Tens of thousands of years are but a fleeting moment in Hell.
For Spade, the days were a monotonous cycle of two things: signing endless contracts and manufacturing an infinite number of toys.
His toy factory sat deep within the Pride Ring, the only place in that desolate territory that thrummed with an eerie sense of life.
Within the factory were displayed all the classic characters from Poppy Playtime Chapters 1 through 4—the massive Huggy Wuggy, Kissy Missy, Mommy Long Legs, and Bunzo Bunny.
Each had deviated from their original game code during construction, yet they retained genuine combat power.
They were positioned in showrooms, corridors, and workshops; at first glance, they looked like oversized, exquisite dolls, but in reality, they were living entities bound tightly by Spade’s will.
Without his command, these toys remained as still as statues.
Only with his permission would they move their legs—a fusion of machinery and flesh—to patrol the factory grounds or accompany him on a stroll through the Pride Ring to clear his head.
The rules of Hell were always cold, and the Pride Ring was a cage for the Sinners trapped within.
Aside from a few Hellborn demons and the Overlords, all Sinners who fell here were doomed to wander this land of arrogance and decay, never allowed to take a single step beyond its borders.
At first, the vast factory was home only to Spade and these silent toys, a place so quiet one could hear the faint clicking of gears.
Spade found this silence too dull, lacking the demonic energy Hell ought to have, so he recruited a group of Sinner demons from outside to work for him.
This added the sound of hurried footsteps and low murmurs to the workshops, ensuring the factory was no longer filled solely with the mechanical thuds of patrolling toys.
His life wasn’t exactly grand, but it was stable and comfortable.
In his spare time, Spade’s favorite activity was visiting the territory of Zestial.
Zestial was the oldest Sinner Overlord in the Pride Ring and Spade’s only old friend.
This veteran Overlord was exceptionally tall and thin, a quintessential spider demon with deep gray skin that possessed a cold, hard luster.
His eight eyes were a vibrant lime green; when he unfurled his cloak, the uppermost pair of eyes would glow with scarlet irises, exuding an ancient and majestic aura.
He wore a permanent jet-black cloak embroidered with a giant black spider on the front, its eight legs accented with lime green stripes.
The eyes and back of the spider were the same lime green, while the cloak’s lining featured a lime green base woven with intricate spiderweb patterns and four red spider legs stretching across it.
Upon his head sat his signature black top hat, adorned with a light gray cloth, a gray skull decoration on the side, and a striped feather of lime green and red.
He radiated the steady, somber dignity of an aristocrat from a bygone era.
Zestial’s territory lacked the bustle of the factory, offering only the tranquility of an ancient castle where tea aromas drifted and vines intertwined.
The two would sit across from each other, brewing a pot of Hell’s unique Darkleaf tea and chatting idly.
They discussed everything from the trivial matters of the Pride Ring to the shifting winds of the various circles of Hell.
This peace was the solace Spade cherished most throughout his tens of thousands of years.
In the entire Pride Ring, they were the only two who could truly be called Overlords, keeping each other company in this lonely land.
Recently, Zestial had made the acquaintance of a rising powerhouse—Hell’s top arms dealer, Carmilla Carmine.
Carmilla was a Sinner demon with a tall, slender figure and a sharp, elegant hourglass silhouette.
Her light gray skin had a cold, glamorous quality.
She possessed thick, long white hair with deep gray highlights at the front, which she usually tied into two massive honeycomb horn-like buns with black ballet ribbons; when let down, it reached her calves, voluminous and lustrous.
Deep gray mask-like markings circled her eyes, which featured red pupils and white irises, her black vertical slits as sharp as blades.
Small fangs were hidden behind her black lips.
Her arms, from the deltoids to the palms, were pure white, and her hands were somewhat large with sharp black nails.
She wore an off-the-shoulder black ballet-style dress adorned with white buttons and vertical stripes, the hem edged with thorns and lined with carmine.
This was paired with black waist-high stockings and white pointe shoes—shoes actually crafted from Angelic Steel, serving as deadly weapons hidden beneath her elegance.
She possessed a powerful, decisive aura; she was the Weapons Queen of Hell, someone no one dared to provoke.
Carmilla had two precious daughters, Odette and Clara, both of whom she had personally trained as capable assistants.
Odette was tall with paper-white skin that looked cool and clean.
Her long blonde hair was tied into a high ponytail, and small black horns grew from the top of her head.
She had red pupils and white irises and wore a pair of round, red-lensed glasses.
Her temperament was calm and efficient, devoid of any affectation.
She wore a white lab coat over simple attire, long black gloves, and black ballet shoes similar to her mother’s.
She was practical and possessed great executive ability, making her Carmilla’s most trusted enforcer.
Clara was equally tall and slender, her deep magenta skin possessing a unique charm.
Her cream-colored curls were tied into a high ponytail, and she had small black horns, bright black lips, and red pupils with white irises.
Her gaze was lively and spirited.
She wore a black sleeveless high-collared crop top, gray denim shorts with a black belt, black fingerless gloves, white over-the-knee socks, and ribbonless black ballet shoes.
