The rings on the "King's" hand began to vibrate.
In an instant, seven of the ten rings slipped from his fingers and hovered in the air before him, as if declaring they were ready.
"You…" the "King" hesitated.
He glanced toward his family, huddled in a corner, frightened by the unfolding chaos.
His hand reached out to them instinctively—but his other arm blocked the gesture, dropping the book at his feet.
His eyes clenched shut, unwilling to face the truth.
Then, turning his head, he slowly opened his eyes and stared down at the book.
Drawing his hands back, he bent down to pick it up.
"There is no time, Master," the demons spoke in unison.
"I… know." His voice was weary, his eyes dimming as if fading into unconsciousness.
He rose and looked toward his family one last time.
"Please take care of your mother and the little girl for me, you two," he said with a bright smile.
He waved his hand.
Instantly, his entire family vanished—teleported to a hidden sanctuary beneath the shrine.
The chamber was meticulously crafted by magic, filled with all the essentials for survival and sealed with countless protective barriers. It felt like a place born from the "King's" deepest wishes.
Returning to the "King"—
He exhaled in relief, comforted by the knowledge that they were safe—even if he would not be with them.
"I'm sorry… but pretend our promises and i never existed. Live happily, once it's all over," he whispered.
Then, his gaze hardened as he turned to face the demons.
"It's time."
The demons roared in excitement.
But the Emissaries sensed something was amiss—they felt things were spiraling out of control. They immediately began gathering power for their next strike.
"Listen to my call!" the "King" bellowed. "Let these demons become your sacrifice—take them, and become my strength!"
The seven rings shot toward the center of the altar, spinning rapidly in a wide arc that covered more than half of it.
Below, the demons were pulled upward into the swirling vortex. As they touched its boundary, they dissolved into pools of blood, forming a floating crimson sphere at its center.
One by one, the demons vanished before the "King's" eyes.
As the last one disappeared, the rings ceased spinning and embedded themselves into the blood sphere.
From within, a low hum began to grow—followed by deep, resonating roars.
The "King" understood: there was no turning back.
He closed his eyes, remembering everything he had lived through—the joy, the pain—and knew it had all led him here. At least now, his family would be safe.
Then he opened his eyes and let out a cry with all his might:
"Rise, Seven Demon Lords of Sin!"
The Emissaries fired massive beams of light, stronger than ever, desperate to stop what was coming.
But from within the blood sphere, nine beams of dark light burst out, countering and overwhelming the Messengers' attack. Some were swept away entirely.
Wounded, the Emissaries frantically checked for damage.
But it was too late.
Roars erupted again, and giant fangs emerged from the sphere—followed by an enormous creature that lunged at the Emissaries and devoured them whole.
Above, the sky was dominated by a monstrous figure.
It descended, landing before the "King."
A towering sandworm with countless shifting jaws.
"Are you still keeping your master waiting?" the worm spoke.
More voices followed as other gigantic figures emerged from the sphere and descended one by one.
"This little thing is our master? How disappointing."
"I don't care. Just give me death."
"It looks cute."
"I'm jealous our master could summon all of us."
"That's what our master is like."
"I'm…"
In a moment, they had all landed.
Towering over the "King," they made him feel small—helpless. Fear crept in, and he unconsciously stepped back.
"There's no need to be afraid," a voice echoed as one approached.
A fox—with nine tails.
"You don't need to be afraid," the fox repeated. "We're here to serve our master."
"You… what the hell are you?" the "King" stammered.
"Oh my, calling a girl a 'thing' is so rude," the fox chuckled. "Anyway, since introductions are overdue, let me present the strongest demons of hell—the greatest sins of the world:
First, Wrath, in the form of a nine-headed Hydra. Each head frantically searches for enemies, craving battle. Its thorn-covered body both shields and shreds anything it touches.
Second, Pride, taking the form of a Chimera. Radiating pure majesty, it despises the weak and finishes them with venom from its snake tail. Its very presence crushes lesser beings.
Third, Sloth, a colossal Narwhal, wear the largest size. It never initiates attack but reflects all aggression, nullifying attacks and rebounding the damage onto the attacker.
Fourth, Gluttony, the Sandworm. A gaping maw of teeth at the front and smaller razors throughout its body—its hunger is endless and devours all within reach.
Fifth, Greed, a Cerberus whose body is encrusted with gemstones. Insatiable, its heads constantly seek valuables, no matter what or whom they belong to.
Sixth, Envy, a python cloaked in darkness. Silent and patient, it takes whatever it deems itself more deserving of.
And finally…"
"It's me," the fox said with a smile.
"You…" the "King" looked at her.
"No need for such a serious look," she teased. "As you've seen, I'm Lust, a nine-tailed fox—beautiful, right? And as for my power… well, I'm sure you've guessed."
"Making others fall into lust."
"Exactly~ You're good at this."
Lust giggled and wrapped her tails around the "King," releasing an alluring mist.
The "King" couldn't take it anymore—he summoned his sword and slashed, but Lust dodged easily.
"Oh my… is that any way to treat a lady?" she sneered.
"Enough… I summoned you to deal with those things. Complete your mission," the "King" growled, regaining his stance.
But Pride suddenly rushed forward, pinning him down.
"You think you can order me?"
"You…"
"You're not even worth my gaze," Pride spat.
One of Wrath's heads slammed into Pride, knocking him aside.
Pride retaliated, clawing at Wrath's head, but the injury healed instantly.
They glared at each other.
"You dare block me again?!" Pride shouted.
"Shut up," Wrath growled. "If he dies, we're sent back to hell. Like it or not, if we want to fight, we have to keep him alive."
They kept bickering.
Meanwhile, the "King," still down from Pride's blow, was suddenly surrounded by Envy and Greed.
"Got anything valuable? I'll take it."
"Can I have your heart?"
"What are you two doing? The 'King' is mine!" Lust hissed and dashed in.
They swarmed him.
Sloth remained still, drifting lazily—until something caught its attention.
It looked skyward.
"They… are… coming."
At once, the demons stopped and turned to the sky.
Cracks formed, and the Emissaries poured out, unleashing beams of holy light at the altar.
Sloth rose, intercepting the attack. The Emissaries suffered heavy casualties due to Sloth's power.
"It seems what I've been waiting for has arrived," Wrath grinned. "I'll go first. Do what you want."
With a stomp, Wrath launched into the sky.
"Interrupting me? You'll all die," Lust snarled, following.
"This treasure's mine alone."
"You're not allowed to touch the 'King.' He's mine!"
Envy and Greed leapt after them.
Even Sloth slowly joined the fray.
Only the "King" and Pride remained.
"You're not going?" the "King" asked, sitting up.
"No need for your command," Pride growled. "How dare they come before me."
With that, Pride charged ahead.
"What a strange bunch of demons…" the "King" muttered. "So different from the others… and so hard to control."
He looked to the sky, where his seven demon lords clashed with the Emissaries.
Explosions and blinding light filled the heavens.
"…Should I find a backup plan?"