REVIEWS:

Ok, due to the long, and high amount of reviews, ima be answering only to a couple of them. Still, for those who were not mentioned, I still thank you for your reviews.

Luffy1010: Thanks for enjoying the rewrite, buddy. As for the 'first time with a demon makes you a demon' thing? No longer happening. Pyrrha? Might happen, and if it does, she will have her world rocked.

Hayane234: A lot. Wait until he gets something mentioned in this here chapter.

Leaf Ranger: Don't think I do not recognize you, though! I remember ya, and I welcome you back. Also, no rush. The story ain't going anywhere. Unless some arse sees fit to report it or some shit, and FF takes it down, in which case, there is a worry, but if that ever happens to ANY of my stories, so help me, I am moving to AO3.

Xerzo LotCN: Yup, it was that giant. And Lucifer got her due for trying to threaten Shade, who is a master of regen haxs, with his own sister!

Commander Kvothe: Dunno about the important role, my guy. This is no longer the old version, where there was literal Pyrrha Lock on the fucking Smut. I will try and find her something else, but honestly, I do not think Jaune is bound to meet her until Beacon this time. Or, well, I still plan to do the Sanctum Selection, so maybe it is better to say he won't be properly meeting her until Beacon.

Long Wait: I am not a natural-born English speaker, so forgive me if I am trying too hard with the grammar. But to tell you, Jaune's behavior IS being slightly affected by Blood Binder, AKA, what Ignium gave him. Same with his speech.

"The souls are so … Blood Binder, are those the people that killed themselves?" Jaune asked his demonic companion, knowing it had a voice of some kind, within his head. Blood Binder had heard him, and indeed, it whispered to him, telling him about the circle. Around him, cursed and turned into crooked trees that made up the surrounding forest, with those who willingly ruined their whole lives in different ways, Jaune was witnessing the part of the circle where violence against the self was punished.

The trees around him were those who committed suicide, yes. And the harpies flying above, the horrible creatures with claws for legs and wings for arms, despite having the form of women, were hard to look at. They broke the branches of the trees, causing the souls pain, to make their nests.

Jaune continued to walk, carefully watching his step. So far, he's not encountered anyone else worth his anger or pity, nor does he believe he will meet anyone who deserves the latter. Beyond Dis, as Blood Binder explains, are active sins. Those souls chose this fate for themselves, whether they knew the consequences or not. Yet, as Jaune did walk, the harpies staying clear of him, he eventually heard something.

"Jaune?" A soul was not calling out to him by mistake, but rather, they were calling out to him by name. And this voice, he recognized. He knew this voice, yet he didn't believe it. Turning himself around slowly, he came to face a younger bush, a female, with her knees to her chest. Her skin was turning to bark, and her feet and lower body were already rooted, yet they could still move their neck. "Is that you?"

"N-no … How?" Jaune asked, growing closer to the soul as his helmet dispelled itself.

"A-Azuria?" He cupped her cheeks, the knight taking a knee before her.

"It is you." She continued with a weak smile on her face. "Simply seeing your face down here eases my pain."

"Azuria … H-how? I heard you-"

"A lie." She quickly said.

Memories flooded back to him. Azuria Claro was an old friend of Jaune's, from when they were young. They met when he was 12, and had been friends until he turned 14, when she was taken by a sickness seemingly overnight. But finding her here, in this realm, that no longer seemed to hold. Jaune's fist clenched, feeling anger rise within him, both at himself and Azuria's parents, who would tell such a lie. Yet, noticing his rage, she placed her hand over his fist.

"Azuria, please. Tell me the truth. Why are you here? Why'd you take your own life? Was I not-"

"It wasn't your fault, Jaune. It never was. You made me happy." She smiled sweetly at him but then her face fell. "My father has been … touching me, in strange ways since I was 13. My mother, unable to do anything, allowed him. I couldn't take it anymore, and one day I just … I stole some of my parent's medicine they kept and before I knew it, I was before Acheron."

"Azuria … I am so sorry for not seeing anything … " Jaune apologized, feeling his anger mixed with guilt and sadness. Yet, as he processed her confession, anger grew to eclipse the other emotions within him. "Your father will pay."

"No, Jaune!" Azuria shouted, once again grabbing his full attention. "Jaune I- … "

She sighed. "I know a lot of time has passed. I know you've changed. But my father was a Huntsman and you can't possibly-"

"I am NOT the same." Jaune cut her off, making his point clear. "4 years do a lot to a person. I might not have the training, but I have new friends and allies I made here in Hell."

"The souls speak of your quest. I know of your demonic companions." Azuria said. "But revenge is not the answer, Jaune. I did a mistake, and now I pay my due. Even if my father joins me in this realm - something I KNOW he will - there is nothing that can be done for me anymore. Please, Jaune, just forget about me."

"How can I do that?" He asked back, almost sounding scandalized. "Azuria, I- ... I cannot pretend not to know the truth anymore, nor can I hope to keep my anger in check when I return to the living world! Nor can I stand leaving you here."

He stood and closed his eyes. "Blood Binder, is there no way to release a soul?"

The voice of the weapon was silent for a bit, but then, Jaune received his reply.

There were ways for souls to escape their torment, and even reach Purgatory. But such things took actions from outside of Hell, not within it. Many times, it is willed by Heaven that a soul may leave this realm, even if extremely rare. For the suicides, it differs from person to person depending on the cause. But as Jaune desired, if justice is done above, revealing the truth, it will bring Azuria more peace. Yet, her sin will remain, hence why Purgatory is her destination, not Heaven.

The only one that can release her and then send her to Purgatory is Lucifer herself.

"One more reason to make my journey to the end." Jaune muttered, looking down at Azuria once more. "I will release you, Azuria. I promise you. As for your father … I will bring justice upon him."

Slowly, Azuria smiled.

"You've changed, Jaune. Be it the demonic weapon around you or the realm, or even the years I've not seen you, you have grown. I wished I was still alive. Something tells me I would have been happy to be yours."

Jaune placed a hand on her head, a gesture he knew she liked when she was alive. "My promises are not made without a good reason."

Jaune's hand felt cold as he gently rubbed her head. His aura flared momentarily around his hand. Maybe a part of him wanted to warm her up but he didn't know if his aura felt warm to others. He hoped it helped but the coldness didn't stop as he pulled away. It made him even more sad at her being here. But he wouldn't help her by staying. He bid her goodbye for now.

His journey was far from over, and yet, with every step he took, he became ever more motivated to succeed.

Azuria watched him leave, wondering why his hand glowed with aura and why it had shimmered across his body after. All when he was focused on her to say goodbye. Did he not notice?

All she could do was think as she could not move let alone leave but despite that …

She felt just a little bit warmer.

"He is growing closer." Judgement remarked, looking through a special mirror in Lucifer's room. The Queen of all Hell was currently being looked at by one of Hell's doctors regarding her eyes. "Shade's little trick also left you without your ability to clearly see what is going on, even if for a little while."

"To think he already arrived in that section. Oh well, the harpies would have been useless against him anyway." Lucifer remarked, her vision slowly healing itself until it was back fully. "Better. You are dismissed."

The doctors left with zero hesitation.

She got up from her throne, joining Judgement beside the mirror. "However, that soul he met is interesting. Who knew he would meet someone he held a stronger bond with? A wasted chance."

"Are you acknowledging him as a threat, My Queen?" Judgement asked.

"As if! At best, he has become a painful thorn in my side!" Lucifer snarked, turning to her High Prosecutor. But that is when she noticed something. When Judgement addressed her, she was not looking AT Lucifer but kept her eyes on Jaune. And her eyes … "Don't tell me you are thinking of forgiving him."

"O-of course not!" Judgement quickly said, defending herself. "It's just that his feats so far make him an interesting subject to watch. Forgiveness for his transgressions is out of the question!"

"Good to know your conviction is not affected, nor your heart warped like our guests." Lucifer referred to the other demons, and angel, who were still locked up in another room, awaiting her punishment after the boy is dealt with. Seriously, so little time, yet they all seem to have something that at least makes them care about him enough to want him to remain alive. She wouldn't say, love, not a chance … But perhaps there was something within Jaune Arc she failed to see?

Lucifer looked again at the mirror. The boy was young, barely reaching his physical maturity, yet he was poorly trained. His naivety, though, likely already washed away thanks to his journey, but he clearly still held large amounts of compassion within him. If not for his unholy task at hand, she honestly would have called him a good candidate for Purgatory. Yet, what else, apart from the promise of the human realm, was there to earn from him?

His dick? She sees Modeus riding his phallus night after night, but she doesn't hold high hopes for the boy in the bedroom department. She smelled a virgin from a mile away, even if she herself was one. The Devil was no one's whore, even for a night! And no one - NONE dared to enslave HER people into being the whores of a mere human! She could care less about the angel, her fate would be sealed the moment he enters her, but her kin?

Her pride won't let her simply let him walk away, oh no. Things have begun to turn personal, and Lucifer still had a few aces up her sleeve. Sure, Medusa was out of the question, same with the fallen angels and the furies, since they were tasked with guarding the outer wall, but there was one creature she put her hopes in the most, even if the centaurs were to fail in the next section. A monster born of an unholy union between humans and beasts. So savage and great his might, none but one dared oppose him and manage to slay him, and once slain he found himself within her realm, where he now guarded the violent souls of the 7th circle.

