Dungeon of Pride, Laplace

Chapter 964- Demon Lord's Army

Although there might not be much difference in level, the skill, abilities, power, techniuqes possessed by Vordanaz were realms higher than the likes of the seven kings. It was something he felt after personally clashing with the Demon Duke.

If this continued, he would have to reveal his true strength just to keep his life intact. While Simon was inwardly deliberating his options, Vordanaz, however, was watching him with newfound interest.

His previous air of mockery had vanished, replaced by a calculating curiosity. His crimson eyes roamed the human from head to toe as if appraising his worth.

"You survived eh" The Duke let out a low chuckle "You're more resilient than I'd thought. Most would have been crushed into dust by now."

Simon remained steadfast, silently observing the enemy.

"It's a shame truly, that a human of your calibre would waste himself on the losing side. Tell me human named Simon, why try to fight for them ?" he pointed at the camp behind Simon.

"Those humans, they're weak, fragile. They'll be nothing but dust beneath the Demon Lord's advance."

What Vordanaz said was not entirely contemptuous. In fact, it was the truth after all, the history suggests that the south wing army which Simon was a part of right now, was completely annihilated by the Demon Lord's army.

It was not an understatement at all when he said that they were weak and destined to lose. He kind of expected the demons to look down on their feeble resistance.

That said, what he didn't expect was for the Demon Duke in front of him to say the next words.

"It's a shame for you to die here. A person of your calibre should be on the winning side". Saying that, Vordanaz extended his hand towards Simon in a gesture.

"Join me, human. Pledge yourself to my banner, and I will grant you power beyond mortal comprehension. Together with the demon lord, we could reshape this pathetic world. Who knows I may even allow you to rule a part of it".

For a second there, Simon couldn't believe his ears. Was the Demon Duke trying to…

"Swear loyalty to me, and I will grant you what the humans never could. Power, immortality, status. You don't belong among these weaklings, join hands with the strong."

An offer out of nowhere; no, should he say it was more like a mandate. Simon's shock slowly morphed into a faint smirk, digesting the words, the absurdity of this offer.

For Vordanaz, it must have been quite a revelation to see someone, a mere human not only standing up to him, but also enduring his spells, and still remaining unbowed.

Though that said, this proposal was almost laughable. Still, the Demon Duke clearly didn't see it that way.

Vordanaz's expression was entirely serious, his face a mask of regal pride. It was as if he believed that there was no way a human could reject his offer after all the promise he was making was much too appealing for anyone.

Power, immortality, status, who didn't seek all these?

Simon arched an eyebrow. For a moment, he almost entertained the idea of laughing outright, but the Duke's intense stare made him think otherwise.

He realized quickly that this wasn't some fleeting jest or a whim of the demon duke, no, Vordanaz was genuinely offering him a place among the demons, a chance to switch sides and serve as his subordinate, perhaps as his closest aide.

"Are you asking me to betray humanity?"

Be it Status, power, or immortality, taking the demon duke's hand meant only one thing and that was to betray the humanity and join the enemy's side.

In other case, he wouldn't even spare a second to mull over this question since he knew who he was and his identiy very well. However, this was not your any other case, Simon was currently inside the forbidden grounds, undergoing a trial.

His feelings on the matter were a bit more complicated. Foremost, he wasn't human… his true nature was hidden behind the magical trinket he wore—the Trinket of Grimlock, concealing his true identity and allowing him to pass among mortals without detection.

But even though Simon wasn't truly one of them, he was still aligned with humanity's goals. The seventh trial, the quest, the purpose, required him to play this role.

"Yes," Vordanaz seemed unfazed by the question, nodding as if it were the most natural suggestion in the world.

"Betray humanity, leave behind this fragile, doomed alliance, and stand with us. I'll make far better use of your talents and skills."

Although his tone was light as if discussing a trivial matter, there was a powerful trace of temptation to it. Simon's eyes narrowed slightly, to the duke betraying humanity was just a minor step—a formality, a mere inconvenience but to Simon, it was of utmost importance.

Just as he was getting ready to respond, Vordanaz held up a hand to stop him.

"Don't be in a haste to answer, Consider my proposal well, Simon. If you stay with the humans, you're going to die here. Meaninglessly. They're weak. They'll be crushed. But you... you piqued my interest. I'm giving you a chance. Think hard on it."

After that, he turned around and left just like that. His last words were carried by the winds.

"I'll be waiting for you at our stronghold, when you've made your decision, all you need to do is climb over the mountain range and join the horde. Mention my name, and they'll let you pass. Remember, Simon—the strong choose their own path. Don't waste your strength on those unworthy of it."

As Vordanaz's figure disappeared in the darkness, the heavy, dark pressure that had been suffocating the air seemed to lift. Nôv(el)B\\jnn

The storm clouds dissipated, and moonlight poured down again. For the first time since Vordanaz appeared, he could breathe freely again…

After he made his way back to the camp, he was prepared to face wary, exhausted soldiers—but the sight that greeted him was unexpected.