"This is the river that flows into the underworld… to the domain of Hades."
"Yes, and no." Said Lily suddenly, startling me.
"Aren't you supposed to be making a body?"
"The Gate here was destroyed by Zariel long ago, angering Lord Hellmaster in the process. The river you see is entering the Plane of Oblivian, corrupting it entirely. You can say that the River Styx itself created the Plane of Oblivion and the Underworld. It also created its own Qi, known as Nether.
"Hellmaster created this?"
"Indeed, although not even I know the place of Origin of this River." She said softly.
"What does that mean… Origin?"
"Where it begins. I'm sure you know how rivers are made. But where did it come from? One would think the Ninth Layer, but they'd be wrong. Mephisto once tried to find where the River Styx ends and where it begins, but even after a few Hell Cycles, he came up short. Ending his journey with negative results. He learned a few things, but that only led to more questions. Don't underestimate this river."
Running my hands over the ruins that were once a gate leading to Oblivian, I gave Lily a stern nod. It seems that even with Mephisto's damn near infinite power, he's still powerless before people like Hellmaster.
"One last question before you go into hibernation again… What's a Hell Cycle?"
"A single Hell cycle marks the Birth of Madness, the Fall of the First Angel, and the Corruption of the Sins. It is something all immortals fear… Even the Fallen fear its flow. Time may be relative, but a Hell Cycle ensures absolution. You can say time exists due to a Hell Cycle."
I paused, taking in her words. If a Chaos Cycle uses a Chaos Dew to feed the Myriad Heavens to ensure it has life, a Hell Cycle ensures time passes by given something relative meaning… then what is an Eternal Cycle?
"Lily…" Hearing no reply, I sighed, knowing she'd returned to her earlier task. Knowing I'd better do the same, I pushed out my awareness and sat in the lotus position beside a cluster of Hell Roots. I played with the petals that held the smooth texture of human flesh. It was even warm, like a human body.
Oddly disturbed by the similarity, I waited for the prince's arrival. Winds billowing with the ashes of Arakiel, in a matter of half of an hour, a shutter through the void of space rippled, signifying a transfer. Instantly masking my aura, I hid in the shadows of the endless hordes of Hell Root.
Witnessing Drar step out with a cunning grin alongside Prince Alzimar, carrying a bored expression, I grew poised to strike.
"Well? What is it that was so important that you drew me away? You ought to know all hands on deck on this one. Arsene must not take Avenos. If he has footing, we all will suffer." Alzimar started.
Drar cunning expression sunk into a frown as he folded his arms. " The way the battle looks, Arsene's forces are being pushed back. Surely that has to mean something? And it's not like he can win. Avenos is as large as the Bed of Chaos, possibly bigger."
"Precisely why we can't allow him to plant roots." Confirmed the Prince, snorting as if what he was saying was obvious. " So? Why am I here? Surely it's not to state the obvious? I've no time for idle chatter."
"Have you ever known me for one for idle chatter? What are we, demons?" Alzimar chuckled, and Drar continued. "Arsene is ignorant of the Hells. He ought to have only the knowledge of a basic demon or devil. So is his demonic right. I've got an idea for the second wave."
"Oh? Is that why we are here?"
"Hmmm." Hummed Drar, " indeed. I've got a plan that requires your support before I take it to Lord Beleth."
"Oh? Do say, my friend. Let's hear this plan."
Drar pointed towards me. Unknowingly causing my heart to clench, but I merely hid my presence more, remaining still in the shadows.
"The Ruined Gate of Oblivian. Its core is still intact. I say we use the discharge it releases to kill Arsene."
Sending Drar a message indicating for him to lead Alzimar closer. My loyal slave began to move towards the ruined without the slightest change as Alzimar followed.
"When this Gate was destroyed. Nether Qi consumed Avenos for hundreds of Dao Cycles, bringing a wave of destruction: It was said that only Chaos Lords could live through the waves of radiation."
Watching Alzimar walk over my shadow, I drew Noctem and consumed it in Stormblade. Not releasing an ounce of Intent, I held my blade and sent Drar another message.
Coming out from the shadows without a sound or any natural disturbance to the elements, Almighty Essence cycled through me.
"With the death of Asmodeus, many of the Kings have stepped into Paragon and a no longer bound by his rule. Lord Beleth, with his mighty power and Infernal Relics, should be able to—"
Blood whipped over Drar's cheek, bathing him as my spear came a centimeter from his eye. There was no sound, no explosion, only an expansive withering as Darkness spiraled around my spear that had pierced the heart of Alzimar.
"Such a shame." I mused as my Darkness exploded within the First Prince's body, withering his soul, cultivation, and life. "I heard this is how Aldrich was critically injured. But don't worry, I've plan's for your soul."
"N….noo…nooo," Plead Alzimar, opening and closing his mouth as his flesh withered away. Leaving nothing but mummified remains, as his soul became nothing more them embers barely capable of releasing flame.
"Die now," I said, turning his body to dust. I opened my palm taking hold of his soul, and smiled. "You did well, Drar. Very well. You ready?"
Drar nodded grimly and did a small bow," Yes, Master."
Noctem flashed, carving deep over the chest of Drar, nicking his heart. I infected his entire body with Darkness. Blood danced over the blood-stain Hell Roots, allowing them to shine brighter as space once again trembled.
Beleth was about to descend… and save Drar.