While her style was unified with her mother and sister, she possessed a bit more of a teenage girl’s playfulness and innocence.
Zestial and Carmilla were on very good terms.
Knowing that her weapons business spanned all the circles of Hell, he thought to introduce his old friend to Spade.
Firstly, it would give them more social interaction, and secondly, he felt that Spade’s toy factory might yield an unexpected collaboration with Carmilla’s business.
On this day, Zestial specifically brought Carmilla, Odette, and Clara to Spade’s toy factory.
The moment she stepped through the factory gates, Carmilla was captivated by the sight before her.
Massive toys were displayed on either side; Huggy Wuggy’s blue body towered toward the ceiling, while Mommy Long Legs’ mechanical limbs hung quietly.
Every toy was lifelike, exuding a silent sense of pressure.
A flash of approval flickered in her eyes, and her gaze toward Spade gained a touch of respect.
“Spade, this is Carmilla Carmine, the newly risen weapons tycoon of Hell and a dear friend I have recently made,” Zestial introduced in a calm tone, holding his teacup.
“Carmilla, this is the Spade I often mention to you—the owner of this toy factory and the only other remaining Overlord of the Pride Ring.” Spade raised a hand in greeting, a casual smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
“I’ve heard much of your name, Ms.
Carmine.
Who in Hell doesn’t know that even the Angels are wary of your weapons business?” Carmilla nodded slightly, her tone steady and polite.
“Lord Zestial often speaks of you as well, saying your craftsmanship is unparalleled—that the toys you create are not only exquisite but hide staggering power.
Seeing them today, I see your reputation is well-deserved.” Beside them, Odette and Clara stood obediently behind their mother.
Odette scanned the factory with a calm, focused gaze, while Clara’s eyes were wide with curiosity, her gaze glued to the massive toys, her small face full of excitement.
After the pleasantries, Carmilla went straight to the point; she was never one for beating around the bush.
“Mr.
Spade, I came today not only to meet an old friend but also to discuss a matter of business with you.” “Speak freely,” Spade said, leaning back in his chair and lightly tapping his finger on the table.
“I know your factory produces a large number of toys, and these toys possess both aesthetic value and combat capability.
If we could collaborate using my weapons distribution channels to sell them across the circles, it would broaden your market and add a new category to my business.” Carmilla’s tone held the decisiveness of a merchant, yet it also carried sincerity.
“I will handle the channels and sales, you handle production, and we can discuss a fair profit split.” Upon hearing this, Spade didn’t hesitate for a second.
He nodded his agreement on the spot.
He was truly fed up with the hassle of managing the business side alone.
For tens of thousands of years, he had to handle every order personally, signing every contract himself.
The clients in Hell were a mixed bag—those with no money to pay, those who defaulted on debts, and those who would stab you in the back after receiving the goods were everywhere.
Every collaboration required constant vigilance and calculation, which was incredibly tiresome.
Now, with a reliable partner like Carmilla and her established weapons channels to back him up, he could save himself countless headaches and see his factory’s toys sold to even further reaches.
Why wouldn’t he agree?
“Ms.
Carmine is straightforward, and I won’t dawdle either.” Spade smiled as he stood up, reaching out to shake Carmilla’s hand.
“To a successful partnership!
Henceforth, the factory’s toys are entirely at your disposal.
I won’t involve myself in the logistics, transport, or sales—I’ll simply ensure the goods are delivered on time.” “It’s a deal.” A hint of a smile appeared in Carmilla’s eyes.
“For future pickups, I will send Odette and Clara.
Both girls are steady in their work; you can rest easy.” Zestial watched the two hit it off instantly and took a slow sip of his tea.
His tone was soothing as he said, “This is excellent.
With old friends working together, the future in the Pride Ring will be a bit more stable.” The contract was quickly drafted and signed.
A crimson flash of contractual light signaled the binding of their promises.
From then on, the majority of the toys from Spade’s factory were transported through Carmilla’s channels to her territory before being distributed throughout Hell.
The task of picking up the goods fell to the two sisters, Odette and Clara.
As they visited more often, they became increasingly familiar with the Sinner demons in the factory and with Spade himself, allowing their personalities to shine through.
Odette was as efficient as ever.
Every time she arrived, she would skillfully direct the Sinner demons to move the toys, count the inventory, and check the manifests.
Her movements were crisp and organized, never resulting in a single error.
The demons in the factory stood in awe of this calm young lady and followed her directions, making the loading process highly efficient.
Clara, however, was the complete opposite of her sister.
Every time she came to the factory, her mind wasn’t on the pickup at all.
Instead, she was entirely focused on the massive toys that were out on patrol.
These toys were originally mindless living entities created by Spade, following only his commands.
Normally, they were as silent as statues, patrolling mechanically along fixed routes.
But strangely, whenever Clara approached them—hopping and skipping while teasing them and talking to them—these originally cold toys would gradually slow their pace, no longer ignoring the little girl beside them.
Clara reached out her small hand, gently stroking Huggy Wuggy’s blue fur, and called out softly, “Hello, big blue cat!” A second later, the previously stationary Huggy Wuggy actually lowered its head slowly and nuzzled Clara’s palm with its massive head, its movements incredibly gentle.
