The air in the former capital of the Asgar Kingdom reeked of sulfur. The once-grand Royal Palace had fallen into disrepair, and broken human bones still lay scattered in corners of the grounds.
They were all that remained of the battles between the kingdom's soldiers and the demons that had surged out of the Abyss years ago.
The palace had become the Abyssal Demons' largest stronghold in the Main World.
Inside the Palace, wood and stones had been piled into a massive bonfire at the center of the ornate marble floor.
A towering, red-skinned demon gripped an enormous goblet and drank with abandon.
He was the infamous Demon Lord Dante.
His goblet held a mixture of human blood and alcohol. The mingled scent of liquor and blood was a demon's favorite.
Across from Dante sat a human woman in a white robe. She held a smaller goblet, but hers contained clear wine without a drop of blood.
"Well... honored Earth Mother Goddess Gaia, what brings you to me?" A smile spread across Dante's demonic face, making him look all the more vicious as a daunting aura rolled off him.
Gaia was hardly intimidated. "I've come to discuss cooperation. I'm sure you understand the Abyssal Demons' current position without me spelling it out. Barring a miracle, your defeat is certain."
Dante was unmoved. "Defeat? Was there ever any doubt? This is a Divine War, a war between gods. How could demons possibly win?"
"Of course the Abyssal Demons can't win," Gaia said calmly. "But that doesn't mean you have to lose."
Dante's gaze sharpened, his golden, serpentine pupils flashing with a chilling light. "What do you mean? Stop talking in circles."
"Work with me," Gaia said.
Dante stared darkly at her. "Why should I trust you?"
Gaia set down her goblet