Ordinary fantasy adventure in Faerûn

Chapter 607: Retreat, but not the end

"As expected... I knew it would be like this. Everything has a price tag, and can be discussed and traded. This is worthy of a devil - no, it should be said that this is worthy of Asmodeus himself."

"what."

Noshier chuckled. Everyone knows that demons value contracts and conspiracies, and disdain violent means. However, these guys are born evil demons, so how could they all be so particular? Therefore, the main reason why all demons follow the above principles is because of the demon king in front of him and the [Ruby Scepter] beside him.

Noshir stared at the ruby ​​​​scepter that Asmodeus leaned against the table and chair. After ascending to become a demigod, he could now trigger the panel's ability to read item information simply by observing with his eyes. In his field of vision, he could clearly see the origin of the scepter and the abilities it possessed.

The [Ruby Scepter] is a powerful artifact that Asmodeus is forced to carry. The scepter was not created by Asmodeus himself. Its true creator is actually the master of the Mechanical Mirror of Clock Nirvana, the most orderly thing in the world, the absolute leader of the modrons, and a divine mechanical life form respected by the world as [Singularity].

In the distant past, [Singularity] was invited by the angels to participate in and preside over the trial of the fallen angel Asmodeus. However, in that debate, Asmodeus used his eloquent speech to emphasize the connection between contract and order, and put himself on the side of justice, which made [Singularity] consider Asmodeus' words and agree with his ideas in this regard.

Then, [Singularity] listened patiently to the angels' statements as one by one testified about his crimes. However, as the hours passed and condensed into days, and the days passed and condensed into weeks, more and more about the crimes committed by Asmodeus continued to enter the court records.

Even Singularity's patience had its limits, and eventually, the remaining angels eager to testify were told that only a select few would be allowed to speak, and a fight broke out when one angel, Zariel, pushed his way to the front of the crowd and demanded to be heard.

In the end, Singularity refused to make a final judgment. He reprimanded the angels for their fall to infighting, but did not punish Asmodeus for his evil ways. However, after that, He commanded Asmodeus to always carry a powerful artifact of his creation, the Ruby Scepter.

This scepter will ensure that he always abides by the law, granting him and his minions the power to make contracts with mortals for their souls, while also inflicting unavoidable punishment on any devil who violates such a contract.

[Singularity] The original intention of giving this artifact to Asmodeus was to limit his power, but later, Asmodeus used the power of this artifact to build the Nine Hells into the appearance he wanted. This scepter that was supposed to limit his power instead granted him supreme authority in the true sense.

Apart from the fact that he was restricted by his duties and could not leave Hell and enter the main material plane at will, Asmodeus could be regarded as the uncrowned king in the Nine Hells and even the entire outer plane, but - so what?

"I don't think I need to explain anything to you."

He did not accept Asmodeus' hospitality because Noshir understood deeply that if a devil suddenly appeared in front of you one day and hosted a banquet for you, then his purpose must be to trick you into signing an agreement. This would be the case even for ordinary devils, not to mention that the one in front of him was the devil king.

Therefore, Noshir rejected Him outright. He leaned [Mata Lotok] on the ground and carried [King's Holy Axe] on his shoulder. The silver-grey divine power jumped on his body like lightning, cutting through the disguise of his mortal body. His two pairs of wings spread out wantonly, revealing his most real and powerful form!
"...I haven't even mentioned my price yet, and you just rejected me outright. This is not the way to do business or negotiate a deal."

Asmodeus took a sip of the red wine in the glass. Noshir's uncooperative attitude made him lose interest in drinking. Although he didn't show it, he was already annoyed, but he still endured it, thus maintaining the demeanor of the devil king. "Arguing with the devil king is a very stupid thing, so I don't intend to have any more exchanges and arguments with you. Asmodeus, your identity and power may make many people afraid of you, but this definitely does not include me, so from now on, there are only two ways for you and me to go."

Noshir didn't say everything, but they both knew where the two roads led to. Asmodeus also knew in his heart that Noshir did this just to give him a way out. If he was willing to take this step, then the story would not be too embarrassing. But if Asmodeus didn't accept this step -

Well, generally speaking, Noshil gave the choice to Him, which meant that Noshil was indeed as he said, he had enough confidence to compete with Him.

"...Really? What a pity! My hospitality is wasted. This bottle of Selene Ruby Wine is a treasure from another world. Unfortunately, it seems I am destined to be unable to enjoy it."

Asmodeus stood up, raised his hand to recall the ruby ​​scepter, and clapped his hands gently, and the stone chairs and tables disappeared instantly. He continued to walk towards Noshil while holding the scepter and kept talking.

"If the weapons are gone, they can be rebuilt. If the legions are gone, they can be recruited again. Although those angels are annoying, it is refreshing to see those self-important idiots lower themselves to take advantage of the loopholes. So I don't care about the above offenses, but you actually want to take away the generals I personally recruited. This-"

"I suggest you just speak your mind."

Noshir's voice suddenly came from the side of Asmodeus, and at the same time, the huge axe that was almost on his neck appeared beside him. Asmodeus' blood-red evil eye instantly shrank into a needle point. Before, even with his powerful divine perception, he only saw a tiny afterimage, and the speed was too fast, so fast that even if he could see it completely, it was almost impossible for him to dodge it every time.

"…Leave Bafomie here, and you can go."

"Thank you, thank you for your clear response."

After putting away the battle axe, a smile finally appeared on Noshir's face. He waved slightly to Asmodeus, and then turned around, wanting to take the angels away from this hellhole first, but at this moment.

"It won't end so easily."

Noshir turned his head again, but all he saw was the scarlet whirlwind that Asmodeus had brought with him when he left.

(End of this chapter)