Defiance of the Fall

I can’t believe you live in a cramped and bloodied tin can . Don’t the humans of this planet know how to build decent structures? In any case , we found you in the tunnels before we could use the knowledge of this place to our advantage . - Ogras gave Zac a pitying glance as he looked around at the small campsite , with the dented camper and ruined car .

Irritation once again started to build up in Zac , and he was unsure whether he should defend his camp or Earth’s architectural ingenuity . But he once again calmed down quickly . This demon seemed like the crafty type , and Zac didn’t want to give out any undue information by mistake because he was goaded into anger .

You still haven’t explained why you’re here . And why you and the others are still on my island . - Zac felt it was important to make it clear that they were refugees while he was the landowner . This was his planet and he had completed the quest to gain control of the area .

Ogras seemed to understand the implication of his words but only smiled in response . - Well , I came here to meet with you of course . I figured you would return here after the battle . The incursion is over , and so is our need to be enemies . I think it’s time to discuss an Alliance between our group and yours . -

Zac was about to say it was only him , but quickly stopped himself . If the demons thought he was just the spearhead of a larger group his position was only strengthened .

You should know that this world was only integrated into the multi-verse less than two months ago . There are things we do not know . Explain to me why we shouldn’t keep hunting your kind . - Zac said , happy to keep the fib going .

When you finished your quest the incursion ended . We were given 12 hours to return through the Nexus Hub before it closed down . Some of us couldn’t get there in time , and others simply chose to stay behind for various reasons . After The Ruthless Heavens has closed the hub it won’t open again for a long time , and never to our home planet . - Ogras answered , seemingly prepared for the question .

In other words , we made the choice to cut ties with our clan and our home , and it is unlikely we will ever be able to return . Even if we wanted to , it would be almost impossible due to the cost of traveling such a distance . We also won’t get any back-up in the future . Therefore it makes no sense to keep a war going against you natives . -

That’s a pretty flippant attitude after so many of your kind has died . Why did you even come to our planet? And what’s the ruthless heavens? - Zac asked after mulling over Ogras’ answer . He couldn’t find any lies in what the demon told him from what he had observed , and what the demoness had said . But he wasn’t so naïve to believe everything he said either . Someone who could kill his ally with a stab in the back could only be a duplicitous character .

The Ruthless Heavens , The Endless Heavens , The Cosmic Warden , The System . It has many names but you should know what I’m talking about . - Ogras explained with an expansive gesture . - And why should I care if some clansmen died? Life and death mean nothing in the multi-verse . Long before I came here all my siblings had already been killed in battle and assassinations by my very own clan members . - He continued , as though such a tragic life had nothing to do with him . He then leaned forward and stared at Zac with a glint .

As for why we came here? Resources of course . The Ruthless Heavens thrives on conflict , and war is expensive . Baby worlds like yours are usually a treasure trove of wealth that can help a clan or country ascend . There are likely multiple forces across your planet who are gobbling everything up like locusts at this very moment . Clan Azh’Rezak was just unlucky being stuck on this island with a humanoid monster . -

Zac chose to ignore the last sentence and focused on the other information . There were many points of interest in the demon’s answer , but one more than the others . But before he could ask he realized something .

Wait , why haven’t the system punished you? I was told the system might kill me if I failed the missions . Why are you demons fine after failing yours? - Abby had clearly warned him to properly complete the quest , at the risk of death and mutilation . Meanwhile , Ogras was just fine and dandy , even though he should hold the main responsibility for the demon’s invasion .

Urh . . . What? - Ogras seemed truly confused , so after a brief hesitation Zac told him about parts of his conversation with Abby the Eye .

Ogras looked stunned at Zac for a good while before he started laughing self-depreciatingly .

All our plans ruined because of a lying Stargazer… The Ruthless Heavens truly have a wicked sense of humor . - Ogras said and sighed .

Lying? What do you mean? - Zac asked skeptically . So far everything Abby said had been true and he instinctively trusted her far more compared to this demon .