Chapter 1

Clank-.

The heavy, chilling sound of iron grinding against iron seeps into my ears. Every time I hear it, I feel like my whole body is being torn apart with excruciating pain.

And that’s because the four chains holding my limbs are the source of this sound.

Chains. These cold chunks of adamantium offer me no freedom—just the cruel and merciless punishment of confinement.

Clank-.

There it goes again. My body’s still having spasms. Dammit, this is taking forever.

Not that it matters anyway—I’m getting beheaded in a week.

Clank-.

The metallic sounds keep coming at regular intervals. Guess the seizures are consistent too. That damn old geezer Merlin, what the hell did he do?

Though, honestly, for someone like me, ending up with just these mild convulsions and terrible agony is pretty good.

Most demons would’ve exploded from the sheer force of each spasm, spraying flesh everywhere.

This is a 9th Circle Grand Magic spell created by Merlin Gregory, the only Great Mage on the continent, using his own life force as material. No wonder my body is somewhat special for enduring it.

Clank-.

There’s this massive prison called Babel Tower. It’s an odd structure rising downward underground, housing the most heinous criminals in the continent.

They say it represents the collection of all ugly desires, but I think it suits perfectly.

Right now, I’m in Tartarus—the deepest level of Babel Tower, often referred to as the abyss of hell. This is where death row inmates considered unworthy even of life imprisonment are kept. And since Babel Tower grows upside down, it’s also the lowest point underground.

Technically speaking, I’m the only one here in Tartarus right now.

Even the Black King who ruled the back alleys of the continent and the Water Spirit King Elquines who brought about a great flood have been moved upstairs since I arrived here.

“Huff… Huff…”

Lucky bastards. Sure, I enjoy solitude, but this place is so deep underground that geothermal heat makes the entire floor scorching hot like magma. To make things worse, they don’t give me a single drop of water. Talk about bad luck.

Clank-.

Other than the occasional spasms, my body remains completely motionless, stuck to the stone floor. The weight of the adamantium chains is unbearable, but more importantly, my physical state is so dire I can’t even twitch a finger.

So, here I lie, limbs stretched out in all directions, staring blankly at the high ceiling.

Thud-.

Bang-.

A different sound finally breaks through the usual clanking of chains and labored breathing. Time for food delivery, probably. Two dry, tasteless pieces of bread, no doubt.

“Hey, Joker. How’s your body holding up? Gaining some weight?”

Kelt, you really shouldn’t tease someone who’s about to die, you know?”

“Come on, when else am I gonna get a chance to mess with you? Show a little understanding.”

“Even if you feel that way, mocking someone close to death seems kinda low, doesn’t it?”

Saying that made me short of breath. Damn, it’s so hot on the ground—it feels like it’s heated to magma-level temperatures.

“Want some water then? Haven’t had a drink in a while, huh?”

“Nah, it’s fine. What’s the point for someone whose days are numbered?”

“Not thirsty, huh? Truly worthy of being the Duke of the North in the Demon Realm.”

“Cut the crap, Kelt. I’m just trying to build up some patience before I kick the bucket.”

While our mouths exchange meaningless banter, Kelt skillfully opens the iron gate of Tartarus and walks in, carrying two slices of rock-hard bread in both hands.

He truly lives up to his reputation as the warden overseeing all the way down to Tartarus in Babel Tower. If rumors are true, he might be the legendary warden matching my status as a legendary demon.

“Hey, Kelt, what was your position back in society?”

“Why ask that?”

“Well, there’s nobody else to talk to here in Tartarus. Don’t you understand how boring it gets?”

“Hmm… Now that you mention it, you’re right.”

After clearing his throat briefly, Kelt began boasting.

“I was once a noble White Knight of the Holy Kingdom.”

“A White Knight? Shouldn’t you be locked up here with me then?”

“Maybe if I’d stayed a White Knight till the end. But I quit midway and transferred to become a warden.”

“Transferred? Why? You left such a good job willingly?”

“When it became clear the Demon King’s army would win the war. Honestly, if I’d kept playing the role of a Holy Knight, I’d probably be locked up in here with you by now.”

Kelt casually pointed to the spot beside me. I gave a twisted smile.

At that moment, a searing pain surged through my insides as if they were melting. My body was warning me that talking any further would be impossible.

But I didn’t want to stop. This is the only time during the day I get to converse with another living being. There’s no way I’m letting go of this golden opportunity.

Clank-. Searing pain-.

Ouch…

I tried not to yield to the agony wracking my body, but feeling both the seizure’s pain and throat soreness together is unfair, isn’t it?

As if reading my expression without needing to ask, Kelt started muttering to himself. He seemed to realize I wanted to keep the conversation going.

Kelt really is a decent guy.

“Did you hear the news? Even the Holy Maiden, who stood alone at the final defense line against the Demon King’s army, has fallen.”