She'd love to see how Jaune fares against the mighty Minotaur!

Jaune's journey was drawing to a close, Blood Binder told him as much. He was almost out of the 7th circle, then he'd be well on Lucifer's doorstep once again. But he didn't get one step out of the forest before he found himself raising his shield to block a volley of arrows coming at him. Bracing with both hands, Blood Binder quickly told him what was going on. The guardians of this section were the centaurs, half-human half-horse creatures that shot arrows at the souls submerged into the boiling river of blood, Phlegethon, should they dare rise more than they are allowed.

Here are punished those who committed violence against their neighbors, meaning anyone else aside from themselves. Murderers, warmongers, conquerors, and so on were boiling here, being punished for their deeds in life. But for now, Jaune was trying not to become a pincushion! Blood Binder told him that fighting here was useless, as Jaune was outnumbered. Yet, the boy noticed there was no bridge over the river. He didn't want to swim that's for sure, he would need something else.

The centaurs ran on the boiling blood without issue as they moved onto the shoreline and Jaune turned his shield to face them. This made sense as he already couldn't move over the river so there was no point of blocking him from going there. By being on the shore they blocked another direction. This only left him two ways to retreat, along the shore in the other direction and back the way he came. But retreat wasn't an option.

His feet were moving before he figured out their strategy and the moment he thought of his own. Keeping his shield up he weathered the onslaught of arrows.

"Keep shooting! Give this mortal no respite!" The leader of the centaurs, Chiron, said, drawing back his bow and shooting an arrow that bounced against Jaune's aura. "Once his material and spiritual shields are down, he will be helpless!"

Jaune continued to run along the shore, feeling the heat of the river. Or at least most of him was. His one hand still felt cold from before. It would honestly be easier to move if he didn't have to deal with the heat wearing him down. Their bows were strong and the centaurs themselves were stronger, thus the range of their arrows was great. He had time.

Jaune pulled on the cold and to his surprise, it spread down his arm. He kept going and once it got to his chest it spread throughout his body. He felt better now, even if his body was still probably hot as it was still sweating, but also sad for his friend. Was this how Azuria felt when she was alive? Cold to the world, as if to not draw anyone's attention. It didn't matter now, he was closing the distance on the centaurs. He pushed himself harder.

Chiron grabbed another arrow from his quiver and aimed it, only to not see his target in front of him. His eyes darted side to side and even up in search of his quarry. He was about to ask his fellow centaurs if they saw him when he suddenly felt a new weight upon his back. He failed to notice, and frankly, he asked himself HOW he didn't notice, that he was being mounted by the mortal.

"Get off!" He shouted and began to thrash about. The other centaurs looked at him in confusion, and Jaune had to admit he didn't understand what happened.

One second they were shooting, and in the next, they were looking around as if he vanished! He didn't understand how that was possible, almost like they became unable to register his presence. At the time he was simply grateful so didn't look a gift horse … or gift centaur in the mouth, as he ran up to them to enact his plan. Yet, he didn't have time to linger on the 'How', as Jaune was currently running a dangerous rodeo on the back of a centaur.

With his concentration focused on holding on for dear life, he felt the heat of his surroundings again in full force. Being comfortable didn't matter though, he had pushed through it so far that he would continue to do so. Jaune had never ridden a horse before but he was pretty sure there was supposed to be a saddle so this was quite uncomfortable already. Yet he pushed his mind elsewhere. The centaurs were the guardians of this area so it made sense they would be unaffected by the boiling blood.

He only needed to get on the other side of the river, and as the centaur thrashed about, Jaune shifted his weight so the creature would be more likely to move in the direction he wanted. Chiron found himself on the surface of the boiling river but he didn't think this was a bad thing. Not with a parasite on his back, that was his focus. He tried to hit Jaune with his elbows and throw him off into the boiling river below, but the knight held strong. Tanking whatever couldn't be dodged.

The other centaurs were also unable to do anything unless they risked shooting their own leader with their arrows. As such, Jaune eventually saw the other side of the river coming close, and without delay, he jumped off the back of the centaur, landing on the other side of the river, where the arrows began to rain down on him a new.

The centaur he rode turned to him, a growl of anger escaping his lips as he drew his bow.

"Do not let him escape!" Chiron had tried to wash away his shame of letting the mortal get too close without him noticing by drowning the boy in boiling blood. And yet, so focused was he that he had only ended up failing a second time. The centaurs began to chase after him, Jaune rushing off with his shield up, blocking the arrows. And so, he kept running, and running, until he heard the centaurs shout.

"Halt!" One of them shouted, every single one of them stopping in their tracks. Chiron then stepped forth.

"We reached the edge of where we are allowed to go." He said, placing his bow back on his human back. He looked on as Jaune kept advancing, then up, seeing the 6th circle above. The centaurs failed to stop the boy, but Chiron was no fool. But he did feel a bit of sadness, watching Jaune head towards the Minotaur's section. The boy did not fight them, for he knew he was outnumbered. Whatever power he wielded, he used it to get past Phlegethon's boiling threat, and now he was on his way to Lucifer's gate once again.

If he survived the beast ahead, that is.

"We made it!" Jaune cheered, feeling confidence wash over him as he kept running, seeing the steep cliff he can climb up to the next circle, where his journey was bound to soon end. Honestly, the fact he survived for so long, even if via either luck or Ignium's aid, didn't seem to matter as much anymore. All he could think about as he began to walk more slowly, his mind falling on what passed, was everything he learned.

Azuria's death, the truth behind it, and the lies being told. The lies of his own house and family, and the anger within him. And the things he had done to the ancestors he found down here: He doesn't know if Blood Binder was messing with his mind or not, but if he was, he feared how he might become once its duty was done. But he was also thinking of what to do once he was out of Hell, and how his life might change.

Blood Binder was silent, no opinion given by the demonic being.

Yet, something else was not silent, and by the time Jaune turned around, he found himself smacked across the field, landing on the ground and bouncing off the rock, aura flaring with each hit. He managed to bring out his sword yet again, stabbing it into the ground to stabilize himself, and then he looked up. His jaw dropped seeing the absolute monster before him, and Blood Binder shouted in his head to run.

Before him was a monster bulging with muscles, having the body of a man, but the head of a bull. It wielded a great ax, holding it tightly as it raged at Jaune. Its red eyes only held fury. Blood Binder was quick to whisper what this being was. The Minotaur, a beast of pure rage and destruction.

There was no fighting this monster, so Jaune attempted to run away, only for the beast to charge at him. Its speed was greater than what he initially believed to be possible for such a giant being. Before he knew it, the monster was already behind him and it swung its axe at him. He was forced to turn and put his shield up to block, but to little effect as the strike was so powerful the ax dug into his shield. He felt his arm buckling under the pressure of the attack, his aura strained to the max from just one hit!

The beast didn't have that much technique, but god damn it if it didn't make up for it through its brute strength alone!

And he was going to feel it in full! The minotaur brought up his leg, and kicked Jaune in his abdomen, making the boy feel as if his guts were going to spill out through his mouth as he went flying away and hit a hard, rock wall. He gasped for air, but he was given no time to recover as the beast charged at him yet again, and he was forced to leap out of the way, the monster's strike shattering the rock where he had been.

He tried to raise his sword but the beast did not allow him to. It swung its axe down at Jaune again, but unlike before, the boy failed to block in time. The heavy weapon struck his armor and cleaved his chest plate in half, a fate his chest would have shared if not for his aura. But the beast was not done, and brought its axe back up, striking the underside of Jaune's chin using the blunt handle of it.

Jaune's chest plate fell off him, leaving him only with the armor on his arms, and his helmet falling off as well. The pieces of armor turned to smoke, vanishing away. After landing from his short trip into the air, Jaune stood up, facing the beast as it stood before him, breathing steam through its nostrils. Jaune raised his sword at last, and then focused, feeling his aura coat his sword once again. The minotaur then charged at him once again, Jaune realizing that any strike he took now was bound to be potentially fatal.

Yet, as the beast charged, he swung his sword as the ax came down again, the two weapons meeting and causing a shockwave to erupt that knocked both of their arms away. But the minotaur recovered better and faster from it, and came down with a fist that connected with Jaune's jaw, pounding him into the ground, but his aura was still holding. His new Semblance, Aura Overdrive, was truly working wonders. The beast slammed a foot on his chest to keep him down.

The adrenaline fueling him, the desire to reach the castle - everything was screaming at him and allowing his aura to replenish faster than normal, keeping him alive. And more. From his downed position, Jaune gripped his sword and thrust it upwards, managing to stab the beast in its thigh. The minotaur roared from the pain, but maintained the pressure as it raised its axe again at him, wishing to finish him once and for all.

Jaune wished this creature would just ignore him and let him pass.

