Hell, Rune Core Zone.
Hans squatted on the ground. Before him knelt a row of low-ranking demons.
They had all surrendered on the battlefield. There were not many of them—some had goat heads, some bat wings, and some were covered in pustules—but at that moment, they all knelt obediently with their heads lowered, not daring to look at Hans.
Hans held a golden chip the size of a fingernail. It was covered in dense runes and gave off a faint golden glow in the darkness.
"The Three Rules of Hell," Hans said. His voice was not loud, yet every demon heard him clearly.
"First, no hoarding dark energy. All energy must be registered and recorded, then allocated by the guild. In other words, your power belongs to the guild."
"Second, no killing each other. If you have a conflict, find a demon hunter to settle it. Anyone who fights privately will be killed."
"Third, you must submit to the Demon Hunter Guild's control, obey orders, and accept assignments. Those who disobey will be killed."
He stood and walked up to the first demon.
"Open your mouth."
The demon opened its mouth, and Hans shoved the chip inside. The chip melted as soon as it entered, sliding down its throat into its stomach.
The demon's body suddenly convulsed. A golden pattern flashed across its skin, spreading from its chest to its limbs before vanishing a few seconds later.
"Does it hurt?" Hans asked.
The demon swallowed.
"N-No."
Hans nodded.
"That's good. It'll hurt when you break the rules."
He walked toward the next demon.
An hour later, more than twenty thousand low-ranking demons had all been implanted with Holy Light restraints.
Hans stood up and rolled his stiff neck.
"All right. Get up."
The demons rose and looked at one another,