The teal skin of a succubus shined in the dim light of the hallways, as she reached her clawed hand into a dimension of darkness- the inventory.

Four sets of footsteps ticked along the fleshy floors of the buildings, as they made their way to their chambers.

The Dictators.

The antiheroes.

A piece of fabric the size of a table-mat was removed from the inventory of the succubus, revealing a bold design.

In the center was a demonic hand- pitch black and curled around that which it grasped.

Inside that hand was a heart- but the heart was not shaped as a regular heart would be.

Instead, the heart was patterned such that it formed a map of the world.

The demonic hand seemed to crush the heart, squeezing the life out of it.

The background of the flag was a dark purple, and streaks which looked like running blood ran across the design.

"I've finished our new flag. How do you all like it?", the succubus asked in a mature tone.

"Acceptable. We will begin the mass production starting tomorrow", the elf replied as he continued to walk without flinching.

"I like it..... hehehe.... I think it will strike terror into the hearts of anyone who sees it....", the girl who took the appearance of a spirit replied in a manner which could only be described as deranged.

The transparent tails which made up her feet seemed to slide across the floor as the group made their way through the halls.

Another demon- this one male and with blood red skin- took the flag in his own clawed hands, as a smile creeped across his face.

"It shows everyone our goal. To crush the very hearts of the entire world."

After nodding in approval, the flag was returned to it's place in the inventory, and the four continued their way down the hall until they made it to their bedchambers.

"It's been quite a busy day.... and I'm sure tomorrow will be just as busy, if not even more so. Let's get some rest while we can.", the elf stated while opening the door.

"Ain't no rest for the wicked.", the male demon replied. "Taking over the world isn't something that you can do while sitting back on your ass, that's for sure."

"Indeed..."

----

The antiheroes now all lay in their beds, staring at the ceiling.

"I've been considering something.... I think that perhaps we may have lost sight of our true goals in the recent events.", Trevor stated. "Or at least, I might have."

"What do you mean?", Samantha asked while glancing over.

"Well, let us not forget the entire goal of this dictatorship.... and the quests given to us when we first came into this world. Our goal is to take over the monster realm, and then the human realm as absolute rulers. However, why are we doing this? I think I should remind myself, and you all. We will unite the monsters underneath us, while eliminating those who disagree and do not submit themselves to us so that we may pose a grand threat to the humans. For it is only through a common enemy that they will unite against us."

"Ah, yeah.", Garett replied. "If they unite against a common enemy, then we will have succeeded in uniting all peoples. And after that, we can take over them, and through our absolute rule, continuously enforce such unity."

A demonic flash came across the eyes of Garett.

"We will allow them to unite with one another in the belief that they stand a chance against us.... only to crush those dreams. And from that moment on.... they will live in fear of us."

"Exactly so. It is almost impossible for any government system to be flawless. No... I would say in practice, it is impossible. But.... this is only when the ruler does not hold ultimate power."

Looking over at Ashley, Trevor flashed a businesslike grin.

"But we now hold ultimate power in this world. Compared to the average person, our strength is beyond reality. We must still be cautious and assume that there might exist beings other than the Indeterminant who can match us.... but once those beings have been eliminated, we will be able to establish our new world order. Gary, what is it that causes conflict?"

"Hm? You're getting philosophical on me, Theo. Or should I say, Overlord of Exploitation."

Trevor ignored Garett's statement and looked forward with a levelheaded demeanor.

"The cause of conflict is human nature itself. Desire. Longing. And most importantly, difference in power."

"I'm not sure where you're going with this.", Samantha said while glancing over.

"If one person has power over another, they will take what they want from those they hold power over. Am I wrong?"

Samantha looked up, recalling her own memories.

She recalled the rumors that were spread about her, and the girls who were always trying to take from her.

She even recalled herself, and her responses to this.

She had taken back those things that were taken from her multiple times over by gaining power through social status.

Why couldn't they have just gotten along?

Why did those girls have to take and take and take? Jealousy? Greed? Lust for power and respect?

"People have an instilled desire in them to continue obtaining. Sometimes these desires are pure, such as obtaining friendship or respect from others, but it is human nature to always want more. We want to increase our bonds with others. We want to increase our wealth. Our power. Our position. But.... what if these things were completely unobtainable?

