Hana and Nagai were hurled out of the vortex portal and into the interior of a grand, ominous castle. The sudden shift was disorienting, but they quickly regained their footing. The air was thick with an oppressive energy, and before them loomed a massive, ornately decorated throne room. This was unmistakably the seat of power—the domain of the Demon God, Lucifer.

  As their vision cleared, Hana and Nagai saw three familiar figures standing nearby. Hana’s heart leapt as she recognized them: Sam, Krieg, and Soda. They were all here, together, under the same roof after their untimely deaths.

  "You guys are here too?!" Soda shouted, his voice filled with disbelief.

  "I didn’t expect to see you all here!" Sam exclaimed, her eyes wide.

  Krieg grinned, trying to lighten the mood. "This brings new meaning to the saying ‘to Hell and back.’ This is like... super literal, yo."

  Hana’s gaze fell on Soda, and her breath hitched. "Oh my God, Soda, your arm!" she gasped, noticing the missing limb. The others followed her line of sight, their faces stricken with worry.

  "Yeah," Soda admitted, his tone grim. "I was attacked by a Minotaur. Scariest thing that’s ever happened to me."

  "Soda, does it hurt? Your arm, I mean." Sam asked worryingly.

  "Hell yeah, it hurts. It’s agonizing, but there’s not much I can do about it now. It’s not like they’ve got first aid kits in Hell. I’ll just have to live with it—or, you know, die with it." Soda answered

  "How did this happen?" Sam asked.

  "A Minotaur happened. The scariest thing I’ve ever seen in my life charged at me, and I barely survived. Lost the arm, but took it down with some help. Honestly, I still can’t believe I’m standing here." Soda answered.

  "Did you take the Minotaur down by yourself?" Hana asked curiously

  "Not entirely. I had help from Belros over there." [Gestures toward Belros.] "She’s been looking out for me since I landed in Hell. Don’t ask why; I don’t know what she sees in me either." Soda explained.

  "Did it feel different fighting here compared to back on Earth?" Hana asked excitedly

  “Yeah it does, I have superpowers and stuff. it’s... raw. It’s like the stakes are higher, but at the same time, there’s this weird freedom. You can’t die permanently here—well, not the way you did up there. It’s terrifying, yeah, but also kind of thrilling." Soda answered

  “I knew it, I wasn’t the only one who felt this way!” Hana confirmed.

  "Did you fight the Minotaur like a badass, or did you just run and get lucky? No shame if you did, hey nice scythe by the way yo!"

  "Oh, come on, Krieg. You know me better than that. I stood my ground and gave it everything I had. I was ready to die again, but I wasn’t going out without a fight. ANd thanks, Belros got me this sythe, it’s cursed."

  “Cursed” Krieg said astonished, “No way yo!”

  “Say hi to my friends Grim,” Soda spoke to his sycthe

  “Greetings master’s friends, it’s so nice to meet you all.” Grim spoke politely.

  “No way, it talked” Hana jumped

  A figure stepped forward from the shadows. Belros was tall and imposing, her presence radiating both strength and grace. "Nice to meet Soda’s friends. I hope we get along," she said, her voice smooth and calm. "As of now, I’m a new member of your little Legion."

  The atmosphere in Lucifer’s throne room shifted as Soda introduced Belros to his friends, the masked Legion members. Despite the grim surroundings, their reactions were warm and filled with a surprising sense of camaraderie.

  “Guys, meet Belros,” Soda said, motioning to the demon standing beside him. “She’s been watching my back down here. Hell’s tough, but she’s tougher.”

  Belros, with her graceful yet imposing figure, nodded politely. “It’s a pleasure to meet all of you. I hope we can work together seamlessly. Soda speaks highly of you.”

  The group exchanged glances, their masks briefly hiding their expressions, but the warm tone in their voices said it all.

  “If Soda says you’re good, that’s all I need to know,” Krieg said, his deep voice rumbling with approval. He extended a fist, which Belros hesitated for a moment before bumping with her own. “Welcome to the team, yo.”

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  Hana stepped forward next, her blue eyes sparkling even behind her mask. “Nice to meet you, Belros! Soda’s picky about who he trusts, so if you’re with him, you’re with us.” She offered a wide grin and gave Belros a thumbs-up.

  Sam shyly approached, her posture reserved but welcoming. “H-hello,” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m Sam. It’s… nice to meet you. I’m glad Soda had someone watching over him.”

  Belros tilted her head slightly, a small smile playing on her lips. “Thank you, Sam. Your kindness is appreciated.”

  Hana gave Sam a playful nudge, prompting a quiet giggle, which seemed to ease the slight tension.

  Krieg chuckled and added, “You know, we all wear masks for the Legion thing, but you’ve got that natural ‘demon warrior’ vibe going on. I guess that’s like, your built-in mask, huh?”

  Belros smirked. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

  Soda rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide the faint smile creeping onto his face. “Yeah, yeah, let’s not embarrass her too much, guys. She’s got a lot to deal with already, teaming up with you lot.”

  Garland, ever the jokester, pretended to swoon dramatically. “Oh, Belros! You’ve been thrust into a team of chaos incarnate. You have my deepest sympathies.”

  “Hey!” Hana shot back, laughing. “Chaos is what makes us great!”

  Krieg nodded in agreement. “True that.”

  After some lighthearted banter, the group unanimously removed their masks, revealing their true faces. The gesture wasn’t lost on Belros. It was more than just an act of formality; it was their way of showing trust and welcoming her into their inner circle.

  “We don’t usually do this,” Hana explained, noting the slight surprise on Belros’ face. “But there’s no reason to hide from each other anymore. You’re one of us now.”

