The Demon of Desire: the rise of the slum rat

The barren plateau stretched endlessly beneath the crimson sky, a stark contrast to the vibrant energy coursing through Mikhael. This training ground—reserved for the most dangerous trials sanctioned by the guild—felt both isolating and alive, as if it were testing him before the trial even began.

Mikhael stood at the center of the desolate expanse, his blade drawn. Behind him, Koneko and Kael watched in silence, their expressions a mix of concern and determination.

"Are you sure about this?" Kael asked, adjusting their gauntlets. "That thing doesn't look like it's here to play."

Mikhael smirked faintly, his crimson eyes gleaming. "It's not supposed to be easy. This is about pushing limits."

The air shimmered, and a portal materialized before them, glowing with an ominous red light. From it emerged a massive hell drake, its obsidian scales reflecting the faint glow of the sky. The beast let out a deafening roar, flames escaping its maw as it charged.

The First Clash

The drake lunged, its massive claws raking through the ground. Mikhael activated Shadow Step, vanishing from its path and reappearing at its flank. His blade struck true, targeting the exposed joints between its scales, but the attack barely left a mark.

The beast whipped its tail, the force of the strike sending Mikhael skidding across the plateau. He rolled to his feet, his smirk still intact. "Tougher than it looks."

Koneko darted forward, her claws glowing with golden energy as she targeted the drake's legs. She moved with feline precision, each strike calculated, but the beast countered, forcing her to retreat.

Kael kept their distance, hurling runes that exploded against the drake's armored hide. "It's absorbing the magic!" they shouted.

"Then we'll switch tactics," Mikhael said, activating Amplify.

A New Strategy

Mikhael surged forward, his blade glowing with dark energy as he targeted the drake's underbelly. Each strike was precise, aiming for weak points in its defenses. The beast roared in pain, but its regeneration was relentless, its wounds closing almost instantly.

"We're not doing enough damage," Koneko said, her golden eyes narrowing.

"We don't have to," Mikhael replied, his smirk widening. "We just need to slow it down."

Dark chains erupted from the ground, wrapping around the drake's legs and wings. The creature thrashed violently, its flames scorching the earth, but the chains held firm.

"Kael, Koneko—now!" Mikhael shouted.

Kael summoned a massive rune, its energy crackling as it detonated against the drake's chest. Koneko followed up with a devastating claw strike, the force of her attack leaving deep gashes in the beast's scales.

Victory Through Unity

As the drake faltered, Mikhael activated Infernal Impact, channeling the artifact's energy into his blade. He leaped into the air, his weapon glowing with dark light as he drove it into the drake's exposed core.

The ground shook as the beast let out a final, deafening roar before collapsing in a burst of light.

[System Notification: Trial Completed!]

Experience Earned: 25,000.

Current Level: 40 → 41.

[Evil Pieces Acquired: 1 Rook, 1 Bishop.]

Mikhael stepped back, his breathing steady as the artifact's whispers faded into silence. The weight of the trial lifted, leaving only the exhilaration of victory.

The Peerage Begins

As the dust settled, Mikhael turned to Koneko and Kael, his expression thoughtful. "I think it's time we made this official."

Kael frowned. "Made what official?"

Mikhael held up his hand, and two glowing pieces materialized in the air—a Rook and a Bishop, each radiating faint energy.

"These are Evil Pieces," he explained. "They're part of a system that allows devils to form a peerage—a group of trusted allies bound by both power and loyalty."

Koneko tilted her head, her golden eyes curious. "And you're saying...?"

"I want both of you in my peerage," Mikhael said, his tone steady. "Koneko, as my Rook. Kael, as my Bishop."

A Moment of Decision

Kael crossed their arms, their sharp features contemplative. "And what does this peerage involve? Do we lose our free will? Become your servants?"

Mikhael shook his head. "It's not like that. You'd be my allies—my partners. The pieces enhance your abilities, but they don't control you. This is about trust."

Koneko stepped forward, her ears twitching. "If it means we get stronger and stick together, I'm in."

Kael sighed, their expression softening. "You're lucky I already trust you. Fine—I'll do it."

The Ceremony

Mikhael held out the pieces, their glow intensifying as he activated the artifact's energy. The Rook and Bishop pieces floated toward Koneko and Kael, their forms engulfed in light as the magic bound them to Mikhael's peerage.

When the light faded, both of them stood taller, their auras visibly stronger.

Koneko flexed her claws, a faint smirk on her lips. "This feels... amazing."

Kael inspected their gauntlets, their runes glowing brighter than before. "The mana flow is smoother. It's like a power boost and a refinement all at once."

Mikhael nodded, a faint smile playing at his lips. "Welcome to the team."

Foreshadowing the Next Steps

As the group prepared to leave the plateau, the artifact pulsed faintly against Mikhael's chest. The whispers were subdued but clear.

"This is only the beginning. Power demands more... and so do you."

Mikhael's smirk widened, his crimson eyes gleaming with resolve. "Then let's see where this path takes us."

The chapter ends with the group descending the mountain, their bond stronger than ever as they prepare for the trials ahead.