Liam took a deep breath as he stepped onto the London streets. The crisp air was a nice change from the heat of Hell and the cigarette smoke-filled atmosphere of Constantine's pub. People moved past him, lost in their own world, oblivious to the fact that demons, magic, and gods walked among them.
"You can't be serious about this," Sparda's voice echoed in his head. "Trusting the demon lord of this world himself? I knew you were an idiot, but this takes it up a notch, don't you think?"
Liam rolled his eyes. "I know that more than anyone, but Lucifer is also the most hated demon. I'm sure he's made plenty of enemies, even among his own kind. And he's straightforward—if he didn't trust me or wanted me dead, he wouldn't hesitate. Better to be on his good side."
Sparda scoffed. "And what's the plan after you're done dealing with him? He reminds me of someone, and I don't like that feeling. You still don't have enough strength to pull yourself out of danger, and now you're alone."
Liam smirked. "There's no better way to learn than jumping headfirst, so let's go. But before that, I think I'll take a little detour. Lucifer only lurks at night—I've got time."
London was beautiful, even with its constant gray skies. Liam had never visited the city before, but something about it felt strangely familiar, as if he had seen it in another life. He wandered through its famous landmarks, taking in the sights.
He strolled past Big Ben, stopping to admire the towering clock. "Damn, I thought it would be bigger," he muttered.
Sparda sighed. "You're impossible."
Next, he found himself in Trafalgar Square, watching street performers juggle fire and tourists take selfies with the lions. A magician was performing simple tricks for a crowd, and Liam chuckled. "Z could do that in her sleep."
The day wouldn't be complete without a visit to Piccadilly Circus, where neon lights and digital billboards gave the area a futuristic feel. Liam leaned against a railing, watching people pass by. That's when he spotted a group of girls eyeing him from across the way.
One of them, a brunette with striking green eyes, gave him a smirk and approached. "You lost, handsome?" she teased.
Liam grinned. "Lost? Nah. Just exploring. Though, if you're offering to be my guide, I won't complain."
She laughed. "Smooth. What's your name?"
"Liam. And you?"
"Sophie." She gestured to her friends. "We were just about to grab a drink. Care to join?"
Liam opened his mouth to respond, but something held him back. His mind drifted to Zatanna—her voice, her laugh, the way she had kissed him before he left. He remembered the way she looked at him, the way she had refused to abandon him even when things seemed hopeless.
His smirk faded. "Sorry, but I've got somewhere to be."
Sophie raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Change your mind that fast?"
Liam forced a grin. "Yeah, something like that. Rain check?"
She shrugged. "Your loss."
As he walked away, Sparda chuckled. "Wow. Who would've thought? The great Liam actually turned down a chance to get laid."
Liam sighed. "Shut up."
Sparda laughed. "Face it, kid—you've got it bad."
Liam ignored him. He had more important things to deal with. Night was falling, and it was time to meet the Devil himself.
Nightfall and the Devil's Deal
As evening settles, Liam walks through the streets, the neon glow of London's nightlife reflecting off the wet pavement. The nightclub looms ahead, its entrance guarded by a line of people waiting to be let in. The bass thumps from inside, a heartbeat of chaos and indulgence.
Sparda's voice drips with amusement.
"Bet you've never seen this many women in both your lives combined—especially the first one. Just watch your back. Plenty of filthy demons in here."
Liam rolls his eyes. "Not in the mood, Sparda."
"Sure, sure. Just saying, you might wanna enjoy yourself before you get ripped apart by whatever Lucifer has planned for you."
Liam ignores him and steps inside. The moment he does, the atmosphere shifts. Heat, perfume, and cigarette smoke swirl together. The dance floor is packed—sweaty bodies pressed together, lost in the music. A few women reach for him, fingers trailing across his arm, but he barely acknowledges them. He moves with purpose toward the receptionist at the front desk.
She barely glances up before smirking.
Liam doesn't waste time. "I'll get straight to business. Is Lucifer here?"
She lets out a short laugh. "Sir, you probably had too many drinks. Shall I arrange you a room—"
Before she can finish her sentence, a presence materializes behind Liam—so smooth, so silent, that even Sparda mutters:
"This guy is good."
A tall man in a sleek black suit steps forward, placing a hand on the desk. "Emily, we've talked about how to treat our guests." His voice is a perfect balance of charm and authority.
