Our protagonists are heading to the city after defeating the immense monster; they are currently riding through the night. A conversation begins along the way.
DANTE HERALDI: Rex, since we're alone in this carriage, we can talk in peace. What do you think of BELFEGOR? Do you think he's trustworthy?
REX: Of course, didn't you see how much he helped us? Other demons would have betrayed us by now, and we'd be on the run.
DANTE HERALDI: Yes, perhaps you're right, but that doesn't mean I'm going to take my eyes off him.
REX: Do what you want, but don't arouse suspicion.
After a long journey, the protagonists arrive in the city in the morning, all of them exhausted. The guide begins to speak.
BELFEGOR: Well, lads, thanks for your hard work. Stop by the guild; he'll be giving you your reward there in a few minutes. Thank you for helping me bring back what remained of the bodies of our fallen comrades; it is a shame that they did not survive.
The protagonists leave the place, bidding farewell to BELFEGOR, who speaks to them for a while.
BELFEGOR: Hey, lads (addressing Dante), don't forget to go to the guild. There are special prizes for you guys who ended up killing him. I thank you for everything we've been through, and don't worry; your secret is safe with me (winking).
DANTE HERALDI: Thank you very much, I think; it's really hard to trust you, but I'll try.
BELFEGOR: Yes, yes, don't worry, I'm very curious and I won't say a word. I find you interesting. Go to the guild this afternoon; I'll be waiting for you. Goodbye, I have to report everything to the guild.
DANTE HERALDI: Okay, take good care of yourself, goodbye (awkwardly).
BELFEGOR takes the carriage with the large gem and leaves. The boys say their goodbyes and head back to the inn where they are staying, eat a little and go to rest in their room, waiting for the afternoon to go to the guild.
DANTE HERALDI: Hey, Rex, what's that bag you've got? I've seen you with that thing for a while now, and I haven't asked.
REX: Oh, right, I didn't tell you, but I have the heart of the giant demon here; take it, eat it.
DANTE HERALDI: What? You've had something like that in your bag the whole time?
REX: Yes, thanks to Belfegor, they didn't ask me about this and I brought it with me. The other demons didn't request it because Belfegor stopped them, since you defeated him; obviously, it was going to be yours.
DANTE HERALDI: Okay, let's see, give it to me. Um, and we can't cook it, it's too big for me; it's the size of a soccer ball, which is weird considering the size of the demon.
REX: What if we both eat it, half and half, to make it easier?
DANTE HERALDI: Um, okay. (Dante cuts the heart in half with his sword.) There, enjoy, dog.
The two proceed to eat the heart and make faces of disgust.
DANTE HERALDI: I knew it was ugly, yuck, but I do feel a big change; I feel stronger.
REX: Yeah, me too. It's been a while; we should go to the guild to get our reward.
DANTE HERALDI: Alright, let's go.
The two head to the guild, passing by the castle, where they see a very imposing figure high above. It was the king, but instead of paying attention to him, they quickened their pace to avoid his gaze. In a few minutes, they arrive at the guild, open the door, and enter the reception area, where they are intercepted by BELFEGOR.
BELFEGOR: What's up, guys? I was expecting you; look, here's your reward (he places a small sack on the table).
DANTE HERALDI: Great, how much are we talking about?
BELFEGOR: Yeah, look, it's 30 gold coins; you're already rich with that, hahaha. Enjoy, friend. You can exchange these coins throughout the entire demonic universe, so take advantage—they're universal. Oh, and watch out for greedy ferrymen, hehe.
DANTE HERALDI: That much? Thanks. What do you mean by demonic universe?
BELFEGOR: I forgot, you're a new demon (winking). Look, where we are now is the first demonic plane; there are many more, and this place is like a planet, but to travel to other demonic planes, you have to reach a specific location to jump from planet to planet. I would personally recommend you live here forever, but if you want to move between demonic realms, you'll have to go north, way to the back, straight ahead, to reach the observatory. That's where the portals to other places are.
DEMONIC HOSTESS: Why are you telling him all this? I don't think he'll leave this place; he's already rich, isn't he?
DANTE HERALDI: I didn't know there were other places like this, and this is a planet, that's why you can see stars, what the hell.
BELFEGOR: Of course, my friend, I owe you a lot, so I'm giving you this information, because I gather you want to go to a specific place, right?
DANTE grabs BELFEGOR and takes him to a corner and says:
DANTE HERALDI: Hey, BELFEGOR, why are you telling me all this? Do you really know what I'm looking for?
BELFEGOR: Of course, you're looking to leave for the mortal plane, aren't you? Well, I'm not judging; you're not the first, nor the last human who wants to leave this place, hahaha. I don't understand it, but I like this place. I'm telling you this because I know what a human thinks, but well, that's why I'm showing you the way.
