Returning to the castle, Theo wastes no time. His mind is already processing the information he received during the meeting with Lucifer. He knows that Belial is a real threat and that his territory cannot be left unprepared. With firm steps, he crosses the castle's corridors until he reaches the strategy room, where a large map of his domain is spread out on the central table.
"Move the troops to the borders," Theo orders his officers, who await his instructions attentively. "We will double security in vulnerable areas and reinforce key points. We cannot allow Belial to gain the upper hand."
One of the demon commanders raises his hand, worried.
—Do you think Belial will attack soon, master?
Theo nods, his gaze cold but confident.
—If she tries anything, she won't have the luxury of time. We'll be anticipating her movements. I want scouts to report every last detail. If we find the slightest hint of activity in neighboring territories, I want to be notified immediately.
"As you command, my lord," the officers respond in unison, bowing before dispersing to carry out Theo's orders.
Theo looks at the map once more. "I can't let Belial win this war before it even begins ," he thinks as he heads to the main tower to watch as his forces begin to mobilize.
In a dark and secret place, beneath a rundown bar in the depths of Hell, Belial meets with his closest allies. Moloch, ever stealthy and calculating, stands next to Mot, a hooded demon whose presence causes palpable discomfort.
Belial smirks, his presence imposing in the small hideout. It was clear he had a much bolder plan than Lucifer imagined.
"Lucifer thinks he has time," Belial begins, his voice dripping with venom. "It'll take me a month to get to his castle, but we're going to surprise him. The new War Rider is our key. If we take his castle, we take his teleporter."
Mot, with a growl, seems impatient.
—Do you think it will be that easy? That boy... Theo, is he worthy of being the war rider?
Belial narrows his eyes, displaying a menacing calm.
—He's young, inexperienced. Lucifer will have underestimated him too. And if the rider falls... with the teleporter in our hands, we'll reach Lucifer's castle in an instant.
Moloch nods slowly, his expression still inscrutable.
—It's a risky plan, but if it works... Lucifer won't see it coming.
Belial crosses her arms, satisfied with the strategy.
—Exactly. While Lucifer moves his troops to try to find me, his castle will be vulnerable. We will attack quickly, eliminate the new rider and then... Lucifer will be next.
Mot nods enthusiastically, looking forward to the upcoming battle. Moloch, more cautious, simply remains silent, but in his mind he is already calculating the next moves.
Belial, now more confident than ever, concludes the meeting.
—Prepare yourselves. When we take the War Rider's castle, the era of Lucifer will end.
With those words, the plan is in motion, and the fate of Theo and all of Hell is about to be decided.