The eight-hundredth Outstanding Devil selection in the Lava Lake region officially began.
Beludona stood with the Devils of her generation as the Archdevil seated on a lava throne inspected them.
"...The selection begins tomorrow. The winner will receive not only the title of Outstanding Devil but also an audience with the Lord of Lava Lake!"
Annan had raised Beludona's standards too high for the Archdevil's attempt to win them over to move her. Her attention stayed on the Devils around her.
There were plenty of familiar faces: companions from the Training Camp, formidable rivals, and her younger sister, Brudona.
Through her partnership with Annan, Beludona's strength had soared. She no longer needed her family's help, which had turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Brudona: with the family's support, her sister had shed her Apprentice status.
Beludona's gaze paused on her briefly, then moved on. In strength or resources, her foolish little sister posed no threat to her.
Brudona apparently disagreed. After the Archdevil left, she brushed past Beludona and whispered with hatred, "You're just a beggar picking up scraps..."
Beludona refused to rise to the bait. With the air of a victor, she replied, "Or a lucky soul who found a Mithril mine in the Abandoned Mine?"
"Hmph..."
Brudona walked away without looking back.
The Outstanding Devil selection would last 666 days. Beludona drew an auspicious number: her three tests would begin on the sixth day.
Lounging in the Lava Throne, the Archdevil studied the list held up by a servant. "Beludona... Free City?"
Beludona's uncle spoke from beside her. "It's a rising human territory. In just two years, it's become famous throughout western Middle Earth, and it's even planning an alliance with the Elven Royal Court."
The Archdevil shot her a sidelong glance. "You talk too