Hell's True Monarch

by IvoryMage

At the end, the Bearer of the Curse chose to leave the Throne of Want, going in search of something beyond Light and Dark. On this new path, an accident leads the True Monarch to a world inhabited by angels and demons. What seems to be another curse, however, becomes a blessing, as the weary monarch finds long-sought solace among an unlikely group of demons, an angel, and a human.

4. Shattered Soul

"So... hot... Can't... breathe…"

Feeling utterly suffocated, Alinoth hastily removes his helm, desperately gasping for air. The Bearer of the Curse ignores the chaos of the war raging around him, collapsing to his knees and using his Moonlight Greatsword as a crutch. His lungs strain to draw breath, but the effort is proving futile.

The air in the Old Chaos was thick and stiflingly oppressive. The infernal heat from the surrounding waterfalls of primordial lava - far worse than even Iron Keep - mixed with the foul stench of brimstone as both filled Alinoth's nostrils. In this demonic realm, even breathing had become a battle, another arduous trial for the Bearer of the Curse.

A primal roar suddenly pulls Alinoth from his trance. High above him, a Charred Loyce Knight, corrupted by the flames, raises its great halberd, preparing to strike. The corrupted knight swings down, intent on cleaving Alinoth's head from his shoulders.

Cursing inwardly, Alinoth lifts his Moonlight Greatsword to defend, but the blow never lands. In a flash, a Soul Arrow whizzes past him, striking the Charred Knight squarely in the head and instantly decapitating it.

Turning, Alinoth is met by the sight of an uncorrupted Loyce Knight, one of the many who had entered the Old Chaos with him. The knight's silver armor gleamed in the eerie glow of the lava as she hurried toward Alinoth.

"My lord! On your feet!" the knight shouted, grabbing Alinoth by the arm and pulling him upright with no hesitation. Once on his feet, the knight quickly inspected Alinoth for any injuries.

"I'm fine, soldier. I-"

Before Alinoth could finish, another Charred Knight in the distance hurled a fireball toward them. This time, Alinoth was faster. He shoved the uncorrupted knight out of the way and swung his Moonlight Greatsword, releasing a wave of pure moonlight. The wave sliced through the air, obliterating the fireball before cleaving the charred knight cleanly in half.

On the ground, the Loyce Knight watched everything in awe as Alinoth approached.

"...I appreciate you for your concern and your help, soldier." Alinoth said, offering his hand and pulling the knight back to her feet. "But we cannot afford distractions now."

The knight gave a sharp nod, gripping her sword and shield with renewed determination.

Alinoth allowed himself a brief smile before refocusing on the battlefield. His Moonlight Greatsword and Blue Flame were tightly gripped in his hands as his gaze scanned the carnage once more.

The sounds of war echoed throughout the Old Chaos - a cacophony of clashing steel, roaring spells, and the agonized screams of the dying. All around them, Loyce Knights battled fiercely against an endless horde of Charred Knights, their own corrupted brethren, twisted by the flames of the Old Chaos lifetimes ago. Trained from birth, the uncorrupted knights fought with the sole purpose of extinguishing those flames and freeing their fallen kin - now with Alinoth as their new leader.

Alinoth raised his Blue Flame, casting Homing Crystal Soul Mass. The crystallized orbs hovered above his head as he charged toward a group of Charred Knights overwhelming a smaller band of Loyce Knights. The soul masses shot forward, piercing several enemies, and Alinoth followed close behind, dispatching the remaining foes with swift, precise strikes. His movements were fluid and unrelenting, giving his enemies no time to react.

This pattern repeated across the battlefield. With a deadly combination of physical prowess and arcane mastery, Alinoth cut down the Charred Knights faster than the rest of the Loyce army. Both his swordplay and spell usage - effortless yet devastating - were a spectacle in itself, with each swing of the blades and spells casted brimming with supernatural speed and precision. It was as if Alinoth was dancing amidst the carnage, finding a strange solace in the heat of battle.

The Loyce Knights, inspired by the Bearer of the Curse, cheered him on, chanting his name with unwavering reverence. Renewed by his prowess, they charged forward, throwing themselves against their corrupted kin with newfound vigor. Slowly but surely, the tide was turning.

