@Tanner I really appreciate the compliment! :) I started two more stories but I'm not sure how I'm feeling about them yet. One is a bit darker than this and the other is much more light-hearted, but who knows, I might write something entirely different. I do hope to write more!

@[Flaren](/user/show/10029367) I hope you do!

@Anonymous Thank you so much! I'm really grateful that someone would take their time to write such a meaningful comment for the story. I concur that the victim of corruption retaining parts of their old personality is so much hotter than becoming a different person entirely. I find it so much more gratifying when the characters' beliefs and personalities are twisted and corrupted in a way that is unique to them. William himself has changed from an innocent idealistic young knight who is steadfast in his conviction into a hedonistic pervert who would happily spread his 'gift' to anyone, but he still wants to help people and regard their demonhood as the epitome of existence. You have given me a lot to think about with regards to Gregory's nuances here. While the Collin's story is ultimately a part of the the main plot that will unravel in the following chapters, Gregory's reactions to it is something I have to think about. I like when a mix of pleadure and intimacy are involved in a corruption. While William is the first major victim, if the demon weren't Gregory, his corruption would be much more difficult, perhaps even impossible. He might have been tempted by the physical pleasure, but he would not have been broken to the point where his mind and soul were reshaped to fit the demonic design. I will admit that I just find the word 'putrid' (just the word, not even its meaning) hot for some reason. I will deep into the thesaurus to be more variegated in my description for next chapters! I never explicitly stated what happened to the women in the story. This is primarily a m/m story, so I try to focus on that. However, I may have dropped a hint or two that most demons are bisexuals and have attraction towards women. In my headcanon, the women are also transformed in much the same way, but that will likely not get mentioned in the story itself. The women fleeing, leaving the Kingdom as a glorious hub of all-male fuckfest also works, I guess. Most teen boys would likely wait until they come of age to join their the older men as demons. For demonic reproduction, naturally-born demons are spawned from the energy of the Infernal Realm asexually. Their seed has two properties, both to corrupt others into more demons like themselves and, in rare cases, impregnate. Regardless, there would always be other nations to invade and more men to corrupt -- if no more within this world, then those that live in many others. (Kinda like the demons in certain video game franchises.) Once again, I'm really glad that you find the story enjoyable!

