“From now on, you and I are bound together by fate. I am the Great Shade Shaitan.” the ominous voice resounded once again.

“What do you even want?! Why me?!” Damien said angrily.

“Shades do not have a physical form in the Realm of Mortals. For that reason I needed a vessel.” Damien’s left arm moved against his will, a finger pointing directly at his heart. “A role which I have deigned you worthy of. Unfortunately, I have only managed to possess a part of your left arm thanks to that accursed necklace.”

“I understand that much, but why would you need a vessel in the first place, and again, why me?! Also, what do you know about this necklace?”

“Foolish human, you ask much too many questions. That necklace has been protecting you for years, it was an opportune moment to possess you due to your carelessness. As for why I chose you, you seem to have a rather unfortunate aura that attracts demons.”

“Demons?” Damien replied shocked.

“Yes, demons. The previous Demon King has passed, as such it has been decided ten years ago that the ceremony for the next Demon King will take place a week from now. Each of the 100 Greater Demon Clans from Hell will send a single candidate to the Mortal Realm to fight, and the sole survivor will be crowned the Demon King.” Shaitan spoke condescendingly.

Earth will become the battleground to decide the next Demon King…

“That’s crazy! What makes you think I’d even help you!” Damien protested futilely.

“There are things worse than death, human.” Shaitan spoke with a hint of a threat, controlling Damien’s left arm in a gesture that simulated a cutting of his throat. “Besides, you wouldn’t want anything to happen to those in the orphanage, would you?” Shaitan said, followed by his trademark ominous chuckle.

“...”

There was nothing left to say. After the loss of his parents, the people at the orphanage were like his family. He would do anything to protect them, even if it meant helping decide the next Demon King.