A chill went through Jaune's body. The minotaur looked confused, raising its foot from Jaune as it stepped back, looking around and roaring in anger. It acted like Jaune was not there, something similar to what happened with the centaurs as well. Even Blood Binder with its extensive knowledge of hell was confused, not knowing what was really happening.

But whatever was going on Jaune was not about to question it and miss this chance. He got up, gripping his sword hard and letting his aura coat it once more, then, as the beast seemed to register his presence again, he swung his sword, the slash of aura shining bright as it traveled towards the beast, and when it made contact, the minotaur was stunned as one of its horns came flying off.

The monster staggered back, then traced his hand to his head, feeling the cut horn. The beast roared out in absolute anger as a result, then charged once again at Jaune.

"Come on!" Jaune shouted, challenging it right back at the monster to let steel face steel. Their weapons clashed once again, aura flaring madly over Jaune and his sword as he pushed against the might of the minotaur, Blood Binder burning him instinctively. Yet, as he pushed, it was for nothing as he was slowly being pushed back himself, his knuckles white as ash from the intense grip on his sword.

"Grrr. COME ON!" He shouted again, putting all his strength into one last push that saw the minotaur's axe falling to the side next to him, allowing Jaune to strike at an opening to the monster's head. Except … It did not work out well for him.

As he was about to thrust his sword into the head of the minotaur, Jaune felt intense pain take over his side, his aura flaring once more … And then breaking into particles of light. He looked down, seeing that the axe of the beast came up once again. The angle was too awkward to deliver a truly fatal strike, but it went through his skin and muscles, crimson fluid flowing down from it.

Still, it was enough to distract him, the minotaur bringing up its fist and punching Jaune in his chest, yanking its axe back from his side and sending the boy skipping across the barren ground, Crocea Mors flying out of his reach. Jaune clutched his side, trying to put pressure on the bleeding, and desperately trying to call upon his aura once more, but to little effect.

His aura was broken, it would take time for it to recover. Time which he did not have. Jaune looked up, seeing the beast going to him, its crimson eyes peering into his soul as it raised its axe, ready to deal the final strike.

"Finally!" Lucifer cheered as she watched the minotaur do its job and actually put the boy to the ground. Soon, her little wish will be complete, and Jaune Arc will join his ancestors here in Hell. Strangely, though, she did feel somewhat disappointed as well, but she brushed the feeling aside. For now, however, she watched the minotaur bring its axe up and- Wait …

"WHO DARES TO INTERRUPT MY PLEASURE?!"

Jaune closed his eyes to accept his fate, only to open them wide at the sound of the minotaur roaring in pain. Another demon had shown up, this one is almost as large as the beast itself! A punch had struck hard, a fist sinking into the Minotaur's flesh. He had black horns on the side of his head, pointing forward. His skin was gray, but his left eye was charred over, leaving a nasty scar accentuated by the lighter skin around it. They wore a white, tight tank top and black cargo pants with military-grade boots on their feet. Two bandanas were also tied on his arms.

The demon tightened his grip around some kind of knuckle dusters on his hands and began to deliver punch after punch to the beast.

"Get out of my sight, beast!" He shouted, seemingly commanding the minotaur to back away. The monster roared back, trying to swing its axe at the demon. With strength and speed that matched one of the most feared creatures, he punch the incoming attack away. The knuckle dusters made a powerful clang as they knock the axe out of the minotaur's hands. Finally, the newcomer finished his assault with a devastating hit to the beast's chin.

The minotaur fell like a heavy rock, shaking the ground as it collapsed.

"Woah … " Jaune said slowly, then noticed the demon looking back at him. His breath hitched, nervous about coming face to face with such a strong demon. But strangely, as the demon approached him, he didn't seem to be there to harm him.

"Here, let me take a look." He said, kneeling down to Jaune to look at his wound. "This is a deep wound, but nothing you shouldn't be able to heal once your aura returns. I do highly recommend you remain here for now, I will make sure the minotaur doesn't attempt anything."

"I- … Who are you? Why are you helping me?" Jaune asked, confused about the demon's reasons.

"My name is Behemoth." He introduced himself. "And I know you may not know me, but you know the one who gave me this scar. Ignium."

"I thought demons were pretty much immune to fire." Jaune felt confused.

"Not his. His fire is pure destruction, totally different from anything else in this realm. It burns like a motherfucker." Behemoth replied, hand tracing over his scar. "But our fight was an honorable and fair one, hence why there is no grudge to be held. I lost before him fair and square."

"So, he sent you to help me?"

"No, in fact, I am … close to the sisters, Zdrada and Malina. The ones YOU recruited for your harem?" Behemoth said, and Jaune shrunk himself under the gaze of the demon, feeling himself nervous. "I saw you fighting so far. You are driven. But be at ease, I am not very judgemental. Even if I was, I know you won't hurt those two."

"I … Thank you? Ugh!" He flinched again from the wound, his aura still not returning to him.

"I will make sure the beast doesn't get up any time soon. Here." Behemoth pulled something from his pockets, some kind of fruit peel. "Blood-Eye Fruit peel. The fruit contains a toxin that overclocks the body. For a human to eat the fruit will make their heart burst, but the peel should be sufficient for you."

Jaune took some of the peel, looking at it before he took a bite. It was helluva sour, and it took some will not to spit it all out, but slowly chewing at it, he eventually swallowed it, feeling himself become rejuvenated. His aura had also returned, and focusing on his semblance, his wound also began to close, vanishing in mere minutes. He got up, collecting his sword and shield - both of which have seen better days, and then re-equipping the armor, which now had a noticeable cut mark on the chestplate.

The armor didn't self-fix that well, it seemed. He will need to do something about Crocea Mors too, before he returns it to his home. Can't return it in this state!

"Lucifer is likely to prepare the welcoming committee now," Behemoth warned Jaune. "Be prepared."

"I will be. Thanks for your aid, Behemoth, Sir."

"Go. Don't keep your girls waiting."

And so, Jaune went ahead towards Lucifer's palace once again.

"I've had enough … " Lucifer kept her voice dull to try to hide her anger. She then went to the side, bringing up a phone of sorts. "Put some guards at the gates of the castle. Tell them not to let ANYONE in, especially a certain blonde human."

"Understood, Mistress." Another voice came from the other side, then Lucifer hung up, allowing Judgement to throw her own ideas in.

"I could face him. His death wouldn't be slow and painful, but he will die." She suggested, but Lucifer simply glanced her way, the intentions of the devil seeming to change. "So, you DID change your own mind in the end."

"This human merely proved both lucky and capable. Even if currently aided by Ignium, this is but a fraction of his potential." She explained, looking once again as Jaune climbed into the 6th circle. "His climb up through the most dangerous circles of Hell proves he is driven as well. Depending on his results now, I will decide if to either kill him and torture him myself, or just rough him up and turn him into my personal slave."

"Then best be prepared." Judgement said, using the mirror to keep watch on him. "He is drawing near."

As Jaune neared the castle he saw a dozen skeletons, three of them per line, making a thick formation. All the same as the last time he saw them, their skin seemingly the only thing stopping Jaune from seeing right through them. They left no alternative route other than through them, the size of the skeletons making their formation more than big enough to block the bridge. But at that moment, Blood Binder burned again and his aura flared. It was the moment for battle.

The skeletons saw him and prepared to meet the boy head-on, then deliver his head to Lucifer. But they were confused when they saw him charge directly at them with his shield up and his sword sheathed in it. He held his shield before his face, almost as if he was planning to ram into them. No one could be that stupid, right? Wrong. What Jaune was at that moment was not stupid, but reckless.

The first skeleton tried to swing its blade from above at Jaune, but the size and speed difference allowed him to crash into the skeleton's stomach and through most of the formation. Three skeletons fell over the edge of the bridge, falling to their end. But the rest were still there, and Jaune drew his sword.

"Come on!" He shouted, feeling a strange confidence wash over him as they charged toward him. Nine versus one. Not really a fair fight, but a fight nonetheless.

The rest of the skeletons charged at him, trying to swing all manner of weapons at him. Swords, axes, spears, hammers, maces, and more were present. Jaune dodged the first strike which came from above in the form of a hammer, sliding to the side and slashing at the skeleton's side, then he brought his shield up to block a mace strike from another one, feeling his legs dig into the concrete slightly as the force was sending him through it. He pushed his shield up, throwing the skeleton off-balance which allowed him to thrust Crocea Mors into its abdomen, where he thought the heart normally was.

But the skeleton smirked at him before kicking Jaune back, the boy rolling down the bridge until he stopped himself. Looking up he saw the skeletons he had slashed and stabbed. It was clear they were feeling pain, but not like normal. They didn't even bleed normally. The husk that was covered in those bones was empty and dry, with no trace of organs within them.

"How do I kill one then?" Jaune asked in his head as the skeletons charged again, making Jaune jump out of the way to dodge. He thought about simply making them go off the edge of the bridge, but that was not likely. So instead he tried something else.

He waited until another heavy-hitter with a big battleax struck down. Then he jumped on their weapon, preventing them from pulling it up in time, and slashed at their neck. Jaune was forced to jump again to avoid a sword. As he landed he looked back, seeing the body being motionless as the head hung by a weak string of flesh that eventually came undone, allowing for the head to fall and the body to follow it shortly after. "Going for the head then."

