"Things are getting complicated. I shouldn't overestimate the strength of the Longinus and underestimate other factions of the Astral Boundary... this could lead to our downfall."
I muttered quietly as I watched various pieces of machinery and magic diagrams in my lab.
Everyone strived for supremacy.
Every single faction wanted to rule.
Every single powerhouse wished to be at the top.
The path there is carved through blood and destruction.
After this discussion, I had a hunch that Mercurius wasn't maybe only half-step Great Old One in the Astral Boundary. That would explain why he can't interfere in things of "mortals" and just observe everything or manipulate from the shadows.
"Only when one sats upon the Divine Throne, one could feel safe."
I said as I slowly drifted into the world of dreams.
***
Several Days Later, Anor Londo, Imperial Palace - Sanctus Imperialis
Two figures clashed in the training yard in the Imperial Palace - Sanctus Imperialis. Just by aura alone, one could feel that both of them were extremely strong, and aftershocks of their clash could knock our weaker individuals.
Those two were my sons, Sirzechs and Sigmar.
Sigmar, who reached Super-Devil Class and awakened as Innate God, the first thing he did was to challenge me to fight.
As I cast a few spells, it ended in several seconds to immobilize him and subsequently knock him out. Seeing that I defeated him instantly, he went and challenged Sirzechs for a fight. And unfortunately for me, Vena send me to oversee them to make sure not to destroy parts of the Imperial Palace.
I was maintaining a protective barrier while two of them started using their Clan Traits and more destructive attacks in their spar.
If any other person saw their fight, they would assume that those two were trying to kill each other.
Sigmar rushed at Sirzechs with his Warhammer that was coated in Power of Death and Dark Light together, as he swung at Sirzechs, who created a barrier to protect himself from the attack, as he didn't have enough time to dodge.
The barrier shattered in pieces, and Sigmar's Warhammer hit Sirzechs, sending him flying until he crashed into my barrier. He barely stood up as he coughed blood and looked at his brother in wonder.
This was the first time he was wounded by someone who wasn't Diablo, Hela, or me.
I admit that Sirzechs inherited most of my talent and had three Clan Traits. He was a very hard-working boy, who spent his entire childhood training to be stronger and get my approval, and whole I didn't say it often; I was delighted with how he grew up. In truth, all three of my children were exceptional and talented, hard-working, and I loved them more than anything together with my wives.
Rather irony how my priorities have changed over time.
Sigmar had a significant advantage over Sirzechs, which was, his far superior physical strength. Sigmar was already Super Devil physically wise, far stronger than me in terms of physique, but he had low experience and didn't know how to properly fight someone like me that was overwhelmingly stronger energy-wise and had many combat experiences fighting close-combatants like him.
I let the fight continue for more, watching Sirzechs getting beaten by Sigmar, who solidified his superiority in this fight until I stopped it as Sirzechs was greatly injured from being beaten continuously for half an hour.
"Now, Sirzechs, do you know why you have lost?"
I looked at my son sternly.
"Because I was arrogant."
He lowered his head in shame.
"And?"
I pressed further.
"And I let Sigmar get close to me, thinking I can take him out with enough strong Power of Destruction and Dark Light."
He said quietly.
"Indeed. It was foolish action, but it is not a shame to lose. Greatest warriors are not those who never lost, but those who lost realized their mistakes and learned from them, to not make the same mistakes another time. You are more of a long-distance to mid-distance fighter; if you let someone well-versed in close combat, you will become a ragdoll when you don't maintain distance between you. If you had used supportive magic to keep Sigmar away from you, then the battle would have ended in a different way."
I explained his mistakes during this spar.
"And you, Sigmar. You did well done, and I see that you have controlled your temper more; it appears that your time spent with Lord General Behemoth has done well to you."
I said.
"Thanks, dad."
Grinned Sigmar as he laid his Warhammer across his shoulder.
"I see that you are in a very good mood. So let's change it a bit. Your biggest mistake during this fight is to let Sirzechs use Devour on you during the start of the spar. Always take into consideration your opponent's abilities, and you need to make sure they cannot do anything that could greatly hinder you during the start from the start. You were aware that Sirzechs would use Devour from the start; why did you let him use it on you? If this was a real fight, and you overlook such possibility during the Life and Death battle, then you would be put at a great disadvantage."
I rebuked him instantly.
The fact that Sigmar overlooked the possibility that Sirzechs would use Devour on him was a fatal mistake. When you know your enemy, you need to count on every possibility and ability that could be used in the fight. Then you need to make sure your enemy doesn't use those, which would be considered as most risky to you.
"Go and change your clothes and take a shower. Afterward, call your mothers for the meeting, and I have something to discuss with you all."
I said.
"Yes, father."
Said both of them as they departed from the training yard.