With a sinister grin, Trevor pushed up his glasses.

"What if each and every person were stuck as a slave?"

"Mmm....."

Samantha seemed to be thinking as Trevor continued his lecture.

"What if every person had a demon lurking behind their back, threatening to destroy them if they overstepped their bounds? If they tried to gain for their own sake, they would be punished severely. But if they worked for the sake of another, they would be rewarded. We have the power to create such a world. A world where everyone works for us, and only for us. A world where if anyone tries to obtain something for themselves, we can step in and punish them. Look around in this town. Is there anyone here who isn't working for our sake?"

"There's nobody.", Samantha replied quickly. "Every person in this town is only focused on one thing- being useful to us."

"Exactly. What if we were to create a world where everyone only had one goal- to be useful to us? Wouldn't this cease all conflict entirely? If everyone was working together to be of use to us, then they would not compete to be better than one another. They would work together to be useful as a team. If we were to instill an ultimate punishment on conflict, then nobody would dare hold such conflict. We can force them to work with their enemies through terror."

"But.... why? Why do all this? Isn't that too much effort? And it's not like we're trying to bring world peace about or anything. Right?"

The one who spoke was Ashley, who had her eyes closed and was laying down.

"It won't be too much effort. After all, we're already the leaders of a nation. It isn't too far of a stretch. We take over the world as demon lords. We make sure that every person on earth fears us within the core of their very being. And then, we establish a new order- a new law. Conflict is banned. Every person under our rule is a slave, and must follow our orders. We can create.... a utopia."

"A utopia?"

"Exactly. A utopia. I'm sure you've read some novels or seen some movies on them. But do you know what the real issues with utopia's are?"

"What?"

"People seem to want freedom. In every utopia story, there is always a single person who rebels against the system, freeing everyone. But we hold the power to prevent such rebels from existing. I can keep tabs on the entire world through my simulations once I've gained enough information. You can now sense every hint of dark energy within the universe. We will know if anything is brooding. Furthermore, Gary can mass produce cameras to cover the entire world, which will upload every bit and piece of information to my database. We just need to address those who can threaten us, before anything becomes of them."

"But why would we want to create a utopia in the first place?", Garett asked. "Couldn't we just take over the world and leave people to do what they want? Is there a need to control the lives of everyone? What benefit does it bring us?"

Trevor grinned at hearing this.

"A brilliant question, Gary. Let me ask you- all of you. What are your problems? What went wrong in your lives? I'll tell you all my life story, and what was wrong with mine."

At this, Samantha sat up quickly.

She seemed eager to listen.

"Really? I.... I've actually wanted to ask you about that for quite a while, Theo.... just who are you? What happened in your life? How did you become so good at negotiation and leading?"

Samantha's eyes seemed to flash with interest as Trevor brought up the topic of himself.

Trevor's usual grin turned to a slight frown as he remembered his own past.

"I am a product of mistakes. My parents made every mistake in the book when they raised me. They divorced each other when I was young, and...."

Trevor seemed to furrow his brow as he remembered his step parents.

"They each remarried."

Samantha, Garett, and Ashley were all listening, but none of them could relate to what Trevor was saying, as none of their parents were remarried.

"I'm sure you all don't understand, as you've never had step parents before.... but they are the very definition of evil. They invade your home, take everything you have, blame everything on you, and run you out like a dog."

Samantha looked down sadly at hearing this.

"Then.... you were thrown out?"

"I was. It was always me vs. them. My stepmother would always prioritize her children. She would complain if my father spent a single dime on me, but convince him to spend thousands on her own. If anything went wrong, it was my fault- regardless of who actually did it. I learned at that age that life wasn't fair. That people who held power over others would use it to the full advantage. And yet, they would always act as if we were one happy family in public. It sickened me. Well... until I was thrown out like trash after she convinced my father to do so."

Trevor bit his lip as he remembered the face of that evil woman.

"And then there was my stepfather. A drunkard and a bum who was good for nothing. He came into a bit of inheritance money, and did the same thing that my stepmother did. He turned my own mother against me. I was forced onto the streets by both parents, with nowhere to go. That was where I taught myself to live."

Samantha was looking down at her bedsheet, and a tear fell from her eye.

"You.... you went through all that?"

