9 grades of hell

On the 14th of September, Edmund Tate was declared dead. It was a tragic day for the Tate family and for Edmund's close friend, Pastor Alden Graves. Everyone mourned Edmund's passing, everyone except his only son, Benjamin Tate, who was already fixated on his father's property and the changes he planned to make.

Pastor Alden and Benjamin had never had a good relationship, and Edmund's death only worsened things. Benjamin's decision to change his father's property caused immediate conflict between them. The pastor tried to reason with him, reminding Benjamin of the bond he had with his father and how these changes would disrespect that memory. Benjamin didn't care. His decision was final: the church had to vacate the building.

With the pastor distracted, Renny knew it was the right time to make his move on Caleb.

By the beginning of October, Caleb and his stepfather, Daniel Holt, got into a heated argument. Daniel had come home drunk one night and began abusing his wife, Margaret Holt. Already exhausted from the ongoing dispute with Benjamin Tate over the church property, Caleb tried to calm Daniel down. But Daniel was too far gone. The situation escalated quickly, and before Caleb fully realized what was happening, his anger took over.

The confrontation turned physical.

And it ended with Daniel Holt's sudden, unintended death.

On the 6th of October, Caleb was arrested for murder. His mother was furious, unable to look at him, horrified by what he had done. Caleb couldn't even bear to look at himself. Meanwhile, Pastor Alden's dispute with Benjamin had ended, and true to Benjamin's vision, he had forced the church out of the building.

Renny stood just across the street, watching the church being moved. Pastor Alden caught a glimpse of him, and their eyes met. The intensity of that gaze spoke volumes: Alden knew Renny was behind everything, but he had no proof.

By November 13th, Caleb was sentenced to life in prison. His faith had plummeted below fifty percent, giving Renny the perfect opportunity. He easily took down Caleb's soul guard and claimed the soul key.

His contract was complete.

***

Renayo Ezraphor had secured his promotion to Grade 3, just like he planned. It hadn't been a huge struggle, but he was glad it hadn't been in vain. His grade mates would find out at the promotion ceremony, especially Kev, who couldn't believe Renny had caught up to him.

When they saw each other at the venue, they shared a familiar handshake.

"Yo, it's been a minute since I last saw you, homie," Kev said. The last time they had met was during the battle against Zauric, and a lot had happened since. Their distance had strained their relationship, which was clear now in the company Renny kept: Ol' Man Baro, also being promoted to Grade 2, and Morrin Omekro, being promoted alongside Renny to Grade 3.

"Man, I can't believe you made it back up to our grade," Kev added, shaking his head.

Renny smirked, teasing. "I'm also surprised you got promoted after losin' the soul key to me."

Kev laughed. "Ah, that ain't nothin'. We eventually got another side contract."

Ol' Man Baro leaned in, voice low and smooth. "Lucky for you, we wasn't in your way, eh?"

Kev chuckled. "You right 'bout that, Old man."

They all let out an awkward laugh. Renny asked about Ammy. Kev pointed toward their table. "She over there, man. You should go holler at her."

Renny shook his head. "Nah, it's fine."

Kev grinned. "Aight, it was real seein' you again, homie."

"Likewise," Renny said, shaking Kev's hand one last time. Kev left.

Once he was gone, Ol' Man Baro gave Renny a sharp look. "Renny boy… you gotta watch that one, eh?"

"Kev?" Renny raised an eyebrow.

"Yes! That demon… how should I put it?" Ol' Man Baro tapped his fingers together.

Morrin offered "Jealous?"

Ol' Man Baro nodded. "Exactly. He envies you. You understand, no? You never turn your back on a demon like that, eh. One blink, one chance, he might just poke you with a blade."

Renny hummed, understanding the warning.

The ceremony carried on, the hall buzzing as the new council leaders were announced. One by one, they stepped up to the podium while the newly appointed president delivered his speech, long, formal, the kind everyone listened to out of obligation more than interest.

As soon as he finished, every demon's phone buzzed at once.

Notifications chimed first for the promoted demons, each one getting a clear popup on their phone confirming their new rank.

A few seconds later, a second wave of alerts rolled through the hall as the system pushed out the updated leaderboard. Every demon's phone refreshed at once, displaying the new rankings across all grades.

The room hummed with shifting reactions, some impressed, some annoyed, some flat-out confused.

Then the leaderboard finalized.

At the top, Morrin kept his spot as the highest-ranked demon of Grade 3.

Kev stayed right behind him, still chasing that number-one position.

But the real shock came when everyone's eyes dropped to the fifth slot:

TOP 5 – RENAYO EZRAPHOR

For a heartbeat, all of Grade 3 went silent.

Then the murmurs erupted—low at first, then spreading fast. Demons turned in their seats, glancing at Renny, whispering to each other.

A so-called "repeat demon," someone who had failed to reach Grade 2 not too long ago…

…now in the upper ranks?

Nobody had expected that.

Ol' Man Baro let out a slow whistle beside him.

"Eh… would ya look at that, ragazzo. Already stirrin' the waters."

Morrin, seated right beside Renny, smirked and gave him a small, approving nod.

Across the hall, Kev glanced over too, but the look he gave wasn't admiration.

It was tight.

Just like Baro said… Kev was keepin' his eyes a little too close on Renny's rise.

The whispers kept growing:

"Ezraphor?"

"How'd he climb that fast?"

"Top five already?"

"Didn't he get demoted last year?"

"His contracts must've been too easy…"

Renny felt every gaze settle on him.

Even on the far side of the hall, Myla looked up from her group of friends and offered him a warm smile, one that quietly said congratulations.

They'd agreed not to be too public about their relationship, not with the number of enemies Renny seemed to be gaining.