The remaining eight were not fazed by their comrade dying, as they simply charged in again. The ones Jaune had harmed previously in the non-effective areas came up to him again, trying to land a double strike with their hammer and mace respectively, but Jaune was still faster. He jumped back, allowing their weapons to strike the bridge. Landing, he swung Crocea Mors as he focused as much aura as he could into the blade, calling upon the aura technique he had discovered and was relying on more and more.

He slashed horizontally, so when they lifted their heads they lost them. The Aura Slash cut their heads at eye level, splitting them in half. The demons collapsed after that, allowing Jaune to focus on the remaining six. The only ones left were three skeletons using swords, one using a chain connected to a sickle, and two of them using gauntlets. The ones with the blades charged in first and Jaune met them.

The first one brought their sword down on the boy, Jaune retaliating by swinging Crocea Mors so their blades met. He could feel the pressure and knew the others were coming, so he let go of Crocea Mors with one hand to grab his shield, swinging it at the leg of the skeleton and forcing them to step back just in time for Jaune to jump away as the second one tried to hit him. His aura was rising from its lowered state, meaning he had to wait before he could use Aura Slash again.

That wouldn't stop him though. Jaune gripped Crocea Mors tightly and changed his grip on it, then he threw it like a spear into the skull of the first skeleton. This made the other one look at the blade slightly incredulous, missing how Jaune ran up to it and used his shield to slap it in the face to force the skeleton to the side. He tried to get his blade, but found the third skeleton wielding a sword a nuisance. He blocked with his shield, but he was still sent skipping backward again, this time almost over the edge of the bridge.

"They're powerful. Not that fast, but powerful. I must be careful not to get hit directly or else it could spell trouble for me." Jaune thought as he dodged a charge by one of the skeletons with gauntlets, sliding to the side and then striking back with a good kick that sent the skeleton over the edge. "Four more"

He ran to get Crocea Mors, sliding on his knees to avoid a sickle from a skeleton and then jumping up to avoid a sword swing from another, allowing him to get Crocea Mors. He yanked it out of the deceased skeleton's skull and turned around just in time to deflect a sword strike from behind. Then he slashed from down to up, cutting the skeleton's head in half from the middle.

The last skeleton armed with a sword watched its comrade fall but still charged in, trying to land a decisive strike on Jaune. But the boy was back in full again. Jaune tried to swing Crocea Mors to hit the skeleton with an Aura Slash again, but the swords collided, sending the slash out before he could fully power it.

"Damn it!" He swore aloud, but then he saw the demon look strangely at him. Its head then showed a quick white light on its left eye before it blew up, a good chunk of its head spraying to the side as the skeleton fell. The slash got it, albeit barely.

The last two demons charged with a smarter approach, the one using a chain and sickle throwing its chain and wrapping around Jaune's hand which held his sword as the other one went in to deal the punishment, Jaune having to put his shield up.

"Jaune is in trouble!" Azazel shouted, then she ran to the window of their room, looking down at the bridge she gasped at what she saw. "Look down, everyone!"

The demon girls all gathered around the window, stunned at what they were seeing. Well, except for Justice who couldn't see.

"Holy shit! Look at the carnage down there!" Zdrada shouted, her mouth was open with smoke falling out.

"He is here! He is here! He is here!" Cerberus cheered as they jumped up and down.

"He must have fought an entire skeleton interception force." Pandemonica stated, looking at the number of demons around. "Some must have been sent over the bridge, but I can see the damage."

"This is so hot … " Modeus muttered, watching with interest as Jaune fought. "His armor is so good-looking too. Maybe he can wear it for some more kinky stuff?"

"He looks just like some characters from my games … " Malina muttered quietly, feeling herself growing more interested in Jaune. "You better not die, asshole."

"You guys are making me anxious!" Justice chimed in. "There is a cool fight down there and I cannot see! Come on, at least someone describe the action to me!"

"I will!" Azazel offered, going to Justice to describe what she was seeing.

"Shit!" Jaune swore again, feeling the weight and force behind that gauntlet. It was pressing on his shield and his arm was starting to hurt from how much he had to push it so he wouldn't get squashed. The other skeleton kept tugging at the chain as well, most likely trying to get him off-balance. But Jaune was not letting them.

He pumped his aura into all sections of his body, trying to force himself more. He needed to be stronger, so he pushed his semblance as much as he could. His eyes began to glow as he thought about what he was fighting for, or who he was fighting for. He gave a loud battle cry as he pushed off the skeleton trying to squash him, then he grabbed the chain and, to the surprise of the undead being, Jaune pulled the chain along with the skeleton towards him.

The skeleton with the gauntlets rushed back in to help its friend but only made things worse. Jaune moved to avoid the blow and the skeleton was standing right where Jaune used to be. Not a moment later the skeleton wielding the sickle and chain crashed into its comrade. Jaune stabbed Crocea Mors through both their abdomens, his sword skewering them both as they fell to the ground.

This was far from enough to make them give up, not with Lucifer watching. Two hands reached around the body in between and grabbed hold of Crocea Mors and the shield. Its gauntlets increased the strength of its grip to the point Jaune couldn't free it even with aura.

"Fine!" Jaune grit his teeth in frustration. He let go of his weapons and finally unwrapped the chains from his hand. The one skeleton was trying to push the two of them off the floor, the sickle still in its hand. Jaune pulled on the chain hard, the sickle yanked out from under the skeleton making them fall once again.

He wrapped the chain around their necks a few times, but then one grabbed the chain, stopping him from using his own weapon from restraining them.

"Be difficult then." Jaune held the sickle tightly in his hands and drove it into the skeleton's neck. The red light of its eyes dimmed, leaving the last one stuck under the body of its previous comrade. But the last one was still glaring at him and refusing to let go of his sword or shield.

He needed those.

Jaune walked back and started moving in a …

Circle?

The skeleton didn't know what was happening but it refused to give up its prize out of stubbornness.

Jaune reinforced his limbs with aura, the white glow extending to the chain as well. He moved faster as the circle he was moving in was getting smaller, while the skeleton's was getting bigger.

Jaune spun faster.

And faster.

And faster.

He was getting dizzy.

And faster.

The force had lifted the skeleton off the ground and was now flying around Jaune. With a normal amount of aura enhancing his strength he could pick up the bodies and throw them. But the large door in his way looked strong. He would need something more. He needed momentum.

The chain strained as it was stretched tight. Jaune was a blur as he became a spinning top of pure light.

"I hope my timing is right." Jaune made a quick prayer for his aim to stay true and let go.

Both bodies slammed into the gates of Lucifer's palace … then through it.

They swung open with a mighty crash. The last skeleton died from the impact. The walls of the palace shook and an unnatural groan came forth from all directions. Jaune could feel something in his bones and he swore it said "Who dares?"

But as his eyes caught up to his body and stopped spinning, he ignored it. For he dared.

"Pandemonica, Modeus, Cerberus, Malina, Zdrada, Azazel, Justice, and even you, Lucifer, and Judgement. Hold on, for I am coming right now. I promise I will take you all up to the human realm." Jaune thought. Every step he took was steadier as he moved forward and finally after so long, he set foot inside the palace once more.

"I cannot believe this." Lucifer sighed, slumping in her chair. She could see Jaune walking through her palace, fighting off more skeletons and demons as he made his way to her office once more. She underestimated him, sending the low-ranked troops and some demons were not enough. "Judgement, dear, please stay here. I will go deal with him."

"Very well." Judgement said. "But if he gets too hard for you to deal with, do call."

"Oh please, as if that mortal can impress me. I already saw him climb back from the depths of Cocytus."

Jaune slashed down Crocea Mors on another skeleton that tried to jump him, cutting its head down the middle. The hulking creature collapsed on the ground, life draining from it. After the one skeleton had kindly helped him open the front gate, Jaune had pried his sword and shield out of its dead hands. Some more demons had come and offered to test to see if they still worked right. He would have thanked them but they seemed awfully tired as they lay unmoving on the floor. Luckily Crocea Mors was just as effective as before, it never seemed to lose its edge. Though that couldn't be said about other things he started his journey with.

Jaune's armor was barely hanging on anymore, having received multiple punishments from the skeletons as he advanced. They didn't let up, becoming more and more desperate to take him out each time. His arms and legs were sore, and the armor showed some dents from when he would kick, punch, or block using them. He will need to praise Beel once he is back because she made good armor.

His helmet was not any better either. In fact, it was already uncomfortable to wear. The back section of it was rubbing against his head and the creaking of the metal was driving him insane. But he had to pray it would last until he arrived at his destination.

Ignium's gift had been burning within him all the way through this place. Just getting here it had set his insides on fire multiple times and each time it happened he noticed a rush of adrenaline, allowing him to use the hybrid semblance within him. But he also noticed how his usual anxiety and fear, nervousness, and clumsiness were gone. What Ignium had done eluded him, but he could at least see that it was affecting his mind to some degree as well. Granted, he found out he can make himself stronger and do a cool attack with his aura, which admittedly, he found really amazing.