But as quickly as the Charred Knights fell, more appeared from the depths of the Old Chaos, pouring through the dozens of portals that littered the battlefield.

"The portals! Seal them now!" Alinoth commanded, dispatching another group of corrupted foes.

He didn't need to say it twice. Moving in the perfect synchrony they were trained, the Loyce Knights surged toward the portals, cutting down any opposition that stood in their path. Near the cursed objects, the knights raised their weapons high, their armor and blades glowing with blue energy - magic taught to them by Alsanna, their beloved queen. Plunging their swords into the heart of the portals, they unleashed their magic, encasing the rifts in thick mounds of ice. One by one, the portals were sealed, their twisted flames frozen in place.

With the portals dealt with, the battle became less suffocating. The Charred Knights, now without reinforcements, began to fall more quickly - whether to Alinoth's blade or the might of the Loyce army. The final blow was delivered by Alinoth himself. Aligning his enemies in his sights, he cast a single Crystal Soul Spear, the powerful magic piercing through the last five remaining foes, cleansing the battlefield in one stroke.

"Yes! We did it!" A great cheer erupted from the surviving Loyce Knights. Cries of victory echoed throughout the Old Chaos as they celebrated their triumph, many of them praising Alinoth, chanting his name as they would do with their own king.

But not all shared in the celebration. Many knights stood silently, kneeling in mourning for their fallen comrades - both the living and the corrupted. The Charred Knights, twisted by the flames, had once been proud defenders of Eleum Loyce, giving their lives to hold back the spread of chaos. Even in their corrupted state, they deserved the highest honor for the sacrifice they made in defense of their kingdom.

Alinoth, however, remained indifferent to the praise. His thoughts lingered on something far darker. Deep within the heart of the Old Chaos, he could still feel it - his soul, burning and twisted in agony, barely resisting the corruption that threatened to fully consume him.

The battle was won, but Alinoth knew all too well - the real war was just beginning.

Suddenly, the Old Chaos was rocked by violent tremors, causing several knights to stumble and fall to the ground. At the edge of the scorched granite platform where they stood, two colossal monoliths emerged from the depths of the chaos, rising ominously into place. These towering stones positioned themselves to form a massive portal. It didn't take long for the portal to activate with the chaotic flames that embodied this twisted realm.

For a moment, the flames moved in a strange rhythm, almost orderly, before spiraling violently and erupting from the portal. From the heart of the flames, a lone figure slowly emerged, walking with a measured pace, a massive blade gripped firmly in his left hand.

A deafening silence fell over the Loyce Knights as the figure stepped fully through the portal, revealing himself. He was as tall as Alinoth, draped in heavy, blackened armor. What remained of its original ivory hue could only be seen in faint, scorched traces. A tattered, colorless cape fluttered behind him, and a helm with a carved face surveyed the assembly.

"My king..." one of the knights whispered, followed by a chorus of murmurs from the others.

The Ivory King of Eleum Loyce, now burnt and corrupted by the flames of the Old Chaos, stood tall, even though his once-loyal subjects could only gaze upon him with sorrow.

"Stand back, all of you. He's mine." Alinoth warned the remaining Loyce Knights. "I know he is your king, but none of you can face him now. He's far too powerful."

With steely resolve, Alinoth walked toward the fallen monarch, both of his blades at the ready, assuming a combat stance. The Bearer of the Curse fixed his gaze on the Burnt Ivory King, not even blinking.

The fallen monarch seemed to finally acknowledge Alinoth's presence, his gaze piercing through the slits of his sealed helm. The air grew heavier as the Ivory King took a few tentative steps forward, as if testing the waters, gauging his foe. Despite his corruption, it was clear he had retained his legendary combat prowess. This would be a battle unlike any Alinoth had ever faced.

Without warning, the Ivory King struck, charging forward with blinding speed, his ultra greatsword raised to deliver a lethal blow. But Alinoth was ready. Tightening his grip on both blades, the Bearer of the Curse rushed forward to meet him.

