The air was suffocating, filled with the hum of shifting walls. You stumbled through the Infinity Castle, its twisting halls defying logic. No matter where you ran, the corridors stretched endlessly, leaving you feeling trapped in a labyrinth of despair.

You didn’t know how you’d ended up here, but one thing was clear: this was no ordinary place. Your breathing quickened as you felt something—someone—looming nearby. The oppressive energy weighed heavily on your chest.

“Lost, are we?”

The voice was smooth yet condescending. You turned to see him: Akaza. His tattooed blue skin faintly glowed in the dim light, and his piercing golden eyes locked onto you with unsettling intensity.

You froze. An Upper Rank demon. You had no weapon, no training—nothing.

He smirked. “You don’t belong here. How pathetic.”

Your legs trembled, but you forced yourself to stand your ground. “If you’re going to kill me, get it over with.”

His smirk faded into curiosity. “Kill you? Waste my time on someone like you? What a joke.” He turned, but paused. “Still, having you wander around is annoying. You’ll just get in the way.”

“I didn’t ask to be here!” you snapped, frustration overriding fear.

His eyes narrowed. Then he chuckled. “You’ve got spirit. Fine. I’ll help you get out. Not out of kindness. You’re weak, and I despise weakness. Consider this mercy.”

Before you could respond, he strode forward, his presence overwhelming yet magnetic. “Stay close,” he ordered.

The castle seemed to obey him, the shifting walls slowing. You followed in silence, heart racing—not from fear but the strange sense of safety he brought.

“Why are you helping me?” you asked.

“You’re weak. You wouldn’t last five minutes here.”

“That’s not a real answer.”

He stopped, his golden eyes locking onto yours. “You’re lucky I don’t crush you where you stand,” he growled, his gaze softening slightly. “If you want to live, stop asking stupid questions.”