@[Pcm](/user/show/10039396) I think what you mention here about William is striking. As you've said, in many ways- he is fundamentally changed. He's much more focused on sex and that's reflected in his behavior. But we see other aspects of himself. He still wishes to help people, as we see with him wanting to get the demon he tied up freed. He isn't malicious or cruel. And as you've mentioned, him taking that aspect of himself and using it to convince others that they should become demons to be freed from the shackles of duty or repression makes sense- he wants to help people. That part of him has not changed- neither as a knight, and not as a demon. Similarly, I find Gregory's mentions of what he finds appealing about the demons an interesting clue as to why he turned. While he does confess that his sexual desire is immense and in some ways uncontrollable- he also mentions that he loves that the demons care for each other. His desire to protect William as why he wanted to transform him (and succeeds in doing so) I think fundamentally reveals why he turned. He was tempted with the ability to be free of the institutions that controlled the knights- the nobility in particular- who would undo all the work they would do to keep the people safe in the name of political games. He was tired of seeing his loved ones used and thrown away by the organization that he served which claimed to look out for them, as we see in his grief about Collin. He wanted to feel appreciated and loved beyond simply being an asset, as we see in his mentions of the demons being a family that took care of their own. Despite his transformation as a demon in some ways being monstrous- and his consuming of himself by his desire- they are understandable motives, and they shed a light as to how despite Gregory was a paragon of virtue, he also had many hurts and fears of his own. And we see that reflected in why he wants to transform William- he doesn't want to see what happened to Collin happen to him. He can't lose another son again to the knights, to a cold duty that may make them virtuous but uses them and then discards them. Despite the horrific implications to some extent of losing a part one's identity, Gregory's motivations are based out of a desire of love and protection, not maliciousness. And I think that makes him all the more profound. I think that while he was a great knight, I think he was very lonely, and that knighthood took much from him, and that Collin and William were essentially some of the people had the closest bonds with. Losing Collin and his fear of losing William I think fundamentally were what predisposed him to become a demon- he was tempted not with just pleasure, but the power to be able to protect them and fight back against the organizations that had callously used him and his loved ones for so long- and to keep his loved ones safe. That hasn't changed about Gregory- despite all his lustfulness, his desire to protect his loved ones- and to be valued- is still there. This I think also bleeds into his relationship with William- as the "dad" or "knight" of the duo- he essentially guides and supports William as a steady sentinel of sorts- as a protector. It fundamentally embodies who he is. Meanwhile, your mention of how there could be female demons and even children who choose to become demons once they become of age is fascinating. I always find that the idea of a hypersexual society that functions beyond simply sex intriguing because it means that the very culture, norms and legalities of such a society would be fundamentally very different (to some extent I kind of prefer your headcanon over the idea all the women just leave- the idea of a all-male post-infection society is often very recurring in most corruption stories- so to see a deviation from it is intriguing in that regard). While these are still demons- what I find fascinating is that they are less evil in themselves, and moreso chaotic, less reminiscent of demons as purely malevolent and moreso beings like the fae- tricksy and definitely dangerous, but not evil unto themselves. Neither gregory or William have lost their more benevolent traits. On the other hand, we do have william mention that people have been made victims before and that there is real damage they have inflicted on people- so it seems a matter of perspective. Of course, you will be focusing solely on the male aspect of this, but I'm fascinated to see how different individuals from different walks of life react to this infection and how they rationalize their own transformations or resistance. Your mention that William would not have turned if Gregory was not there- because the intimacy was needed for the corruption to stick- I think also opens up another rather dour possibility- that William could have tried to sacrifice himself to avoid a fate of being corrupted had Gregory not been the demon to meet him- something I think would have broken Gregory emotionally if he had figured such out (he probably would have killed the demon involved in that should such occur and probably would have gone on a roaring rampage against the knights- something he probably is going to do anyway considering Collin). Obviously, this is likely moreso an work focused on the erotic aspect- but I think the emotional turmoil of human characters in the kingdom- be they friends at the feast, soldiers in arms at the tournament or at war being thrown into conflict over the demonic invasion is intriguing- I can easily see individuals trying to escape their friends or loved ones who have been infected with such fear that they may even try to take their own lives, to the point that the demons themselves may even try to keep their loved ones alive no matter what the cost is- they may see the infection not as a curse, but as a blessing. A blessing to be free of societal repression and unwanted duty that only hurts people. Of course, this is your story, and you do not need to feel beholden to pursue such a narrative route. I just tend to find the emotional implications of transformations beyond just the victim a fascinating thing to explore. Most just focus on the erotic aspect, but the way you handled the emotional connection between William and Gregory beyond sex- even making their emotional bond as a knight and squire the major basis for their sexual connection, is something I wish I saw more of in stories. Regardless, I am eager to see what you write next. I find myself in particular looking forward to how Gregory seeks out justice for what happened to Collin. I can imagine if the feast has nobles attending, it's possible he may strike there- lacing some food to take out individuals responsible, or taking out a knight who may have pushed his son too far in the tournaments- the war aspect seems intriguing but it seems more like the demons and the knights will fight each other more than anything- less covert fighting there. Or you know, he could legitimately fight them. Of course, that's all speculation.

