Mika watched in utter disbelief as Krul Tepes the 3rd progenitor, Queen of Japan fought with a serious expression on her face. What's happening? — He questioned.

It was a truly unbelievable sight.

The very same queen who had dispatched Ferid Bathory — another exceedingly powerful vampire noble — with zero effort was struggling to land a hit on the demon that stood before them.

The demon had a metallic tail, crystalline orbs in place of eyes and wore a crimson suit.

That was alright, he could get behind that, — Mika thought. But what kind of demon wears glasses?

He watched in disbelief as the demon used the slightest of movements to either evade or completely block any kind of attack Krul threw at him as if it were the most natural thing in the world. It didn't matter if she punched, kicked or straight up flew at him. The fiend effortlessly countered every move of hers. Mika witnessed as the two fought in an unearthly duel, with such speeds that they were only visible when their exchanges of power met. He was broken out of his trance when he heard a shout.

"Mika, I need you!" Krul called out as she eyed the devil.

Mika wholly understanding the seriousness of the situation paid absolute attention to her words.

"Go down the forbidden corridor, at the end of it you will find a lab. There is a weapon there, I want you to bring it to me at all costs!"

"What does it look like?"

"It is an orb, but you can ask for help there, now GO!" Krul shouted.

"I'll be right back!" Mika said as he hurriedly moved to complete his task.

…

Krul paid extreme attention to every slight movement the fiend has made. There was always intent behind them. This was why she had paid the utmost heed even while she spoke those words.

She couldn't bare if she lost because she was distracted. She would become a laughingstock if it became common knowledge. A progenitor losing to a sneak attack. Hah, what nonsense.

She wanted to gauge her opponent's reaction, would he try to get past her and go after Mika or would he let his arrogance be his downfall?

She was relieved, it seemed as though she was right.

The devil gave a chilling grin hearing her orders to her subordinate and stood down completely.

Krul raised an eyebrow at the actions of the fiend.

What is going through its warped mind? — She wondered.

"Hmm, I will play along, we shall wait till your dear slave retrieves the item in question...

Who knows maybe it's worth something, I hope you won't disappoint, miss…?"

Krul didn't mind the developments, in fact she was thankful.

If she didn't have to fight until Mika is back, then her job of defeating this monster would be so much easier. She could practically feel victory in her grasp, and from the looks of it her pleasure didn't escape the fiend's discerning eyes.

She was certain that the item's absolute ability to destroy anything it touches would be useful.

She could hack away at the fiend's body until it was no longer a threat. She was also positive that after hearing Mika's explanation; that he is under her orders, the researchers would provide the magic support needed to transport the sealed artefact.

Perfect, — she thought while she put on an enchanting smile, though it failed to have its desired effect, as the fiend simply brushed her off.

"Tepes… Krul Tepes."

"Quite a lovely name, although however short our encounter may be I have to say… you are the strongest I've encounter in this world." The fiend taunted, no doubt he wanted her to attack her before Mika's return. But she restrained herself. Just you wait, you will suffer for your mockery.

"And you are?" Krul asked, as she put on her fake smile as well. — They had this in common.

"Oh, how rude of me." The demon said as he gestured to himself. If she didn't know any better, Krul would have thought that the fiend was genuinely sorry, but the cruel glint in his eyes betrayed him. He enjoyed it. He played with her. It was nothing more than a theatric play put on for the audience.

"I am Jaldabaoth, the Demon Emperor."

'Demon Emperor? Never heard of it. I should be able to glean some more information about him.' —She thought as she briefly glanced back to the corridors, hoping she could spot Mika running, but alas he wasn't here yet. She needed more time, and it was best to pass the time while learning about her opponent as much as she could. It may prove useful in the upcoming struggle.

She put on a smile as she inquired.

"Oh, Jaldabaoth…" The word rolled off her tongue so naturally that she was surprised. Her perplexation didn't last long however as she carried on.

"Do enlighten me… why has the Demon Emperor graced me with his presence, for what reason did you intrude upon my domain?" Krul started in a sweat tone, but by the end she practically spit those words.

"Oh, do I need a reason to crush bugs under my feet?"

"What?" Krul blurted out. She didn't expect that.

"What?" The demon asked back, as he shrugged his shoulders.

"Also, your little runner is late, don't you think? He should hurry up, or I might get bored."

"He should be back in a minute." Krul said, as she readied herself. The artefact would place a great strain even on her immortal body, but it had to be done. She needed its power to eradicate this fiend before her. From their earlier exchange she was sure that the demon was holding back, he was playing with her, just like she would with a human. The power difference was absolute.