The Greatest Sinner

<So the head of the Demonic Tree created this spell? That's impressive. How many other spells he created, or was this the exception?"> Thought Evan.

"Hugo, where the Devil's Horn's library is? I want to choose my spells." Asked Evan.

"Just go down into town and look at the map. It's simple. There's no point in making it difficult to find such important buildings." Pronounced Hugo.

"I want to ask you something. Can I get access to the vault where the strongest and most forbidden spells are?" 

Hugo shook his head, "Not at the moment. You need permission from one of the high ranking members of the Demonic Tree. After all, these spells are in a place that even the King of Vexacion and the head of the Tear of Light cannot find."

<Hmm, I thought that there would be no restrictions when I became a full member of the Demonic Tree, but I guess I was a little wrong.> Evan thought.

"Don't get me wrong, you've proven that you have the right to be called a full member of the Demonic Tree. But you can't get into that vault when you want to. You and any other Demonic Tree member must first apply. Then one of the high ranking members of the Demonic Tree will escort you there." Hugo explained.

"I understand if I apply now, how long do I have to wait?" Asked Evan.

"It depends on many factors, but generally not much, just one week. But, I wouldn't rush it if I were you. As far as I know, you only recently broke through to the stage - Two-Pointed Star. I recommend you pick the second level spells from the Devil's Horn first.

Hugo sighed and continued, "There are just as many strong and forbidden spells in the library here. Sure, there are no Seven Princes of Hell spells here, but I don't see the point in learning such complex spells when you don't have a single second level spell in your arsenal yet."

<That sounds logical. Rave said that learning even one Seven Princes of Hell spell is an incredibly difficult and time-consuming task. Moreover, not even all Demonic Tree members can master these spells. Right now, I should really concentrate on the other second level spells.> Evan thought.

"Okay, I see your point. I'm not going to apply just yet." Said Evan and headed into town.

He already had so many plans that he wanted to accomplish. Moreover, he had his own Seven Princes of Hell spells so that he could put it off for later. First and foremost, he had to learn the new spells and get busy with the experiment.

...

Evan finally wore the red robe of ebony. He was now a full member of the Demonic Tree. Moreover, his tree had seven roots. But, he still had a lot to learn about this organization and how it was run.

When Evan went downstairs, he saw before him a massive, multi-leveled city. The Devil's Horn occupied almost all the space inside the mountain. It was hard to call it a mountain, though, because it was very different on the inside.

The city was large enough for the members of the Demonic Tree to fly their riding beasts here. Many mages were in a hurry to go somewhere, buy something, or make arrangements for something.

Evan headed towards the library, which was a tall building that resembled a tower.

<What? Are there people here? > Evan thought to himself, watching how the members of the Demonic Tree were being served in a restaurant.

Evan didn't believe it at first, but after using Mammon's Gaze, he was certain it wasn't a mage and certainly not a member of the Demonic Tree.

<They let ordinary humans in here? That's odd. Sure, someone has to do the cleaning and maintenance, but wouldn't it be easier to summon a few creatures?"> Evan pondered and moved on.

He was surprised to find a skeleton serving Demonic Tree members in the next restaurant and a golem as a waiter in another.

The Devil's Horn was not a completely secret Demonic Tree base, as all members of the Demonic Tree could come here. Moreover, important allies and high-ranking members of other powerful dark organizations were allowed to come here.

But Evan didn't understand how any human could come here. It was very simple. The people here didn't even know they were in a place called the Devil's Horn. They also knew nothing of the outside world and that they were cooking for the most dangerous dark mages in The Kingdom of Fallen Hopes.

After all, these people were born and raised here. The Devil's Horn was big enough that ordinary humans could live here all their lives without needing anything.

There were many reasons why ordinary humans ended up here, but the fact remained. Moreover, the members of the Demonic Tree saw nothing wrong with it. These people acted as helpers, and they didn't need to know that they were in the grief of how big this world was.

<Hmm, I only walked a few streets, but I saw a huge number of summoned creatures. They use them as workers. I wonder if Summoners summon them? Or are there special formations activated in the Devil's Horn?> Thought Evan as he passed a skeleton who was dragging a load along with an ordinary human.

It looked as if the human and the monster were working together. That was not far from the truth.

After a while, Evan reached the library. Like Kilia had said, the full members of the Demonic Tree had no limits. Evan had no problem going where he wanted and staying as long as he wanted. But, that didn't mean that all services were free.

He had to pay ten platinum coins to enter the library. For Evan and the members of the Demonic Tree, it wasn't much money, but even for many mages, it was a decent amount of money.

The library was large, containing a huge variety of spells.. But, Evan realized, it was only a drop in the ocean.