@Anonymous I really like your interpretation! Personally, if I have to place my version of demons somewhere along the alignment, I would say that they exist on a spectrum between chaotic neutral and chaotic evil. Some demons fall more towards the evil side, while others like Gregory and now William are more neutral, although that would skewer somewhat towards evil more so than other chaotic neutral races. While morality is subjective, it would be hard to consider them as "good", at least by the standard of the humans. For the demons themselves, they are innately wired to seek out pleasure and corrupt others, as long as they can accomplish that, the concept of good and evil is likely irrelevant to them. The reaction of still human characters to the spread of corruption, especially if their loved ones have changed side, is something that I would like to explore as well. Though I will attempt to make each unique so that I wouldn't be repeating the dynamic between William and Gregory too much. Collin's storyline will naturally become more prominent as the series progresses. I do hope that you will find the next chapter to be interesting as well.

@[Pcm](/user/show/10039396) Interesting. I can see what you mean when you speak of the alignments. In essence, Gregory and William are definitely moreso on the chaotic side of things- their only concern to a large degree is sexual satisfaction and spreading that satisfaction. However, it seems also to me that since some aspects of themselves from before are still there, I would argue the more lawful a person as a human, the more of that carries over- still fundamentally colored by the desire for sexual satisfaction in a very potent manner affecting their actions and behaviors, so they are not entirely beholden to a set of laws- but still there, as you've mentioned of the more chaotic neutral demons. We see that with William and Gregory both- from a human perspective, they are essentially off the wall morally, but from their own circumstances, they cannot exactly control their desires- they are essentially very amplified- but they still retain virtuous characteristics. To some degree, since it is that they are physically wired to seek out pleasure and infect- it's not something they can exactly choose- they are not choosing to do this action, it's just instinct. Maybe they can choose to abstain to some extent or how they approach how it is done- I can't imagine William or Gregory trying to force a transformation unless it is literally the only option to prevent somebody from dying or the like (perhaps if something really bad happens to Collin they may attempt this), not without trying to convince a person- but I can imagine them not being able to abstain from their instincts for very long without it causing them physical or mental harm. However, this also means that conversely, people with darker tendencies also likely saw those magnified once transformed- especially if the demonification increases one's desires in their intensity. That would make any demons that fall more towards chaotic evil proper incredibly dangerous. And I think this opens up some interesting opportunities. As you've mentioned about humans seeing their loved ones transformed, I can see a situation where a human is terrified of being infected because of the evil they've seen more chaotic evil aligned demons do, while the transformed loved one has to sort of step back and figure out how to approach the situation- much like with William, it won't be simply an appeal to fulfillment of desire that will carry the argument- physical and emotional intimacy will also likely be needed. They'd need to find a way to convince their "victim" ( I say this loosely because the demon in question likely does not see the other human as a victim but somebody to convince, though the human would) to take the offer of demonhood. Of course, if you add people the human is trying to protect- be they children or the sick or weak, it would deepen the emotional aspect further as said humans might fear these humans being taken and having unspeakable things done to them. I could see the demon struggling to find a way to convince their still human companion that demonhood does not mean simply becoming evil in it's entirety (this could work well with characters that are priest like- retaining their desires to protect and serve and not wanting others harmed but also still altered by their heavy sexual drive- essentially they would be hypersexual, but perhaps not with everybody, or at the very least to a lesser degree with some compared to others- but when they are- they most certainly are- because the concept of pleasure could mean pleasures beyond sexual activity, as well as the conflict between the axis of duty and desire, or repression and freedom). But like you've said, the chaotic aspect is still there. Whatever society manages to re-establish itself once the transformation outbreak is complete would likely be very decentralized and to some extent a bit of a free for all- or perhaps a codified sort of free for alls- that is to say, there are laws, but also not perhaps? At the same time, I could see a kind of conflict occurring between the chaotic neutral and chaotic evil demons should they begin to split more ideologically. I look forward to seeing how you approach said dynamics of resistance and acceptance with the various transformations and characters and their reactions. I think the overall dynamic between what has been retained and what has changed is something I look forward the most in seeing in your work. One story on this site I've found that illustrates this dynamic in a poignant and even emotional way- without discarding the erotic aspect of transformation- is "The husbros and Son"- https://www.gayspiralstories.com/story/show/10002932. While that story sort of deconstructs the concept of corruption (specifically the guy turns into a rude jock concept), making it more akin to transformation and reclamation while exploring familial dynamics (though not in an erotic sense), I do see echoes of the concepts explored in that work here, though albeit still in different fashion. You've managed to make a very intriguing environment for this set of stories, and I look forward to seeing the possibilities you construct. I do look forward to seeing Collin's story- he's essentially a ghost in the narrative already, and seeing him will shed more light on Gregory's past and choices, and I also suspect Gregory and William's future actions.

