[defense force filter]
An akuma is a machine created by the Earl, powered by a human soul. He-- preys upon those who have lost loved ones and convinces them that he can bring them back to life, and then when they cooperate, he chains the souls of their loved ones into these akuma bodies.
Akuma are completely subservient to the Earl's whims, slaves, but the soul inside suffers horribly. [it's hard to stay upbeat when he thinks of some of the souls he's seen]