After millions of years under a cold and hard rock like his heart, Andrei was back hungrier and more bloodthirsty than ever, but first he would take care of the little thing in front of him that took him out of his prison.

Millions of years ago, when technology was scarce, a man appeared in a great empire - Andrei, general of the main protective group and the most devoted worshiper of the powerful demonic god Vladimir Makarov. The demon's mere mention made strong men tremble, yet Andrei remained unfazed, offering daily blood sacrifices and prayers. Feared since his youth for brutal massacres and tactical brilliance, nothing saved him from death's clutches.

As he lay dying in his own blood, Makarov appeared personally, offering a second chance by sharing his blood and transforming Andrei into a semi-demon. For three years, Andrei received veneration while worshipping Makarov with increased fervor. After eliminating all enemies, human blood - his life source - ran out. Animal blood proved inferior, and when he attacked devotees, they vanished, leaving him to starve.

Soon, he began petrifying as per the demon treaty: without constant blood consumption, he'd become a living statue until freed by a blood drop. Trapped in stone with full consciousness, he sat on Makarov's throne, waiting to fully transform.

Today finds him in a gothic store's restricted dark room, surrounded by ancient religious artifacts. Only the boss and employees accessed this space. A month after the last employee's firing, a new hire arrived - a broke college student who accepted the first job offer, seemingly a good person with a promising future.

Andrei felt the student cleaning him with a damp, rough cloth. He watched as the young man cut his finger on the throne's sharp edge, then witnessed the crucial blood drop falling on him. Evil laughter erupted as stone cracked and scattered everywhere. The poor employee had no idea what he'd done.

Now the demon regarded him like a tasty dish, yet for the first time felt no urge to devour. Instead, he studied the young man's eyes while his pointed tail swung, blades where nails once were tapping the throne, and large horns glinted. His thick, commanding voice filled the room: "Do you know what you did? I bet you don't. Tell me - are you someone religious?"