DANTE HERALDI: Thank you, BELFEGOR. I don't know how to repay you, but... you're truly kind. (He looks at him repentant.)
BELFEGOR: Don't be such a crybaby and sentimental; remember, you're in Hell here, and demons don't cry. Very well, go now and think about what you're going to do after this.
DANTE HERALDI: Very well, thanks again... I owe you one.
DANTE heads to the counter, taking his reward of gems. He thanks them for everything and is given a silver card that proves he's a C-rank. DANTE looks at it, thanks them, and says goodbye, leaving with REX; then they head to their inn to rest in their room.
DANTE HERALDI: This world is very strange, quite bizarre. What do you think, REX?
REX: It is, actually, but I prefer this place to Earth; I didn't have a very good time there, you know?
DANTE HERALDI: That's true, you never told me your story. Would you like to tell it to me?
REX: The truth is no, DANTE, because it's something I want to forget if possible.
DANTE HERALDI: I understand, REX, no problem. Sometimes I think even demons have more empathy than humans. Well, we'll stay a few more days and then we'll leave. I know we don't need to eat for several days, but I'm getting used to eating something every day.
REX: Yeah, me too (wagging his tail). Well, we need to rest; we'll see when we'll leave here.
And so time passes. DANTE starts taking on various guild jobs to earn more money, earns gems to increase his power, and spends a whole month training. Then he decides to leave to continue his adventure. To leave this place, they are currently heading towards the north exit of the city to go and find the observatory.
REX: DANTE, look ahead: it's BELFEGOR. Hello, friend, how are you? Long time no see.
DANTE HERALDI: That's right, it's him (raising his hand). Hello, BELFEGOR, what brings you here today?
BELFEGOR: Hey, you despicable human, did you really think you could leave without saying goodbye, after all I've done for you?
DANTE HERALDI: (a little embarrassed) Well, I don't want to cause you any more trouble. After all, you've done so much for us, and I wouldn't want you to get killed for interacting with a human.
BELFEGOR: Nonsense, human. I'm a disciple, and I'm strong enough to defend myself and escape, except from the king of this place. I don't think there's anyone else who can defeat me.
DANTE HERALDI: If you say so, then excuse me, but I'm leaving to continue my journey. It's been very rewarding being with you these past few days, and thank you for your help.
BELFEGOR: You're welcome, human. You never told me your real name.
DANTE HERALDI: That's right, my name is DANTE HERALDI. Nice to meet you, demon.
BELFEGOR: Hahaha, nice to meet you too. And if you ever go out, summon me as an intermediary demon and say my name three times, and I'll be able to visit you. (They shake hands)
DANTE HERALDI: I'll think about it, friend. (He walks away with Rex.) I'll think about it. I'm not promising anything, but I'll see.
BELFEGOR: Hahaha, I never expect anything from anyone. I'll just wait for you, just in case. See you, DANTE, take care. (He walks away.)
DANTE HERALDI: Say what you will, REX, I liked that demon. I didn't think there were demons that nice.
REX: I hope so. Remember, demons are patient when it comes to planning.
DANTE HERALDI: Maybe you're right, but it doesn't cost me anything to believe in him. For now, let's go. Onward.
Our protagonists begin to reach the city's exit gate. The soldiers bid them farewell, and their new adventures await them.
Now our friends are outside, and after traveling at least a few meters beyond the city limits, they begin to feel strange; an immense power is starting to unsettle them.
DANTE HERALDI: Do you feel that unpleasant sensation, REX? It's strange, before we couldn't sense evil or magical power, but since we ate that heart, it seems we have "magical perception."
REX: (trembling) This isn't normal. (looks around.) Wait a minute, I can't see anything, but my nose will guide me. Let me see. UP, DANTE, look, what's that?
DANTE looks up, seeing a humanoid figure approaching at high speed, which lands abruptly in front of them, raising a cloud of dust that covers the entire area where the protagonists were standing.
DANTE HERALDI: What the hell is going on? I can't see anything, but with location services I can find out. It's right in front of us. REX, do something.
MYSTERIOUS VOICE: Don't worry, I'll do it.
An immense gust of wind lifts all the sand, and suddenly they see him: a very handsome person in front of them, with blond hair, wearing a shiny black tuxedo, with black patent leather shoes. But the most curious thing was that he had four wings: the upper wings were like an angel's, and the two lower ones, like a vampire from a fairy tale. They are both stunned by this tremendous sight and can barely speak because of the power this creature emanates.
UNKNOWN: (with a pedantic tone and demeanor) Hello, mortals, why are you wandering through this desert? (looks them up and down) Um, let me introduce myself. You can call me Bell. Nice to meet you. And you are?
Dante is completely frozen and sweating; Rex is on the defensive, growling. What will happen? Who is this Bell?