SON OF THE HERO KING

“I do look like one, huh.”

Sol’s eyes narrowed, he was doubly impressed and surprised. Not only because of the apparent personality of this man but also —

“You are surprised I know what a hippie is, right? Heh.”

Sol nodded while giving another look at the man. Blonde hair that seemed to have been dyed, a healthy somewhat tanned complexion, a pair of shorts and sandals on his feet while wearing a pink shirt with a floral pattern.

No matter how Sol thought about it, rather than being one of the Oldest Demigods in existence, Asmodeus simply looked like some beach boy surfer who was lost on his way and sitting on a throne that did not suit him.

The disparity between the current picture and the image in his head was so great that for an instant, Sol wondered if he was having illusions or if the man sitting there was someone else.

But he was able to pull himself together fast. In this world, judging someone based on what they looked like was the easiest way to get blindsided.

“Ohhh.”

Asmodeus seemed surprised and started to clap.”I must say, in all the years I have been alive you are one of the first to cast aside your bias so fast. Congratulations.”

Asmodeus laughed as he stood up and the throne vanished, “Honestly that thing is so uncomfortable. Even in a spirit form.”

He waved his hand and two reclining beach chairs appeared, “Would you like to take a seat?”

Asmodeus did not wait for an answer as she lay down on his chair and looked up, sighing as if he was finally able to relax.

The flow of events was quite confusing. Like whiplash but if there was one thing Sol was good at, it was adaptation. Shrugging he took place next to Asmodeus and looked at the horizon.

“You know, I always wanted my Territory to be more relaxing and welcoming, you see. More sand, less ice, more sun, and less hail. Sadly, the period I was born in was filled with wars, and the way Gabriel made her territory forced me to create a balance.”

His expression was filled with longing as he said this, “All this because I lost a bet. How well, in the end, I kinda grew attached to this place so even after the war I didn’t change it. Too many memories you see.”

Asmodeus continued on his own flow and while it looked like they were having a discussion, he had the impression that they were on two completely different lanes.

“I am quite in a hurry. Is this why you called me?”

“Sigh…Youngsters these days don’t know how to enjoy being quiet and slow. Then again, Quiet and slow is what you will have in spades in the future so I guess it’s good to be active now.”

He spoke to himself, before nodding, “Well, honestly I am sure you are expecting me to be angry or something about you breaking the curse. But you see. I am not. In fact, I am more than happy that you managed to do something like this.”

“What do you mean?”

“This world works on the law of equivalent exchange, you know. Give some pay. Well, the exchange is not always equivalent but you get the gist. Everything has a price and because of my greed, the curse is the price the witches have to pay to obtain power.”

His voice was calmer now, less chirpy and happy, “I fucked up big time you see. I totally admit this. Didn’t expect the world to lash out so strongly when I tried creating the witches. But what was done was done and they had to pay the price for the power they obtained.”

This was the simple reality.

“But I always wondered, was there anything I could do? I searched and searched, even using the power of life from Gabriel. But nothing I tried worked. It was quite frustrating, you know. But now, the power of a Duke managed to do what a few Demigods and even a goddess could not.”

Asmodeus grinned at Sol, “You…Are you really humans?”

“What do you mean?”

His eyes narrowed slightly a large pressure began to fill the atmosphere but it vanished as fast as it appeared before Sol was even able to answer,

“Well. Not like it matters honestly. Whatever you are, you are about to be married to someone who is like a daughter to me or should I say, granddaughter? So I don’t really care.”

He placed his hand behind his hand and sighed, “The reason why I called you was twofold. One to give you my thanks and two to give you a warning.”

“Oh…”

“The war you are about to wag…Be careful of my daughter.”

Sol frowned, “Which daughter?”

“A poor girl that would have never seen the day if not for the daring action of that dwarf friend of yours.”

Everything immediately became clear in Sol’s mind, allowing him to pinpoint who he was talking about,

“Nuwa?”

“Don’t you find it interesting? Why did that girl go to the battlefield and why is she staying so low? Well, it doesn’t really matter.”

Asmodeus stood up, “Sol Dragona Luxuria, soon the meeting between the divine beasts will happen. It will be a very important meeting that may determine new rules in this world or might be the start of a new war, a true war, unlike the child play that is about to happen in the Mortal realm.”

His voice was serious and for the first time, despite his appearance, Sol could feel the aura of a truly powerful being from him.

“Grow strong. Grow fast. As you are now, you will be simply unable to have any way to sway the directions of the events.”

Sol stood up, “Why are you helping me?”

“Why?” He grinned, “Because it’s fun and I like betting on sure bets.”

Asmodeus laughed out loud as he tapped Sol on the back before leaving.

Coming and going like a comet.

This was his first meeting with Asmodeus the Divine beast of Lust.