CHAPTER 25 — New Direction, New Plans
After the playful moment with Loona, Razan looked at Jon and said: "Jon, call Joe and Laura. Now that the city is built, before I take you all there, we need to discuss how things are going to work from now on. After all, the operation plan we had in the beginning doesn't work anymore."
Jon straightened his posture, as if receiving a direct military command. "Yes, sir. I'll go call them."
He hurried off down the corridor. The area where they stood was still rough—bare stone walls, a dimly glowing red ceiling, and the faint echo of distant screams from far across Hell, a constant background noise that no one paid attention to anymore. Razan, however, waved his hand calmly, as if swatting away discomfort itself. A few small sparks of dark danced around his fingers until they expanded into a structured shape.
He used his power to create a full meeting table out of pure energy that solidified into dark wood, polished and smooth as if carved by a master craftsman. Chairs formed around it in an organized circle. Razan sat down in the front chair, the one with the slightly higher back, without making a big deal about it. Loona casually took the seat to his right, leaning back like she owned the place.
Razan looked at Carla and Robert, who stood awkwardly near the wall, unsure if they had permission to join. "Come on, sit down too. You have the right to take part in this meeting. It was your efforts that allowed me to build the city so perfectly. Your contributions are undeniable."
Carla blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting that level of acknowledgement. Robert, trying to hide his own pride, nodded respectfully.
Loona glanced sideways at Carla and added, in her usual blunt tone: "You all did really well. I don't see a reason to disagree with what this idiot said. You've already shown competence."
Coming from Loona, it was practically a medal of honor. They sat down just as footsteps approached.
Jon returned, this time with Laura and Joe walking behind him. The three looked slightly tense, knowing Razan wouldn't have called them without a reason.
Razan clasped his hands on the table. "Jon must've explained the reason for this meeting on the way. Good. Sit down so we can get straight to the main point."
They took their seats, all eyes turning to Razan. For a moment, the room grew quiet, the only sound the distant hum of energy from the portal platform nearby.
"Look…" Razan began, leaning slightly forward. "Now that I've built a city instead of the original hospital plan, our operation method will have to change."
The group nodded, though some still looked overwhelmed by the idea of an entire city existing because Razan felt like making one.
"First: I'm giving all of you here portal powers and the Eye of Truth. And what you're going to do with these powers is simple."
The air shimmered faintly. Each person felt a weightless pressure—like a whisper brushing their minds—a sign that Razan was indeed gifting them abilities far beyond what most demons ever dreamed of.
He looked at Jon first: "Jon, you're going to use that power to speed up the finalization of the city. Go buy various materials we still need from other places, like furniture. I'm counting on you to at least finish my mansion and the houses for our people before the day ends. Can you do it?"
Jon sat straighter, energy practically surging around him. "Sir, with these abilities and with the support team helping me, I will get your request done, sir."
Razan nodded with approval.
"As for money matters and all the decisions from now on, that's Loona's responsibility. She's the boss. I'm only taking the lead right now because of the sudden change to our original plans."
Loona smirked in satisfaction, resting her elbow on the chair's armrest like a queen accepting her crown.
He then turned to Joe: "As for your role, it's simple, Joe. You're going to use those powers for two main tasks: attack weak demons with no backup and take their money so we can get funding before the city starts functioning normally and generating income. And most importantly: while you do that, you'll use the Eye of Truth to recruit people for our city. You know my criteria for accepting people, right?"
Joe clenched his fist in determination. "Yes, sir. Even if both are sinners, there's a big difference between being in Hell because you weren't very good and being in Hell because you're a piece of trash. Don't worry, sir. I won't fail the mission. I'll bring as much money and as many people as possible for you."
Razan smiled slightly—not too affectionate, not cold, simply satisfied. "Thank you. I'm counting on you."
He looked at Laura next: "Laura, your role will be just as important. You'll be Loona's right-hand, helping her organize the people Joe brings in, choosing a place where they will be useful, and getting the hospital running as fast as possible."
Laura nodded firmly, already mentally planning the logistics.
Once everything was clearly laid out, Razan leaned back in his chair and smiled at all of them: "Call everyone. We're going home."
His tone carried something new—confidence mixed with a quiet excitement. A subtle shift, but everyone felt it.
After some time, everyone gathered in the main area. The air crackled as Razan opened a portal large enough for the entire group. A ripple of silver and blue expanded, revealing a shimmering view of the place on the other side.
He looked back into their eyes, smiled, and said: "Well then, let's go home."
He stepped into the portal with Loona beside him, their silhouettes disappearing into the glow. One by one, everyone followed.
When they arrived on the other side, the group froze.
The contrast was so overwhelming it almost hurt to look at. They stood at the city entrance, facing a breathtaking view that clashed completely with Hell's usual decay. Sunlight—sunlight, not artificial Hell-glow—bathed the wooden houses. Soft wind brushed their faces instead of burning ash. The air smelled of fresh wood, earth, and faintly sweet leaves, nothing like sulfur.
It looked like something straight out of a fairy tale: a beautiful city entirely built of wood with intricate carvings, warm lanterns hanging from posts, and pathways lined with smooth stones. At the center stood a gigantic tree, ancient yet vibrant. Its top vanished into the sky, impossible to see. Its roots extended outward, curving around the city in massive arches, forming a five-hundred-meter barrier like a living wall.
Even demons hardened by centuries of Hell stared in open awe.
Razan watched Loona's expression carefully. Her pupils widened, her tail flicked once in stunned disbelief.
"So, little wolf… did you like the home I made for us?"
Loona crossed her arms quickly, trying to hide her reaction. "Well… it's still better than our old apartment."
Despite her neutral tone, her ears betrayed her—they stood upright with unmistakable excitement.
Razan smiled casually. "I did my best."
Then he motioned for everyone to follow. "Let's take a tour. Choose your homes before your tasks begin."
And together, they walked into the city that would become their new beginning.