Liam turns, meeting the piercing gaze of the Morningstar himself.
Lucifer studies him with curiosity. "Have I seen you around, kid? You seem familiar. A regular at my other establishments, perhaps? No… you're Constantine's friend from the other day."
Liam straightens. "Didn't have the honor to meet you last time—I was a little wasted." He extends a hand.
Lucifer watches him for a second before shaking it. The instant their hands touch, an unnatural wave of dread washes over Liam, like something deep inside him is being scrutinized. His breath catches, and for a moment, it feels like he's standing before something far greater than just a man.
Lucifer chuckles. "Apologies. I tend to leave a strong impression. Hope I didn't scare you. And drop the 'sir.' Just call me Lucifer."
Liam exhales slowly. "No problem, Lucifer."
"Hold yourself together," Sparda warns in his head.
Lucifer's smirk widens. "You'd better listen to your friend."
Liam stiffens. Sparda, for the first time in a while, goes silent.
Lucifer motions toward a private lounge. "Come. We should discuss this in private."
Trying to shake the unease, Liam jokes, "The Devil himself taking an interest in me? I must be lucky."
Lucifer chuckles. "I like this kid."
They enter a dimly lit room, the walls lined with expensive bottles of liquor. Lucifer pours himself a drink, then gestures for Liam to sit.
"Let's get to it. What brings you here?"
Liam leans forward, resting his arms on his knees. "John couldn't help me advance further. He sent me here. I need to get stronger, and there's no better way than working for you."
Lucifer sips his drink, considering. "You and John really are opposites. But tell me—what makes you think I'd help you? And for free, no less? Do you think the Devil hands out gifts?"
Liam meets his gaze. "You saw what I did to Satanus and Blaze."
Lucifer's expression sharpens. "Explain. And I want your 'friend' to participate."
Liam grips the chain around his neck, the Sparda sword's dormant form. He feels a shift in the air as Lucifer's eyes narrow, recognition flickering behind them.
With a hum of approval, Lucifer listens as Liam and Sparda recount everything.
Lucifer exhales, swirling his drink. "If given the chance, that sword could kill me. Why should I just let you walk away?"
Liam doesn't flinch. "I considered that, but I also know you don't make decisions out of fear. I trusted that."
Lucifer grins. "Well said, kid." He snaps his fingers. "Bring this boy a proper suit. I won't have him looking like street filth under my name."
Liam feels a weight lift from his chest.
A beautiful woman enters, holding a sleek black suit. "Shall I help you change?" she asks with a sultry smile.
Liam shakes his head. "I appreciate the offer, but I'll pass."
Lucifer chuckles. "Oh? You're actually gay, aren't you?"
Sparda bursts into laughter.
Liam scowls as the woman reaches for his shirt. He gently pushes her hands away.
Lucifer laughs harder. "I like you already."
Once dressed, Liam steps out.
Lucifer pats his shoulder. "You caught me at a good time. I'm heading to my main business in L.A. There's no better place for you to start."
As they step outside, they run straight into Zatanna.
She smirks. "So… training, huh? That's what we're calling it now?"
Liam frowns. "Wait—you knew?"
Zatanna rolls her eyes. "Of course I knew, dumbass. Constantine told me. But I'm not here to argue—I'm coming with you."
Liam's expression drops. "No. Absolutely not."
Zatanna crosses her arms. "Oh? And why not?"
Liam exhales. "Because this isn't some magic show, Zee. It's Lucifer. It's demons. And I don't want you getting caught up in this."
Lucifer sighs dramatically. "That's all very sweet, but did either of you ask me if she can join?"
Zatanna waves a hand at him. "Yeah, yeah, I'm sure you'll get something out of it. But Liam—seriously? You think I can't handle this?"
Liam pinches the bridge of his nose. "I think you shouldn't have to."
Zatanna softens for a moment before shaking her head. "And you think I should just let you run off alone? You're an idiot if you believe that."
Lucifer raises an eyebrow. "You two need a room, or should we wrap this up?"
Liam glares at him, then turns back to Zatanna. "You don't have to do this."
Zatanna smirks. "And you don't get to decide that."
Lucifer chuckles. "Oh, I like her." He folds his arms. "Alright then. If you two are so determined, let's see what you're really made of."