@Anonymous "The husbros and son" is such a great story that I can't believe how I haven't read it before. Thank you so much for the recommendation! I do, however, think that his story and mine are fundamentally different. While the theme of family dynamic in "The husbros and son" runs in direct opposition to the corruption and ultimately leads to the heroes' triumph, the family-like dynamics as used in my story instead actually contributes (and might even serve the catalyst) towards the characters' eventual corruption. Just like his story, however, the characters get to keep their wholesome familial relationship, albeit tinted and by lust and corrupted to serve a new morally questionale (if not downright deplorable, as the "good" faction in that world would contend), in the end. Your analysis and interpretation of Gregory and William presents a very profound philosophical quandry. While the "victims" corrupted to join their demonic horde uniformly revel in their new condition, how much of that change actually occurs due to their own volition? Complete demonification is predicated on the "victims'" mental surrender, ordinary men living under this story's setting can be "convinced" easily enough to give in with only carnal plesure, after all, the promise of infernal hedonism and power is better alternative to a medieval life under the constant threat of famine, plagues, and wars. I suppose that demonhood also comes with the tacit promise that they would get to bask in that pleasure alongside their loved ones. Carnal plessure is what Gregory has used to corrupt the villagerd and also what he initially intends to corrupt William with (he would probably reveals who he is to his old squire later), it is only after that fails and Greogory gets to see how much his William misses him that Gregory instead resorts to using their familial bond and William's undying loyalty. Yes, once 'broken in', whether through sexual lust or other means, demons are reprogrammed to love their new existence with all their being. However, it should be noted that most people never consent to experience the demonic temptation in the first place, even if they later come around to liking it. Yes, William and Greogory probably won't "force" people to become demons, but they will relentlessly find a way to get others to 'enjoy' and accept the corruption, whether through lust, past bonds, or even appeal to higher ideals. This is what has been done to break Gregory. This is what Gregory does to break William. Well, every demon agrees that they are now happier than they have ever been, but would their padt human selves agree? Again, people's wants and needs are always changing in reaction to a variety of experiences, natural or otherwise, so the argument could be moot after all. I suppose it leaves room for interpretation how much of the demonification is "contingent" on the victims' innate predilection. The process involves magical components that simply have no equivalent in our reality. More evil-aligned demons will likely appear in the next chapter. I do hope that I would manage to convey the relative difference in their methods in comparison to Greogory's well enough without directly pointing it out. I really would love your take on the next chapter.