The clash of their weapons echoed through the Old Chaos, the sound sharp and fierce, like thunder in a violent storm. Alinoth pressed hard, gripping the hilt of his Moonlight Greatsword with all his strength, launching attack after attack at every opening he could find. But it was no easy task. The Ivory King, despite being ravaged by Chaos, fought with extraordinary skill and precision. His swordsmanship and mastery of magic rivaled Alinoth's.

Each of the monarch's moves was deliberate, his coordination flawless - comparable to the greatest warriors Alinoth had ever faced, such as Sir Alonne. The battle became even more perilous when the Ivory King infused his greatsword with magic, extending its reach and heightening its lethality. Yet, as they fought, Alinoth sensed something strange. There was an odd rhythm to the Ivory King's movements - occasionally, his attacks would falter or become erratic. It was as if the monarch's original self was struggling to regain control over his corrupted body. Alinoth realized he might be able to exploit this weakness.

The Ivory King lunged again, their swords colliding with a resounding crash. Alinoth, muscles straining, grit his teeth in frustration as the monarch pushed him back once more. But then, the Ivory King hesitated. His movements became more sluggish, and from beneath his helm came a deep, guttural voice.

"No... I will not…"

That was the opening Alinoth needed. He drove the monarch back with all his might, creating just enough distance to act. With a swift motion, Alinoth raised his Blue Flame and cast a Crystal Soul Spear, aiming directly for the king's head. The spell shot forth at lightning speed, giving the Ivory King no time to react as it struck its target with a deafening crash.

The impact shattered the Ivory King's helm, sending it spinning through the air before it clattered to the ground. Blood dripped from the monarch's exposed face as he pressed a hand to the wound. For a moment, time seemed to stop.

Sensing the moment of vulnerability, Alinoth prepared to deliver the final blow. But just as he was about to strike, something unexpected happened. The Ivory King dropped his sword and gripped his head now with both hands, letting out a deep, agonized scream that echoed through the entire chaotic realm. His body writhed violently, as though fighting an internal struggle far more savage than the battle with Alinoth.

The Loyce Knights began to murmur among themselves, watching their king's suffering with growing unease. Alinoth, momentarily stunned, resumed his stance, ready to end it once and for all - until a voice cut through the chaos.

"Alinoth..."

The Bearer of the Curse froze. The voice was unmistakably that of the Ivory King.

"Alinoth…"

"W-what…?" Alinoth's confusion deepened as the king removed his hands from his head and turned to face him, revealing his charred features.

Half of the monarch's face was burned beyond recognition, his fiery yellow eyes a testament to the power of the Old Chaos. Yet the other half was untouched, pale and regal, with snow-white hair that flowed to his shoulders. In fact, the Ivory King looked eerily similar to the Bearer of the Curse.

The Ivory King took slow, unsteady steps toward Alinoth, his gaze filled with agony and sorrow.

"Alinoth…" he whispered, softer this time. "Help me…"

As the king approached, Alinoth was suddenly overwhelmed with a searing pain in his head. He dropped his swords, clutching his skull as the Darksign on his shoulder began to burn with an intensity that nearly brought the undead to his knees.

"What... what is happening?!" he cried out.

Visions suddenly flooded Alinoth's mind, fragments. He saw a white-haired boy, praised by his parents, while a young Alinoth watched, neglected in the shadows. He saw the boy training with a sword, while Alinoth read about sorcery from a distant window. Alinoth saw a younger version of himself attempting to practice with a blade, only to fail miserably. The same boy from before offered him help, only to be angrily rejected by Alinoth.

These weren't just visions… They were memories! Memories of a life Alinoth had lost to the undead curse. And in every memory, the white-haired boy was there, and later a grown man.

A man that… Alinoth's eyes filled with tears as the fog of his forgotten past cleared, and a name surfaced.

"L-Logan…?" Alinoth whispered, staring at the Ivory King as he finally remembered who he was.

---

Alinoth jolted awake, his breath ragged, chest heaving as if he had been fighting for years non-stop. His heart pounded against his ribs, a heavy, relentless drumbeat, all while his eyes ran though his surroundings at all speeds. The remnants of his nightmare clung to him like damp mist, refusing to dissipate in the dim, still air of Justice's bedroom. The sheets were twisted around his legs, and his pillow was soaked with sweat.

