Dungeon of Pride, Laplace



"Do not mistake your arrival here as a mere coincidence, Grimvul. I, who dwell within the shadows of this world, have long foreseen your presence in my domain. How else did you think you were able to arrive here, at my doorstep without any interruptions? Your purpose and intentions were unveiled to me through the veils of time and space".

The Merchant of the Damned shivers in unease feeling the gaze. He instantly realised that he had made a mistake and apologised for his words while struggling to maintain his composure and fighting the creeping tendrils of fear that threaten to consume him.

"P-Please quell your anger O primordial one, your foresight and divination are truly awe inspiring. It humbles me to stand before you, knowing that my arrival was foreseen by your ancient wisdom. I am but a humble merchant, driven by the desire to possess materialistic things".

The shadowy figure's silence seemed to stretch on, as if contemplating something. Eventually, a nod of assent, almost imperceptible, emanates from the depths of the darkness that surrounded the throne.

"Alright, I guarantee your life until you leave my domain. No one shall harm you during this time, my words are absolute. Now speak, what is this information that you have for me".

Grimvul sighed a breath of relief, he felt like a great weight had been removed from his shoulders, like a convict who has been granted amnesty. With those words from the shadowy figure, he was relieved, there was no way any harm can come to him now.

"O primordial one, the information that I'm about to tell you is of great importance to you. I have traced the echoes of the fragments that you are looking for to the farthest reaches of the different worlds and have finally discovered them."

"The greater constellation that has been lying dormant since time immemorial, is starting to shine once again. Its divine will has formed once again and has chosen a different wielder this time".

Hearing the words of the merchant, the intense glow in the eyes of the shadowy figure fluctuated for a fraction of a second.

"You don't mean…".

"Yes, the fragments of Pride have formed once again".

The moment Grimvul confirmed that, it was as if something unnoticeable, something mighty and unfathomable was unleashed. It spread through the entire domain and beyond like a tremor causing unnatural phenomena in the outside world.

"Merchant of the Damned are you certain? If this is one of your trickery, this old man will be the one to end your life".

The old man beside Grimvul spoke in the gravest of tone. Trickery in front of his master was an offence that cannot be pardoned.

"Hmph, I'm not so foolish as to do something like that in front of the one who has lived through the primordial times. What I say is the truth. The Fragments of Pride has formed once again and have chosen a wielder. I have witnessed their emergence in the world of Althaea" Grimvul snorted asserting his words.

"Ever since the primordial times, there has only ever been one who has been recognised and chosen by the Fragments of Pride. Ever since their demise, the greater constellation had forever been dead, its divine will never manifesting again".

"That is to say, the Fragments of Pride vanished from Althaea forever. However, you say that it has not only formed once again, but has also chosen a different wielder. If your words are to be believed, then you truly have brought me a great news".

"Master, are you really believing what this Merchant has to say? This being cannot be…" The old man was still sceptical. However, before he could complete his sentence, a voice that carried absolute authority, silenced him.

"Silence, I'm not done talking. Merchant Grimvul continue, tell me everything that you know".

Grimvul nodded his head and continued to relay the unfathomable revelation.

"O primordial one, I have witnessed it with my own eyes. The fragments of pride thought to be lost to the annals of history, have once again chosen a wielder. A Demon Earl who came to attend my auction".

"Although he had kept it hidden marvellously, it was clear that he has no idea of what the Fragments he possessed are and is unable to control its powers and aura. I'm not lying, he should be currently attending the Hexennacht. If the primordial one doesn't trust me, he can send someone to check on him".

The silence in the air hangs heavily as the shadowy figure's form seemed to shift, their immense presence filling the chamber with an undeniable aura of dread and anticipation.

"Your revelation is truly shocking and defies all logic. A Demon Earl chosen as a wielder? Why would the Fragments of a greater constellation choose such an insignificant demon who is not even an ancient Archduke?"

"However, it doesn't appear that you are lying to me. If that Demon Earl is unaware of the powers of the fragments and has never used any of its [Authority], it's no wonder that I was unable to sense it".

"Good..good, you have brought me a piece of great news. The value of this information of yous is truly incomparable, as a reward, I shall give you something that I believe will be worth your trouble" The shadow finger extended his hands and a small dark orb floated from their hands towards Grimvul.

"This is!!" The latter immediately recognised what this item was.

"As expected of the Merchant of the Damned who has traded over millions of items. Your knowledge over artefacts is truly worthy of admiration".

Grimvul bowed his head and thanked the shadowy figure. This item here was worth all the risk he had to taken to come all the way over here.

"My business here is done, O primordial one, it was a pleasure doing business with you, I hope we have many such opportunities like this in the future" Grimvul bid goodbye and made his way out of their domain.

With his life personally guaranteed by the master of this place, he met no trouble on the way and exited the place safe and sound.

Back inside the chamber, the old man gazes at the shadowy figure with a mix of curiosity and concern. His voice was laced with a touch of skepticism as he addresses his master, seeking clarification and understanding.

"Master, do you truly believe the words of that merchant Grimvul? Was it wise to bestow upon him the Prison of Darkness? You have always been cautious and mistrustful of others, even your own subordinates."

The shadowy figure leaned back upon its throne, their eyes still gazing in the direction where Grimvul disappeared to as if piercing through the walls and boundaries of this realm.

"You know me well, old friend. Trust is a luxury I cannot afford. However, there was a glimmer of possibility within Grimvul's words, a hint of truth that resonated with the whispers of fate. Hence, I gave him that item".

"Of course, there is no way I will give away an item as precious as that, I have marked the Prison of Darkness with my Sigil, now no matter where he goes as long as he has that item with him I can always track him back".

"I see…Then should we send someone to attack him as soon as he steps out of your domain?" The old man asked.

"How would it make me look if I were to go back on my words? The Prison of Darkness is important, we cannot just let Grimvul take it away; however, there is no reason for us to personally take action to retrieve it..".

"You mean to say…" The old man realised what his master's intentions were.

"Right, give this information to Asmodeus. He has been searching for a chance to track Grimvul. I'm sure he will gladly accept our offer".

"I see, Master. Your wisdom and foresight are unparalleled. By using Asmodeus, you will not only be able to kill Grimvul without going back on your words, but by giving this information to them you will also retrieve the item and make a good impression on them".

The old man noded, his eyes reflecting a mixture of understanding and admiration for his master's calculated approach.

"Haha… old friend I shall leave the matter of Prison of Darkness to you. Employ all kinds of means and forces if necessary" The shadowy figure spoke rising from their throne.

"Master, forgive my boldness, but are you intending to go somewhere?" the old man posed a question.

The shadowy figure with their visage obscured by darkness, turned their attention to the old man, a glint of determination flickering within those eyes.

"Indeed, old friend. There is someone that I must meet, a being of immense power and foresight, someone who dwells in the memories of the past. They possess the knowledge and discernment that I need to see through fate, someone that can confirm the existence of the Fragments of Pride". 

"Master you don't mean the First ■■■■■■■■? If so then let me come with you. If that person decides to attack, even for you it will be hard to fend them off" With a voice filled with a little trepidation, the old man proposed.

However, the shadowy figure shook its head. "I'm going there by disguising all my powers and appearance. If I bring you along with me, it would be like announcing to the whole world my identity. We cannot let others get any inkling of our activities".