"A bit more … " He muttered, his voice slightly altered by his helmet. He saw the stairs leading up to Lucifer's throne room and made his way to them. But he never reached them as an unseen force knocked him back into the wall, keeping him trapped on it. Jaune struggled to get free, but the force itself was too great for him to even move.

"You are one persistent mortal, Jaune Arc, I'll give you that." Lucifer herself said as she descended the stairs, her crimson eyes fixing on Jaune. Namely, his armor. She recognized the work of Beelzebub, making her frown. "To think you are here, having the gall to wear that armor made by the Exiled One AND use borrowed power from the Chained One. You really are hopeless."

"Lu...cifer." He struggled to talk, slowly moving his head to look down at the demoness before him. His aura tried to flare up, but each time he felt that he was making progress the invisible force pushed him down again against the stone wall. He could swear he was hearing cracks as well.

"Do not dare call me by name!" She said, then she lowered him from the wall, crashing him into the ground at high-speed. The boy made a small crater on the floor as he landed, but Lucifer sneered seeing the white light envelop him, preventing him from getting hurt. But he was still kept in place.

"How persistent. So this is aura, the force left behind by the Brother Gods. I must say, it is certainly unique." She stated, then she looked down in the crater to find -NOTHING?! "How-"

"AAAAAAHHHHHHHH" Jaune let out a war cry as the cold sensation left his body as quickly as it appeared.

Lucifer barely had time to react as Jaune appeared from her side, crashing into her and landing on top of her. Lucifer hit her head a bit on the ground, her crown falling off her head and sliding on the floor. This was the weakness of her Omniscience. Whenever she wants to use it, she must close her eyes. She has to search for what she must know, she doesn't know everything instantly. It had limits.

She recovered quickly, stretching her hand and launching Jaune away once more through one of the pillars. She got up, slowly, a few strands of hair falling down her face.

"You insolent, impudent, worthless human being!" Her voice got louder with each word, grabbing Jaune with her power and tossing him around more. "Just die already!"

She tried to throw Jaune through the window and back down into the depths, but Jaune was stubborn. He plunged his sword into a pillar, using it to anchor himself.

"Stubbornness and bravado won't get you anywhere!" She shouted, this time pulling him towards her and sidestepping, allowing Jaune to fly right past her and back into the wall.

"What is driving you?!" She asked, walking to him. When she was right in his face she grabbed his helmet and squeezed. "Your aura is not breaking, no matter how hard I am pushing you! I know this is something finite, so why!"

"Because … " He tried to talk, but his chest hurt from the damage. In that slight pause, Lucifer's anger grew more. He had the gall to touch her in that tackle, and her crown even fell on the floor. He insulted her greatly. "Because I have to get you out … "

"What?" She chimed, feeling confused at his words for a moment before she processed his words more. "Get me out? Of what?"

"Of Hell" Jaune added, feeling his helmet get tighter on his skull. "I know what happened in Heaven, Ignium told me … I'm … I'm sorry."

"YOU are sorry?" Lucifer snarled, looking at him with eyes of rage. "Why would you even be sorry? You weren't there when Ophirius and Micheal cut me with their swords, cast me down here to become the embodiment of all that is unholy. You were not even born! In fact, humanity was not even born back then!"

"I am not sorry about that … " Jaune replied again, wincing from the pain. "I am sorry because I looked at you like The Devil instead of who you really were."

Lucifer widened her eyes a little at him.

"When I came here I still thought of you as the being everyone knows, but now I see something else." He brought his hand up, grabbing her wrist. Lucifer took notice of that and wanted to yank her hand away, but she knew she'd be releasing him from her grip if she did. "You are like me-"

"Fool!" She shouted, cutting him off, and began to use her power on his helmet, trying to crush his head. "We are not alike one bit! What could you know about how it is to fall from grace as I did? How can someone like you even understand the divine concepts that lie beyond your understanding!"

"I understand when someone is at the bottom and alone!" He shouted through the pain, reaching his hands to his helmet to try and pry it away. "I might be at the bottom, even now, and I am lonely because of it, but I also know you are lonely being here at the top!"

"Nonsense!" Lucifer shouted.

"Is it nonsense that Ignium spared you that time as well?!"

Lucifer was stunned, letting go of his helmet and taking a few steps back. "So he told you … "

"Ignium didn't want to kill you, Lucifer." Jaune said, slowly getting up and trying to remove his helmet. "He never did. He wanted to save you from this place, from your loneliness. But he failed. This is why I am here!"

He yanked off his helmet, dropping the destroyed piece of armor on the ground. Slight drops of blood dripped on the floor from Jaune's head, but the most eye-catching detail was his eyes. Never in her life has Lucifer seen a more brilliant gold. Even Ignium's weren't this golden. "I want to get you out of here! I know I am not much, maybe even the worst, but what is it that I can do now?! I won't give up! I made a promise, and an Arc never - NEVER back down from their promise!"

"And what makes you think I will willingly go with you?" She shouted back, the palace suddenly showing cracks in all of its walls that sprouted from where Lucifer was standing. "I am the Queen of Hell, the Ruler of this Realm, the sword enemy to God, and-"

"I promise pancakes?" Jaune sheepishly said, trying what Ignium told him. Lucifer stopped her monologue, eyeing him for a moment before she facepalmed, groaning in her hand. "Well, it was worth a shot. Sorry for failing you, everyone."

But as Jaune expected Lucifer to strike him again, he instead heard a snort coming from her, then a low chuckle which eventually turned into laughter. She was laughing hard, clutching her stomach.

"Pancakes?" She asked through her laughs. "He told you that as well! Although you are an insolent human being, I cannot say I am not impressed by the size of your courage. So how about I make you my favorite slave instead and see about that Harem of yours? Granted you know how to make some good, chocolate pancakes."

"I have seven sisters back home, so I think I can make some pretty good pancakes." Jaune said again, feeling somewhat relieved that Lucifer was joining him. However, his moment of peace was quickly cut off as he felt a sharp pain strike his side. A glance to the left revealed Judgement, her gauntlet trying to pierce through his armor. It went through, but it didn't go deep, only leading to Jaune being knocked down on the floor, and falling unconscious.

"IS THAT IT?!" Judgement shouted. "You dare show up here AGAIN and try to leave with the QUEEN OF HELL HERSELF?! As High Prosecutor I WILL NOT ALLOW THAT!" She shouted, then multiple chains wrapped around Jaune.

"Judgement, stand down!" Lucifer ordered, but Judgement did not stop herself. "Judgement, as Queen of Hell, I command you to stand down!"

"I DO NOT NEED TO LISTEN TO A QUEEN WHO SURRENDERS!" Judgement replied back, defying Lucifer. "No authority is above punishment! And now, yours counts as one of them, completely obsolete! Meaning this can only lead to one place; The Sin Machine. I will break him in front of his entire harem."

"Judgement, this is absurd, you cannot-" Before Lucifer could finish multiple chains wrapped around her. "JUDGEMENT!"

"I said in front of his entire Harem, the ranks of which you joined. Now … " She cracked her neck. "IGNITE THE SIN MACHINE! SUFFERING MUST BE MADE!"

Jaune felt his body scream at him as he slowly recovered his consciousness, but as his eyes opened, having recovered their blue hue, he wished he didn't. What he found himself in was not something one could call a pleasant place.

"I see you woke up!" Judgement shouted from above, and Jaune immediately noticed the others as well around, all looking down with chains acting as a barrier to keep them away.

"What is going on-" Jaune tried to ask, but then he felt his wrist being bound. White chains were keeping him tied to two pillars placed on either side of him, his arms stretched out. He still had Crocea Mors with him, that being the reason for his armor still being intact as well. But he could feel a pain in his side, having just recovered thanks to his aura.

"This is the Sin Machine!" Judgement declared, spreading her arms to show the entire place Jaune was in. At first glance, it looked like a colosseum of sorts, but he could see multiple wheels and mechanisms around, all of them making a subtle sound of ticking. "Here is where I take care of the more troublesome people and souls of Hell! This machine was created with the sole purpose of breaking your soul, making you feel unending pain, and plunging you down into your own madness and despair!"

"Judgement, stop!" Lucifer shouted again. "This is going too far!"

"Keep going, Judgement, you are on a roll!" Justice cheered Judgment on. She felt bad for Jaune but what sort of teacher would she be if she didn't encourage her student?

"Oh man, there goes blondie." Zdrada said. "Knew he wouldn't last long."

"And there goes the only other person I could enjoy a good game with, just great!" Malina said.

"Silence!" Judgement shouted. "His punishment will be carried out at once! His own sins will break him!"

She launched a chain at Jaune, watching as his physical body rippled like water as the chain went into him without blood or broken bones, burrowing into his soul.

"Huh?" Judgement's expression morphed with confusion.

"I cannot watch! But this is one-of-a-kind research material" Azazel said, trying to cover her eyes with her palms, but peeked through her fingers.

"Awww. We won't get to the human world now." Cerberus said.

"Well, I guess there goes all my kinky knight fantasies." Modeus sighed.