  “Yeah, welcome to the family,” Soda said, his tone softer than usual.

  Belros crossed her arms, clearly moved by the acceptance. “I’ve lived a long time, seen many things… but this, I didn’t expect. Thank you.”

  As the group continued to talk, Belros quickly found herself swept up in their dynamic. Krieg is the quintessential laid-back member of the group. He rarely takes things too seriously, often diffusing tense situations with humor or a nonchalant remark. His relaxed demeanor provides balance to the more intense personalities around him. Beneath his carefree exterior, Krieg is fiercely loyal. He would do anything to protect his friends, even if it means putting himself in harm’s way. His devotion to the Legion is unshakeable, and he treats his friends as family. Krieg often lightens the mood with his witty one-liners and playful banter. His humor can be sarcastic at times, but it’s rarely mean-spirited. He enjoys teasing his friends, especially Soda, but knows when to stop and be serious. While he seems indifferent or detached, Krieg is far more perceptive than he lets on. He often notices things others miss and uses his insights to guide or protect the group without drawing attention to himself. Despite his outward appearance, Krieg has a thoughtful side. He often reflects on their circumstances and the nature of their existence in Hell, though he rarely shares these thoughts aloud. His introspection adds depth to his character, revealing that he is more than just the group’s muscle.

  Hana is a force to be reckoned with. Her determination and energy are infectious, driving those around her to keep pushing forward, no matter the odds. She rarely backs down from a challenge and thrives in high-pressure situations.Her magnetic personality makes her a natural leader. Hana is outgoing and confident, unafraid to speak her mind or take charge when the group needs direction. She has a knack for inspiring loyalty and trust in others. Beneath her fiery exterior, Hana has a deeply caring side. She is quick to comfort her friends when they’re struggling and often takes on the role of emotional anchor for the group. Hana’s impulsive nature can sometimes lead her into trouble, as she tends to act first and think later. However, her actions always come from a place of authenticity, as she values honesty and integrity above all. She enjoys lighthearted banter and isn’t afraid to tease her friends, especially when they need to loosen up. Her playful side adds a sense of fun to the group dynamic.

  Sam is the most introverted member of the Legion, often speaking softly and hesitating to assert herself. However, her genuine care for her friends makes her an integral part of the group. She’s the kind of person who supports others quietly, always offering a listening ear or a kind word when it’s needed most. Life (and death) has not been easy for Sam, and her timid nature stems from a history of being overlooked or underestimated. Her shyness is a defense mechanism, but it hides a wealth of inner strength and resilience. Sam feels deeply, and her empathy makes her the emotional anchor of the group. She’s incredibly loyal, valuing the connections she has with the other Legion members above all else. Her ability to sense and respond to others’ emotions fosters unity within the group. Despite her talents and importance to the group, Sam struggles with self-doubt and often questions her worth. Over time, her journey in Hell pushes her to confront these insecurities, allowing her to discover her inner strength and confidence.

  And even Soda’s guarded loyalty—it was a blend she hadn’t experienced in her long existence in Hell. Belros no longer felt like an outsider. She had found a place among the Legion, not as a stranger but as a member of a new family she longed for

  Nagai, who had been standing silently, stepped forward and bowed slightly. "It’s a pleasure to meet you all. I’ve been accompanying Hana since she woke up in Hell."

  "What a pain it’s been for me," Hana grumbled. "I was trapped in some sort of warzone—blood and rusty swords everywhere. No idea why or how I got there."

  "At least you’re still in one piece," Soda said dryly.

  Another figure, Brennelle, stepped forward. She was elegant and composed, her presence contrasting with Krieg’s more laid-back demeanor. "I’ve been watching over Krieg," she said. "Most of it was spent trying to get him to do something besides lounging around in Limbo."

  Krieg shrugged. "I just sat on my ass waiting for this to happen. I knew if the boss was down here, I’d get the golden ticket to this place. Way to go, Soda. You did good, yo."

  "Thanks, bro," Soda replied, his face softening into a rare smile.

  Seeing the group reunited, Sam’s emotions got the better of her, and tears welled up in her eyes. "It’s good to see you all. Truly," she said, her voice trembling.

  The three Legion members embraced her in a warm group hug, their laughter and cheers filling the throne room. Their guardians watched, touched by the display of human compassion and camaraderie. For a brief moment, the oppressive weight of Hell lifted, replaced by a simple yet profound joy.

  _________

  A deep, resonant voice interrupted their reunion. "Ahem. Your attention, please. The God of Monsters is still here, you know. While I find your familial embrace heartwarming, let us proceed with why you are all here."

  The group turned toward the massive throne where Lucifer sat. The Demon God’s presence was overwhelming, their aura commanding respect and fear. Without hesitation, Nagai, Brennelle, Garland, and Belros knelt. The others followed suit, bowing their heads in reverence. They didn’t want to piss off the Goddess of Hell itself.

  "Apologies, Lucifer," Belros said. "We were caught up in the moment."

  “Yeah sorry about that heheh” Hana laughed

  “S-sorry!” Sam stuttered

  Krieg stayed silent

  “I’m not sorry, we needed a moment to ourselves. Why are you guys kneeling too? Get up.

  Lucifer chuckled, their voice both soothing and menacing. "No need to apologize. I find your bonds fascinating. Now, let us discuss your fate."

  “So if you are the supreme being of this land, can you transport us back to Earth?” Krieg asked.

  "There’s a lot of work to be done to make that possible, unfortunately. Your soul wouldn’t be able to survive in the physical realm any longer. You are bound to the Netherworld as a consequence of entering Hell. You all are essentially on parole here, no going back unless you can find a way. Luckily, I know of a way, the only way for you all to come back from the dead. Let’s make a deal…”