Clara’s eyes lit up, and she ran over to Mommy Long Legs, looking up and shouting, “Mommy Long Legs, can you wave your hand?” Mommy Long Legs’ mechanical arm rose slowly, waving gently at Clara.
In those stiff mechanical movements, there was a touch of docility.
Watching from a distance, Odette couldn’t help but step forward as well, trying to give a command to a toy.
“Bunzo Bunny, spin in a circle.” Bunzo Bunny obediently spun in place, its movements precise and compliant.
The two sisters were both surprised and delighted, and they began to play in earnest.
Odette calmly directed the toys to perform various movements, while Clara ran back and forth around them, her crisp laughter echoing through the silent factory.
This scene left Spade, who was standing nearby, completely stunned.
He froze in place, looking utterly bewildered.
It took him a long while to snap out of it, and he couldn’t help but complain to the empty air, his tone full of disbelief.
“What in the actual hell?
So much for ‘no consciousness’ and ‘only obeys my orders.’ Turns out these guys really do have a soft spot for girls!” He had built these toys himself and knew their characteristics better than anyone.
Only his consciousness could control them; only his commands could make them move.
Yet now, after these two girls had merely teased them and spoken a few words, the toys had actively violated their core directives to obey them, even proactively cooperating in their play.
Spade rubbed his brow, feeling both annoyed and amused.
“I’m their creator.
It’s one thing for them to listen to me, but they’re being so proactive with these two girls that I’m losing face as their master!” He watched Clara acting spoiled while hugging Huggy Wuggy’s leg, and Odette directing Mommy Long Legs into various poses.
The two girls’ faces were filled with pure joy, and even the cold factory seemed to gain a bit of warmth from their laughter.
The disbelief in his heart gradually melted into a gentle smile.
He had read the stories of the Hazbin Hotel in his past life and knew how lively and adorable Odette and Clara were.
Seeing them in person now, he truly liked these two energetic young ladies from the bottom of his heart.
After some time, a minor demon responsible for the inventory ran over and bowed to Spade.
“Lord Spade, all goods have been accounted for and loaded onto the vehicles.
We are ready to depart.” Upon hearing this, Odette immediately reined in her playful mood and regained her capable demeanor, instructing the demons, “Check the vehicle seals.
Once confirmed, return immediately.
Do not delay Mother’s business.” Clara reluctantly let go of Huggy Wuggy’s fur.
She stood on her tiptoes, gently patted Mommy Long Legs’ mechanical arm, and whispered, “Toys, we have to go now.
We’ll come back to see you next time!” As if they understood her words, the surrounding toys raised their arms, waving their massive toy hands at the two sisters in a farewell gesture.
Huggy Wuggy let out a low, gentle whimper, and Mommy Long Legs’ mechanical joints creaked softly, as if responding to their reluctance to leave.
Spade stepped forward and reached out, gently patting Odette and Clara on their heads, his tone gentle and doting.
“Drive carefully and stay safe on the road.
You’re welcome to come back whenever you’re free.
This factory will always be your playground, and these toys will always be your little treasures.” Clara’s eyes sparkled, and she lunged forward to grab Spade’s arm, shouting happily, “Really?
That’s great!
Uncle Spade is the best!” Odette also nodded slightly, a faint smile appearing on her cool face.
“Thank you, Mr.
Spade.
We will visit often.” “Go on, then.
Carmilla is waiting for you.” Spade smiled and let go, watching the two sisters board the transport vehicle.
As the vehicle slowly pulled away from the factory, Clara leaned out the window, waving constantly at the toys until the factory disappeared from sight.
Spade stood at the factory gates, watching the departing vehicle.
He then turned to look at the toys beside him, which had returned to their silent, mechanical patrols.
He shook his head helplessly, but the smile on his face wouldn’t fade.
Tens of thousands of years of loneliness had gradually gained a different temperature because of this collaboration and these two lively girls.
The wind of the Pride Ring was still cold, but the toy factory was now filled with laughter, concern, and warmth.
Zestial walked up to him at some point, his lime green eyes carrying a gentle smile as he said softly, “You see?
With companions and things to care about, these tens of thousands of years are no longer so difficult to endure.” Spade turned to his old friend and raised his teacup in a distant toast.
“Yeah.
It’s all thanks to you.
From now on, the Pride Ring finally won’t be just the two of us old fogies guarding a dead silence.” The teacups clinked with a crisp sound, and the aroma of tea drifted on the wind.
Inside the factory, the toys continued their silent patrols, gears turning and machinery humming, yet it no longer felt cold.
In the distance, the vehicle carrying the girls’ laughter sped away.
The collaboration between weapons and toys had quietly begun; with old friends for company and children’s laughter, the tens of thousands of years of life in Hell finally had its gentlest form.
Spade knew that the days ahead would no longer consist only of endless contracts and infinite toys.
He had old friends, partners, and two adorable girls who would visit often.
He had this vibrant toy factory nestled deep in the Pride Ring, silently continuing to write their story.