@[Pcm](/user/show/10039396) I think that is an important question to be had- just how much of the transformed individual's original self is there, and how much is driven by the corruption? For me at least, the way Gregory mentions of how he fell seems to imply that he was likely tempted beyond just pleasure, and that those aspects of him that are not oriented toward pleasure are still there- though slightly altered. After all, if it was just pleasure he was focused on he wouldn't exactly break down in grief over Collin or vow to transform William because he wants to protect him- as mentioned prior- and it definitely doesn't look like Gregory was pretending when he spoke about any of that. When I read over Gregory's speech, I got the feeling that he had known from the beginning that William was coming to fight him, and so while he wanted to show him pleasure- that wasn't the only motivation he had- he also wanted to protect him and get him away from the knights he had come to believe had ruined his life and the life of his loved ones. Of course, the more major motivation is spreading pleasure, but those other reasons are major motivations for Gregory too- I would think at least. The idea that Gregory pivoted toward the more emotional intimacy side of things to get William to follow him because lust was failing I think works strategically, but like you've mentioned- I think he would have done it eventually anyway- because it isn't just about lust that makes Gregory want to have William by his side. And I do think that the lure of pleasure and freedom from the dangers of medieval life definitely would be a great temptation for most. For me, the way I've read this passage, the demonification can only work once somebody actually accepts it. William didn't budge until he was convinced by Gregory- albeit in a very roundabout way through use of knightly concepts. While most likely would succumb to the pleasure (especially if they were living repressed or opressive lives), I can imagine strong willed folk won't unless they believe transforming will secure their interests, or the safety of those they care about- something you mentioned about how the pleasure could be shared amongst one's loved ones. At the same time, considering how aspects of the individual from before the transformation still carry over- that is in essence seems to be the wild card as to weather the new demon will lean more chaotic neutral or chaotic evil. At the same time, it is true that very few people would likely accept demonification immediately. There is a period of convincing that needs to occur, as we see with William here. And yes, the real question is weather or not said human selves would have looked upon said demon selves and seen them as good. I can imagine many being horrified, but considering it seems turning into a demon requires one to actually accept the possibility- it's hard to say. You're mention that people's wants and needs are changing also is a good point, and we see that flux with Gregory and William both in the story. Gregory starts off with lust, then pivots to emotional intimacy and then back again (though not ignoring the second part), while William goes from emotional intimacy right into lust. As for the evil aligned demons, that's up to how you write it, but I can imagine unlike Gregory's approach here, they probably wouldn't care much about trying to convince people. They'd probably take a much more forceful or torturous route- something I can't see Gregory or William doing- these two likely will try to convince people before doing anything- and would probably be horrified or at the very least displeased over such tactics.

@Anonymous The first part of the second chapter is out now--much faster than I predicted actually. Gregory definitely loved William genuinely and wanted to protect him in addition to wanting a new fuck buddy, and he did believe that he could accomolish all those things by converting William to his side. While his motive is ultimately driven by a combination of love and lust, I do wonder how much of William's "consent" mattered to him. Surely, William did break with a combination of pleasure and loyalty, it begs to question what would have happened if he _didn't._ Letting him escape was simply not an option. Most likely, he would continue to try new out other techniques and attemptrd kikier and kinkier stuff until William succumbed, it did take Gregory quite some time to break after all. Of course, Greogory would justify that William liked it, as the demonic magic would ensure that its "victims" are thoroughly enthralled by the concept. And ultimately, Gregory would believe that it was for William's own good that he accepted the corruption, though if William was somehow hurt or displeased by the process, Gregory would stop and find new methods. Ultimately, I think that the ambiguity of the demons' "convincing" and the victims' "accepting" is highly debatable. While William and Gregory tend to mostly resort to erotic lust, others might resort to fear, despair, or exploitation of insecurities. Of course, such differences in tactics and its degrees of ethical (un)correctitude hardly matter to the demons. They get new members to their species either way.

@[darkblade2814](/user/show/243317) Thank you!

