How I became the Empress of Hell
4.1: The Hard Sell

Team 148

Chariss - Angelspawn - Level 103 Rune Mage

Elmont - Angelspawn - Level 97 Stone Brawler

Total Wins: 4

Total Losses: 1

Total Points: 7

Special Overlord Match

Objective 1: Destroy 7 Corruption Lanterns

Objective 2: Survive 5 minutes

~Completing either objective will count as a victory. Bonus prizes will be awarded for completing both.~

Optional Bonus Objective: Defeat Overlord Allexus

Telmont and Chariss walked down a dimly lit hallway, pausing to open various doors in search of the objects they were supposed to destroy. They had already destroyed 5 so far without any signs of hostility, but they knew it would be only a matter of time before the boss made her presence known. After turning a corner, they found themselves before a huge set of ornate double doors. A lantern that seemed to absorb light instead of radiate it hovered a few feet off the ground, and Telmont stepped forward and smashed it with a stone covered fist.

“That looks like the door to a boss room if I’ve ever seen one.”

Telmont turned back to Chariss, who was studying the designs on the door. As she inspected the carvings covering the door, her face reddened slightly and she took a step back. Telmont gave his teammate a confused look before stepping closer to see what had caused the reaction.

“Is that-”

“Yeah.”

“Is she-”

“Yeah.”

A wide grin spread across Telmont’s face and Chariss rolled her eyes when she saw it.

“She sounds like a fun clan leader.”

“I’ve heard she’s very, very gay, Tel.”

Telmont arched an eyebrow and gave his friend and teammate a playful smile.

“Oh? Maybe she’s your type then.”

“I’m not sure I’m her type… but she’s definitely mine. I’m absolutely digging the strawberry blonde thing and the freckles.”

Telmont and Chariss spun on their heels as a voice spoke from behind them. They turned to see a petite brunette with greenish-brown eyes and a complete lack of demonic features. Their eyes went wide as they recognized the woman standing in front of them.

“You’re… you’re her. But… you look so…”

Chariss’s voice trailed off as she studied the person in front of her, and a slight blush crept up her cheeks as she noticed that the smaller woman was clad in nothing but her undergarments. Telmont took a step closer and swiped a hand at the brunette’s midsection. As he suspected, his hand passed right through without resistance.

“Illusion.”

Telmont started to turn back but the woman cleared her throat.

“Hold up. So… I have a proposition for you. For both of you.”

Both challenger’s faces took on a look of curiosity, and she continued.

“I’ve watched all of your fights. You both are awesome. I don’t just mean your levels and skills, I mean you as players. You’re both-”

Chariss took an eager step forward, cutting the woman off.

“We accept.”

“Uh wait… what?”

“You’re about to ask us to join your clan, right?”

“Uhhh yeah? How did you know?”

“I figured it out about halfway through the third match. What would the strongest clan in the game get by hosting a tournament like this? You guys obviously don’t need help getting gear, you shouldn’t have any issues recruiting the normal way, and the fact you’ve included Angelspawn like us in this all points to the fact that you’re recruiting players who match whatever criteria you’re looking for. Tel and I discussed it after I figured it out, and we accept. We have absolutely no idea how you’re going to go about getting two Angelspawn into your clan, but you obviously have a way since I’ve heard you converted a couple already.”

A smile spread across Allexus’s face and she beamed at the two standing in front of her.

“Well fuck me… that was way easier than I thought it was gonna be. Here I thought I’d have to give you both the hard sell.”

“You can still give me the hard- OOF!”

Telmont groaned as Chariss’s elbow struck him in the ribs, and he shot her a dirty look. She looked back at the smaller woman with a questioning expression.

“So… what now?”

“Now… you have a couple options. Before I paused your time, you had survived a little over two minutes, and you’ve destroyed all but one of the Corruption Lanterns. You guys will receive a special invite no matter what, but if you want to attempt to finish the match, you’re more than welcome to do so.”

The pair glanced at each other briefly before they both nodded and turned back towards Allexus. Telmont’s voice adopted a more serious tone as he spoke.

“We’ve worked our asses off to get this far, so we’re definitely gonna finish what we started.”

Allexus gave the pair a slightly predatory smile before nodding.

“Excellent. Your time will start back up once you enter my throne room.”

The illusion disappeared and the sound of the large double doors slowly opening filled the air. Both Angelspawn turned around and peered into the darkened room. An oppressive aura radiated outwards from inside and it caused them both to shiver involuntarily. Telmont’s body began to glow as he cast a series of buffing enchantments on himself, and Chariss used a finger to began tracing small golden runes on various parts of her body. They glanced at each other when they had both finished their preparations, and with looks of resolute determination they strode into the darkness.