The Diabolical

Conditions

Gisele’s PoV

“Hmmm, you look like your mother when she was younger, but your body will never be able to withstand the great power that she possessed. You need to train your body and soul together. Your body’s physique is perfect, but your soul, my dear- they’re not as strong as you thought.” My soul?

Why do her words seem familiar to me?

“Did you know that when your mother was a teenager, she went all out to prove herself to be the successor and kill countless angels who found themselves into the path of the underworld? But the master didn’t even bat an eye because he thinks it’s nothing to brag about. But for a demon who just awakened her powers, she is quite powerful. Compared to her siblings, your mother has the quality to be the ruler of the underworld. But the master doesn’t like the fact she is a woman.” What a bastard.

No wonder Rona doesn’t like him at all.

“Rona was a promising candidate, but she let her desire take over and ruin everything. But I guess her decision to be with that human came to fruition since you’re here. What happened to your father?” I shrugged.

“Probably died many years ago. Anyway, are you going to train me or something? Because I don’t have much time since I have work to go back to the human world. If you did whatever you must do to me today, that would be great.” The witch scoffed.

“I see you possessed the master’s inpatient trait. I guess the Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Give me your hand.” I gave the witch my hand and watched as her eyes turned as white as a piece of sheet. Where did the black of her eyes disappear to? Is she blind? It looks creepy.

“Have you ever felt a surge of power in your body whenever you use the sword or any sort of weapon before?” The witch asked.

“Yea. I lost count of how many weapons I destroyed because of that too. As mercenaries, we don’t have that much money, to begin with. Because of that, I have to borrow money from the guild and-“ the witch raised her hand.

“How many souls have you taken? Because right now, I can see a lot of spirits standing behind you, wishing for your death.” Hold on- that’s just straight-up creepy now. Are you telling me there’s a ghost around me?

“Hey- I understand you’re a witch, but is it okay to say such things? The spirits are probably occupying the castle and not attached to me.” The witch shook her head no.

“These spirits were the people you’ve killed. They’re here because they want to see you dead. But don’t worry, thanks to your mother’s blood running in your veins, they’re not capable of harming you. But be careful because they could possess the people close to you.” What the f**k is going on?

“Do you think you’ll be able to handle immense power coming to you all at once?” It would be that bad compared to when k went berserk, right?

“Hmm, depends. Will it be as painful when I go berserk? To defeat a dragon, I had to use every ounce of power within me, but because of that, my body had to suffer.” I decided to reveal what was hidden inside this leather armor.

“Oh my- what happened to you? Did the dragon do this?” I shake my head.

“I went berserk, and this happened. I thought my body was on fire. Luckily there was a healer priest that could fix my face. But they couldn’t do much about my body. I lost one of my breasts because of it too.” The witch traces her fingers on my scars.

“Even I couldn’t help you. But perhaps your mother could.” I shake my head no.

“It’s alright. I don’t mind having this scar. It reminds me of how cruel this world can sometimes be. As long as I am alive, it’s all worth it. Besides, I manage to have a dragon armor because I killed the beast.” I laughed it off, but the witch doesn’t think it’s amusing.

“What happened to you?” Huh? When did this old woman arrive? I was about to cover myself when Rona grabbed my hand and looked at my exposed body.

“Who did this to you?” I explained everything to this woman, and it seems she’s in deep thoughts.

“Is it a good idea to awaken her power now? What if the same thing happened like when she went berserk?“ Rona asked the witch.

“At the time, no one could control her transformation. But this time, I could do something if it went too far. But of course, it could also lead to her death. Either way, it’s a risky decision.” The witch placed a hand on Rona’s shoulder.

“Perhaps the new mistress could help. She’s a guardian witch that probably has a lot of experience in this field. Perhaps she could help the lady.” If it’s too much, Rona should find someone and make another child. Isn’t that less complicated?

“Why don’t you find another partner and make me a brother or sister? You could take care of that child and groom it to be what you want them to be.” Rona doesn’t seem to like that idea at all.

“Let’s meet the mistress and ask for her opinion. And you- why would you suggest such things? Don’t you want me to care for you? Why would you ask your mother to have another child?“ I shrugged.

“I thought you would feel less worried if you have another child. I am a lost cause, after all. Besides, aren’t you embarrassed to have me as your child?” Rona shook her head no.

“What gives you such ideas? Of course, I am not embarrassed to call you my child. Ignore what that bastard said about your birth. The most important thing is that you grew inside me for nine months! I carried you around, ate the same food, and it was me who gave birth to you. Your father was just someone who helped me to have you.” I- how do I respond to that?

“We’ll find a way. Even if I have to beg the devil, I will find a way to help you. It’s the least I can do after all these years.” I’m confused.

Help me with what?

“You mean you want to cure me? But it doesn’t matter if I am like this.” Rona grabbed my shoulder.

“I know you have feelings for that courtesan. I saw how your eyes wander to that woman every time she’s around. But there was always a sign of hurt when you looked away. I know you’re wary of yourself and your condition.” Well, she is not wrong.

Every woman I confessed to will change their mind whenever I show them the real me. They mostly felt disgusted after seeing my body. But I don’t mind if I have to spend my life alone as long as I am filthy rich.

