*South Region*
Lydia paced the narrow corridor, her mind racing. Her so-called husband emerged from the bedroom, rubbing his head.
*"Who are you?"* he asked, eyes narrowing.
Lydia froze. *Damn it…* Her powers were fading. The spell was wearing off.
Without hesitation, she lunged. Her hand clamped around his throat, and before he could scream, she drained the life from him. His body withered and turned to dust in seconds.
She sighed, straightened her clothes, and stepped out into the street. She scanned the area and spotted an old woman sitting calmly on a bench under a tree, reading.
*Perfect. She looks wise. He'll know something.*
She approached her slowly, raising her hand to hypnotize her — but just as the magic began to shimmer in her palm, the old man didn't flinch.
*"Don't even try it,"* he said calmly, not looking up from his book.
Lydia blinked. *"Excuse me?"*
He looked at her now, eyes glowing faintly gold. *"I've been in this body for fifty years. You're not the first demon to try."*
*"So you know what I am,"* Lydia said, her tone sharpening.
*"Of course. And no, I'm not like you. I'm not a demon. I'm an angel."*
She laughed mockingly. *"Angels don't possess humans."*
*"They don't,"* he agreed, closing his book. *"But sometimes… we stay. When the stakes are high. When the darkness slips through the cracks, someone must stay behind."*
*"You're protecting this girl,"* Lydia said, eyes narrowing. *"She's already mine."*
*"Then leave her alive,"* the angel said softly. *"Don't kill her. Let her live."*
The demon inside Lydia hissed, eyes flickering red. *"I don't have time for this."*
With that, she turned on her heels and walked away.
The old man watched her go, expression somber.
*"Oh no,"* she whispered to herself . *"Who let a stage 90 demon into the Hive?"*
*At the South Region – Moments Later*
Lydia spotted another woman sitting beside a herbal shop, sorting dry roots into small clay bowls. She looked harmless—perfect.
Lydia approached, eyes glowing faintly. With a single whisper, the woman froze, caught in her spell.
*"Tell me how to get into the South Palace,"* Lydia said.
The old woman blinked slowly, then began to speak under the demon's control.
*"Only those who serve the Council of Truth can enter into the south palace ."*
*"So how does anyone get close to the council?"*
*"Most are born into service. Others are chosen by the Elders… or recommended by one of the royal scribes."*
Lydia frowned. *"I don't have time to play scholar."*
*"Is there no scholar that lives outside the palace?"* Lydia asked, her voice low and laced with impatience.
The old woman, still dazed from the hypnosis, responded, *"None. Most live within the palace walls. But… they gather sometimes… to drink and debate… at a small bar near the Temple of Peace."*
*"Will there be any there today?"*
*"I… I don't know,"* the woman stammered. *"It's never certain. But if you're lucky..."*
Lydia said nothing more. She had heard enough.
With a slight nod, she turned and made her way through the winding stone streets of the South Kingdom. The warm winds of the region brushed against her cloak as she passed peaceful homes and quiet shops—none of them aware of the darkness walking among them.
The bar was easy to find. Tucked between an incense shop and a scroll vendor, its wooden sign read *"The Seeker's Cup."*
Lydia stepped inside.
It was dimly lit, filled with the gentle hum of soft music and murmured conversation. A few cloaked figures sat near the back, drinking and talking over ancient texts. Scholars.
Her eyes locked on them. *Target found.*
She approached slowly, smiling slightly.
*"Mind if I join you?"* she asked one of the scholars.
The man looked up, eyes curious. *"Only if you bring knowledge or wine."*
Lydia sat down. *"I bring both. And maybe a little chaos too."*
Lydia leaned forward, her presence magnetic.
*"I've heard that the minds of the South are unmatched,"* she said, her voice smooth. *"They say wisdom flows from your gates like wine in the high temples."*
One of the scholars chuckled. *"Flattery and mystery. You'll fit right in."*
Another leaned in, slightly wary. *"But who are you really, and what brings you to *The Seeker's Cup*?"*
Lydia sipped from a cup she hadn't ordered—no one noticed. Her eyes glimmered faintly with a dark hue as the demon inside stirred.
*"Let's just say I'm... curious. I want to understand how the South works. How its wisdom protects its throne."*
The scholars exchanged glances. One, clearly a bit drunk, began to loosen up.
*"Well, wisdom guards the South as much as the walls do. The palace is more of a temple than a throne. You don't get close unless you're invited—or useful."*
*"Useful?"* Lydia asked, raising a brow.
*"Philosophers, scribes, thinkers… even wine servers. The King surrounds himself with minds, not just muscle."*
Lydia's eyes narrowed slightly—an opportunity.
*"And how do I become one of those… useful ones?"*
Another scholar replied, *"Impress the palace council. Win a public debate. Or… make a scholar vouch for you. Like me."* He grinned, clearly taken by her presence.
*"Would you?"* Lydia asked, leaning closer.
The scholar's eyes glazed slightly. Her presence… intoxicating. He nodded slowly. *"I... might."*
Inside Lydia, the demon of seduction smiled.
*"Then let's drink to wisdom,"* she whispered. *"And to new doors opening."*
The scholar laughed at her flirty remark, lifting his glass—but just as he took a sip, Lydia *"accidentally"* spilled her drink across his chest.
*"Oops! I'm so sorry,"* she said quickly, grabbing a napkin. *"Come, let's clean that up—it'll stain."*
He followed her without hesitation toward a quieter corner of the bar, the others too drunk or distracted to notice.
Once they were alone, she leaned in close, her eyes darkening slightly.
*"I can make you more than you are. The best version of yourself. Smarter. Respected. Unstoppable… Just let me in."*
The scholar blinked, dazed. The demon surged forward, seizing the opportunity. With a flash of black smoke and a sudden jolt, the demon exited Lydia and took full possession of the scholar's body.
He stood tall—his eyes glowing faintly with a new power.
*"Now this… is refreshing,"* he said, flexing his hands, feeling the intellect and clarity of his new host.
He turned to Lydia, now weakened and gasping slightly.
*"You were useful, Lydia. But I'm done with you now."*
Just as he raised a hand to drain the last of her life, a firm voice interrupted.
*"I told you to let her live."*
The old woman from before stood there, calm but stern, power flickering around her like soft light.
The demon-host sneered. *"Whatever. You can have her."* He turned away and walked back to the bar, perfectly slipping back into the group of scholars.
The old woman knelt beside Lydia.
*"Rest, child. You've done enough damage for one host."*