The three days passed swiftly amidst fervent preparations. My fortress was significantly sturdier thanks to Elara's magic. She worked tirelessly, her eyes shadowed with exhaustion yet utterly submissive. Each night, she was brought to my chambers, where her mana was "restored" in a brutal fashion, and her obedience was further solidified.
Lilith proved to be an excellent commander. The Demon Warriors were now more disciplined, ready for battle. I also took the time to learn several new skills from the Shop, upgrading Blood Curse and acquiring a few healing items. Although I still lacked new armor, I trusted my current strength would suffice.
On the third night, as a blood moon hung ominously in the sky, Lilith entered my room, her expression grave but her eyes gleaming with excitement.
"My Master," she bowed, "everything is ready. The festival in the Kingdom of Elara is underway. Bright lights and music echo throughout the valley. Their guard is down."
I offered a cold smile. "Excellent. It's time to bring hell to those complacent fools."
I donned my old, tattered Demon Lord's robe, which now seemed even more terrifying under the blood moon's glow. Elara was also brought forth, her face paling at the sight of the assembling demon army. She was bound by thin magical chains, held by Lilith.
"You will come with me, Elara," I commanded. "So you can witness firsthand how your kingdom crumbles."
Elara trembled but dared not resist.
The march began. My small army, consisting of five Demon Warriors, three Demon Servants, Lilith, and a chained Elara, silently advanced towards the Kingdom of Elara. Under the blood moon, our shadows stretched long, like monsters lurking in the night.
The scent of merriment, of wine and roasted meat, mixed with laughter and music, wafted through the air as we neared the Kingdom of Elara. The formidable city walls now blazed with light, but the guards were sparse, and most were immersed in the festivities.
"Charge!" I commanded, my voice low but brimming with power.
The Demon Warriors surged forward like poisoned arrows, piercing through the lax defenses. Horrified screams erupted as their stone blades began to slaughter. Blood. The metallic scent of human blood. It stimulated me intensely.
I didn't rush in. I wanted to savor the sight. Lilith stood beside me, a look of delight on her face as she witnessed the chaos. Elara, held firmly by Lilith, had collapsed to her knees, her blue eyes wide with horror as she watched her own kind being butchered. She gagged but couldn't tear her gaze away from the bloody scene.
"Don't look away, Elara," I whispered into her ear, my voice laced with malice. "This is your new world. And this is your Master's power."
I stepped through the city gate, where the last few guards were putting up a feeble resistance. A knight in shining armor charged at me, his sword glowing with holy light.
"Demon! You will not be allowed to ravage this kingdom!" he roared.
I smirked. Bloodsight activated. I saw the weak points in his armor, the joints, the tendons in his wrist.
"Fool."
I swung my hand. A burst of Dark Burst shot out, striking the knight directly in the chest. He flew backward, slammed into the city wall, and collapsed. Before he could recover, I appeared beside him, my sharp claws tearing straight through his ribcage. Blood Curse.
[HP +100! Mana +50!]
I felt the knight's life force flow into my body. The light on his sword flickered and died.
"Move further in!" I roared, my voice echoing across the plaza. "Slaughter them all! Let no one survive!"
The Demon Warriors and Demon Servants poured into the Kingdom of Elara like a dark deluge. Screams, crashes, the growls of demons, and Lilith's perverse laughter mingled together, forming a terrifying symphony. The festival had transformed into a living hell.
I walked slowly amidst the chaos, savoring every moment of the massacre. Each fallen body, each look of despair. Elara was dragged behind me by Lilith; she had fainted from sheer terror, but I knew she was still alive.
"This is just the beginning, Kingdom of Elara," I thought. "I will turn you into a bed for my desires. And everything within you will belong to Azazel."
My next target was the palace. Where the arrogant rulers hid. I would crush them and claim everything they possessed.