Chapter 80: Chapter 80: Marquess Bella
Back in the Abyss...
"So, Bella, my dear, you've taken this half-breed as your personal servant?" Bella's father, the Incubus Duke, asked, his voice dripping with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. He was seated on a throne forged from the bones of countless creatures, their skeletal remains fused together in a display of ancient, terrifying power.
Not to forget, two succubi demonesses were seated on Aengus's lap in a sensual, arousing manner. However, the others were accustomed to this sort of display, even Bella knew her father too well.
The Incubus Duke, Belial Bellfrost, was a figure of dark and overwhelming allure. Standing at 1.9 meters tall, his purple skin shimmered with an otherworldly glow, and his lean yet powerful muscles hinted at the strength he possessed.
His twin horns, also purple, curved menacingly from his head, while his crimson-red wings spread out behind him, adding to his imposing presence. Belial's entire being radiated a charm that could ensnare the heart of any female he desired.
Thankfully, his focus was not currently on anyone in particular, otherwise, even his daughter Bella might have found herself bewitched by his overwhelming allure.
He was the very embodiment of lust and lewdness, traits that came naturally to his kind.
Belial's harem was vast, comprising hundreds of wives from various demon species, including a number of succubi. It was well-known, however, that despite his infamous appetite, he had never engaged in incestuous relationships--a rare restraint in the demon world, where such taboos were often ignored.
His power was undeniable. He controlled a vast territory--Lust Dukedom-- spanning tens of tens of thousands of square kilometers, home to millions of inhabitants demonic species.
Suddenly a wave of invisible pressure descended upon Aengus from the duke seated on the throne with a casual expression of intrigue.
Aengus felt the invisible pressure, as if it was trying to crush him.
Yet, he remained composed, determined to withstand the duke's formidable presence. He understood this was a test, one he had to pass to reach his goal.
Bella and the other court officials observed with keen interest.
"Let's see how long you can endure, half-breed," the Incubus Duke smiled devilishly, gradually intensifying the pressure.
If he unleashed his full aura all at once, Aengus would be reduced to nothing more than a pile of flesh and bones in an instant. He was demon general rank powerhouse after all.
And of course, there were demons far more powerful than him. In the demon race, the social hierarchy was ruthlessly determined by strength alone.
However, it wasn't just about individual power. A formidable army could elevate one's status to the pinnacle of the demon world. But therein lay the challenge--resources in the demon realm were scarce compared to the bountiful lands of humans. The few resource-rich territories were tightly controlled by the most dominant powers, leaving the rest to scramble for scraps.
Returning to the present, Aengus felt the pressure intensifying with each passing second, his chest tightening as if a massive mountain was bearing down on him, crushing the air from his lungs.
Gritting his teeth, he quickly channeled his dark power, drawing from the nether energy within him to activate the Heart of Darkness, followed by a Darkness Pulse.
"Buzz! Buzz!"
Dark energy pulsed from his body, spreading throughout the court in waves, pushing back against the overwhelming pressure, if only by a little.
Then he released Darkness Haki, to make it more stronger.
Still, it felt like nothing more than a faint tickle to the Incubus Duke and the other high-ranking demons.
But, the mere fact that Aengus could summon such power was surprising. For an ordinary demon, such a feat would be akin to reaching the heavens.
Bella, seated among the court officials, raised an eyebrow in mild surprise, a faint, almost imperceptible curve forming on her lips.
"Hehe, the game has begun, sweetheart," Bella Bellfrost mused silently. "You will be my new pawn to conquer this demon world, and then the human lands. The secret within your body is far more valuable than anything else. If you can absorb the bloodlines of others, you'll become unstoppable. And I just have to make you mine," she thought, her confidence unwavering.
She didn't completely tell the truth about his transformation to her father. She only said that she tried to make him demonised, but he became half-breed with noble blood Instead--like a miracle. The duke obviously took it for granted because of his trust on her.
Still, It was unknown if her ambition would come to fruition, or the opposite would happen.
After a while, even his full darkness power was unable to resist the relentless pressure.
Aengus was forced to his knees, gasping for breath, sweat beading on his handsome face. Despite his exhaustion, he remained resolute, his gaze lifting to the duke with an expression of indifference.
Seated on the Skeletal Throne, the Incubus Duke watched with a mixture of amusement and admiration. His two harem members--beautiful succubi draped across his lap in a sensual display--glanced at Aengus with impressed expressions.
"Power of the Darkness element! Impressive!" the duke praised, his voice resonating with approval. He then turned his attention to Bella.
"Alright, Bella, my dear. I approve of your servant. However, we must place a slave seal on him, to ensure he doesn't betray you in the future."
Aengus's eyes narrowed with coldness at the proposal, but he quickly masked his expression, ensuring no hint of his thoughts betrayed him. He glanced toward Bella, trying to discern her intentions.
Bella met his gaze, her expression contemplative as she weighed the suggestion. The idea of the slave seal wasn't entirely unappealing; it would ensure his loyalty completely.
However, she knew that such a measure would only hinder his growth. More importantly, she desired to win his allegiance on her own terms. For her, the real thrill lay in making him hers through sheer charm and seduction--anything less would rob her of the satisfaction she craved.
She knew that Aengus wasn't entirely hers yet. But that would change--she would bind him to her, little by little, until he became her devoted love slave.
"There's no need for concern, Lord Father. I can manage him on my own. All I ask is that you grant his request. His condition is severe."
The Incubus Duke nodded, unconcerned. He had complete faith in her abilities--her prowess was unrivaled among her peers. The half-breed still had much to learn, and by the time he grew into his potential, the Duke would have gauged Aengus' loyalty. He trusted his daughter to handle the situation, knowing she would bring the half-breed to heel in due time.
"Alright, Bella, my dear. We shall grant his wish as you requested. We'll gather the necessary materials and send them to you soon. For now, take him to your territory and train him well. He must fully shed his old identity as a human.
"Train him to be stronger, to serve your cause. We don't nurture the weak or the idle. Remember that well, Bella."
Bella nodded, a fleeting smile playing across her lips.
"As you wish, Lord Father. I will make him the strongest."
With that, she rose gracefully and began to walk out the court, signaling Aengus to follow her.