Zamazenta was in the Habitat as the Pokemon were helping him get into his new armor.
"This armor's gonna really help you out, Zamazenta. And reforging it around your crowned shield armor was a great idea on Cheetah's part." Cinderace said.
"It will definitely come in handy for the next dungeon. Especially since it's in the Demon Universe." Falinks mentioned.
"Yes. I could tell that David has been looking forward to this one." Suicune said.
"Apologies for putting you all through this. I didn't expect my mane to be chipped like that." Zamazenta said.
"Well, to be fair, you were picking a fight with Lu Bu." Mightyena said.
"Do not worry so much, Zamazenta. Being able to last as long as you did against Lu Bu is a feat in and of itself. As several Royal Knights can attest." Cobalion said.
The ground shook a bit.
"What was that?" Zacian asked.
"Oh...that green haired swordsman's been swinging that blade of his near the cliffs for a few days now." Decidueye said.
"I really hope he doesn't disturb them too much." Zamazenta said as they were finished. "Well, what do you think?"
"The armor is perfect." Zacian said. "It should make your shield even stronger."
"Thanks, Zacian. I look forward to seeing the results." Zamazenta said.
"I think we all will look forward to that." Froslass said.
It wasn't long before they approached the Demon Universe where they saw a large crater deep in the earth.
"Whoa...I'm just going to assume that's the dungeon." Theo said.
"The Circle of Fraud…" Demiurge said. "My creator spoke of this but to think it actually exists."
"Hmm." Simon said as he looked at it.
"So, does this really lead to one of the 9 Circles of Hell, like in the Divine Comedy?" Adora asked.
"Yes...however...if this is anything like the folklore...there will be challenges to clear." Demiurge said.
"With lots of demons to contend with too." Sectonia said.
"I'm not worried. We have tons of demon slayers with us." Hope said.
"Room for two more?" a voice called as they saw Nero approaching with Arnice.
"Yo, Nero, Arnice! It's been a while." David said.
"Yeah, it's good to see you all doing well after the Rift incident." Arnice said.
"So you guys wanna tag along for this one?" Hope asked.
"You didn't think that I'd shy away from something that appeared on my turf, right?" Nero asked.
"Yeah, I missed the times we all journeyed side by side. It'll just be like old times." Arnice smiled. "Sorry Aluche and the others couldn't come, they want to make sure no demons from the dungeon would infiltrate the town."
"That's okay with us. Having you guys on the team will be a great boost to our demon slaying power." Hope said.
"And they could also be extremely dangerous as well." Seiya spoke up.
"Seiya, we can vouch for Arnice and Nero, you can trust them." Ace said. "If it wasn't for Chris's help, we wouldn't have been able to save Arnice from herself."
"You vouching for them doesn't change the position." Seiya said.
"Hmm...we'll bring them. They could be useful as bait for more powerful demons." Demiurge said.
"What was that?" David asked Demiurge.
"I'm simply stating that they could be useful for drawing out the more powerful demons. In all honesty, I don't see either of them dying." Demiurge said.
"These two can hold their own in a fight. Trust us." Mayumi said.
"Don't worry, Mayumi. Arnice and I can prove ourselves to four eyes here." Nero said. "Your name's Demiurge, right?"
"That is correct. Floor Guardian of the 7th floor of Nazarick and a loyal servant of Lord Ainz." Demiurge said.
"Nice to meet you. I don't really have any interest in getting into an argument with you. If you're on the Alliance's side, you're a friend of mine. Besides, the demons I fight aren't exactly like you." Nero said.
"Right...I imagine they are incredibly weaker compared to me." Demiurge said.
"Just ignore him, Nero." David said.
"It's alright David." Nero replied.
"Anyway, shall we venture into the depths of hell?" Hope asked.
They soon started to descend down into the crater.
"So...what do you know about this place?" Theo asked.
"There are 10 challenges in all. The first is called Panderers and Seducers." Demiurge said.
"I still can't believe that a Circle of Hell from the Divine Comedy exists." Hope said. "Mark, you know more about the legend than most of us. Are we really going to see the inside of The Inferno?"
"Well, one part of it, anyway." Mark said. "If it's anything like the Inferno story, then get ready to see some crazy stuff."
The group then stopped at a red door with an engraving that read:
The panderers and seducers will spend eternity beaten, prodded and whipped by Lucifer's lieutenants.
Prove your strength to the lieutenants to pass.
"Looks like we have a fight coming up." Undyne said.
"Provided you humans can stomach this." Demiurge said, showing them a number of people being tortured by a number of demons.
"Oh god, that is wrong on so many levels." David said.
"Welcome to the Inferno." Demiurge said as he casually approached one of the demons. "Aspect of the Devil: Razor Sharp Claws." he said as his claws grew long and sharp. "If you cannot stomach even the smallest bit of misery…" he said before decapitating a lieutenant. "Then you have no right to take it head on."
"Seriously, Demiurge?" David said.
"Just ignore him, David." Nero said. "He's just trying to get under your skin, don't let him get to you."