"Wait, everyone, something is off." Pandemonica said, getting everyone's attention. Judgement's chain, which was supposed to feed off Jaune's sins, and the dark desire for the chain to grow and expand, to give life to the sin machine, was not growing in any way.

"What is the meaning of this?" Judgement shouted out, pulling back her chain. Everyone was surprised, as they were aware Jaune was a Sullen, hence he should have sin in him.

But Lucifer saw this as a chance to speak again. "Judgement! Your chains are digging up nothing, not anymore! It is clear that his sin has faded, his anger no longer choking him like water drowns the souls of the fifth circle!"

"Silence!"

"Silence- But I am supposed to be the fucking Queen of Hell!" Lucifer said, her face becoming red as she shouted out in frustration.

"What is happening?" Judgement muttered, looking down at Jaune. Sneering she jumped down, grabbing his throat and forcing him to look at her white, pearly eyes.

"How are you doing it? No one is supposed to be immune to punishment! NO ONE! And no one can just ERASE their sins! Your kind lost that sweet ability." She shouted, shaking him.

"I don't know?" Jaune replied.

"You do not know?!" Judgement echoed, throwing his head back.

"This is not possible! This is impossible! What kind of ungodly force are you wielding that allows you to stop my punishment?! Are you hiding it under the armor?!" She shouted, grabbing his armor and yanking it off him together with any clothing he had left, but what was released was a horrible smell as everyone was disgusted and awed at what they saw.

Ignium's tattoo and weapon, the snake, Blood Binder, coils around Jaune's body and leaves deep burns on him. They had been healed with the aura he was producing, but the scarring and the marks left by the burns were horrible. This is where Jaune's little sins went, burned away, and hurt him over time. Blood Binder traveled along Jaune's abdomen, then it went up to his neck, coiling around it. Its tongue came out, and a low hiss was heard all over as well.

"This is … His weapon … " Judgement took a few steps back, feeling her fear - something she has not felt in a long time - swell. "That is what he used to fight the minotaur and Lucifer …"

She eventually tripped, falling on her butt whilst she stared at it. Everyone was staring, even Justice as she could feel Blood Binder.

"Ignium's weapon … " Lucifer muttered in horror. "Is that how he was using his power? Ever since the depths?!"

"How is he still alive?" Justice asked aloud. "Ignium's body, Blood Binder, the two are made for each other because Ignium cannot burn, even by his own flames … But him?"

"Look at his body … " Zdrada said, having dropped her cigar. "No human could have survived that and lived so easily!"

"Oh my God … " Azazel said, covering her mouth. It was her duty as his guardian angel to keep him away from harm, yet he had put himself in harm's way to save them.

"I … I cannot stop … until I fulfill … my promise. An Arc never … breaks their … pro … mises." Jaune spoke through the pain, feeling his sensitive skin hurt at the sudden exposure. "I know it … is reckless … but I-"

He was stopped when Judgement jumped at him again, holding his shoulders. She was tightening her grip, then, slowly, she placed her hand on Blood Binder, watching it go from him to her instead. The snake didn't dare to think about fighting back and traveled willingly. It rested itself on her stomach and chest, then she leaned in, hugging him tightly.

"You suffered this much because of my father's own weapon … " she whispered, Jaune was surprised as Ignium had not mentioned Judgement being his daughter. "No one except Lucifer knows that. … I see now that you are pure-hearted and you didn't come here out of impure reasons … If you can endure Blood Binder's heat, then can you endure me as well?"

"I … " Jaune was at a loss for words, except for one. "Sure."

This earned a smile from Judgement before she put it away and took a step back, taking on her High Prosecutor persona again.

"VERY WELL! I WILL JOIN YOUR HAREM, I WILL WAIT FOR A SIN TO DRAW POWER FROM FOR MY CHAINS!" She shouted, unchaining him.

"Finally … " Jaune sighed. "Now … I need to sleep … A lot."

He collapsed right then and there on the ground, no one reaching in time to catch him. Everyone rushed to him, trying to make sure he was ok, but Lucifer took quick control of the situation once again and had him moved to her private infirmary to get treatment for the burns on his body and plenty of rest. God knows he needed it. But she also had other things she had to do now as well, namely contacting an old teacher.

Jaune didn't know for how long he was asleep, only that he had the craziest dream of his life. After his father rejected him, again, he found a strange book left by his granduncle, Leon Arc, that allowed him to, unknowingly, summon an actual demon! Let alone expect said demon to be a sophisticated, good-looking demon girl who, to his further shock, told him he had to get an entire harem of demon girls as part of a contract passed down from his deceased granduncle!

And that is not where his dream stopped. Crocea Mors could summon armor, his granduncle both unlocked his aura and gave him his semblance. Then he met a tired, secretary-like demoness, a lustful one that was shy and couldn't even hold hands, a demoness with three bodies but one soul that had dog-like features and acted the part, an alcoholic gamer girl, a demoness who smokes more than a chimney, an angel who became his guardian angel, and he even wooed Lucifer and her second-in-command! With promises of pancakes! Not to mention meeting other badass-looking demons like Shade, Behemoth, and Ignium. He traveled through the entirety of Hell, meeting the demoness Baphomet as well, who was guarding Ignium. She had … Strange tastes.

He fought other souls, giants, beings of myth, FUCKING WEREWOLVES, and did things he never knew he was able to do. And all of this was just absolutely, unbelievably crazy!

Groaning a bit feeling how hot it was, Jaune shuffled around in his bed, but he couldn't turn even if he tried to. He also felt something wrapped around his chest. His eyes opened slowly to reveal that, to his utter disbelief, he wasn't in his bed. This wasn't his house. Sitting in a bed, bandages wrapped around his chest, Jaune was in what he assumed to be a room in Lucifer's palace.

He wasn't dreaming.

NONE of that was a dream.

Looking down, he noticed something on his arm; Azazel, his guardian angel, was sleeping next to him.

"She was worried and wouldn't leave your side."

Looking to the side, Jaune saw whose voice it was that spoke. Standing there, now dressed in a fancy red suit with a black shirt and tie, Ignium stood.

He had a smug smile on his face. "I was also waiting for you to wake up. Sorry for the burns, but I had to keep some things secret. I put a small spell on the angel, so she remains asleep. No one can hear us talk either, so we have some privacy."

"Ignium … " Jaune said slowly, but then, as if waking up from a nightmare, he recalled the things he's done to the souls of his ancestors on his way up. Jaune nearly jumped as he gagged, but Ignium was quick to act, bringing a hand down and using his magic to calm him down.

"Easy there, kiddo. You did a lot of things down here." Ignium said with a tone of voice that seemed calming, yet hid many intentions. Jaune calmed his breathing, slowly recalling everything.

"I did all of those things…But when I did them, I barely felt a thing. Why is it now that I feel like- like- like a monster?" Jaune asked, and sure enough, Ignium had an answer.

"I guess it is because you are not used to being cruel." The demon said, drawing himself a chair and sitting next to Jaune. "The things you did were born out of lack of mercy and pity for those souls. Blood Binder suppressed certain emotions within you, as I knew you couldn't make it up here even with my skills if you were skittish regarding bloodshed."

"You-" Jaune flinched from the pain. "You manipulated me … Used me!"

Ignium chuckled. "Yes and No. Our goals were aligned. You see, and I know you see me unchained and in proper clothing, Lucifer has released me from my bondage and granted me the throne of Hell - UNDER the condition that I can only rule for as long as she is not walking these circles. A deal that is fine by me, and quite honestly, more than anything I could hope for."

"Even then, you had me do your-"

"Choose your words, Jaune." Ignium said, cutting him off. "You are being too judgemental. I already poured my heart to you, and I promise, on the life of my daughter, that I told no lies."

"Your daughter … You are Judgement's father." Jaune said slowly, piecing together all the details. "You don't look very alike."

"That is what demonizing does to an angel." Ignium said. "Judgement fell sometime after me, for a reason she has yet to explain. My relationship with her, despite my best efforts, has been pretty cold since then. She also takes more after her mother, who must still be singing hallelujah next to my oh-so dear father's side."

"You still manipulated me." Jaune pressed on. "You could have told me what Blood Binder would have done to me!"

"And risk you backing down from the deal? You needed me more than I needed you, kid, so please forgive the means used to reach this result." Ignium said, offering a small apology. "But that aside, I am not entirely here to discuss the morality of my actions and justify them to you."

"What else would you be here for then?" Jaune asked.

"When I gave you my skills, I also took the chance to finish an old contract of mine. Congratulations on your Third, and seemingly Fourth, Semblances."

Hearing the demon speak Jaune widen his eyes to the greatest extent possible, his mouth open and trying to formulate a question on WHEN and HOW he gained more Semblances. But he could barely think while trying to process the information. Ignium had dropped this on him like a strike of lightning, which was likely on purpose, as the demon continued with his explanation.

"Allow me to explain the circumstances of your newly found power. You see, long ago, I was contacted by a man named Artorigus Arc. His time was long, long ago, before the formation of the 4 Kingdoms! He was King of his own little quarter of Sanus, his family, the Arcs, being respected for their Semblance, which was passed from father to son, every generation, or even grandfather to grandson in the case they had no sons." The demon began, Jaune listening closely. "He summoned me for a simple deal, one of preservation. I promised him his family legacy would not die, and I held my side of the bargain. The Semblance that belongs to your family alone is back in the hands of an Arc, hence I am free from that old deal."

