Chapter 77: Perfection
Ethan, fueled by an unyielding determination, relentlessly throws punches at Lúcifer, each strike an embodiment of his indomitable will. But Lúcifer, with an air of amusement, effortlessly dodges his every blow, taunting him with each graceful evasion. As Ethan pushes himself further, his power grows exponentially, surpassing the boundaries of comprehension with each passing second. He multiplies his Damon Burst, amplifying its intensity to staggering levels. With every increase, his skin peels away at an accelerated pace, the excruciating pain he endures only fueling his resolve. The mere mortal sensations of agony cannot contain the inferno raging within him, as he transcends the realms of life and death, becoming an immortal force.
As Ethan shouts, "Damon Burst times 300x!", then "Damon Burst times 400x!", his body undergoes an unimaginable transformation. The searing heat of his power causes his very essence to merge with the cosmic inferno that engulfs him. It is as if every star in every conceivable timeline has coalesced into a minuscule point, a supernova of omnipotent energy. Yet, even this otherworldly heat pales in comparison to the intensity coursing through Ethan's being.
With each punch, he unleashes the full weight of his existence, his voice echoing with every strike. Yet, Lúcifer remains elusive, mocking him at every turn. "Is this all you can muster? Come now, push yourself further!" Lúcifer effortlessly sidesteps Ethan's punches, reveling in his adversary's exhaustion.
Undeterred, Ethan bites his lips until they explode in a burst of blood, his voice strained but resolute. "Damon Burst times 10,000x!" In this state, Ethan's form deteriorates to its most fundamental components, reduced to nothing but organs and bones. He attacks with a ferocity and speed that defies comprehension, surpassing the limits of his physical vessel.
In a fleeting moment, Ethan manages to land a blow on Lúcifer. But the fallen angel grabs his hands before the punch connects, The relentless exertion finally takes its toll on Ethan. Unable to sustain the overwhelming power of the Damon Burst, he comes to a halt, his skin and hair returning to their former state in an instant. Breathing heavily, he locks eyes with Lúcifer, weariness etched into every fiber of his being. He speaks with a voice strained by exhaustion, "I... I can't hold the Damon Burst anymore."
Through the haze of fatigue, Ethan gazes at Lúcifer, trying to make sense of the unfathomable being before him. "I am the god, the creator of ALL, and you... you're in my world," he says, his words almost incoherent due to his weakened state.
Lúcifer, with a sinister smile, acknowledges Ethan's claim. "Yes, you are the creator, and I am Lúcifer. Our destinies were entwined long before this confrontation. We were fated for this moment," he responds, a strange glint in his blood-red eyes.
Confusion consumes Ethan's expression, causing his form to shift erratically. His once dazzling long black hair and three halos morph back into a more familiar sight: blond hair and piercing blue eyes. As the haze clears, he looks at Lúcifer, still struggling to comprehend the situation. "What do you mean by 'fated for this'? What are you trying to say?" he asks, his voice wavering between exhaustion and curiosity.
Lúcifer's form remains stoic, and he begins to unravel the enigmatic tapestry of Ethan's Life. "You are the creator of ALL," he reiterates, "You fashioned me and Michael, shaped entire realities, and watched universes being born and perishing. You existed long before the concept of time itself was even conceived. But with eons stretching before you, boredom set in, and you decided to relinquish half of your divine power to me and my brother."
Ethan listens intently, his eyes fixed on Lúcifer, trying to process the astonishing revelation. "I... I gave away half of my power?" he mutters, disbelief coloring his tone. "But why? Why would I do such a thing?"
Lúcifer's voice grows more resolute as he delves into the depths of their shared history. "You sought a change, a new perspective on existence," he explains. "To achieve this, you chose to become an ordinary being in one of your favorite universes, with no recollection of your true self. You wiped your memories clean, and as a mere mortal, you experienced the myriad facets of life."
Ethan's face slowly shifts from confusion to acceptance, his expression relaxing as the pieces of the puzzle fall into place. "So... I wanted to experience life as a regular person, to escape the weight of divinity and embrace the unpredictability of the unknown," he murmurs, a sense of understanding washing over him.
Lúcifer nods, acknowledging Ethan's realization. "Precisely," he confirms. "You became an infant in one of your cherished universes, living a life without any knowledge of your godly origins. I never expected that we would cross paths again, but time is an unpredictable force. Through the god of talisman and Damon, I found a way to confront you, to exact my revenge for the countless eons of torment you inflicted on lower beings."
Ethan takes in Lúcifer's words, contemplating the significance of their shared history. "So, this entire conflict between us... It's all rooted in our intertwined past," he states, his voice holding a sense of finality.
Lúcifer nods, a haunting smirk gracing his lips. "Yes, it is," he confirms. "And now, I shall make you pay for the suffering you've caused."
Ethan's features relax, a sense of understanding washing over him. "Finally, the pieces of this intricate puzzle fall into place," he murmurs. Driven by his newfound clarity, he descends into the void, focused on reaching Michael in the other dimension. But Lúcifer, flying alongside him, continues to taunt and belittle him. "You truly believe you can outpace me? You're too slow, my dear adversary."
With a calm resolve, Ethan responds, "No, but he can." In that moment, Xerathos materializes out of thin air, releasing a massive red beam aimed directly at Lúcifer.