Chapter 43 When Victory Sounds Like A Loss

A lot of new things had come into play in a very short time for Raith. Somethings even the abyss could not understand. Perhaps what really needed questioning was the origin of that perk 'DEVOURER' but certain things are better left for the tongue of the future to give an explanation to.

Besides, trouble lurked around the gate as law enforcers of the lower realm surrounded the gate, unable to enter because it was locked immediately after Raith entered, the awaited whatever was in it paying no heed to Volmak who tried to amicably reason with them. Plus, their commander holds a grudge and he held a very bad one against Volmak who was praised as the strongest general when they were just mates.

He believes Volmak just got lucky to be scouted by a Demon lord, he refuses to see or accept the hard work that Volmak has put, into his strength. All that, he refuses to acknowledge and always beef Volmak at every slight chance he gets. He originally wouldn't be here but when he heard the gate was not too far from Volmak's cabin– how could he miss this opportunity to oppress Volmak with his authority once again?

But Volmak didn't mind, he honestly pleaded at the same time patiently waiting for what was going to come out of the dungeon.

One thing was sure.

If Raith comes out, both of them are going to be arrested. Him– for shielding a human, Raith for being a human and being in Felfhiem.

He sighed, he was tired of pleading so he just cut himself some slack.

~zappp~

The attitude of the game thus far has been consistent and stable until this two seconds ago. It suddenly began to throw sparks and draw wind again.

Their shoulders which were already getting relaxed suddenly got tensed again. They were all heavily cladded in the same metal, seemingly scraps but with red patterns and it was the same with all of them. They pointed their spears to the gate. And as Raith's leg came out of the gate, they surrounded the gate and restricted his movement with their closure on him.

What is going on?

What did I do?

Did someone rat me out?

Was probably what rummaged his mind as the law enforcers forced him to his knee treating him like he had just committed an act of violence.

"Oh oh, isn't this a nabruska"

Their commander said, rubbing the antenna that was situated right above his lips and would have served as a mustache if he was human. As he rubbed the slimy antennas, they rolled around his hand.

"Volmak has brought home a Nabruska. Haha, how impressive."

The man laughed as if the revelation of what he was saying had just been donned on him.

He flung his face to Volmak and grinned.

"Looks like you will be going with me to the dark castle, and you my friend, will be going in chains... both of you"

He said, swinging his fingers in between Raith and Volmak. Without waiting for his direct command, the soldiers that were free slipped chains into Raith's hand and legs and did the same thing with Volmak, who said nothing and just pushed his hands forward making it easy for them to chain him.

The only thing that worried Raith was how much trouble he might have caused for the old man and it could be seen on his face as his eyes stayed on Volmak with his brows drifting upwards.

"Aye, cover this human with some rag or something, that ungodly thing in between his legs keeps annoying me!"

The commander yelped and turned away, resting his hand on his sword that was hung on his belt.

They marched forward with both of them amongst the soldiers.

For the first, it was sad– but for the first time that Raith would see the city, it had to be in chains, and when he was arrested.

It was hard to call it the lower realm of hell.

Contrary to how uncivilized and rural Raith thought it would be, even though the city was built in the middle of a black desert it was a true and modest display of wonder. Its grace is matched by the backdrop of pristine black skies which have helped shape the city into what it is.

The climate these skies brought was of great importance, but they were also influential when it came to architectural designs as the vast majority of buildings were designed to take full advantage of the climate, as more daring elements can be created when you don't have to worry about strong rains.

The skyline is crowded with distinct shapes of houses, but they all had in common the fact that they were wooden except for the castle that stood far ahead on the fjord that lay ahead of the city, there were signs of construction which indicated that more buildings seem to be on their way.

The culture in this place is unique, most of them were cladded in fine armor, some leather armor and many of them wore casual dresses like they were in medieval times, the different structures and look of their body was a huge factor that played in the difference of their culture.

Raith had looked forward to seeing them and now that he was seeing them living their normal life in their fiendish forms, it created a sense of beauty for Raith who kept looking as he was dragged forward.

But they could be seen with odd accessories like shades, wristwatches, and sneakers, which made the oddity stand out and it has attracted a lot of attention. This culture has left its mark not just on trade and relations, but also on the city's identity. What historically was a city of little contrast has grown into an amalgamation of differences and it's this that unites the 1.7 million fiends to this day.

Several cafés, food carts, and clubs offer a plethora of culinary and entertainment choices and those who feel hungry for something else can enjoy dance, musical activities, arcades, or one of the many other recreational venues.

Before long the city was out of sight and all the sightseeing Raith could do had come to the end. And as they scaled the mountain where an ominous castle stood Raith gulped and anticipated what was about to come to him.

"Don't worry, it will be fine."

He heard and his gaze stayed upon Volmak's large back that slowly moved higher as they scaled up the mountain.

***

The nations fear a true disaster as news of the empire spread across the world of Therut. People's eyes were glued on live news that showed the heroes coming out covered in injuries and the corpse of the general that was brought out. This fear was not because the Empire was defeated. The empire very much won this war but it was because of the number and state of people that made it alive.

The number of heroes plus the empire soldiers that entered the dungeon was around three thousand, when other nations were seeing this, they thought it was an assured victory. The Empire had the power of numbers and they even had strong heroes who went into the dungeon with them. Yet these strong heroes came out with grave injuries. Even Amber Rose had what looked like a claw scratch on her right arm. Her armor and shield has been smashed and the only thing that looked unscathed was the silver boot she was wearing.

Curtis didn't have any major injuries too but he was out cold, yes. He passed out the moment the stepped out of the gate. Other heroes had claw marks delved into the stomach, Ethan O'Brian had three clawed scratches over his chest and could barely stand.

They all were transported to the hospital but this occurrence began to call people to question the silence of the pontifices.

"Is this the end of the world, is this it for us? Why are the pontifices not saying anything"

"Is this even the right time to be sleeping?"

"Or are we being lied to, are the archons dead too?"

People began to question the state of the archons, and in some nations where their masses were drastic like Ellion united, the masses began to cause destruction and wreck branch temples.

On the other side of the world, The Elemental guild successfully defeated one dungeon but was paid an enormous amount for it. Led by Thaw Sanada, the guild began to slowly make its mark in the world and as other nations heard of their victory, they began to reach out, ready to pay whatever amount they mentioned.

The report of the empire's win that looked like a defeat was like a business promotion for Thaw Sanada whom even the stubborn Rigeria nation had reached out to—willing to pay the outrageous amount he offered to them.

He truly felt like this was a great time to be alive.