Chapter 2: Chapter 2 - Confusion
Matthew's confusion and fear mirrored the chaos around him. He struggled to adjust to the sudden shift from his apartment, directly to this hell itself. The words "Court of Hell" echoed repeatedly in his mind, and the gravity of the situation slowly sank in.
Matthew's heart raced, and as he exchanged terrified glances with those around him. Slowly but surely the realization dawned – he was no longer in the realm of the living. He was now DEAD.
After some time, the sinners ( what fancy name for dead people! ) were being ushered toward the court through a narrow obsidian tunnel by knights wearing full body black armor. And Matthew was starting to accept the whole 'I am dead.' situation. 'After all, I can't 'un-die' now, can I? So isn't it better just to accept it,' he thought and convinced himself.
Matthew didn't have many friends when he was alive. And those that he had *sigh* - let's just say they were not that close. His parents were always working and were almost never home. The only time they were home were either during family events or festivals. So although he was grateful to them and cared about them, there was no deeper emotional attachment.
As his mind was going through this turmoil, the 'sinners' were led through the winding underground passage. Then the oppressive atmosphere gradually shifted. The rocky walls gave way to a wide opening and an imposing structure, its silhouette growing more defined against the hellish landscape.
A colossal castle stood tall, its dark stone façade reaching towards the cavern's ceiling, decorated with spires and intricate details that were in their own way, hauntingly beautiful. Matthew watched everything. His eyes shined with awe and fear.
They approached the castle gates which were massive and gave off a sense of foreboding. The cold iron-like dark metal seemed absorb what little light existed in this dark domain. The architecture carried an air of ancient grandeur, an elegance that belied the horror within.
Upon entering the castle, the 'sinners' found themselves in a vast court hall. The ceiling soared above them, supported by towering columns adorned with mysterious carvings.
At the far end of the hall, atop an elevated platform, sat a extremely handsome man. But it was not the kind of handsomeness that whispers sweet promises or lures with gentle smiles. He had a magnetic charm with a hint of mischief, deep dark eyes that whispered promises of both ecstasy and peril. He had a knowing, amusing smile on his face and a subtle air of arrogance and defiance.
And there he sat - Lucifer Morningstar, on a throne that seemed to meld seamlessly with the nightmarish surroundings. The throne itself was a masterpiece. The blackened stone and intricate motifs spoke of an authority born from millennia.
On either side of his imposing throne stood two demonic figures – a warrior-like demon, muscles rippling and horns protruding, exuding raw power, and a lean, official-looking demon, whose calculating eyes hinted at a mind as sharp as any blade.
The hulking demon with charred wings and eyes that glowed with infernal light, unfurled a scroll, his voice resonating through the court.
"My King, I present to you, sinners from [ Earth #1551643 ]," his voice was like a deep, reverberating echo. One of the people from the group was suddenly summoned to the platform in the center. The sinner trembled as Lucifer turned his gaze toward them.
"This is Harold Jones, a former politician. His sins include bribery, deceit, and a particularly shameless karaoke rendition of 'Stairway to Heaven' at the office Christmas party," the demon announced with a touch of sarcasm, earning a bemused smirk from Lucifer.
Lucifer leaned forward, studying Harold with a mix of amusement and mild disdain. "Well, Harold, it seems your earthly sins have caught up with you. How about a special place in the bureaucracy of the eighth circle? You'll be drowning in paperwork for all eternity."
The demon, ever the dutiful announcer, nodded solemnly as the demon guards seized Harold and ushered him away to his bureaucratic abyss.
"Next, my King, is Gloria Smith. Her sins include spreading false rumors, stealing fashion tips from ancient civilizations, and possessing a severe addiction to avocado toast," Dromas declared, struggling to keep a straight face.
Lucifer's lips curled into a sadistic smile. "Gloria, my dear, for your sins, I've decided on a unique punishment. You shall be condemned to a runway show where the fashion police have an arrest warrant for every outfit you've ever worn."
As the guards escorted Gloria away, she shot Lucifer a horrified look. Soon, it was Matthew's turn.
Matthew stood nervously on the platform and the buff demon began his usual announcement, "My King, the next sinner is Matthew Marshall, a former college student whose sins include—"
Before the demon could finish, the other demon on the opposite side of the throne, engrossed in the documents, interrupted with an urgent tone. He approached Lucifer, whispering something in the devil's ear, and handed over a parchment. Lucifer's eyes widened as he went through the document, his expression shifting from amusement to genuine surprise.
"Ah, it seems we have a bit of a hiccup here, Matthew," Lucifer said while glaring at the buff demon, who shuddered and started visibly trembling. "It appears our dear Dromas here made a little mistake in the scheduling. Your death was arranged ahead of its time. My apologies for the confusion."
Lucifer turned his attention back to Matthew, who looked both relieved and perplexed. 'Ahead of time? Apologize for the 'confusion'? But I am fucking dead!!' his thoughts raced, but he didn't dare say anything.
"Now, Matthew, my dear soul" Lucifer continued "I am a fair ruler. As compensation for your losses I will give you two options. Option one: you stay here in Hell without any punishment. You'll have a luxurious penthouse with all the amenities you can think of—entertainment, food, recreation, and yes, even internet. No strings attached. You continue to live until the rest of your life is over."
Matthew's eyes widened at the unexpected offer. Lucifer continued, "Option two: I can send you, both body and soul, to another parallel Earth, [ Earth #1951844 ], and grant you one reasonable wish. Remember, just one wish, no tricks. I may be the Prince of Lies, but I do appreciate a straightforward deal."
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
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