9 New Purpose

The evening passed by peacefully with Artemis meditating while keeping watch and Barthiz preparing some freshly caught vermin from the edge of the town. Lucas started to finally awaken groaning, holding his head due to a stress headache. As he sat up at the edge of the bed he stared unfocused at the ground for sometime.

'What am I supposed to fight for anymore, what is even the point in being here or doing anything.'

Lucas laid back down onto the bed once again closing his eyes, desiring to forget about everything as he tried to go back to sleep. Artemis had noticed that Lucas had awakened he was merely waiting to see what he would do, using his enhanced hearing he was able to create a picture of the room in his mind as any sound made bounced off the walls, "seeing" that Lucas decided to lay back down he shook his head in disappointment.

'It seems I will have to intervene.'

Artemis stood up and approached the room he had left Lucas in before opening the door loudly.

"What are you doing, is this all you are? You lose the people you care for and give up? How pathetic. I can't believe I would have such a weak son! Do you not desire to know who Gaolun was acting on behalf of? Do you not desire to vent your rage and sorrow?!"

Hearing the first half of his words Lucas sat up clenching his fists in rage, but after hearing the second half he calmed down, realizing how stupid he had been.

'Gaolun was a general even if there is the chance he wasn't acting on direct orders which is unlikely he would still be acting indirectly on someone's behalf, if he couldn't vent his rage at Gaolun directly any longer he could still direct it at the person behind him.'

Thinking this Lucas rose from the bed before collapsing to the ground, kneeling before Artemis.

"Please demon emperor Artemis, tell me what I need to do, no matter what it is if I can take revenge I will do whatever is asked of me."

Artemis's face turned cold as he saw this, his eyes flashing with a glint of rage.

"Rise! I will tell you this once Lucas, you are never to bow to anyone! Even if it's me! Another thing, I already told you, I am your true father and as of this day you are to refer to me as much. Due you understand?"

Lucas's eardrums were still ringing from Artemis's yell as he nodded up and down while standing back up.

"Yes...father."

Artemis nodded his head in satisfaction.

"Listen to me son, I will help you take revenge but you must not stop there. You are destined to rule, hold your head high and walk with pride! When we are done not only will we rule over all demons but all humans as well!

Artemis held Lucas's shoulder looking into his eyes as he spoke.

'I am just realizing this but isn't he surprisingly...kind? Is he truly the emperor of hell, shouldn't he be more cruel? Is it due to me being his son or does he truly treat other demons like this as well?'

As Lucas was thinking to himself his stomach started growling as he felt a sudden pang of hunger, as each second passed the pang of hunger got stronger and stronger as he held onto his stomach. Lucas just started to realize, he hadn't eaten in 1400 years! In reality it was surprising he had made it as long as he had without feeling hungry or eating, there was simply too much on his mind before, not allowing his body to relax enough to feel hungry. Seeing this Artemis was momentarily taken aback before realizing what was happening and laughing heartily.

"Come son, Barthiz is preparing food as we speak, eat and rest tonight. Tomorrow we will start your training! There is much to be done before we officially reveal ourselves to take back the demonic throne and secure your revenge!

Artemis laughed again as he led Lucas from the room and to the kitchen where Barthiz was just finishing up the meal. As the smell hit Lucas's nostrils his stomach growled again even louder than before as he started salivating, for a split second the thought to run over to the food and just devour it instead of waiting for it to finish entered his mind. Artemis eyed Lucas preparing to restrain him if he must, even though Artemis technically didn't need to eat he enjoyed food as much as anyone else and it had even been longer than 1400 years for him since he had tasted food.

Feeling his gaze Lucas scratched the back of his head and chuckled nervously feeling ashamed of his thoughts. Artemis and Lucas sat and waited at a clothed dinner table that had a thin layer of dust over it. After a short amount of time passed, dinner was finally done and has been served. Barthiz was the only one eating like a normal person as both Artemis and Lucas ate like Savages. Artemis was slightly better than Lucas as he was eating more for the taste while Lucas was not holding back in the slightest as saliva dripped from his mouth and he smacked his lips loudly absolutely devouring everything. If the old Lucas saw the current one he would surely want to bury his head in absolute shame and embarrassment.

After he was finished eating he rubbed his stomach and burped in satisfaction. Seeing this Artemis smiled in satisfaction as he imagined the future ruling by his son's side. He wished he could skip ahead directly to the glorious future he imagined, but in reality things had to be done one step at a time. While Lucas may not necessarily be weak he is no where near strong enough for Artemis to want to bring him into battle, if he did he would have to split his energy between fighting and making sure his son wasn't in too much danger splitting his attention like this would certainly lead to tragedy. After Lucas felt his food was sufficiently digested he helped clean up before heading to his room looking forward to his tomorrow's training. Although he was still mourning the passing of his loved ones he now had a purpose to focus his emotions towards, helping him cope with the loss.