Most people think hell is a fiery hot place. That's only true for some parts of hell. The coldest landscape in hell was the frosty caves, where any normal human would instantly freeze to death. But not the demons, who lived there. Most demons there were sturdy and large built with shaggy pelt and a lot of muscles. So it would surprise everyone if they met the lord demon of this hell realm. Or to be more precise the lady demon.

Byleth could almost be mistaken for a human with her slim feminine build, long unkempt dark blue hair, and the bluest eyes you can imagine. But she also had demon parts, like the long-winded horns atop her head and the leathery tail with a triangular tip. Also, the black claw-like fingernails and the emotionless look in her eyes gave her away as anything human.

She was the ruler of these cold lands, although she preferred to live more isolated and could only rarely be seen sitting on her stone throne. She lived withdrawn in one of the biggest caves there were. A few bookcases were filled with all sorts of books, which she had brought back from her trips to the human world. They helped her to keep the boredom away. She also trained hard to cut down any demon who challenged her. Many demons had tried to take her title but none came even close.

Byleth just sat down with a book after a long and exhausting training, when she felt a familiar tug on her very self. It was the call of a summoning in the human world. Some humans had the nerve not just to summon a demon but even one of the highest rank - her. Byleth was close to just ignore the call, but remembered the boredom of the last decades and decided to follow the summoning. At best, she would collect a powerful soul; at worst, she would take a few new books.

She closed her eyes and let herself be pulled away to the human world. Before she opened her eyes, she noticed the almost forgotten smell of the human world. It was much more nuanced than her icy home. Most of them were unpleasant, but there was one prominent smell that was sweet but not overly so, surprisingly pleasant for the demon.

Finally, Byleth opened her eyes and found herself in some catacombs or a very large cellar. Unsurprisingly she was standing in a large circle with a pentagram and ancient runes painted with blood on the edge. With eagle eyes she studied the runes for any misspelling and the drawing for any gaps. To her annoyance, it seemed flawless so she couldn't break out without using almost all her power.

Next, she observed the two present humans. One was a large dark haired young man who almost equaled some demons with his piercing stare. The other one was a young woman with pale hair and striking violet eyes. She seemed rather fragile, but Byleth noticed her strong and confident stance. To no surprise, for Byleth it was the woman who spoke first with a feminine voice but severe tone.

"Ashen Demon", she began, Byleth had almost forgotten the name most of the humans called her. "I am Emperor Edelgard von Hresvleg and seek a contract with you. I need your strength and power to defeat a foe of mine."

That was nothing new to Byleth, humans always wanted her to fight something.

"Do you know the price of a contract with a demon?" Byleths voice was raw and rusty from misuse and her tongue felt strange forming words in the human language - the language of Fódland if she was not mistaken.

"My soul", the woman simply stated.

Byleth would have thought the Emperor didn't understand the consequences of giving her soul away, but seeing the unease in the eyes of the man, they both probably did.

"I offer you my service until the day you die. In return I will collect your soul after your death."

Byleth dragged her claw-like nail against her right palm until a fine black line of blood was visible and stretched her hand out until her fingertips touched the invisible barrier of the circle.

The Emperor only hesitated for a few seconds before she took the knife offered by the dark haired man and also cut across her right palm.

"I accept this blood contract."

And she reached through the barrier and gripped Byleths hand until both bloodlines touched each other. A dark glow animated from their joined hands. Dark veins of blood and power were crawling up both their arms until they reached the corner of their eyes. Then they seeped into the skin. Only the contract symbol on their palms remained. It was a triangular figure composed of three interlaced arcs and various lines in between.

With Edelgard breaking the barrier, Byleth was free to step outside of the summoning circle and took a closer look at her surroundings, but also at the present humans. The man was seemingly nervous about the demon and followed her every movement with sharp eyes even if one was hidden behind his hair.

"So who should I kill?"

Byleths voice was emotionless like she was discussing the weather.

"First we need to access your skills so that we know how to best utilize them in battle."

The man who Byleth still didn't know the name of, spoke with a no-nonsense tone.

"Can't I just teleport to whoever and kill them? That would be much simpler."

He shook his head dismissively.

"King Dimitri is protected by strong spells, no one can teleport near him."

So she was to kill this King, not that knowing his name changed much for Byleth.

"So you humans finally learned to use your magic tricks more successfully. The last time I was here, most had problems to even summon demons."

"When was the last time you were in our world?" The Emperor asked, interested.

"Could be 100 years ago, but I don't really keep track of time. There is also the different time flow in each world. Too much of a hassle to keep up", Byleth mused.

"Where does the time flow the fastest?"

"The human world, so much changes after just a few decades in hell."

The man cut into their discussion with a cough.

"Your Highness, we should take the Ashen Demon to the others so we can test her abilities."

"You are right, Hubert. We shouldn't waste time chitchatting. Follow me Ashen Demon."

Byleth followed the Emperor upstairs and was led outside where a bunch of young humans were. They were talking to each other or doing other silly stuff like hiding behind other people like the small purple haired one.

"Everyone!"

Instantly the Emperor had the undivided attention of every single person.

"This is the demon I talked about. She will help us defeat King Dimitri."

"I am Byleth."

She introduced herself with her hand above her heart and a small bow. Byleth could feel the surprised look of the Emperor on her. Not many humans knew that demons also had names. Normally Byleth wouldn't be so quick to tell humans her name, but she felt strangely safe enough with these humans.

The first to recover from hearing the demon speak was an orange haired male, who also introduced himself with a small bow.

"I am Ferdinand von Aegir and looking forward to getting better acquainted with you."

He said, however he looked at her with great suspicion. He seemed like someone with too much honor and not enough pragmatism.

"I am Caspar, pleased to meet you. I can't wait to fight against a real demon."

The short blue haired guy spoke with much enthusiasm. Unlike most of the others, he seemed neither suspicious nor fearful of her.

"Oh and the sleepy one is Linhardt. Linhardt it is rude to sleep when greeting new guests."

Caspar shouted at a green haired man, who leaned against a wall with his eyes closed. When Linhardt was addressed, he lazily opened one eye and waved at Byleth, then closed it again.

"Well, well if you aren't the newest addition to our task force. My name is Dorothea."

It seemed as if Dorothea had put on a brave mask to hide her discomfort or fear. Her hands trembled slightly as she waved at her. Byleth was used to being looked at by humans with a lot of fear, but also disgust. Although with these people so far the disgust was missing.

The woman with the magenta tattoo beneath her right eye did a small bow similar to Byleths and spoke with hesitance.

"Hello. I am called Petra. I am pleased to be meeting with… no, I am pleased to have met you."

"Bernadetta, stop hiding and greet our new addition to the task force."

Edelgard spoke softly, but with a firm voice. The purple haired one squeaked in fear and shouted behind Petra's back.

"Ah! I don't talk to strangers, especially if they are demons!"

After a long glare from Edelgard and Hubert, she peeked out from behind Petra and mumbled her name before hiding again.

"That leaves me," Hubert began to speak with a sinister chuckle.

"I am Hubert. A humble servant of Lady Edelgard."

They were a strange bunch, Byleth thought, even for humans.

"Enough with the introductions. Ashen Demon do you think you can beat us all in a fight? Then show us your skills."

Even as Edelgard was still speaking, Byleth nodded and drew her ominous sword ready for battle.