For a long moment, the monarch lay there, disoriented, trying to catch his breath and shake off the cold tendrils of fear that wrapped around his throat. The familiar sights of the room gradually emerged from the darkness. The soft glow of the moon through the curtains - a reminder that he was in this new world - safe. But the dream still lingered, too vivid, too real, as they always felt like.

Logan...

Alinoth closed his eyes again, but the image of Logan's charred face burned behind his eyelids. To see him after so long, in that corrupted state... Alinoth would never forget the feeling - it was forever carved into his very soul.

Alinoth shuddered. The memory of Logan's death was something he had buried deep, locking it away in the farthest corners of his mind. But no matter how hard he tried, the memories always surfaced in his dreams, together with many others about his failures - distorted, haunting, inescapable. It had been millions of years since Alinoth was forced to take Logan's life, millions of years trying to move on, trying to forget the guilt that gnawed at him in quiet moments.

Knowing very well that he wouldn't be able to go back to sleep, Alinoth decides to get up. With a groan, the Bearer of the Curse pushed himself up the mattresses he was laying upon, untangling the sheets from around his legs. Alinoth stood up, his bare feet touching the cold wooden floor, and rubbed his face with his hands.

Justice still slept peacefully on her own bed, and the monarch wasn't worried that he accidentally woke her or anyone else. Given the power of the pyromancy Alinoth used by accident a few hours ago, the monarch could do all the noise he wanted that absolutely no one would wake up.

But that meant that the house was silent, filled with the kind of silence that pressed against your ears and made your own thoughts louder. Alinoth's pulse still raced, his mind churning with images of Logan, the dream, the weight of loss that never seemed to lift. He couldn't stay inside, not with the echoes of his nightmare still rattling in his skull. Maybe a breath of fresh air would help. Maybe the sight of the night sky and the stars would manage to calm him down, like they did before.

With that thought, Alinoth made his way to the door, squeezing through the door frame as he proceeded to walk down the hallway, going down the stairs and walking into the kitchen, proceeding towards the glass door that separated the kitchen from the garden outside.

However, in the middle of the way, Alinoth was taken by a feeling, turning unusually alert, as if something had shifted just now. The monarch felt a sudden weight pressing against his chest, and his head hummed with a strange, low frequency. The room around him looked the same - moonlight filtering through the windows, the scenery of the kitchen looking exactly the same... But something felt off, like the world had tilted slightly off its axis. A feeling so odd, but at the same time... so strangely familiar.

Alinoth rubbed his temples and pushed himself on the direction of the glass door that led to the back garden, hoping some fresh air and the view of the stars would shake the feeling. But as he made his way to the door, staring blankly at the glass, he noticed something peculiar. The glass seemed to pulse, expanding and contracting ever so slightly, as if they were breathing. The monarch blinked rapidly, shaking his head, trying to dispel the image, but it persisted.

Alinoth's heavy breathing could be heard echoing in the empty kitchen. "No..." he muttered. "It's just in my head. That isn't real."

But the breathing glass was only the beginning.

As he moved into the garden, the feeling of the grass under his bare feet, the unsettling sensations followed him like a shadow. The stars and the moon above him, having provided comfort for Alinoth mere hours ago, now seemed eerily artificial. The leaves from the grand tree from the garden swayed, but not with the wind - no, they swayed to a rhythm, synchronized like dancers in an invisible performance.

Alinoth's heart pounded. His breath quickened even further. No... this couldn't be happening! Not again!

Suddenly, the world around Alinoth began to change. Everything around the monarch began shifting and melting into each other like wax. The sky above him flickered between a bluish dark and a violent yellow-white, the moon and the stars being replaced by twisted, demonic roots.

He tried to remain calm, tried to keep his composure, but it was becoming impossible to ignore. Every sound, every sight was twisting, warping into something unrecognizable. Even the smells...! He didn't know how much longer he could hold on.