‘How could I hear anything here where the only information source is you, Kelt? Of course, this is the first I’m hearing of it.’

My thoughts are easily reflected on my face, and Kelt picks them up effortlessly. We’ve developed this form of communication over the three months I’ve been imprisoned in Tartarus.

If this method spreads academically, I bet assassins and merchants would go wild. They value controlling their expressions above everything else.

“The Four Dukes of the Demon Realm defeated Her Holiness except for you. I never thought someone so powerful could lose.”

‘This war was scripted from the start. The Indomitable Hero surrendered to the Demon King, and the Twilight Great Mage gave me his aging heart. What kind of fight could there have been?’

“You’re right. Just maintaining the defense line alone was already extraordinary.”

‘By the way, didn’t you say “alone”? What about the Pope?’

“The Pope submitted to the Demon King long ago after the Hero.”

“Hahaha! Surely not that pure human!”

Even though you can’t see my face now, I imagine it’s contorted with laughter mixed with the pain of convulsions.

In response to my expression, Kelt calmly continued.

“It was precisely because His Holiness was pure that he made that choice. He surrendered by cutting off both his arms in exchange for guaranteeing the lives of the citizens of the Holy Kingdom.”

‘Ahh… So there was a hidden side to that. I thought he just rolled over like a puppy.’

“Don’t compare the ignoble Hero and His Holiness. Damn it! That bastard ruined the unity of the allied forces!”

‘Does Kelt realize how dangerous that comment would be if it reached the Demon King’s ears?’

Despite my warning, Kelt wouldn’t stop ranting about the Hero. It’s fine since only the two of us are here in Tartarus.

“The Holy Maiden fought until the very end while that coward Hero surrendered. What an idiot.”

Kelt’s tone carried undeniable rage. I understood. As a human, he must feel immense betrayal knowing the Hero, who was the hope of the entire continent, surrendered to the Demon King.

Though I, standing on the opposite side as a demon, couldn’t empathize.

‘Let’s stop the unpleasant talk and focus on the Holy Maiden who resisted until the end.’

“What about the Holy Maiden?”

‘Hold on, since you were a White Knight of the Holy Kingdom, you must have met Her Holiness, right? How about it? Is her famed beauty as impressive as the rumors claim?’

“You seem like someone who wasn’t paying attention. She was quite lascivious actually.”

If seeing just asking about appearance turns someone into a pervert, imagine what happens when they meet someone genuinely lewd. Looks like even becoming a warden of Babel Tower, known for housing the worst criminals, hasn’t erased the knightly code Kelt learned.

‘I wasn’t asking about her sacred measurements or anything, just her general beauty. Why so prickly? Show some flexibility.’

“Hmm… Since it’s a dying man’s request, I was too sensitive earlier. Alright, I’ll tell you.”

‘Must you remind me I’m dying?’

“The Holy Maiden… She was the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen. Her white hair shining in the sunlight exuded elegance, and her flawless skin radiated purity beyond comparison. And her eyes? I can confidently say Her Holiness’s snow-white irises held all the wisdom of the world!”

Kelt described Her Holiness almost like a priest fervently depicting a deity, his expression heightened with enthusiasm. I’ve always been stationed in the northern battlefield of the Demon Realm, so I’ve never seen the Holy Maiden myself, but his embellished description makes me wish I could.

“Oh, what a shame I won’t get to see her before I die.”

Before I die, I selfishly wish I could glimpse the famously radiant face of the Holy Maiden, even if it’s impossible.

“Her face?! What kind of irreverent words are those?!”

‘Eh? You’re reading my mind now? My privacy should be respected!’

“Y-You insolent sinner! Be quiet!”

‘Aww, Kelt, don’t get so worked up. It’s already hot enough here without your added heat.’

Crack!

‘K-Kelt! How could you throw the bread!’

Kelt roughly tossed the two slices of bread away and slammed the iron gate shut. Normally calm when I criticize him for being petty, he immediately flips when it comes to insulting the Holy Maiden.

This reaction only makes me more curious about this Holy Maiden.

How impeccable must her daily conduct be to receive such admiration? I, who will never receive such reverence even if I reincarnate countless times, can only marvel.

Anyway, what should I do now? Kelt threw the bread out of reach, leaving me unable to eat it while immobilized.

It’s not like I can detach my mouth and eat separately.

Swish-.

As the iron gate closed, the dim darkness enveloped me again. Even as a demon, I detest pitch-black environments.

Honestly, this place Tartarus is impossible to grow fond of.

Clank-.

The throes of convulsion slowly creep in. Though I’ve never regretted anything in my life, failing to kill the Great Sage sooner is the one thing I deeply regret. What kind of mage can cast spells without a mana core?

Clank-.

Only a week left until my execution at the guillotine. How am I supposed to endure this sleepless agony for a whole week? Truly regrettable.

Clank-.

