Dungeon of Pride, Laplace

Chapter 969- Acquiring Few Henchmen (3)

"I'd advise you to step back, unless you want to test your luck against someone far beyond your rank."

 "What did you say?"

The Demon Earl grit his teeth so hard that one could even hear them cracking. He was about to flip out in anger when Simon said the following words.

"Why do you think I'm not on a mission from a high ranking demon?"…

"Why you ask? That's because…"

 He didn't let the Demon earl finish and continued "It's because I'm a human?"

 Looking down on humans was practically ingrained in every demon. Especially now during times of war, the hatred was at its peak. But Simon could see something more from Melkan in front of him.

It was insecurity, fear and unwillingness to accept that someone is superior to you. There are always bound to be idiots with overinflated egos but no substance to back it up, the demon Earl in front of him was one of them.

"Since you think I'm just a mere slave, why don't you come with me and verify the fact yourself".

Melkan was silent, his expression shifting between suspicion and hesitation. He seemed to be deliberating whether Simon was really telling the truth. He could see the calm confidence in the latter's gaze—there was no trace of fear, no hint of deception.

Simon did not wait for the other party's answer, he turned around and made his way to Duke Vordanaz's camp.

Melkan and his entourage begrudgingly followed behind.

As he approached Vordanaz's camp, the difference between it and the surrounding encampments became glaringly obvious. Unlike the rough tents and makeshift shelters used by lower-ranking demons and other beings, Vordanaz's quarters were grand and imposing, showcasing his power and status.

The camp couldn't be called a camp anymore; instead, it looked like a fortress, built of solid walls and jagged earth, conjured through powerful magic. The entire structure had a faint magical barrier covering it, repelling weaker entities.

Looking at it, one wouldn't be able to call it a temporary shelter anymore.

Should he say as expected of a high ranking demon? The entire area was swarming with powerful subordinates and monsters patrolling the place.

A show of power indeed, on his way here Simon noted only low-ranking demons and lesser creatures bothered with simple tents. For those of higher status, like Vordanaz and his peers, the standard was a magically constructed fortress or castle, built with their own power.

The grander the structure, the higher the standing of its owner in the Demon Lord's army. Here, status was everything, and the size and complexity of a demon's stronghold were clear indicators of their influence and strength.

In this regard, Vordanaz's fortress was neither the most impressive nor the smallest—it was an intermediate-sized castle, a sign that even among the Demon Lord's ranks, Vordanaz held a respectable position.

Simon observed the castle before becking at the entourage behind him "Let's go". n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

The entrance to Duke Vordanaz's camp was guarded by a pair of Infernal Knights, clad in crimson armor and burning helmets. The moment they saw a group approaching, they stepped forward, their bodies blocking the path.

"Stop right there!! This is the Dwelling of Lord Vordanaz. Uninvited people are not allowed"

The infernal knights roared. Their powerful aura quickly subdued the Demon Earl's entourage, making them trembling in their boots.

Not mentioning the powerful presence of the Demon Duke which completely covered the area, just the hostility directed by the infernal knights was too much for this group of Demon Viscount and Demon Baron to endure.

Melkan on the other hand, observed the human and camp before him. The fact that the human had willingly led them to this place unsettled him and caused his unease to grow.

"I'm not intruding, I'm someone your master invited. Simon, tell him my name… he will recognise me"

Simon replied but the infernal knights refused to move out of his way. Seconds passed in tense silence, just when it seemed like they would be shoved away, the infernal knights suddenly moved out of the way and pointed with their hands.

"This way, lord Vordanaz is expecting you". One of the knights intoned.

Simon smirked and cast a glance behind him. At this moment, the faces of the demon earl and his henchmen were a sight to see. It was almost comical how the Demon Earl's face was frozen in shock, his eyes wide and mouth slightly agape.

His subordinates were no better, their earlier sneers replaced by expressions of stunned disbelief. Simon could practically read their thoughts:

How could a human, a mere mortal, receive an invitation from a Duke?

But Simon didn't spare them a second thought. He had more important matters to address. He walked confidently into the stronghold.

Inside his camp or rather stronghold, Vordanaz was waiting for them. Seated on his seat, his presence dominated the room.

When Simon entered, a pleased smile appeared on the corner of his lips.

"So you came, Simon, I knew you would. Have you decided to join my side after all?" His voice echoed throughout the chamber, filled with self-assured arrogance.

"Yes, joining me is the right decision. A strong man like you should be on my side. When you deflected my attacks, I realized you were different from those pathetic ones who scurry about, content with their mediocrity. You are meant to soar higher, to rise above the masses."

"You've made the right choice, Simon. Power, immortality, status—whatever you desire, I can grant it. You've seen the might I command, the influence I wield. Swear loyalty to me, and you'll have everything you've ever wanted."

In the back, Melkan and his entourage stood in stunned silence, their eyes wide and jaws slack. They couldn't believe what they were hearing.

A human had fought against a Demon Duke and survived his attacks? If anyone else had told this story, they would have laughed them off as a fool or a liar. But this was Vordanaz himself speaking—there was no way he would lie about such a thing.

It was unfathomable.