Alinoth was then suddenly hit by a painful migraine, so intense it made the monarch claw his head, trying to swing that away. He also started to hear multiple whispers in his ears, all from extremely familiar voices.

'Father, why didn't you help me?'

'You killed us, Alinoth. You killed us all.'

'You allowed what happened to us. You raised that monster.'

'My daughter is dead because of you!'

'I loved you as a father, and that's how you repay me?!'

No... No, it wasn't true! He didn't kill them! They were all killed by that bastard god! Alinoth avenged them! He... He...

The Bearer of the Curse couldn't take it anymore. Collapsing onto the floor, his breath came out in ragged gasps. The voices... they wouldn't stop. Every single one of them blaming Alinoth, saying how he failed with each one of them.

"Please, stop!" Alinoth yelled at the winds. "No more, I beg you!"

Strangely, it seemed to have worked. The whispers of the dead suddenly stopped, as if they never had even begun. Moving his hands away from his head, Alinoth slowly opened his eyes, hoping that everything was once again back to normal...

But how naive he was.

His hopes were quickly crushed once the True Monarch didn't see himself at the back garden of the Helltaker's house, but instead on the dreadful, yet familiar scenario of the Old Chaos.

"No! No, no, no, not here! Anywhere, but here!" The monarch yelled, but no one was there to listen.

Getting up in panic, Alinoth began to watch his surroundings frantically, trying to seek a way out, but only seeing the twisted fires of chaos. The Bearer of the Curse was so overwhelmed with everything that he didn't have the time to react when he was suddenly punched right at the face by an unknown assailant.

The punch was strong enough to take Alinoth down to the ground. As the monarch tried to get up, he was suddenly grabbed by the neck and held up in the air against a stone wall.

The grip around the monarch's neck was so brutal that it sent sharp waves of pain through his body, choking the breath from Alinoth's lungs. The Bearer of the Curse thrashed wildly in midair, struggling desperately to break free from his captor, but it was useless. His teeth clenched, fury burning in his chest as he forced his eyes open to see the face of his attacker…

Only for his anger to be replaced with shock and disbelief.

"L-Logan...?!"

It was him. Logan, the Ivory King of Eleum Loyce - one of the few who truly deserved the title of monarch...

…and Alinoth's older brother.

Logan's partially burned face was twisted in pure hatred, tightening his grip on Alinoth's throat.

"Logan, what are you doing?! It's me! Alinoth! Your… brother!" Alinoth gasped, forcing the words out through his constricted throat as he fought against Logan's merciless hold.

With a grimace, Logan leaned closer, bringing his face just inches from Alinoth's. At this distance, the True Monarch could see every detail in Logan's eyes - now a searing, unnatural yellow, glowing with the flames of chaos that burned fiercely behind them.

"You are my brother no longer." Logan's words were cold and final. Flames ignited in his right hand, and he slowly moved the fire closer to Alinoth's face.

"You did nothing to save me. You did nothing to save my kingdom! When the flames of chaos consumed me, I cried out your name to the point I lost my voice, but you never came!" Logan roared, slamming Alinoth against the wall with rage.

"But I came for you!" Tears now welled up in Alinoth's eyes, no longer held back.

"YOU DIDN'T CAME FOR ME! You came for my crown! For my soul! For my POWER!" Logan's voice erupted in fury as he hurled Alinoth against the stone once more.

"You never cared about me. You never loved me! I tried to get close to you, but all you ever did was push me away! You were always jealous of me!"

"But I loved you, brother..." Tears streamed down Alinoth's face. "Despite everything I said, everything I did… I loved you more than anything. You were the only one in our family who didn't saw me as a disappointment. You believed in me. You never gave up on me."

Alinoth's head dropped, eyes shut tight as sobs wracked his body. "I'm sorry I kept you at a distance… I'm sorry I never showed you the praise you deserved… I'm sorry, brother. I'm so, so sorry…"

For a fleeting moment, it seemed Alinoth's words had penetrated the chaos that consumed Logan's heart. His eyes, once ablaze with fury, faded back to their natural blue, and for an instant, it felt like Alinoth's beloved brother was still there, struggling to break free...

But that hope quickly vanished.

