Making our way up the spire, I could not help but notice the rising Killing intent upon Arsene fluttering about like a pulsing heart. Growing more potent with each beat.
Just what is going on in that head of his? Someone or something had laid a trap, and Sene fell within it, even before he went into the Temple of Darkness, but whatever it is was still brewing—feeding off something within Sene.
The price of Any Almighty Techniques is dire to use them like Arsene was unheard of. That meant that someone or something was suffering due to Sene's usage or devouring the energy of the backlash.
Moving our feet slowly through the spiraling covered in dirt and webs, I felt hours pass like seconds. Nevertheless, I did nothing but ignore the killing intent burning from Sene.
Narrowing my eyes for a second, I smiled, "Hey, Sene. Are you chanting the Path of Abyssal Night?"
He turned to me with smoldering darkness, a little confused, "No. Should I?"
"Well, Father was telling me how he trained some of his men by having them chant the Demonic Doctrine over and over till they did it subconsciously. Allowing the Doctrine to be with them even in their darkest hour."
Hearing no reply from Sene, I did not push. I was on his side, but whatever was happening with Sene was scaring me. He had already used power to turn a god into a fine mist and remembered nothing.
Heading to the top of the Spire, Sene and I connected our way through a long bridge that joined two different spires. Narrowing my eyes, I frowned as we appeared past the clouds, yet we were not walking that long to cover such a distance.
Moving around, Sene and I did not make conversation. It was a bit strange, but many were looking at Arsene coldly.
"You did this," He whispered in my ear, causing a smile to appear.
"I think they just hate your brother. I did tell them it was the Silver Devils' fault. I wonder if they have a name for us."
"That we do," Said a demonic voice that sounded so familiar.
Noticing a being standing just outside a set of double doors, I smiled at the plain-looking man whose voice was so deep and dark.
He appeared no more than sixteen, yet his presence was monstrous in almost every way. Pulling us closer with his stare, we met his lifeless gaze.
"Aelfwif, I presume? you look far different from that abomination I saw before." I said, knowing that was his true appearance. While Pureblood looked normal, it was all but a lie. Their actual appearance was bleaker than death.
"Indeed," He sharply replied, but I did not care.
"The doors behind you," I said, glancing at the massive double doors.
"That is where our infinite knowledge lie. Our supreme Elders have agreed to allow you both in for one hour of soul searching." Aelfwif indifferently uttered, staring intently at Sene.
"Stare anymore. I may think you are coming on to me." Sene reluctantly observed covering his chest in a similar manner to an exposed woman.
"Follow me. " Aelfwif icily commanded.
Pushing open the double doors, a solemn grimace appeared upon my lips as I gazed at the unlimited number of books stacked near one another.
"Never did like the smell of paper. Always found it to be overrated."
"I don't know, Arsene. The allure of having a good book will never fade to me. I like it." I said, but my gaze did not land on the endless stream of books but rather a spherical matrix fluttering in the air.
Hovering off the ground, I turned to Sene, "You look around. That is my goal." I hastily said before rushing off, leaving Sene and Aelfwif behind.
"Only one is allowed to hold upon the Matrix, and that is our ruler." Aelfwif warmed, watching me approach the magical Matrix but neither stopping nor blocking me.
Too bad for him; I was never one to follow the rules. Zipping through space, my body suddenly halted as seven mysterious elderly men appeared with chilling eyes.
"Abyssal Princess, "They uttered in unison, bowing to show respect.
"Are you here to stand in my way?' I demanded sharply, staring intently at the Matrix humming with power.
"Far from it, your grace. We know of your struggles and hold the answers. However, should you touch upon that Matrix, we fear that only death may follow, forcing us to incur the wrath of the Abyss." Said the Seven in sync, giving me the chills.
Who the hell talks like this.
"only the Ruler can touch upon it, right?"
"Correct,"
Lifting my lips, a cool trace of sweat flowed from my brow. To say I was not a little apprehensive would be a lie, but if one needed to be a ruler, am I not qualified? I am, after all special, in many ways. The Abyss is... is me. The first of its bodies. Should that not mean that I should not be restricted by such worldly things? After all, no matter the origin of these twelve planes. The Abyss is the All. Its essence created them.
"I am afraid we cannot take that chance, My Lady." The Seven declared without a trace of warmth.
Peeking up at the Time Matrix shining with an emerald hue. I lifted my hands towards it. Hoping with all I had that this would work.
"My Lady, do not make this any--"
"Come," I commanded, consuming my mind with abyssal energy.
The air began to swirl, and the eyes of the seven grew wide as my body vanished before their eyes. Not by intent but rather the Matrix itself pulling me in.
I had only seen a bright emerald flash, but I knew what had occurred—watching the endless lettering of words and numbers running down space form within the Matrix, I held my head high.
"What is it you wish to know, Lilith Snow." Said a robotic voice devoid of sentiment.
"Do you know what is going on with Arsene Snow? I assume you all have been watching us, and since some of you are higher beings, I can say with certainty you can spy without concern."
"Arsene Snow is now torn between three different minds that are not his own. The Monarchs Will, the previous Prince of Darkness, and his other self."
"What the hell does that even mean?" I hastily asked, unsure how time worked here.
"Something even we cannot see happen in the Temple of Darkness, another trap we suspect. Arsene Won, but it only delayed the inevitable. However, upon his return, Arsene Snow held two other wills."
"The Prince and The Spector?" I uttered, creasing my brow.
"Yes. However, The Spector, as you called it, was molded by you and him. During the time he helped you with Sitri. It is the cause of concern and—"
This thing is lying. No matter the version of Sene. He would never harm me. That much I can say without any hesitation. There are some lies and truths in the mix here, but why?