Daniel, inside Orsuis's body, stood in the long, dark hallway of the base for a few moments after leaving Lyra's underground cell.

The sound of guards' footsteps echoed in the distance, but his mind was somewhere else entirely.

Even though he didn't show it, he was genuinely disturbed.

He didn't expect everything to move this fast. Only a few hours had passed since they entered the demon base, and now… negotiations? Direct contact from the humans? The speed was unnatural.

Lyra's terrified expression flashed in his mind, and then that strange scene…

the illusionary golden sphere that had appeared above her head back then.

He was truly curious why Lyra was special enough for humans to be willing to negotiate and make an exchange for her.

And that fast… He expected humans to get angry and launch an attack or something like that first, but it seemed he had underestimated the whole situation.

Besides, he knew very well that the humans probably still didn't know that the thing the demons were truly looking for was more important than Lyra herself.

That was why they were willing to negotiate; willing to be humiliated, just to save one person.

If they knew the truth… maybe a full-scale war would already have started.

Daniel let out a quiet sigh. He couldn't let the demons get close to the Pagoda. But on the other hand, the mission that brought him into this gulf still remained.

A mission that was starting to look more and more like a crazy trap.

Stealing the children of the Demon King?

While the Crown Prince was here too?

That wasn't just dangerous… it was pure suicide.

At this point, he was sure this operation was nothing but madness, and he no longer had any intention of carrying it out.

He was certain there were dark intentions behind the request for this mission.

He finally moved and entered the central fortress of the base.

The main hall was massive, dark, and built with towering black pillars. The ceiling was so high it vanished into the red mist above. At the far end, on a raised platform, stood a grand seat that looked more like a king's throne than a simple chair.

Sitting on it was the Crown Prince of the demons.

Azaerul.

A demon with a tall frame, hair the color of dried blood, curved and glossy horns, and eyes shining like two red suns.

The aura radiating from his body was heavy, suffocating, and filled with absolute pride; the aura of someone born to rule.

Every breath he took pushed an invisible pressure onto those around him.

Daniel lowered his gaze slightly and looked at the others in the hall.

Even he felt danger in front of this demon. With Orsuis's body, he didn't have even the smallest chance of winning.

If he used his real body and the help of the Fallen Ones, it might be possible, but only if this demon didn't have some kind of hidden trump card… which he definitely did.

Zalkareth was standing beside the throne, staring at Daniel with an irritating smile.

Three other demons were present as well, definitely other children of the Demon King.

The first was Wargon, a massive demon with bone armor and a face covered in old scars; his aura smelled of war and slaughter.

The second was Seralin, a woman with skin the color of night, purple eyes, and a smile more poisonous than venom; her aura was seductive but deadly.

The third was Drayvux, a tall, thin, emotionless demon with white, empty eyes; his aura was like a silent void, unsettling and cold.

Daniel took one step forward. Azaerul didn't even look at him at first; he only said with an indifferent tone:

"Now that Orsuis is here, we'll start the meeting."

"Continue." Then he turned his head slightly toward Zalkareth.

"The humans contacted us. They were angry and demanded an explanation. We told them something was stolen from us, and this attack was the price for it. They got confused, and then we explained exactly what it was… and naturally, their first question was about that girl."

Zalkareth took a deep breath.

"We told them the girl is unharmed. And in exchange for returning what they stole, we're willing to give her back. They agreed. Two days from now, we'll meet in the neutral zone."

He paused for a moment, then continued.

When Zalkareth finished speaking, a heavy silence filled the hall. Even Wargon didn't move. Everyone was waiting for the Crown Prince's words.

"Orsuis, you will go for the exchange with a thousand soldiers and one of my brothers."

Azaerul stayed still for a few seconds, then spoke in a calm but powerful voice.

His gaze finally fell on Daniel.

"It is my honor, my lord." Daniel immediately kneeled.

He felt a bit relieved, and even a little lucky. He had been thinking about how he was supposed to stop whatever was going to happen, and now it seemed like luck was finally on his side.

But after doing this, this body would become useless, and he would have to leave the demon base immediately using his real body.

He had to find the location of the Pagoda no matter what, and he had to do it before any of this happened.

"Stay alert. The chance of a trap is high." Azaerul replied coldly.

"You will go with him." He then turned his gaze toward Wargon.

"If the humans think they can play… I'll end their game by breaking their bones." Wargon smirked.

"That girl… she didn't say anything?" Azaerul asked Zalkareth again.

"No." Zalkareth shook his head.

"It doesn't matter. She's useless to us anyway." The Crown Prince said with indifference.

"And about that plan?" Suddenly, his tone changed a little.

"No news yet from the people hired to assassinate you. But according to the schedule… they should be on their way."

Zalkareth answered.

At that exact moment, Daniel's heart stopped for a beat.

What?

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