@[Pcm](/user/show/10039396) you are welcome

@[Marik29](/user/show/10021139) OH! I'm so sorry! I went to go reply to that comment and ended up having to stop _twice_ and then it slipped my mind completely! :scream: I really didn't want to leave you with a “you’ll have to wait and see” but I was still in the process of weighing up which side of the chapter divide I'd be able to fit a lot of what you'd brought up! I didn't want to post a reply that implied you'd get your answer 'this' chapter when (as has proven to be the case) they actually come up in the next chapter,... and then I reached the point where I needed to stop trying to type before I could come up with a satisfactory response. Answering a selection of your points, in no particular order; Yes, the heroes have access to a mobile inhibitor model. Sarah gave one to Nick so he could save Henry _way back_ when he was working for **Tri-Hard** (the same one that protected Nick when Carl tried to attack him in the back yard). Hank's motivations and plans are about to come to the fore in the next chapter, so I'll leave those alone for now. Henry, though, I hope is coming across better now. I know he had a slump in recent chapters but, now that the guilt and shock of what had happened to his dad is being alleviated, Henry should be back to his heroic self. Sarah putting Carl's mind back together? You're not wrong; she's lying about how easy it will be. She _can_ do it, but it'll be a work of months rather than days. Again, I'm sorry I never got back to writing that reply! My arm is usable now so long as I don't do anything stupid. I was lucky it responded well once I could get some proper rest! Thank you and I hope you enjoy the last few chapters as they come out!

@[Blazargus](/user/show/10012784) Haha! Your response to the last chapter’s comments still feels right. Like its own, “I told you so.” It helps keep the suspense going. Keep it coming!

@[Marik29](/user/show/10021139) Yes, first off, let me apologize for the wait. I had a mind-numbing case of flu that cost me a week of any sort of activity,... and after that I've since developed a muscle injury that means I'm replying one-handed. At least it only got that bad the night I sent this chapter off,.. but I'm barely able to hold my mouse right now. As for your comment,... (Thanks! btw) Hank has always been someone who values _personal_ relations with his slaves. He picks out his 'prey' and savors their awakenings into their true selves. These ranks of faceless drones don't appeal to him on that level, but he needs them to fulfill his duty as **Tri-Hard**. As soon as I'm able to write again, I promise we'll see just what that means for the Officers and The Squad!

@[Blazargus](/user/show/10012784) After reading your response and other posted remarks has gotten me thinking. Its established that Hank needs to become his own person again by breaking out of the Tri-Hard persona. And he needs more engaging rubber boys and/or slaves to have around. He needs a challenge. Or a journey as you have put it. As you have also mentioned that he used to 'acquire' and train gym rats into rubber pups for sale. So he will able to resume his previous life with just more means to go about it? With all that said, I am suspecting that the Elite squad will be disbanded and made into more of the intelligent boys/slaves that he needs. He will also fully get himself straightened out as well. From there I suspect he will start reorganizing the host of rubber drones and pups. Perhaps even restoring the minds of some. Perhaps even selling some as he did before. Or a mix of both. But then the question becomes what does he do from there? Does he upscale his previous business model? Is there even an actual 'villian' anymore in the traditional sense? Or does he still retain the Tri-hard mantle? Yet I bet he his feelings about Henry and Nick are still there to drive the story on. And then what if he still believes that Carl should still be his rubber pup? Personally I am bit skeptical of Mom succeeding in getting Carl back on track. But this probably just my own wishful hopes over her apparent secret skills. But on the other team, we have Nick and Henry who seem to have gotten themselves worked out and have gotten a power boost. This has been really needed. Though in a bit of criticism, it would be refreshing to see Henry have some greater maturity and backbone. Despite his powers I see him as regularly meek and doubting. He is often too ready to just go under Nick's control. And maybe that's the intention. It certainly makes for some more enticing outcomes for him. Anyway, I bet Mom will give the army guys the proper power-up they were supposed to get. And they help the hero duo. And they either succeed or get caught by Hank. Though I am still not fully seeing a way that Heroes win in this. Hank has too much power for them to bridge even with a power up and help. But maybe that is your goal? You have said that in the end, no one quite wins or looses. And that I can't see how that actually ends just shows your good writing and not giving anything away. Because I have been trying. So there you have it. I know you won't give anything anyway but I can't help but put out my thoughts. I guess later I can see if I can claim, "I called it." And best hopes to a speedy recovery. I know that such injuries have a tendency to stick around.

@[Marik29](/user/show/10021139) “you’ll have to wait and see”,... ha ha ha! (Sorry, little in-joke here! See the comment in the next chapter for context.)