I’m a death row inmate. I’m not ashamed. It’s just that I don’t understand the crimes I’m accused of.

Clank-.

Seriously. While it’s true I massacred humans, beheaded the Dragon Lord, and burned the elves’ great forest, that doesn’t make me evil.

Clank-.

Who among them has the right to accuse me? Humans publicly hanged my sister, dragons decapitated my mother, and elves burned my father alive.

I merely sought rightful vengeance.

Clank-.

And most importantly, it wasn’t them who locked me here in Tartarus.

The Demon King—my oldest friend and lifelong companion—is the one who imprisoned me here exactly three months and four days ago. On charges of blasphemy, despite me being one of his most devout followers.

Even though he’s not particularly power-hungry, I still can’t comprehend why he locked me up.

Truly baffling.

Clank-.

Clank-.

Clank…

*****

About six hours have passed since Kelt delivered the food.

Amidst the scorching inferno where only the intermittent clanking of metal accompanies my heavy breathing and profuse sweating…

Thud-.

Bang-.

The heavy iron gate opening echoes through the space.

It’s not meal time yet, so what’s going on? Could my sense of time be dulled?

That’s entirely possible. In this complete darkness and stifling heat, it wouldn’t be surprising if my senses malfunctioned.

Fortunately, I realized my senses were intact when Kelt’s booming voice reverberated through Tartarus.

“We’ve got a new inmate! Make sure you treat them well!”

“Oh… A new arrival in this wretched hell?”

It’s simultaneously welcome and unwelcome news. Being sent to Tartarus means they must be an extraordinary figure—an extremely dangerous one at that.

Again, I’m lying here with my limbs restrained in all directions, completely immobile.

If this new inmate decides to attack, I’d have no choice but to take it lying down. There’s no such thing as prisoner protection systems here.

“Let’s see… Maybe I can at least catch a glimpse of this person’s face.”

With resignation, I tried turning my head to see the figure being led by Kelt.

Something felt off.

I’m not sure if it’s normal for new arrivals here, but usually wardens don’t pamper prisoners, right?

Typically, they chat idly with prisoners and occasionally use their batons to relieve stress on bad days. That’s what I thought wardens were like.

Kelt was slightly more considerate than average…

“Please come in.”

“…”

“What’s going on? Is this new inmate someone special?”

“Shut your mouth. This is a distinguished person. Someone you shouldn’t address so casually.”

“Is it the warden-in-chief? Haha.”

“You!!”

Kelt called out to me in a domineering tone, filled with intense anger. It clearly meant he wasn’t in the mood for jokes.

Furthermore, it implied he was in a particularly foul mood.

“Alright, alright. I’ll be quiet. Seriously, who could this new arrival be…”

With mock seriousness, I squinted and focused my vision. Then, something unexpected came into view.

Clank-.

The seizure that had momentarily paused resumed. However, I no longer felt the excruciating pain of my body being torn apart.

Rather, I didn’t even have time to feel it.

Precisely because I was so shocked. So dumbfounded. Because I never thought I’d witness this scene.

Today, I finally understood that when demons are genuinely surprised, they don’t feel pain.

“Wh-What are you doing here?”

I asked in a bewildered voice. Kelt responded with a somewhat somber tone.

“…Your execution date is scheduled to be the same as theirs.”

“I see. Thanks for letting me know.”

Kelt’s reply came in a cracked, rough voice that nonetheless carried an inherent dignity.

Kelt gently pushed the figure into Tartarus, treating them far more respectfully than any other prisoner. Without resistance, the newcomer quietly entered the cell.

First, I noticed the disheveled silver hair. Not hair that had turned white with age, but rather naturally silvery locks that still retained some luster despite being mostly obscured by dust.

Next, I saw the pale features that had lost all vitality – cracked lips, a face bleached white, and eyes concealed behind blood-streaked bandages wrapped tightly around the head.

Though I’d never seen this face before, I instantly recognized it. Even more so than Kelt had described. Among the countless divine empire members I’d fought, none possessed the same regal bearing as this new arrival.

“Who might you be?”

I need to correct myself – it’s not ‘you.’ More accurately, it’s ‘her.’ And not just any woman, but the most virtuous and noble woman in the entire continent.

“Greetings. Please take care of me.”

“Could it be… The Holy Maiden of the Sun?”

She who was my greatest adversary as the second-in-command of the Demon King’s army.

The woman who wielded snowy white hair while clutching a pitch-black rosary tightly in her hand.

The leader of tens of thousands of holy soldiers who resisted the Demon King until the very end and was hailed as the continent’s sole remaining hope.

The woman who, after the Demon King’s army ultimately triumphed in the prolonged war between the Demon Realm and the continent, was likely branded a criminal from the Demon King’s perspective.

The highly revered Holy Maiden Maria of the Divine Empire.

“How did someone as esteemed as yourself end up here?”

Thus revealed was the identity of the new arrival.

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