“Put your clothes back. We’re going to see the mistress.” I sighed before I did as told.

HOURS LATER,

Where is this place? I’m sure we went to the basement, but how did we end up at a flower garden. The cloud looks real, and there’s even wind blowing at us as we make our way through the garden.

“Welcome, Rona. And you must be Gisele.” A woman smiled while she enjoyed her tea. Rona bowed her head to the woman while I stood there, frozen in my place.

“You seem surprised to see me.“ the woman smiled. I shake my head no before bowing my head. Wait- I never bow to anyone before. Is this part of her power?

“It’s an honor to meet you in person, Rona finally said. And I never thought I would see one of my granddaughters this soon. Most of Lazarus’s children refuse to see me because they think I am unworthy of becoming the mistress. I blame their mother for poisoning the children’s minds.” The mistress offered us to sit at the same table as her before waving for the servant to serve us tea.

Even though I prefer coffee, I don’t think I can say anything at this point. This woman looks so- terrifying. If this woman marries the devil, I guess she, too, is somewhat frightening. Who in the right mind taking the devil as your husband? That’s just absurd!

“What can I do for you, Rona? For you to come here and seek for me is rare.” Rona began to explain why we were here, and she even told the mistress about the time I went berserk. The mistress looks at me from head to toe before she smiles.

“I heard about a mercenary killing one of my pets, but I didn’t expect to see you here. I was devastated when I knew someone had decided to kill my dragon. He was a good pet too.” I- I what?! That dragon was a pet?!

“But don’t worry, I know what kind of evil deeds he’s done to the humans, so I don’t mind that he’s dead. It was just a one-time thing since I have a few other pets that listen to me.” Should I be thankful?

“Mother! Oh- I didn’t know you had guests. Please forgive me.” A boy suddenly appeared behind us.

“Oh- you’re here. Vargan, meet your sister, Rona. Rona, this is Vargan, my son. You two are siblings.” Rona nodded her head to- well; technically, this child is my uncle.

“And Vargan, the woman next to your sister is your niece. Her name is Gisele.” I- should I greet the child or just smile? The child nodded his head.

“Vargan, why don’t you show Gisele around. I have something to say to your sister alone.” Vargan nodded before he told me to follow him somewhere. I sighed before I followed the child away from Rona and the mistress.

“You look like a powerful swordmaster. But there’s a limit to what your human could do. Aren’t you afraid that the others might come and harm you? This castle is not exactly for humans to dwell in.” Is this little uncle of mine worried for me?

If only this child know what kind of hell I’ve gone through.

“How bad could it be?” I asked the child.

“Well, no words can describe what my other siblings can do. The only reason I am alive is that my mother is here to protect me. And they’re smart enough not to anger my mother.” I see- I was right. The mistress is terrifying. The aura she possessed was enough to tell me that that woman was something else.

“But I’m sure my sister Rona will never let anything happen to you. Rona is a legend here in the castle. Your mother is the only demon who could put the master of this castle to its knee. But don’t tell the master that- he doesn’t like it.” What the f**k?! Rona did that?! To the devil?! How?!

“Could you tell me more about that? How did my mother put the devil to his knees?” Before the child could say anything, he decided to hide behind me. When I looked in the direction he was looking; the devil stood proud by the entrance while crossing his hands.

“Rona didn’t put me on my knees. I was careless and fell.” Yea- as if I will believe that. The devil took a few steps forward and looked me in my orbs.

“Why are you here? Is your mother here too? What is she doing here at the mistress place?” I shrugged my shoulder. The devil placed a finger on my forehead and smiled from ear to ear.

“Your dark orbs showed me how bloody the life you’ve chosen to live on. Why? Why did you choose to suffer? Is it because you’re half-demon? Even the devil lives like a king here in the underworld with fun. Why did you torture yourself?” What the f**k? How am I supposed to answer that?

“No reason. I just want to live an adventurous life. Why? Is it that bad? I thought I would be in God’s grace if I lowered the amount of killing I make this year.” The devil burst into laughter.

“God doesn’t care about you since the day you were born! You’re half-demon! The woman who gave birth to you is my daughter with a succubus!” Damn- so my grandmother was a succubus?

“Lazarus? What are you doing here?” The mistress asked.

“I thought you were here to awaken this child’s power. Why is she still as weak as a twig?” Excuse me?!

“There seems to be some setback. But the mistress is willing to help.” Oh- seriously?

“With a condition, of course. You have to teach my son how to wield a sword.” Huh? Do I have to teach this child how to wield a sword? It’s enough I have to teach Kiera now I have to- damn it.

“He has to follow me to the human world. I have another student to teach. They could learn together.” The mistress nodded her head.

“Wait! Why can’t I teach Vargan how to use a sword?” The devil asked.

“Because the last time you did, you almost killed him by teaching him a forbidden technic. I can’t risk it.” The devil clicks his tongue in annoyance.

“And Gisele knows what she’s doing. In exchange, I will guide you on how to awaken your demon power.” The mistress smiled before I could say anything.

“Now, who’s ready for dinner?”