Logan's eyes burned yellow again, his jaw tightening as the charred monarch raised his hand toward Alinoth's face, summoning the fiercest flame he could muster.

"Empty apologies, Alinoth! More hollow promises, like always!"

Alinoth's scream was so piercing, so filled with agony, that not even the relentless roar of the lava falls of the Old Chaos could drown it out. The fire Logan cast was unlike any pain Alinoth had ever felt, more excruciating than even the most powerful attacks from any of the Outer Gods.

Logan funneled every ounce of his bitterness, all the fury and resentment he had carried, into that flame - directed at his younger brother.

"LOGAN! PLEASE! STOP! I BEG YOU!" Alinoth cried, but his desperate pleas fell on deaf ears.

The pain was unbearable, but not just physically. The betrayal - his own brother, the one he loved above all - struck deeper than any physical wound. It shattered Alinoth's heart into a thousand pieces.

As he teetered on the edge of unconsciousness, Alinoth felt the flames devouring his flesh, burning him to the bone. He had reached his breaking point; he could endure no more. In a last-ditch effort, Alinoth conjured the Crystal Soul Spear, channeling all his remaining strength into a single strike at Logan's arm, the one holding his face. The spell connected, severing Logan's right arm and freeing Alinoth from his fiery grasp.

But at that same moment, Alinoth felt an intense pain in his own right arm.

It didn't matter. Any love or sorrow Alinoth had once felt for his brother had been replaced by an all-consuming rage. His face had been burned down to the bone, his skin scorched away, and his right eye completely destroyed.

With his face now resembling a Darkwraith's mask, Alinoth glared at Logan through his one remaining eye. Ignoring the agony coursing through his body, the True Monarch prepared a powerful pyromancy, ready to strike down his own brother.

But before he could release the spell, thick roots erupted from the ground, wrapping tightly around him and pinning him in place. The Bearer of the Curse fought against them, thrashing wildly, snarling like a feral beast in his desperate attempt to break free.

"LET ME GO! GET OFF ME!" Alinoth screamed, struggling against the roots, but his efforts were futile.

Suddenly, a deep, guttural voice echoed in his ears - familiar and pleading: "Alinoth! Calm yourself, child! Regain your senses!"

Yet, Alinoth didn't listen, still consumed by his rage, still trying to summon his pyromancy. But then, something changed - a strange calm began to flow through him, spreading to his very core. As the seconds passed, his anger started to ebb, and his wild movements slowed, until finally, he stopped struggling altogether, overwhelmed by exhaustion.

He felt himself gently lifted from the ground and set down, his back resting against something solid. His breathing steadied. Slowly, Alinoth raised his head, and with his remaining eye, he was startled to realize he was no longer in the Old Chaos.

The True Monarch found himself once again in the garden of the Helltaker's home, leaning against the grand tree. Across from him loomed the colossal, twisted figure of Aldia. The Scholar's single eye fixed on Alinoth with an unreadable gaze, while several of Aldia's fiery roots coiled around the monarch. These flames, however, were not destructive; instead, they radiated a soothing warmth, imbued with healing energy.

"Aldia…" Alinoth muttered, though speaking was difficult now, as he no longer had lips.

"Hush, child. Rest as I heal you." The Scholar's voice was unexpectedly soft and gentle, his feminine tone rising above the others.

"What…" Alinoth began, but trailed off as he became acutely aware of an intense pain coming from his right arm. Raising the limb, he stared in shock - not at what was there, but at what was missing. His right forearm was gone, in its place a stump that bled thick, black blood, devoid of any light. For many, this sight would be horrifying, but to Alinoth, it was routine.

This was the Blood of the Dark Soul, which had flowed through Alinoth's veins for millions of years - ever since he wrested it from Slave Knight Gael during their first battle, a conflict that would be repeated across countless worlds and timelines.

His severed arm lay nearby on the ground, stretched out and lifeless, with muscles and bone jutting out from the stump. Glancing around, Alinoth saw black blood staining the green grass - a testament to the extent of his injuries.

"W-what…?" Reality finally hit him.

Logan wasn't real. The Old Chaos, his brother burning his face - it was all an illusion.

