With that, Serah's in-depth study into the world of demons began. Miss Zeffer was very thorough in what she taught Serah, confirming every step of the way that she understood the content. Throughout the process, they went through a few more ritual offerings and Serah got a few treats as a reward. She received an adamantine sword and shield as a welcome gift from the Archdemon that Miss Zeffer worked with. Apparently, they had a lot of that stuff in Hell.

Eventually, it came time for Serah to perform her own ritual…

Serah performs the chant as she was instructed, and when her voice climaxed, she plunged her dagger into the sinner’s heart.

Serah looks around waiting for something to happen, but nothing as dramatic as that first time occurred.

Serah looks to Miss Zeffer, confused, but she just waves her hand, signalling for Serah to wait.

Suddenly a pink puff of smoke appears out of nowhere. Serah stares wide-eyed, somewhat in excitement, and somewhat in fear, at meeting this new demon.

The pink smoke begins to clear and a small demon was revealed. It was naked and red all over; it had small horns and a scaly, spiked tail. It carried a pitchfork, had a plump belly, and its little willy was hanging out for all to see. Serah looks at the demon’s baby face and her eyes begin to glow with motherly love.

“Aaah! How cute! What a cute baby you are!” Serah says as she quickly rushes over to hold the little baby.

“Ah! Unhand me, woman! I’m not a baby! I’m a demon! A scary demon!” The little red devil calls out as it tries to struggle out of Serah’s embrace.

“Oh, cute little baby. Are you here for this man’s soul? How do you like mommy’s gift?” Serah asks as she nuzzles her face into the little devil’s plump face.

“I said unhand me woman!” The little devil says as its body becomes engulfed in flames.

Somewhat startled, Serah lets go and takes a step back before she realizes that she was dealing with a demon. Serah scratches her face, somewhat embarrassed. “Sorry, I got a little carried away.” She says with an awkward chuckle.

“That’s right woman! I’m the great demon Balthazar! Bow before my great glory!” The little demon says in its baby voice before letting out an evil laugh.

Serah’s cheeks becomes a little rosy once again. I just want to take it home and coddle it! She thinks, unable to help herself.

“I thank you for this soul, good woman. It pleases the great Balthazar greatly. I’ll make sure you’re properly rewarded. What is it you wish? Riches? Power?” The little demon says with a big voice.

“Oh, no need to get me anything. This is just a little something from me to say hello. But I assume we’ll be working together for a while, so I’ll try to think of something next time.” Serah says with a smile.

“Very well, woman. Thank you for the gift.” He says before the room once again becomes filled with pink smoke. When it cleared, both the little demon and the body were gone.

Miss Zeffer walks over and puts a hand on Serah’s shoulder. “Good job, little Serah. I think you’ll go far in this profession.” She says with a smile.

…

…

The little demon appears in a puff of pink smoke. Before him was a large demon, sitting on a throne. The little demon didn’t bother to look, knowing he wouldn’t be able to completely see the other demon’s figure. So he simply bowed his head. “Greetings, Archdemon.” He says with respect.

“How’d it go?” The archdemon asks. The archdemon quite liked this little demon and he had specifically assigned it to Serah. He had his own reasons, but mostly, this little demon was quite good-natured compared to a few of the other lesser demons.

“What do you mean? It went fine. I don’t see what’s so special about that girl. Pick out any pretty woman off the streets and you wouldn’t be too far off.” The little demon says, unimpressed.

“Did she make fun of you?” The archdemon continues to ask.

The little demon thinks about it before its face begins to flare with anger. “Yes! She called me a cute baby! The nerve of some people!” The little demon exclaims, not too happy about the matter.

The archdemon lets out a chuckle. “Anyways, be careful with that one and try not offend her. I smelled the deity of war lingering around her presence. I’d rather not get into some sort feud over a woman.” He says, warning little Balthazar.

The little demon’s eyes widen. “The deity of war? Why do you always assign the weird ones to me?” Balthazar says, somewhat unhappy at having to tread these waters.

The archdemon lets out a chuckle. “Don’t worry. If anything happens, just let me know.” He says, not too worried. He wasn’t afraid of a fight, and although the deity of war was a crazy bastard, the archdemon was still up for the challenge.

…

…

The deity of war watches Serah from above and lets out a sigh. “Ah, my baby. Going out into the world and spreading her wings. It’s fine, you can play with demons for as long as you’d like. But if any of them dare to touch you…” She says as an evil smile appears on her face. “It would be good enough reason for me…” She says somewhat ominously.