Hellfire Oasis

CHAPTER THREE

TORMENT

In the midst of the celestial clash between angels and devils, Azazel remains steadfast in his allegiance to Irene, the future queen of hell, whose wrath knows no bounds after her human lover is slain by an angelic foe. As the war rages on, tragedy strikes when Irene's father, the devil king, falls in battle, intensifying her grief and plunging her deeper into darkness. With her daughter left vulnerable on Earth, Irene entrusts Azazel with the task of safeguarding the infant, ensuring she remains beyond the reach of the angelic forces.

“Please keep my baby safe, Azazel..” Irene pleaded, her voice heavy with sorrow and determination, unaware that these would be her final words before succumbing to an endless slumber. Her plea echoed in Azazel's mind, a solemn reminder of the trust placed upon him in the face of impending darkness.

Despite the chaos of war, Azazel remained steadfast in his promise, ensuring the safety of the child amidst the relentless onslaught and devastation of battle. However, as Irene's despair reached its zenith and she finally succumbed to an endless slumber, the balance of power within the realms shifted irrevocably. With their queen dormant and their forces faltering, hell found itself on the brink of defeat in the ongoing conflict against the angelic host.

In a final act of devotion, Azazel carefully placed the baby on the doorstep of a humble dwelling, disguising himself as a regular man to evade the watchful eyes of the angelic forces. Peering from the shadows, he observed as the kind-hearted man emerged and tenderly scooped the infant into his arms, a flicker of relief crossing Azazel's features. With a silent vow to return when the time was right, he slipped away into the darkness, his duty fulfilled, yet his heart heavy with the weight of uncertainty.

Upon his return to the hellish realm, Azazel was confronted by an angel of unparalleled power, their clash leaving him grievously wounded and ensnared in a three-year-long slumber.

Awaking to a realm in complete devastation, Azazel knew he had to take charge in the absence of a ruler, restoring order and stability to the chaotic underworld. Despite his newfound responsibilities, his thoughts never strayed far from the infant he had sworn to protect.

Yet, upon seeking out the child and her caretaker, Azazel was met with a chilling realization – both had vanished without a trace. With the weight of guilt and responsibility heavy upon his shoulders, Azazel embarked on a desperate quest for answers, driven by the need for redemption and the elusive promise of peace amidst the turmoil of war-torn realms. With each step, he delved deeper into the shadows of his own past and the secrets of the supernatural world, determined to uncover the truth and fulfill his vow to Irene, the sleeping queen of hell.

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Seulgi and Yerim groggily awoke, their eyes blinking open to the dimly lit room in hell. As the reality of their situation set in, they exchanged nervous glances, hesitant to venture beyond the safety of their shelter.

Seulgi whispered, her voice tinged with apprehension, “Are you thinking what I'm thinking?”

Yerim nodded fervently, her grip tightening on the blankets.

“There's no way I'm stepping out there with those demons roaming around. I'd rather stay right here.”

The irony of their predicament wasn't lost on them—technically dead and now in hell, they found themselves cowering in fear of the very creatures they had heard tales of in life.