"What is this power, then? And where did I get a fourth semblance, if you are saying you only gave me one more?" Jaune asked, trying to clear away as much of the confusion as possible.

"Easy there, I only learned of the fourth semblance after Lucifer released me." Ignium said, but then he continued. "The name of the semblance I granted you, which is yours by birthright, is Origin: A semblance that can take a fragment - a small, harmless fragment of another person's soul - and enable you to use a lesser version of their semblance. You can also mix and give. Only an Arc can wield it too, apparently, something about the Semblance knowing when it is wielded by someone of that bloodline."

"And the fourth?"

Ignium smirked. "I'm sure you can figure it out on your own … eventually."

Jaune pouted at that.

Ignium chuckled. "What I will say is somehow, you copied a semblance, or as I said, a lesser version of it."

"I didn't … I didn't mean to."

"Of course, you didn't. You have no idea how this Semblance works or how to control it, meaning you can copy Semblances by mistake in your current state." Ignium explained. "In time, however, you will learn to control it. Besides, I think this is quite the deal you got yourself going. The throne of Hell for me, and a harem for you, plus other, unseen benefits. You now hold allies in high places, kid. Or rather said, in the lowest places."

Jaune sighed, looking up at the ceiling of his room. "What now?"

Ignium merely shrugged. "As far as your journey goes? It is pretty much complete. I took the time to look over Beelzebub's contract with you, kid, and you now fulfill the conditions."

"Wait … But even with Lucifer and Judgement, I still-"

"Baphomet." Ignium clarified, making the boy stop talking and instead pale slightly at the prospect. "I am sorry, kid, I truly am. I tried to convince her not to, but … She really wants to ride that golden goat cock, you know? And I've had enough of her crazy goat talk for an eternity. So I'm not going to stop her."

"Oh boy … Well, at least she's good-looking right?"

"Ha!" Ignium cracked a laugh at his words. "At this, I won't argue with you. If not for her fetish, believe me, I would have tapped that a LONG time ago. That, and possibly make my imprisonment better for the both of us. Good to see you are keeping your head in good places, kid. I'd imagined that, after seeing all of Hell and all, your human mind would go haywire! I mean, you saw the worst of the worst down there, holy shit, not to mention having dealt some heavy punishments yourself!"

"P-please don't remind me of the full details." Jaune replied. "I am still unsure of how I should react to everything I've done."

"Well, let me tell you this much: Don't let it bother you much. Sure, that Azuria girl didn't deserve her punishment as much as her shit of a father will deserve his, down in Caina and all, but know this: However cruel a punishment might seem towards a person, they are just. There is no injustice being done down here because Hell is no judge, jury, or executioner - no. We are what comes AFTER the judge gives the punishment, after the jury sentences someone as guilty, and after the executioner brings their axe down. All punishments done here are done because the soul is deserving of it." Ignium explained to Jaune, who remained silent, listening to the demon. "But, if it helps you, I will release Azuria from her punishment and give her a small job at the palace. Maybe something akin to a personal assistant to me, fetching me some coffee and whatnot."

"You'd do that?" Jaune asked, his eyes showing light in them.

"Yes, but … Know it changes nothing during Judgement Day." Ignium realized the mistake he made when Jaune looked at the demon with confusion. Of course, the knowledge of that day was lost, he should have figured as much. "Judgement Day is when God will deliver his final judgment to humanity, save those worthy to thrive in his heavenly kingdom and leave the rest to be miserable. During this day, Hell and the human realm will be connected, and the souls here will reunite with their bodies, walking among the living once again, but not the suicidal. Because they discarded their bodies, they will return as trees, with their corpses hanging from their branches. This is true for Azuria as well, and THAT I cannot change."

"I- … There is so much I don't know about this realm and its inhabitants." Jaune said, feeling overwhelmed. "Tell me, Ignium … Am I worthy of God's judgment?"

The demon looked at the boy without even blinking as he gave his reply.

"No." He told Jaune, no lie in his voice. "In this realm, you have committed transgression after transgression, not only against Lucifer but against Him as well. You engaged in a deal with a demon, and entered this realm without His will, not to mention doing so with the intention of breaking Hell's laws. Even if you do not know of such laws, I am afraid Heaven's door is forever locked from you. Not even your guardian angel can protect you now, only care for you for as long as you still draw breath."

"I see … " Jaune said, and to Ignium's confusion, the boy didn't seem troubled by that information. "Truth be told, seeing as I am about to live with those girls, I guess it would be pretty shitty to be separated from them after I die, right? I don't know about Azazel, but … I don't know, Ignium."

"There is no use thinking of such shit right now." The demon told him, trying to help him calm down. "Anyway, I will pull down my magic a bit. One last thing, though … "

"Yes?"

"Your ancestor, Artorigus, left behind a journal. It should contain more information on Origin than what I can provide. It is buried inside a box, underneath a tree overlooking your family's current manor." The demon told him, then, in an instant, the barrier Ignium set was broken. "Oops, looks like chaos is about to ensue."

Azazel stirred awake.

"What- Ugh!" Jaune winced and groaned from the pain again, but that alerted Azazel, who was quick to act.

"Easy there, Jaune!" Azazel said, leaning towards him and holding him. "I tried to heal your body to the best of my abilities, but healing Hellfire is not easy, especially since your wounds kept forcing themselves to be healed."

"Azazel … "

"Don't talk." Azazel said again, but then she saw Ignium sitting there. "When did you get here?"

"I had some private business with the kid, so forgive my methods." Ignium said, irking the angel a bit that he might have done something to Jaune, but she let it go for now. Then, from the side, a door opened, and everyone else poured into the room and surrounded Jaune.

"Good to see you are still breathing. Once Judgement removed Blood Binder and you fell asleep your body caught up with the abuse you put it through. We had the best doctors of Hell and Azazel used her magic as well, but the damage will take a bit to heal." Lucifer explained, not giving her old teacher much attention.

"Still though, you were absolutely badass!" Zdrada shouted. "You literally ripped and tore until you faced Lucifer herself and came out on top!"

"Not to mention you endured Blood Binder for this long!" Justice was genuinely impressed. "Even I cannot touch that thing without it ruining my pretty face!"

"Bad snake! Bad snake! Bad snake!" Cerberus said.

"I can't believe you'd be as stupid as to have that on you," Malina said. "Had us worried sick!"

Jaune smiled upon hearing them.

"I thought Arcs never broke their promises? Yet, you almost did." Pandemonica looked at him with her tired eyes. Jaune felt a bit of shame hearing her talk like that, but then she approached him, planting a small kiss on his cheek. "But you didn't. You came back. You are better than your ancestors."

"I did say I won't break my word, Pande-"

The demoness raised her hand. "Please. Call me Monica from now on."

"Very well." Jaune smiled kindly. "Monica."

Azazel offered him some water for his throat. He drank the water given to him, then he smiled.

"Now, onto something else. You've been out for two full days." Pandemonica continued, making the Arc choke on his water and spit a bit out. "Something the matter?"

"Oh no, I have to get back to the human realm!" Jaune shouted, then he tried to move, only to once again wince in pain and get himself forced to lie down by Azazel pushing him down gently.

"You can't!" Lucifer firmly said. "You are too hurt, you cannot even get out of bed! You need to rest for now."

"Don't worry." Modeus said, going to him. "I can be your nurse."

Somehow, that put up more alarms in his head than the fact he has been gone for a full day in the human world. He prayed that Beel was able to cover up for him well enough. Thankfully, a certain someone came into the room just in time to hit Modeus on the head lightly.

"Let him rest!" Judgement said, then she turned to him. She no longer had Blood Binder on her, meaning it was back in Ignium's possession if he had to guess, hidden underneath his clothing. "Ignium's weapon messed him up more than enough as it is, we do not need to add a broken pelvis to the list of injuries."

"Owww." Modeus whined.

"At least he is still kicking." Ignium said in his defense. "Not like I killed the kid. Plus, I owe him big time already, putting me on the throne of Hell and all. Freed me from Cocytus too, even if dear Lucy here had to do the work on that front."

"I told you not to call me that!" Lucifer shouted at him, making Ignium shrug. She sighed, then she turned to Jaune to explain. "Since I will be leaving Hell I made Ignium the new ruler."

"I know, he kinda told me." Jaune revealed. "Something about being the ruler in your absence?"

"Yes. This ensures that the place will not fall apart in our absence. I know what he is capable of, after all, so I have no doubt he might even improve some things next we visit."

"You can bet on that. I am also making Behemoth the new High Prosecutor since Judgement is going with you as well." Ignium said, giving his daughter a side glance, but she merely avoided meeting his eyes.

"Well, since the two of you talked, I assume we can depart? Have you told Jaune EVERYTHING, Iggy?" Lucifer said, using Ignium's own little nickname.