"Seriously...you just need to learn when to ignore stuff like this." Theo said as the other lieutenants took notice. "Cause we're about to have some company."
"Ah good. I needed some action." David said.
"Let's not keep them waiting then." Simon smirked, his left eye glowing.
(Cue: Fire Away- Devil May Cry 2)
The Lieutenants of the circle charged in as the group's demon slayers took to the front line and met them, clashing with the denizens of hell.
"It's time to blaze a new fiery trail through hell!" Gemini said. "Flame Breathing- Mifune Sword Style: Fifth Star!" She then dashed and cut through a row of Fraud Demons while blazing a trail of fire, forming a horse as it burned over the ones it hit. "Wild Bronco!" she called from the other side of the demons set ablaze.
"Water Breathing...2nd Form...Waterwheel!" Tanjiro said, slicing through a couple of the demons.
"I think it's time I introduced one of you to a few insect friends of mine. SOL-PETAHE!" Simon called as a small portal appeared and flying out were a swarm of demonic dragonfly known as Carnage as they swarmed one of the demons before dispersing back into the portal, not a single trace of it left behind.
David just walks up to a few demons before slicing them rapidly and sheathing his blade, causing them to burst open and blood to splatter.
"I've got these ones." Sectonia said as she drew her Nichirin Blade and Fell Arms, using a dual sword style to decimate another swarm.
"We're not gonna be left out of the action, Arnice! Let's get crazy!" Nero called, equipping his Tomboy Devil Breaker and powering up Red Queen, cutting down demons left and right with his sword's enhanced strikes.
"Begone!" Arnice said, firing at some of the demons with her Blitz Shooter before switching it to her dual daggers and dashing in, cutting them down in the blink of an eye.
It wasn't long before all of the demon lieutenants were slain.
"Looks like that's all of them." Naofumi said.
The ground shook as a stairway opened up to them.
"We're going further in. This is only just the beginning." David said.
"Yeah...this was only the first trial." Mark said. "We have nine more to go, and not all of them are going to be as straightforward as this one, I'm sure."
"Then let's get a move on and face 'em already!" Eddy said.
"Provided you have what it takes to survive." Demiurge said.
"Uh...he's...he's joking right?" Eddy said.
"Demiurge… Maybe try not to provoke the Demon Slayers we have here?" Sectonia asked/.
"I don't think he's trying to provoke us." Nero said. "I think he's trying to motivate us. He wants to see what we've got."
"He has a very condescending way of showing it, though…" David said.
Ainz thought to himself looking at the others. "(Demiurge is really trying to get under everyone's skin. Of course, considering most of Nazarick don't think humans are on equal terms, I can understand. But I've seen these people in action. This keeps up...doubt it'll take long before all eyes are on me for their anger.)"
"Uh, Ainz?" Ethox asked. "Shouldn't you, I dunno, intervene and make sure things don't go too far?"
"Oh...uh yes...of course." Ainz said. "(Yeah like what? I don't know what he's thinking a lot of the time!)" "Demiurge...I understand these humans are quite uh...unique but...you should consider not trying to upset the demon slayers."
"Oh...they are not much to worry over. Since they are your subordinates after all." Demiurge said.
"(What?! Since when?! Is that what he's been thinking this whole time?!)" he thought as a green light came over him. "Uh..yes...be that as it may...we do have to work with them. So...at least try to make an effort to cooperate." Ainz said.
"If it is what you desire, I shall see it followed out." Demiurge said.
"When? Name the precise date and time that we agreed to that." David said.
"(David...keep it together man.)" Ainz said telepathically.
"(I'm trying, Ainz… But it's just really hard to with this guy.)" David thought back. "(Albedo and Coctyus, I can deal with, but this guy… No way. And in the middle of a demon infestation, no less. Plus… I've been having some thoughts lately.)"
"(Thoughts? About what?)" Ainz asked.
"(When the Hashira were about to execute Nezuko… I was kind of forcing myself to ask some very hard questions… About what it truly means to be a Demon Hunter.)" David thought.
"(Like telling between good and evil demons. Hmm...actually...that gives me an idea.)" Ainz thought. "Actually...Demiurge...I was thinking...there are certain demons in this universe I've yet to see. Perhaps you can...acquire some samples?" Ainz asked.
"Are you certain, my lord?" Demiurge asked.
"Yes...after all...we do want to understand these universes in their entirety." Ainz said.
"Ah..I see...I am ashamed I didn't think of this sooner. I shall begin study of them immediately." Demiurge said going back towards the entrance.
"Phew… glad he's going off. What's that four eyed demons problem?" Nero asked.
"I blame that part on his creator. Ulbert was always one to worship the demonic and act dramatic like that." Ainz said.
"At least with him away, we don't have to worry about a fight breaking out." Hope said. "I'm sorry you can't handle being around Demiurge, David."
"Yeah… I couldn't stand being around that guy. Hopefully this little development will keep morale high." David said. "(Thanks, Ainz. I owe you one.)"
"(Don't mention it.)" Ainz thought as they continued on.