She wiped her eyes with her sheet, but the face she was giving Trevor right now was one of compassion and sorrow.

"But.... it was through that failure... through those hardships that I was able to become who I am today. I was thrown into a situation where it was either do or die. I would either become the best in the world, or I would starve in the streets. Those were my only options. It was an all or nothing gamble with my life on the line. And I won it."

Trevor put his hand on the head of Samantha, and wiped a tear from hey eye.

"Don't cry for me, woman. I'm sure you've had your own hardships, right?"

Samantha nodded her head.

"But.... nothing like that...."

"I became the best. Failure was not an option. A single failure in anything would lead to instant death. Well.... I suppose that's how it ended. Isn't that right, Gary?"

"Yeah...."

Trevor smiled.

"But.... if we are to create a utopia where everyone is forced to play their own role, without a choice, then nobody will have to figure it out like I did. Nobody will be thrown aside. Nobody will live in the streets, wondering if they will be able to live another day. I will oversee all production in the world, and you all will be my accomplices as we simulate society. However.... this only goes for those willing to enslave themselves to us."

Garett and Ashley smiled from the beds behind Trevor and Samantha.

"Heh heh... and that's where we come in....."

"I can't wait.... keh keh...."

"But, you all must understand yourselves then why I want to do this? Sarah, what about you? If everyone is under constant surveillance and control, then bullying... popularity..... social aspects of life... they will still exist, but they will become irrelevant. We can implant the fear of judgement in every person on this earth, and if anyone is harassing another, we can simply kill them off and use them as an example."

Samantha held her chest, putting her hand to where her scars were from the hot noodles that were once spilled on her.

Those scars still remained even after she had entered this world  in a new body.

"We can prevent hazing by enforcing our absolute rule."

"Exactly."

"Haha.... I love it.... we will force everyone to become decent people, through the chains of slavery."

"EXACTLY!! Isn't it great?"

"HAHA!!! This is.... you know, this might actually be kinda fun."

Trevor and Samantha's moods were lightened, however Trevor then turned to Garett.

"And what of you, Gary? Don't you hate when someone takes all the credit for work they didn't do? We can stop that. Everyone in the world will be assigned a particular and specific job, and it will all be categorized under our database. We will know exactly how hard each person is working, and use terror rather than normal incentives to get people to do their work. There will no longer be anyone slacking off or taking the credit for something done by another. Everyone will be responsible for their own duties, and they will be given jobs suitable for them."

"No more people like Daniel who just cheat their way through life? I'm in.", Garett said with a sinister chuckle.

"And Ally.... you lived a life as a social recluse. You were unable to interact with people, and this prevented you from living life. You became a dropout to life. A loser. Isn't that right?"

"I prefer the term full time gamer but sure. What about it?"

"It was because nobody would accept you. Everyone expected you to have skills that you didn't have, and they ignored the skills you did have. A truly inefficient set of companies, with a complete inability to recognize talent if you ask me."

"Yeah..."

Ashley looked to the side with an annoyed face, remembering back to the few job interviews that she managed to land- only to fail due to her lack of social skills.

"In this new utopia.... we will assign the jobs of the slaves under us based on their aptitudes. Nobody will ever have to worry anymore about 'if' they will be able to get a job, or overcoming the hurdles to get one. They will be assigned something that is perfect for them- something they are designed to thrive at. Furthermore, nobody will have to worry for even a moment about the quality of their life."

Ashley chuckled to herself.

"You know, this isn't very evil. I thought we were supposed to be demon lords taking over the world. Why should we care about other people?"

"The only reason we can do this is if we take over the world as evil overlords. No loved monarch would be able to put such harsh restrictions on the people under them. What do you all think?"

Ashley closed her eyes and laid back down, with a light smile on her face.

"As long as I can keep on being a monster for now, that's a fine end goal. Just throw me the assholes who we don't want to keep around. Heh heh....."

Samantha nodded with a big smile.

"I'd like to do that, Theo. I'll follow your lead."

Garett put his arms behind his head and flashed his fangs.

"I'd like to see such a world come about. You just tell me what to do. Heh heh.... a rein of terror that instills peace? Interesting. I wonder just how this will end up working out...."

Trevor grinned at having sold his proposal to his teammates.