"Shit, I almost forgot. Thanks for reminding me, Lucy." The demon replied, then he focused on Jaune. "You see, I assume Pandemonica told you about the generations of demons, so I will be telling you about the others. You see, you have the first generation, which is us, angels who fell from grace and became demons. The second generation are the children of the first one, but also the children of anyone from the second generation."

"I see. I think I remember Pandemonica telling me how she is a second-generation demon, and I know you and Lucifer are first-generation ones." Jaune recalled what he'd learned.

"Correct." Lucifer continued. "However, there are other generations as well, the next one being arguably the weakest. The third generation is made up of the human souls you have been seeing down there. If they do not break down and become ghouls, if they break and swear loyalty to the ruler, then they will turn into demons. Imps, to be more precise."

"Ok? And that affects me because?"

"Jaune, you have been in Hell for far too long now." Pandemonica stated. "A week is just fine when you look at it, but you overstayed that limit for a bit. You are becoming a fourth-generation demon, a living human who turned into a demon from exposure to Hell."

"WHAT?! Oh no, oh no. I was already worried about how I was going to explain my absence, maybe some wounds, but being a demon? My family is literally going to skin me alive!" Jaune panicked, holding the sides of his head. "Please tell me there is a way to reverse this!"

"Thankfully, there is. And you have it!" Ignium said, then he pointed at Azazel. "Your little guardian angel and her magic can prevent the process from finishing and even reverse it. Having her around has kept you human."

"Thank God … " Jaune sighed, but Azazel was shaking a bit. "Azazel-"

"I didn't know that is how fourth-generation demons are created!" Azazel shouted, then she ran to Pandemonica. "You have to tell me more! How does the last generation fare against the first? Are they stronger? Weaker? Do they possess demonic traits? Are they capable, like Jaune here, to have an Aura and Semblance?!"

"Easy there, Azazel." Pandemonica said, putting her finger up to push Azazel's notebook down. "I will answer everything once we are all out of Hell, ok? The hardest part of our journey is long past now, so we can focus on actually getting out of Hell."

"Right!" Azazel said, returning to her seat.

"It feels surreal, you know?" Zdrada said, blowing some smoke. "We are all going to the human world to live with blondie here alongside, maybe, that Beelzebub chick as well."

"I just hope I can play some good games up there." Malina said. "And drink … a lot."

"And we can corrupt the humans!" Cerberus shouted in unison.

"I also want to check out what humanity calls romance. Sounds kinky." Modeus said, actually making Ignium chuckle.

"You got a lively harem, boy."

"I see that … " Jaune sighed.

"So, what now?" He asked, making all of the girls look at each other, smiling one by one, then looking back at him. "Also, where is Baphomet? I was told she is apparently coming as well."

"She will wait for us at the gates. Now you rest. We will go tomorrow to the Gates of Hell and get out of here." Lucifer said.

The next day, Jaune had managed to recover and was now getting himself dressed. His shirt got ripped due to the adventure, but Lucifer had it fixed. It is wonderful what a bit of magic can do. Unfortunately, the same couldn't be said about his armor. It was pretty busted, and it seemed that only Beel could fix it. Crocea Mors itself was fine, weathering the storm. It even looked better than before! Hell had great blacksmiths and they polished it up.

"So, Lucifer, Justice, I take it you are not going to try and murder Beel, right?" He asked, trying to make sure there won't be any bloodshed. He already has enough to worry about.

"We won't like her-"

"Speak for yourself, Lucy!" Justice said, butting in. "I am willing to give her a chance. Never really was one for grudges."

"Justice! She took your sight!" Lucifer argued.

"So? I would've only had an issue if she took my voice because then I wouldn't have been able to talk and make jokes all the time to lighten the mood!" She countered. "Now that would've been a bad case of the silent treatment."

"I will never understand how you can be so forgiving at times." Lucifer sighed, then she turned to Jaune. "As I was trying to say, I won't like her, meaning you better not expect me to act well around her. If anything you better be grateful that I am not going to kill you and her."

"Duly noted." Jaune nervously replied, but then he remembered something, namely what Ignium told him. "Uhm. Girls? Lucifer? Monica?"

"Yes?" They replied.

"Can I talk with you once we are up at the gates? It might be important."

And so they just kept walking until they reached the gates, the demon girls being somewhat skeptical of him. Alas, they reached their destination, and everyone was excited to go through.

Baphomet was there, as Ignium said, legs dangling off as she sat on a rock.

"Yoohoo!" She greeted them, offering a smile as she waved at them. "So good to see you dearies finally make it to the gate! The human world awaits!"

"Yeah!" The girls cheered, but Jaune pulled Lucifer and Pandemonica to the side.

"I am also going to let the others know about this later, but … Ignium has gifted me something," Jaune said, slowly, but then Lucifer opened her mouth.

"Origin."

"So, you know as well?"

"We do, Ignium told us whilst you were asleep. We ALL know. However, it is an issue. From what Ignium told us, he doesn't have all the details of it, only the general idea, but he does know that without training you will be taking Semblances left and right. You already did it." Pandemonica said, adding her own bits.

"Yes. He also said there is a journal buried under a tree close to my house. I do not know what he meant. I mean, the house I live in right now has been in the family since anyone can remember! So I do think it is my current residence, but I don't know which tree he meant."

"If we do end up finding this journal, I think there are details of your new semblance in there. Only getting the journal will tell us more, really." Pandemonicademonica said.

"Yeah, but what do I do now? Like, how does this work, exactly? Does it hurt others? Do I need to fulfill certain conditions? I just do not want to use it on my family by accident." He said, earning Lucifer's attention.

"You actually still care about them?" She asked. "Even after you admitted to yourself that you have hate for them?"

"Hey, they are my family. All families love and hate each other." Jaune replied.

Lucifer scoffed. "Fine. I am mostly looking forward to my pancakes. I haven't had any in eons."

"Don't worry, we are one step away from home."

Beelzebub was anxious and she had reason to be. Several hours ago she lost all manner of contact with Jaune, assuming that her fly was found and squashed, meaning she had zero idea what was currently going on with him. She was worried she might get sent back into the Abyss at any moment due to this. She didn't want to return to that place, where only endless void and darkness exist.

He was running late, but luckily it was still night, if barely, the sun just starting to peek over the horizon. Soon Jaune would've been in Hell for more than he should have, but Beel had to remain calm.

…

She panic the moment she heard a portal open.

She jump back and turned around, but she saw it was not the portal to the abyss. Instead, she saw Jaune walk out of it with the girls in tow.

He smiled. "Home sweet home!"

Omake

How many demons does it take to open a door?

"I hope my timing is right." Jaune made a quick prayer for his aim to stay true and let go.

Both bodies slammed into the gates of Lucifer's palace … then through it.

They swung open with a mighty crash. The walls of the palace shook and an unnatural groan came forth from all directions. Jaune could feel something in his bones and he swore it said "Who dares?"

But as his eyes caught up to his body and stopped spinning, he ignored it. For he dared.

Jaune walked through the gate. Now all he needed to do is-

"The FUCK was that for!"

Jaune blinked.

He looked to the skeletons on the floor he was walking towards to get his weapons back, only to see the last one was still alive.

"W-wha?" Jaune's elegance with speech was on full display. "How are you alive? And what was what?"

"You threw me through the DOOR! WHY! What purpose did that serve." The skeleton yelled.

"Oh well ... I needed to get through the gate ... and I didn't think I could break it open with just my fists. Soooo I through you." Jaune rubbed the back of his head.

"Why, in the name of Lucifer's sweet tits, would you need to break the door to get through it! Did you think of, I don't know, walking up to it and trying to just gently push it open." The skeleton waved its hands around.

"It wouldn't just open like that! It's obviously locked." Jaune hesitated. " ... Right?"

The demon roared in rage. "NOOOO! This is Lucifer's palace! Who would be dumb enough and suicidal enough to attack it? Why would we lock the gates if only allies are going to be using it? That would just be inconvenient for everyone that works here."

Jaune winced. "Well, it doesn't matter now the door is open."

"DOESN'T MATTER! Doesn't matter to who? To you, yeah the person who broke the gate doesn't care. Go figure. Who do you think is going to have to clean this up? Yeah, us lowly demons got to do all the work around here. Did you ever think about us, or do you only think about yourself?" The skeleton ranted and only continued to do so.

Jaune was doing all this for others dammit! And he didn't want to listen to this anymore. Pushing his awkwardness to the side he walked to the demon and pulled his weapons out of its bony hands.

The skeleton was so distracted by its ranting that it didn't notice its grip had slackened. "HEY! I was keeping those from you. Why can't you just let us do our jobs!"

Part of their job was killing him Jaune knew. He put his weapon on his belt and then grabbed the chain that was still wrapped around the skeleton and its dead friend. He pulled it back towards the bridge.

"Hey, what are you doing!" The demon flailed its arms trying to grab something to stop itself.

Jaune pulled the chain over his head and let go.

"FUCK YOU TOOOOooooo!"

The skeleton was sent over the side of the bridge and down the chasm. His wails got smaller as they fell. Jaune turned to continue on his mission, hoping he wouldn't be stopped by the insurmountable challenge of opening a door. The last one took two demons to open and it was unlocked.