Helluva Boss X Reader

Overlord Intro Part 5: The World XXI

You had felt pure pride from when she had appealed to Kerberos. However, you clenched your fists in pure anger as she mentioned questioning Hellhounds, but found yourself unable to express any emotion except pure fear. A splitting headache suddenly came upon you. What had she done? Did she "silence" those hounds, like she had the sinners? Would she do the same to you? Of course not, we're more than capable of defending ourselves, you thought to yourself.

Carmilla raised an eyebrow at you, though you couldn't tell what for.

"What information we were able to glean is that this carrier deal was found to be aimed directly at new sinners throughout the Pride Ring, and its exact details are kept secret by every sinner that has ever made it. Somehow, Kerberos is using the network they've built to spread the information of this deal to these new sinners. It is impossible for Kerberos to reach all of these sinners without the use of Hellhounds helping them, via your ability," she said, tapping her nose to indicate the smelling and tracking of names, an ability granted to only Hellhounds (you being the only known exception). "Though it's proven impossible for us to determine which Hellhounds seek and report to Kerberos. Their 'Carrier Deal' is a near monopolization on every new soul that comes to Hell, and it completely ignores the notion of established Overlord territories. I have no doubt that Kerberos already knows that they have become one of the most powerful Overlords in Hell, faster than any previous Overlord before, including Alastor himself, commanding an untold number of sinners. Kerberos has become a threat on an unimaginable scale, with secrets we cannot begin to fathom, thus rendering them almost completely unbeatable."

Loona huffed angrily, though she was clearly a little bit impressed. You silently commented that you actually had no idea that you had become one of the most powerful Overlords. You also noted that you controlled none of the sinners, and only had the right to the power their souls gave you.

"What do we care? Why tell us this?"

Carmilla continued as if she did not hear Loona, though in a way that clearly answered her question.

"They do not appear to be slowing down in their means of soul-dealing, and so the other Overlords have made it clear that if something does not change soon, they are willing to drive out every Hellhound that resides in this Ring, if only to prevent Kerberos from taking advantage of the few that direct 'carriers.'"

Loona flinched, but said nothing.

"In the process, they will cause nearly irreparable damage to the social and economic structure of the Pride Ring. This will also undoubtedly cause the erasure of everything that Kerberos has ever worked for, and will likely be cause for war, should Kerberos seek it."

Carmilla barely let either you or Loona have enough time to let that sink in, before dropping the next bombshell.

"I do not wish to see this happen under my watch. So, I formally invite Kerberos to attend the next Overlord meeting," she said, handing Loona an envelope, which she begrudgingly accepted. If Kerberos does not show, I will inform the other Overlords of the existence of I.M.P., thus demanding a response from them. Perhaps Overlord Kerberos will see to it that they show to the next meeting, should their quaint little alliance with this business be...dismantled."

At "Overlord Kerberos," Carmilla looked directly at you, then proceeded to walk back out of I.M.P., the "thudding" of her angelic steel shoes ringing in your ears as she left without waiting for a response.

In a state of disbelief, you looked at Loona. She had been disrespectful to Carmilla before, but now her face was aflush with fear. She clutched the envelope she now held tighter, nearly crumpling it in her grip. A realization came upon you. You had expected Loona to respect, even fear the Overlords, given her opinion towards you becoming one. It was now clear that she never held that view, and it was always a fear of the ones she loved getting hurt that drove her to warn you.