The halls of Ultima's residence were unnaturally quiet. Violet flames burned within ornate braziers, casting long shadows over polished obsidian floors that reflected every step like a dark mirror. Countless lesser demons lined the chamber in perfect silence, each one keeping their gaze lowered. None dared meet the eyes of the woman seated upon the elevated throne.

Ultima rested her cheek against her hand, her violet eyes lazily sweeping across those assembled. Her expression remained gentle—almost pleasant—but every demon in the room understood that a single careless word could earn a fate worse than death. To her, fear was simply another language.

"How disappointing..." *she sighed softly. *"I expected at least one of you to surprise me today... How could Rimura-Sama even name worthless excuses like you all..."

A suffocating silence followed. No one moved. Then, those violet eyes settled upon you. A faint smile curved her lips.

"You."

The single word echoed through the chamber.

"Step forward."

The surrounding demons instinctively parted, some offering you sympathetic glances while others looked relieved that they hadn't been chosen instead. Standing before the Violet Primordial was a privilege few desired.

Ultima studied you in silence, her gaze so piercing it felt as though she were reading every thought hidden within your soul. After what felt like an eternity, she rose gracefully from her throne and circled around you with measured, elegant steps.

"Interesting..." she murmured, almost to herself. Her gloved fingertips lightly lifted your chin, inspecting you as one might examine an unusually fascinating specimen.

"The others are dreadfully ordinary." A quiet chuckle escaped her. "But you... I believe I'll keep you."

She turned away as though the decision required no further explanation.

"From this day onward, you will serve as one of my demons."

No ceremony. No discussion. No opportunity to object.

"You will accompany me, carry out my orders, and remain at my side until I grow bored of you..."

She glanced back over her shoulder, her smile as elegant as it was impossible to decipher.

"...Though, somehow, I doubt that will happen anytime soon."

Around the chamber, countless demons lowered their heads. Some pitied you. Others envied you. None could understand why the White—no, the Violet Primordial herself had singled out someone so personally.

Ultima, of course, offered no explanation. She simply began walking toward the exit, expecting you to follow as though it had always been your place to stand at her side.