The searing pain, the fire that scorched his face - it was self-inflicted. Alinoth had burned his own face to the bone, believing it was his brother's doing. His right arm, like his face, was a casualty of his own madness, severed and charred as he frantically cast spells in a desperate attempt to escape his own grip.

Alinoth exhaled a breath he didn't realize he had been holding, resting against the massive tree behind him. His mind had betrayed him once more. He had been fighting nothing but illusions - phantoms born of his ailing mind. It wasn't the first time Alinoth had suffered from such hallucinations, but never before had they led him to harm himself so severely.

For now, he sat in silence, lost in thought. Aldia's healing flames, combined with Alinoth's own regenerative abilities, worked swiftly to restore his body. The bruises, cuts, and burns faded rapidly. The bone from his arm regenerated, growing back to its original form, followed by muscle, blood vessels, skin, and body hair. His face, too, healed layer by layer, until finally, his beard returned to its former shape and length.

The monarch lifted his restored hand, tracing the newly healed skin of his face, touching his nose before moving to his white beard, running his fingers through the familiar texture.

Physically, it was as if nothing had happened. His body was flawless, without a single scar from what just happened. But in exchange, his mind had suffered a deeper blow. The weight of it all - hallucinations, the memories, centuries of suffering - descended upon him, crushing Alinoth beneath its immense burden. For so long, he had been fighting against his own mind, drowning in guilt and delusion.

"Alinoth…" Aldia's voice broke the silence, attempting to provide comfort, but the moment was already lost.

The True Monarch fell forward, embracing Aldia's roots as tightly as he could, the tears tearing through his eyes with a force he couldn't control. Alinoth cried like a child, tired of holding anything else back, his body trembling as Aldia held him tight the best the scholar could. Alinoth's chest heaved with every breath, and the tears that had been held back for thousands of years streamed down his face. The walls he had built, the defenses he had erected to protect himself, all crumbled.

"Aldia..." Alinoth choked out between sobs, his voice raw. "I'm so tired, Aldia. I'm so, so tired…"

He wanted to scream... He wanted to let the rage consume him and destroy everything around... But he couldn't. He couldn't do anything but cry.

"Hush, child. Let it all out. I am here for you. Always." Aldia's voice was as low and soothing as it could be.

Alinoth wiped his face with the back of his hand, his breaths still shaky. "I-" His words faltered. "I thought I was getting better... I thought I was able to move on..." Alinoth whispered, his voice barely audible. "But every time I close my eyes, all I see are their faces, their... corpses - staring at me, judging me... And when I started to be pested by these hallucinations..."

He rubbed his eyes, trying to erase the memories. "I don't know what's real anymore."

"You endured a great amount of pain, child. It is no surprise that you struggle against yourself." Aldia said as he warped Alinoth around more of his roots, engulfing him more into his calming flames, doing his best to bring comfort to the disturbed monarch.

"I just want them back, Aldia… I just want each one of them back… My friends… My family…" Alinoth's voice echoed more as a whisper now. "I have all this power within myself; the power to take and grant life, to create and destroy universes… but still I wasn't able to save any of them."

The Scholar of the First Sin didn't let go of Alinoth. He had seen the True Monarch at his worst, many times before. He had seen the panic attacks, the depressive episodes, and the countless moments of Alinoth teetering on the edge. Aldia knew that part of Alinoth's battle was internal - a fight with his mind that had never truly gone away.

"Know that I am here for you, child. Always." Aldia said as soft as a whisper, the female part of his voice standing out. "You are still fighting, just as you always did. And as always, this is a battle you shall win. You shall persevere."

Despite what he was going through, Alinoth manages to let out a bitter laugh, his voice thick with exhaustion. "It doesn't feel like I'm winning."

"For now, child. I shall aid you in whatever I can, and I know that I will not be the only one. The individuals we met... Give it time, I assure each one of them will do their best to aid you." Aldia said.

Alinoth looked at Aldia, and for the first time that night, he felt a flicker of hope. It was small, fragile, but it was there. Aldia had always been there for him, a constant in his life when everything else felt like it was falling apart. And tonight, once again, he had shown up when Alinoth needed him most.

