Chapter 149: Astonorph

Valeria moved through the winding corridors of the castle, the rifles hovering behind her, held aloft by her dark magic. The stone walls echoed with the distant sounds of activity as creatures of the dark realm went about their duties. She soon reached a heavily reinforced door, its surface inscribed with ancient runes that pulsed faintly with dark energy. She pushed it open and stepped inside.

Inside the chamber was Astonoroph, the chief engineer of the Demon King's army. He was hunched over a workbench cluttered with various mechanical and magical components. His form was lean and wiry, his eyes hidden behind a pair of intricate goggles that glowed faintly as he examined his latest creation. He looked up as Valeria entered, pushing the goggles up onto his forehead.

"Valeria," he greeted, his voice sharp and curious. "I hear you've brought something interesting."