Scene Shift: In the Ninefold Hell Realm...
A meeting was held.
Nine figures sat on thrones carved from shadow, their presence warping the air around them.
Their names
Maulther, Lord of Oblivion
Velgrath, Lord of Rage
Nyxaviel, Lady of Deceit
Tharion, Lord of Pestilence
Zeramok, Lord of Chains
Kharzun, Lord of Hunger
Vaelgor, Lord of Madness
Xaltherion, Lord of Ruin
Elyzra, Lady of Despair
Zeramok leaned forward, his voice cold and amused. "I heard there was a toy running loose in your hell."
Velgrath growled. "I heard it too. Why haven't you gotten rid of it yet?"
Nyxaviel chuckled softly. "Ohhh, Brother Maulther… you are so lucky that you have toys to play with. Why don't any toys come to my place?"
Kharzun licked his lips. "Can I eat it?"
Vaelgor twitched, laughing. "Did you think of anything else except eating?"
Elyzra sighed. "How noisy you two..."
Xaltherion spoke, his voice like crumbling stone. "I am also curious, Brother Maulther. Why haven't you gotten rid of him yet?"
Maulther finally spoke, his voice slow and fading like a dying echo. "It's my wish to do anything in my hell… so mind your own business."
Vaelgor twitched, laughing under his breath. "Oh brother, you're acting so cocking."
Velgrath slammed his fist against the armrest. "Tch. You always act like you're above us. That mortal should've been ash by now."
Nyxaviel sighed, her voice laced with boredom. "How boring… hmm."
Tharion hissed. "Well, what are you planning to do then?"
Kharzun snarled. "I still want to eat him."
Maulther's voice cut through the noise. "Silent. Father is sleeping."
The chamber fell quiet.
Then Xaltherion spoke, his tone heavier than stone. "Well, brother… There a things I want to talk about."
All eyes turned to him.
Maulther leaned forward. "What is it?"
Xaltherion spoke. "I felt the presence… of that person."
Tharion hissed again. "Don't. He was sealed."
Elyzra whispered. "If it's truly him… then we have to be cautious."
Zeramok's chains rattled. "Things like this don't happen. It's impossible… unless someone did this."
Maulther's voice echoed once more. "Are you certain?"
Xaltherion nodded.
Scene Shift
Adil's body hit the ground hard.
Smoke filled the cave, thick and choking.
His right side was scorched—skin burned, nerves screaming. The Mana Arm Detonation had torn through the Zider's mouth, but the price was steep.
He groaned, barely able to move.
His vision blurred.
The cave spun.
Even through the pain, he could hear it—the Zider still breathing.
The monster hadn't died.
It twitched, its massive body slumped against the wall, blood pouring from its mouth—but its eyes were still open.
Still burning.
Adil clenched his teeth.
"Even after that… It's still alive?"
He tried to stand, but his legs buckled.
The blade he'd used was melted, lying in a pool of acidic sludge.