Noto awoke in a vast room bathed in light so intense even shadows fled. The walls glowed crimson with a shadowy undertone, and the ceiling vanished into infinite height. The floor seemed to be vibrating with movement as if alive, with a blueish red hue covering it. He sat up, relieved to find himself unharmed, and spotted a single entrance.
Before he could move, a voice echoed from the abyss: "Noto! How wonderful to finally have you here!"
Noto instinctively reached for his weapons but found empty sheaths.
The voice grew closer. A slender figure with emerald-green hair and iridescent wings stepped into the light, collapsing onto her back theatrically. Her eyes cut through the room like blades. He tongue tapping on her lips as she walked about, giving her pointed chin wrinkles. "Finally, we meet, Noto! The wait has been interminable." Noto flushed at the sight of her—Lilith, Queen of Hell and Ruler of Death, exuding allure in her demonic grace.
"Li-Lilith!" he stammered, cursing his lack of composure.
Lilith studied him with amusement. "I've cracked his resolve already," she thought, savoring the victory.
"Why have you brought me here? What do you want?"
"How rude!" Lilith feigned offense. "I require your assistance. Refuse, and I'll let you drift into eternal hell."
Noto sized her up. "I can't fight her, but aligning with her is folly."
"Fine. What do you need? This is purely transactional."
Lilith squealed with delight. "I knew you'd comply! Honor-bound fools never quit." She waved a dismissive hand. "Come, Noto. Your new journey begins. Succeed, and immortality could be yours. Oh, and Tregu will accompany you."
Tregu materialized beside Noto, scowling. "Why must I babysit him?"
Lilith's glare radiated fury. "Because I command it. Any other questions?"
Tregu crumpled as if struck. "No need to get your wings in a twist. Let's go, idiot."
Lilith watched them leave, simmering with rage. "One strike, and he'd be ash," she mused. But Tregu, her oldest demon, was too valuable. "Noto's arrival is on schedule. The plan proceeds." Her laughter echoed through the chamber.