Demon

**Demons** (妖怪/鬼, *Youkai/Oni*) are a reoccurring antagonistic force in the Ayn Sof Universe. They invaded the world a long time ago and live among humans disguised as one of them. Demons originally came from the lower world called Sitra Achra. They were created from Drauga's cursed blood and as such have a blue coloration to their blood. The term demon is generically used to refer to any type of non-human species with mystical powers that is inherently inclined to cause or promote evil. Because they move between their own realm and another, they are considered extra-dimensional entities who have a great deal of power.

## Description

Demons are described as the deceivers of mankind, people that tempt others into pursuing their personal desires. However, this may not be true for every demon as some have a more compassionate side to them, such as Nivian Rose. One thing is for certain, they are stronger than spirits and humans, standing on equal footing with the likes of Angels. Almost always possessing multiple Anathematic Arts, they are a force to be reckoned with. They specialize in Curse Magic, which allows them to create various affects that are either detrimental towards another person or reflective when it comes to damage that they receive themselves. Unlike their angelic counterparts, they are able to amass far more power when it comes to the use of their innate abilities. They are empowered by the Qliphoth and some are even able to form pacts with them for greater power. When using evocation, a demon can be summoned to lend their aid and a pact can also be formed with them to gain an anathematic art from them.

A demon gains power through three different means: they can receive energy and power through the practice of worship, they can steal the power from an unwilling source or gain power through the consumption of lifeforms. The number of collected souls determines the power of the demon with the tally being the absolute highest for the Primeval Demons and the lowest for the standard demons. They higher-ups work similar to the legion of angels, commanding lesser folk to do tasks for them. While traversing the physical universe Asiyah-Gashmi, demonic power is substantially suppressed by the Ayn Sof to prevent them from destroying the planet or causing damage on an intergalactic scale. Despite this condition placed upon them, they still have access to their Atrium technique which allows them to release the restrictions placed upon them in exchange for not being able to affect the outside world. Demons often have the most powerful Anathematic Arts, putting them leagues above people who rely on magic formula to get everything done. In addition to this, those who were fallen angels retain the characteristic of strengthened magic and high-speed casting that angels have, now coupled in with their newfound power as demons.

## Summoning

Demons can be summoned by anyone who knows how to use evocation. As stated beforehand, they can have pacts formed with them and will pass on their own power to an individual to some extent. The higher-ranked demons are more likely to uphold their end than lesser demons but this is not the case for every demon. While the demon is presented, they will be attached through a tether link that allows the caster to determine the location and status of the summoned manifestation. A contract with a demon can sometimes be permanent, unlike the way Angels perform contracts and depart after the conditions are fulfilled. Lastly, as one would expect, some contracts require a soul in exchange for power and not meeting them halfway will result in them leaving in search for a new master.

## Evolutionary Stages

Demons go through many evolutions, some of which are drastic power changes while others not so much. The leap from one circle to another is always a substantial change. When compared to the Sphere system used by Angels, the Circle system is far more direct. The evolutions are listed below:

**First Circle - Chthonic Counselors**:

* Primal Emanation
* Demon Lord
* Archfiend

**Second Circle - Chthonic Governors**:

* Demon King
* Demon Prince
* Demon Count

**Third Circle - Chthonic Messengers**:

* Demon Knight
* Archdemon
* **Demon**

**Other Types**:

* Halfling
* Nephilim