"An explanation? You’re joking! Your own successor’s twisted mind is your fault, yet you blame me? Has all the brainpower in your head migrated to your chest?"

Silence’s Overlord of Hell, An, sneered openly at the Pride Witch who’d barged through the doors.

"Don’t think your power lets you order a Hell Overlord around in their own domain."

A slick crimson tide seeped from the palace walls, carrying countless demons and undead warriors. In an instant, only the ground beneath Cecile’s feet remained untouched.

"Our relationship is purely transactional—Overlord and Witch—" An’s tongue flicked over parched lips. "Perhaps we should discuss... other kinds of transactions." Her greedy gaze raked over Cecile’s body.

She couldn’t hold back anymore. This Pride Witch haunted her memories. She’d longed to peel back that black gown inch by inch, to hear arrogant beauty scream in agony, to watch her beg for mercy on her knees... Just imagining it flushed An’s cheeks with heat. Among all she’d ever desired, only this Pride Witch ignited such fierce hunger to conquer. That untouchable arrogance. Every smile, every word—a siren’s lure. She ached to devour every inch of her.

"Fine. Let’s discuss other transactions." An shot up from her throne. "What terms?"

Cecile’s lips curled. "This isn’t the place for talks..."

A crushing wave erupted from her feet, reversing the crimson tide and obliterating every demon within it. Pride’s will silenced the entire palace. An stared, stunned.

"You cast magic *here*? My castle nullifies spells—especially in this throne room. Mortals can’t wield magic in Hell!"

Cecile strode toward the throne. "You misunderstand."

"I never expected those trash to threaten you," An scoffed, sinking back into her seat. No human could defeat her here—in her castle, on her throne, where Hell’s power surged through her veins. Even the "world’s strongest" Witch was just a mortal. "So what’s your mistake? Spare me, Cecile. In the mortal realm, I’m just a spirit—I can only *talk*."

"Heh. Walking toward me? Not running, but begging for death?"

"Our transaction ended when you corrupted my successor."

Cecile materialized before An. "Now we negotiate as master and dog."

"What?!"

Instinct flared. An summoned her demon avatar, slashing at the tiny figure before her. But no blood sprayed—the blade met a crimson scythe. Beside Cecile loomed a blood-armored giant wielding the Crimson Great Scythe, its core a red-gowned girl: Helena, summoned via forbidden projection. Cecile’s power made this Helena stronger than the original, wielding her master’s forbidden magic.

Behind Cecile, the Radiant Sword Saint—ascended beyond the story’s current limits—blazed like a newborn star. Light flooded the palace, banishing every shadow. A searing blade sliced through An’s demon avatar before she could blink.

"A scythe-wielding monster *and* an ancient god-avatar?!" Blood spilled from An’s mouth as she stumbled back onto her throne. Unprepared for combat, she reeled under Cecile’s assault. Helena’s true form lunged, sinking teeth into An’s neck. When she pulled away, a crimson sigil bloomed on the wound. An felt her power twist, turning against her.

Cecile yanked An off the throne and slammed her to the floor. She settled onto the stolen seat, boots planted on An’s chest, chin propped on her palm. "Never underestimate Pride. Your Silence can’t overpower my arrogance." Leaning down, she conjured a leather collar. "One step remains in our negotiation. You’ll make the wise choice... And how else could I pin you down without getting close?"

"Cough—!" An spat blood, eyes locked on the collar. "What are you doing? Cecile! Remember who you’re dealing with—a Hell Overlord!" Even cornered, she snarled defiance. *This is my realm. My legions will swarm at the first alarm. Other Overlords will scent human blood. Just a mortal...*

"So, An," Cecile dropped the collar beside her. "Will you die here as a Hell Overlord? Or choose to live?" She stroked An’s hair, smiling. "You know Hell’s nature better than I. Crowds adore you alive. Dead? Who cares? Some demon will claim this throne tomorrow."

"I could ask around for you."