After the heroes chaotic onboarding and the first successful performance reviews I decided the company needed something more than spreadsheets and compliment Fridays. So I sent a company wide memo at exactly 7:00 a.m. sharp.
Mandatory Team Retreat Lava Hot Springs Resort
Goal Build trust reduce turnover and prevent another accidental dragon rampage in the break room.
Dress code Swimwear no holy armor please no weapons of mass destruction and definitely no divine blessings that might offend the geothermal wards.
RSVP Yes or face performance review with the Demon King himself.
Note Bring your own sunscreen. Hellfire burns differently.
The resort was one of the hidden gems of the Ninth Circle stunning in a way that only places built on ancient volcanic power could be. Black sand beaches stretched for miles glowing faintly under the crimson sky. Pools of bubbling lava fed by underground falls shimmered with natural wards that made the heat soothing instead of deadly. Steam rose in gentle curls smelling faintly of sulfur lavender and something oddly calming like fresh baked bread mixed with brimstone. Minions in tiny lifeguard hats complete with little horns handed out towels shaped like screaming souls and complimentary bottles of hellwater infused with calming herbs.
The heroes arrived first portaling in with their probationary uniforms black polo shirts embroidered with Evil Co. Intern in bold red letters. The Sword Saint gripped his towel like it was a shield. The Mage Prodigy kept muttering about geothermal mana risks and how one wrong spell could turn the whole resort into a volcano. The Holy Archer scanned the sky for aerial threats. The Support Priestess clutched her bag looking like she expected the water to be holy water in disguise.
They stood awkwardly on the beach staring at the glowing pools.
This is not what I expected the Sword Saint muttered. I thought we were coming to fight.
You are the Sword Saint replied the Mage. Everything is a fight to you.
Before they could argue further a low rumble echoed across the beach.
Beelzebub appeared.
He stepped out of a swirl of dark smoke wearing simple black swim trunks with a custom hole for his tail and a loose open shirt in midnight black silk. The shirt was unbuttoned just enough to reveal the sculpted lines of his chest and the faint glow of ancient runes along his collarbone. He tried to look intimidating shoulders squared wings half spread horns gleaming in the red light. But the second his crimson eyes landed on me standing near the main pool in my plain swim shorts and HR clipboard his tail curled nervously behind him and the tips of his ears flushed a deep pink.
Director Tanaka he said voice deeper than usual the classic overcompensation he used when he was nervous. I inspected the pools personally. No hazards. No rogue elementals. For safety.
I raised an eyebrow. You inspected them personally?
He nodded stiffly trying to keep his expression neutral. I do not trust minions with your safety.
The heroes exchanged looks. The priestess whispered loud enough for everyone to hear He is kinda sweet when he is trying to be scary.
Beelzebub's ears burned brighter. His tail flicked once in embarrassment then curled tighter.
I smirked. Appreciate the concern Your Majesty. Let us start with trust falls.
The activity was simple in theory. One person stands at the edge of a shallow lava pool falls backward and trusts the team to catch them with magic barriers. The resort's wards made the lava harmless like warm bathwater with a spicy kick. The goal was to build trust cooperation and hopefully prevent future office incidents.
First up the Sword Saint. He fell backward with dramatic flair. The heroes caught him perfectly with a shimmering barrier of holy light mixed with the Mage's arcane weave.
Then the Mage. Easy. The priestess healed any minor singe marks mid air.
Priestess. Nailed it. The Archer steadied the barrier while the Sword Saint added extra strength.
My turn.
I stepped up to the edge. The lava bubbled gently below warm and inviting but still intimidating enough to make my pulse jump.
Beelzebub stepped forward instantly wings flaring slightly. I will catch you myself.
The heroes protested in unison But the team building
He glared. A single look that made the Sword Saint swallow hard and the Mage Prodigy lower his staff.
They shut up.
I leaned back and fell.
Time slowed for a heartbeat.
Then Beelzebub caught me mid air wings snapping open with a soft whoosh. His arms wrapped around my waist secure and steady. We hovered over the lava pool his face inches from mine crimson eyes wide with sudden realization. His tail instinctively wrapped around my leg like an anxious seatbelt holding me close.
For a split second everything was still.
His breath brushed my cheek warm and slightly shaky. His ears were nuclear red. The runes on his chest glowed faintly brighter as if reacting to the proximity.
Then he realized how close we were.
He set me down too fast nearly tripping over his own tail in the process. His wings folded awkwardly behind him.
The heroes burst out laughing. The priestess covered her mouth. The Sword Saint coughed to hide a grin.
The succubus secretary floating nearby with a camera orb Captured for the company newsletter! This is going on the front page!
Beelzebub cleared his throat voice cracking slightly. That was adequate.
I grinned brushing off my shorts. Thanks for the save. You are getting better at this not terrifying everyone thing.
He looked away rubbing the back of his neck with one clawed hand. I do not wish to terrify you.
The retreat continued with more activities.
Hot spring soaks where the heroes complained about the heat while Beelzebub pretended not to watch me from across the pool his eyes flicking over every few minutes then away when I caught him. Group games where he accidentally won every contest to impress me the competitive fire in his eyes softening to shy pride when I gave him a thumbs up. A barbecue where he tried and failed to grill without burning everything the first batch of steaks turned to ash the second batch to charcoal and the third batch he managed to cook perfectly only because I stood next to him quietly giving pointers.
By nightfall the heroes were relaxed chatting with minions like old friends. The Sword Saint was arm wrestling an imp intern. The Mage Prodigy and a succubus were debating mana theory over drinks. The priestess was teaching healing spells to a group of minor demons.
Beelzebub sat beside me on a rock overlooking the lava falls.
Quiet. No words for a long minute.
Then softly Tanaka thank you.
I glanced at him. For what?
He stared at the glowing pools wings folded tight. For making this place less like Hell. For making me want to be better.
His tail curled toward me hesitant brushing my leg once then retreating.
I bumped his shoulder gently. You are not so bad Your Majesty. Just needed some HR intervention.
He smiled small shy genuine the kind of smile that made the ruthless Demon King look almost human.
And for the first time the Devourer of Realms looked like he might actually believe it.
The retreat was far from over.
But for the first time in centuries Hell's ruler did not mind the chaos.
Because the person causing most of it was also the reason he wanted to keep trying.