.

The trainees would be desperate for a guiding light in a world where death and danger were everywhere. Hector would become that. If he wished to grow his strength truly, he would need people he trusted. What better way to gain someone's loyalty than to lead them through a hopeless situation?

Waiting no longer, Hector said his goodbyes and turned, heading down the hall and towards the Castle's gate. First thing first. It was time to take command of the fiends.