CHAPTER 772: INTEGRATING TO THE TEAM

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"Our main objective is to continue building the main defense structure for the entire sector domain," Enzo explained. "We started this project more than 20 years ago, and we’re not even close to being done just yet."

"We do not lack resources. All of it, and more, is provided by the Sector Lord, and he’s not one to skimp out on materials. And although he didn’t give us any clear deadline for this project, it’s obvious that the sooner we finish this, the better."

"So far, the structure was halfway complete. But that’s only because we started with the smaller and less complicated parts. Now, we’ve come to the part where things will pick up and we have to move on schedule. Any delays could potentially push our progress back, and that’s not something we want to see happening."

Enzo then looked at the group of demons who had been listening attentively and said, "In truth, your addition is quite timely. Even with all of us combined, we’re short on hands."

"Since this is your first day at the job, you should spend it learning the ropes first. We can’t send you out doing complicated work since you’re unfamiliar with all of this."

"We’ve already assigned people that will show you around and teach you what you need to know. By the end of the month, I’ll be expecting that all of you have gotten used to our workload. Then, we will take another month to integrate you further into the team and another to finalize plans."

"Simply put, from here on out is the start of the probationary period. We will be watching and expecting you to work honestly. If things go smoothly, then you will officially join us in this work. If not, then your fate will be up to the Sector Lord’s decision."

"But from what I can see so far, all of you are eager to earn your right to remain. That’s good. Better, actually. But I’m going to need you to relax and not be too trigger-happy. Follow the rules; stick as close to them as possible. You work when we work, and you rest when we rest. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Boss!" All 30 demons responded eagerly.

And just like that, the demons began their first day at work.

For now, their tasks were mainly heavy-duty labor, like moving heavy stuff from one place to the next, scaling tall structures to create some footholds, mixing up troublesome materials, etc.

Basically, grunt work. Not pretty, but necessary.

That said, the demons didn’t complain. Not even a grumble or anything. They went wherever they’re expected to and needed. They did what they were asked to do, they followed orders to the dot, and they felt no dissatisfaction at all. Only fulfillment.

Truly, they had nothing to complain about. This was their agreement with the Sector Lord; they accepted their fate wholeheartedly. And more importantly, this was their chance to prove their use to their lord, so how can they complain?

Despite the dirty and ugly work they’ve been assigned, the Demons didn’t mind. If anything, they enjoyed this. To them, this was something new. These were activities that they could only think of doing but couldn’t due to their lives as nomads.

Also, the idea that they’re not part of something big, that they were useful, and that they finally have a place in this world and no longer have to be on a constant run for their lives made this all better.

So, how can they complain?

Their enthusiasm wasn’t lost on others. They could tell that the demons were eager to please the lord and earn their spot.

Some held their considerations. After all, these are demons. Technically, they are still enemies. But they stayed silent about it since this was the lord’s verdict to them, and they’re wearing the Obedience Collars, so it’s all good.

Of course, there were others who genuinely couldn’t care less that they’re demons and were only concerned if they’re doing their jobs the right way. These people are self-aware. They know that they’re not in the position to question their boss about their decisions.

That, and racial drama was way above their pay grade. So long as nobody’s causing trouble and they’re willing to help out with the job, then it doesn’t matter what they look like. Hell, they could be working together with the bugs of the Horde, and these men would, at most, only raise an eyebrow.

Some people expected that the enthusiasm of the demons would soon fade. That eventually, as time passes, their eagerness and that bright and burning desire to prove themselves will be doused by the harsh reality of their dull workload.

But that’s not quite the case.

Two months swiftly passed like this, and it has come to a point where the demons are no longer any different from other workers around here. The initial distrust and distance others had during the first couple of days working with them had long since been forgotten. Hell, some of them even became friends with these demons.

The demons came and left on time, adhering to the work and life balance according to the lord’s rule. Of course, there were certain days when they had to do work overtime, but that hardly perturbed them.

They were reliable, honest, and efficient. Had it not been for their different shape and appearance, they couldn’t have been any different from members of the Makers Guild.

And that burning desire and eagerness to earn their keep? Yeah, it’s still there. It never left and probably never will.

Despite the dull, repetitive, and monotonous daily life they led, the demons never complained. All they felt was perpetual gratitude that they even had a chance to have a life like this.

They wake up each day in comfort and safety. The days when they had to constantly look over their shoulders were long behind them, a past that will never catch up. They begin their day with a scrumptious meal, a comfortable bath, and a short period of comfortable silence before their workdaystarts.

At work, they’re occupied and busy. At first, they’ve been getting suspicious looks, but that was understandable; they were tasked with something important after all, and more importantly, they’re not humans.

They didn’t complain then, and certainly not now when all of that disappeared.

At this point, they’re working in harmony with humans. The humans no longer see them as threats but as comrades, and that made their relationship a whole lot different than it used to be.

The trust, the camaraderie, the shared stories, the inside jokes, the playful banter—all of this was trivial but something the demons never had before. Not even when they still lived amongst their people.

They are now part of a tight-knit community. They’re no longer strangers who must guard against each other. They’re part of the whole.

And most importantly, they united with a single goal of serving their lord, making sure that his expectations are met.

The demons couldn’t have been any happier to be seen and belong to humans.

Surely, if their ancestors were to know or see this, they’d probably kill them out of anger. This was nothing short of betrayal to their race.

But these demons? They literally couldn’t have cared less about them. If this was considered as betrayal, then so it shall be.

All they got from being demons was constant violence, war, unrest, and fear. They’ve long since resented being born as demons. Despite all their bravado and big talk, weren’t they still defeated?

And by humans, no less, creatures that they used to look down on. Knowing this. What’s so great about being a demon?

This becomes even more personal whenever they used to think of how their lives were before arriving here.

Being forced to constantly move, chased by hunters or insane people who wanted them for their nefarious plots. Not having a place to call home, starving, being constantly worried about their safety, always distrusting others...

Hell, if they had a choice, they would never choose to be born as demons.

The irony is, technically, they still fell for it. Fate still played a cruel joke on them and turned them into slaves. Of a human, no less. The worst part is that they didn’t even mind because their lord was simply too generous.

Everything they needed, from the most important down to the most negligible need they could ever think of, was provided. It’s their human lord that gave them the comfort and security they’ve been longing for all this time.

It’s a cruel irony to receive comfort from one of the very creatures that was responsible for the fall of their race to begin with. And it’s even more ironic that they couldn’t bring themselves to hate or even think of any bad thing about this new lord of theirs.

That’s why they never even complained. Because there’s simply nothing to complain about.

As for Cedric, he’s got his own thoughts about this too. Actually, he too found it ironic.

’I once purged the demonkind because they wanted to enslave my people.’

’I never thought a day would come where I’d be enslaving them instead.’

The demons he eradicated back then are completely different from the ones he enslaved now, but still, the irony of it all was rather amusing.