I am the Demon Lord! His terrifying voice ripped through the room.

This had to be the Devil. The Accuser. The personification of evil shrouded in darkness. But the Demon Lord? Shobai had never heard of such a ridiculous name.

So, not the Devil? He said.

The Demon Lord slowly arose from his throne, sending demons and monsters scurrying away in fear. No creature had ever dared to question the him – even those as ill-mannered and wicked as humans.

I am the One True Demon Lord! He said and released a blood-curdling roar from the gutters of his soul. Each wave felt like a punch, beating against Shobai’s body. This demon was dangerous. But still…

The One True Demon Lord? It sounded like a lame video game character and a weak one at that. Besides, if Shobai had heard him correctly, then he couldn't be the Devil. And if he wasn’t the Devil…

A glimmer of hope rippled across Shobai’s face. If that wasn’t the Devil, then maybe this wasn’t hell! Maybe he wasn’t dead at all! A coma, that's what this was! He was lying in some fancy new hospital bed on campus, probably getting the royal treatment! Wait… didn’t they say tuition was free if you get hit while working? His entire life could change.

Hooray, I’m saved! Shobai said.

The Demon Lord watched with growing discomfort as Shobai lifted both hands and began to dance around. Several demon advisors were particularly disturbed.

This is why I hate humans. One said to another. They have no respect for authority. 

And this one looks like a madman. Another demon chimed in, as Shobai started singing hymns. What was the princess thinking summoning such a disgusting creature?

Enough. A smooth, still voice shot through the darkness, drawing all eyes to the throne. There, beside the Demon Lord, stood a human. A woman, beautiful in a dangerous way. Dark eyes, pale skin like a dove, and shiny white hair that glimmered in the flames.  

I am Princess Tiana. She said. We have summoned you here to fight on behalf of my father, the Demon Lord, against the humans. You will kill the Human King of the North and the other worlders summoned by the Elemental Church!

Shobai melted at the sight of her.

That’s the Demon Lord’s... daughter? There was no way this radiant, angelic goddess could possibly be related to such a vile monster. She was, without question, breathtaking - 100% his type. Shobai struggled to calm his heart. He needed to focus on what she had just said – something about ‘otherworlders’ and a ‘king’?

Hi. Shobai blushed uncontrollably. Could you repeat–

Silence! Her voice sent shivers down Shobai’s spine. She was definitely the Demon Lord’s daughter. Her eyes, now a terrifying otherworldly red, carved into Shobai. 

Evaluate the power. At her command, two guards led Shobai toward a metallic device in the center of the room. Forcing him down, they hesitated to place a bracelet around his wrist. 

Well? Tiana said.

It’s just… we don’t want to touch him. Humans are dirty, and this one is especially unattractive. Shobai deflated. 

Do you dare disobey me? Tiana said. 

The guards clamped the bracelet around Shobai’s wrist. It looked like some ancient relic, a clunky contraption of wires and dials. Once attached, the device sputtered to life. 

Everyone watched intently as numbers flashed across the screen, even Shobai. Having worked so many hours at the university athletic center, his physical health was impeccable. He was far from weak. But just how strong would he be? With a final surge of power, the device illuminated the room in majestic blue and a single number materialized on the display.

“-1.”