Chapter 286 - 228: How Many Steps to Whitewash the Devils (Part 2)

Chapter 286: Chapter 228: How Many Steps to Whitewash the Devils (Part 2)

’Just thinking about it is infuriating.’ Zog now owned several of Hell’s greatest natural landmarks.

Zog rejected Asmodis’s plan, explaining, "That’s not a good idea. Compared to other races’ idols, the only advantage Desire Demons have is their lack of inhibition. But being too uninhibited will cheapen their brand and make them seem low-class. Besides, Succubi already fill that niche."

In the erotic domain, Succubi were still more competitive than Desire Demons.

After all, a Desire Demon’s primary role was that of a Warrior; they just happened to be naturally suited for more sensual pursuits. Succubi, on the other hand, specialized in that domain.

You can’t challenge someone’s livelihood with your hobby.

"Besides, if we really do that, their image might become even more unsalvageable. Humans would enjoy watching them perform, but they’d despise them in their hearts. You know? Those two emotions can coexist."

"Hold on, why do you know so much about Humans?"

"Well, you always have to study your customers. I work very hard at it," Zog said casually.

’Yeah, very hard. So hard that I’ve even been one for several decades.’

Asmodis helplessly scratched his bald head. He had oversimplified the matter.

Zog continued, "Besides, there’s no such thing as a perfect lie. If we create an image of Devils as kind and peaceful on screen, it’ll be exposed sooner or later."

It was just like improving the Northern Domain’s reputation. First, I had the Barbarian Princess wipe out the bandits, and only then did I launch the PR campaign.

Public opinion was just an accelerator. The main reason the Northern Domain could transform into a tourist destination was that visitors wouldn’t get robbed eight times a day.

"So there’s no other way?" Asmodis was very troubled. Changing the fundamental nature of Devils was too difficult, but they desperately needed a transformation.

With the Church looming over them, the valiant and battle-hardened Devils had to become "skilled in song and dance."

Seeing the Lord of Hell was just about miserable enough, Zog said, "Well, it’s not like there’s no way at all."

Asmodis glanced at Zog, then suddenly burst out laughing.

"Hahahahaha..."

He realized that all of Zog’s preceding buildup revolved around one thing.

’His idea was no good. We have to go with Zog’s idea. And to get Zog’s idea... the payment isn’t enough. Just investigating how Humans transform into Tieflings isn’t sufficient reward for improving the Devils’ image. I have to sweeten the deal.’

Asmodis led Zog to the study in his residence.

The study was filled with a large number of books written in the Devil language. Judging by the wear and tear, these books weren’t just for show; he had actually read them.

’A studious Devil.’

"Never mind what you want for now. First, tell me what you plan to do."

Zog glanced at a sand table in the study.

On it seemed to be the battlefront between Devils and Demons. The pieces used to mark the various legions were very realistic and even had attack animations, but they didn’t seem to be solid, nor did it look like the Illusion Technique Furin specialized in.

’An interesting Devil creation.’

Zog looked away and said, "We don’t need to change the Devils’ image, just how other races perceive that image."

"What do you mean?"

"Warlike, violent, and cunning can also be interpreted as heroic, resolute, and shrewd. Just by looking at the issue from a different angle, they might even become virtues."

"Elaborate."

"When the first Asmodis existed, Devils didn’t lack for admirers. They pursued power and saw Devils as the race that represented strength. We can make people think that way again. We can brand Devils as a warrior race, turning it into a cultural symbol—something awesome and cool."

The public’s perception of many things is quietly changed in this way.

Take Ninjas, for example. Originally, they were just intelligence agents who lacked head-on combat skills and acted in a sinister, sneaky manner. For most of history, they were considered a rather unseemly profession.

However, as times changed and the profession became obsolete, a plethora of creative works transformed Ninjas into a beloved part of pop culture.

In reality, their essence didn’t change. They were still doing those unsavory jobs. It’s just that the appealing elements were extracted and enhanced.

Risk, excitement, elitism, secret training, appearing and disappearing without a trace...

The Devil Race, a race that has fought wars for millennia, can also follow this path.

Zog gave an example: "For instance, we could frame the Devils’ wars as a destiny they bear. Every Devil must undergo combat training from birth. A Devil’s coming-of-age ceremony is to be thrown into the wilderness to hunt a Magical Beast alone and return. Mature Devils are all elite Warriors, and their insidious methods are merely the most efficient choices in war, which is why they despise those who prattle on about honor."

In summary, if you can’t whitewash the Devils, then don’t. Paint them even blacker to attract people who are into that sort of thing.

Asmodis’s eyes were truly opened after hearing this. The phenomena Zog described were indeed common among Devils, but after his description, they somehow felt different.

"This will definitely attract a lot of people with eighth-grader syndrome to become obsessed with Devils."

"What’s eighth-grader syndrome?"

"It’s that phase of growing up that’s so embarrassing you don’t even want to look back on it."

Asmodis nodded, understanding. When he was young, he also stood on a small hill in his birthplace and shouted that he would become the Lord of Hell, counterattack the Main Plane, and turn the Magic Goddess into his X-slave.

Now, counterattacking the Main Plane was hopeless, and even the Devil Race had all become simps for the Magic Goddess.

"Then, we launch a series of entertainment products to reinforce this cultural symbol, including variety shows, Shadow of Evil films, and games."

"For example?"

"For example, we can take advantage of the fact that Devils are hard to kill on the Main Plane. We could hold a Devil fighting tournament—or even a weapons-based one. It would absolutely be the bloodiest competition imaginable."