"Then it's settled. Phase 2 has been completed. We've sent spies to the human realm to keep tabs on their movements. It's time to move on to phase 3 of my plot. From this point on, we take over the monster realm, and become true demon lords."

----

After a long day of work, Claire sat at her desk, having just finished reading the final report sent to her by the birdmen.

In the form of a pure angel, with not a single imperfection aside from her demonic left hand, she shuffled the files together before getting up.

"Alright! I'm done for today. It was kinda lonely though.... the antiheroes were around the city working, and Berith had some other responsibilities to take care of. I stopped in and checked on the fishmen village using the monitors and sent them a quick message, but that was about it. And then there was that wasp queen I met today and all those children.... they were so adorable! I can't believe something so terrible happened to them though...."

With a saddened face, Claire paused for a moment before slapping her cheeks.

"But that's why I'm glad that Coran helped them! He's become a reliable subordinate, and he did so much to help others! I can't lose out to him!"

Claire made her way out of the palace of the Dictatorship, heading to her own mansion which she had ordered to be built just recently.

It was a dark mansion which looked more like the abode of a vampire than that of a young girl.

"Ah... home sweet home...."

"The fact that you can consider this creepy place a home shows something about your personality, you know."

"Eh? Really? What does it show?"

"Nevermind. You're a blockhead as usual."

"What are you trying to say?! What do you mean 'as usual!?!?'"

"Haha...."

"Answer me!!!"

Clarice left after having teased Claire just a bit.

"Anyways.... I don't see anything wrong with this. It's comfy and looks nice, and the antiheroes worked so hard to have this built so quickly."

Claire entered the home as the door creaked open, walking into the large open hall.

She felt the heat of the candles which lit up the walls as she made her way through the open mansion, over to the central staircase.

As Claire headed up the large staircase, she met with a few lizardmen warriors and goblins who seemed to be serving as guards, butlers, and maids to the mansion.

"Your eminence, I see that you've returned home.", one of the goblins stated. "Would you like anything brought to you? Dinner? Perhaps something to drink? Or perhaps you would like a bath readied?"

"Ah.... I'm quite tired tonight.... but I suppose dinner then a bath would be fine."

"The preparations will be made immediately. You over there- go prepare the bath. I shall inform the chef to prepare a meal."

A goblin who was in a maid uniform bowed to Claire, and both made their way off to perform their respective tasks.

The lizardmen who were standing guard at the top of the stairway did not move a muscle.

"How are you doing? I'm the Determined. I suppose you two will be assigned to my mansion then?"

The guards genuflected before Claire and bowed their heads.

"Your eminence, it is an honor to be working directly for you like this. We will ensure that your property is kept safe."

"Absolutely. If anything is to happen, then the responsibility will fall on us, first and foremost. Please rest assured knowing that we will be giving our all to protect your home."

Claire was unsure how to react at these people bowing before her like this.

"Ah!! Get up.... stop bowing to me like I'm some sort of ruler!!"

"But your eminence!! You are a ruler!!"

"Oh... right.... well, anyways! You don't have to be so formal around me! Just continue your duties."

"With all the respect, your eminence, lower beings such as ourselves cannot find it in us to treat you as an equal."

"I see.... well that's fine I guess.... but don't stress yourself too much, ok? I don't think anyone will be breaking in here, so your work should be pretty easy."

One of the guards looked up in surprise.

"I would never dare to make such an assumption. After all, if I were to let my guard down, and something were to happen..."

"Alright alright! I get it. Jeez.... I was just trying to put you at ease."

As Claire shouted this, the lizardmen bowed his head further all the way to the ground.

"Forgive me, your eminence!!! I must have said something to disturb you!!! I am truly sorry!!!! If you wish me to take my life-"

"NO!!! No taking your life!!!! Why is everyone here so obsessed with giving their lives up so easily!?! Treasure your lives!!! Don't just offer it like it's nothing!!!"

"But compared to your magnificence, our lives are nothing more than-"

"SHH!!! Don't talk anymore."

The lizardmen were now bowing so low to the ground that they could lick it, but Claire merely walked away, annoyed.

'Ugh..... it really is tough being a dictator.... nobody views me as an equal....'

The faces of the four antiheroes then popped into her head.

An angelic smile came across the face of Claire as she remembered them.

'Well.... I suppose there are a few.'