Aldia was more for Alinoth than a teacher, more than a mere friend and ally... Aldia was a father to Alinoth. That twisted, grotesque mass on fire was more of a father figure for the Bearer of the Curse than his own father ever was.

Alinoth wiped his eyes again, this time with a little more resolve. "I don't know what I would do without you..." He said, his voice low as a whisper as he felt his eyes growing heavier.

Aldia's flames kept on working upon Alinoth, bringing great comfort for the weary monarch. Alinoth's body softened completely against Aldia's roots, his breathing growing deep and rhythmic as he finally drifted back into sleep, the storm inside him quieting for the moment.

Making sure that Alinoth was truly asleep, Aldia used his roots and carefully carried the Bearer of the Curse throughout the garden and the house, all the way back to Justice's room - opening the door and placing Alinoth upon the mattresses. At the same time outside, Aldia goes ahead and cleans up the mess caused by the monarch, using his magic to clear all the blood and destroying the severed arm that was left on the ground, leaving the garden as pristine as before.

Aldia even went as far as pulling the blankets over Alinoth and brushing a stray lock of his long white hair from his face. The monarch was peaceful now, free of the torment that had consumed him earlier. Aldia remained there for a moment, watching, his thoughts heavy with concern but also with a fierce protectiveness.

"...You shall be okay, my child. I guarantee you that." Aldia whispered softly, even though Alinoth was too far gone in sleep to hear it.

---

Alinoth blinked at the soft light coming through the curtains of Justice's room, his mind still transitioning between the real world and that of unconsciousness. His last hours of rest were fortunately dreamless, all thanks to Aldia. The monarch could never thank the Scholar of the First Sin enough for everything he ever did for Alinoth. Yet, the memories about the past lingered still inside the monarch's mind, although now much less intense. But still... the weight of them could be felt upon his chest, a heavy, suffocating pressure that he couldn't quite shake, no matter how much he tried.

But as he lay there, trying to gather himself, a certain sound took over his ears. A soft grunt, followed by rhythmic breathing. Then another - a quiet exhale, low but steady. The sound of movement followed, the whisper of feet against the wooden floors.

Alinoth tried to ignore, still quite mentally exhausted. But the sound persisted, drawing his curiosity like a young moth. Slowly, Alinoth lifted his head and turned toward the other side of the room to see what all the fuss was about.

And that was when he fell into a trap.

Any remnant of mental fatigue abandoned Alinoth when he laid eyes on the figure of Justice, dressed in tight, black pants and a sports bra, both pieces highlighting her perfect body. The demon had her back facing Alinoth, all while her body moved in a smooth, controlled motion as she performed squats while holding two dumbbells up next to her head.

The Bearer of the Curse couldn't avoid watching as her legs bent at the knees, lowering herself down with perfect form, then rising back up, her really impressive glutes flexing with each repetition, her tail wagging together… Justice's body as a whole moved with a kind of graceful strength Alinoth hadn't seen in ages.

Her arms, toned and defined, lifting the strength of the dumbbells effortlessly, the muscles in her triceps and shoulders standing out in sharp contrast to her pale skin. Justice had a good shape, but Alinoth hadn't realized just how many muscles she carried until now.

But other aspect of Justice's body he couldn't avoid to realize were the great amount of scars she had all over her skin and muscles, a great amount of them running through her back and he even caught glimpses of a few more in her arms. Alinoth recognized battle scars better than anyone. He himself had an almost infinite amount of them, roads from a map of battles fought and survived. And if his body wasn't completely restored each time he died in the past, he would have even more.

The True Monarch felt quite the pang of guilt for staring, but it was hard not to. Not only was Justice's figure extremely impressive - it also was … mesmerizing. The way Justice's muscles rippled beneath her skin, the soft sheen of sweat glistening on her body as she moved through the routine with precision - it was impressive.

It made it even worse - or better - that such physique made Alinoth remember both Lyanna, his ex-wife, and Lucatiel. Guess that's inevitable when you fall for warrior women.

"So, enjoying the view?"

Alinoth is suddenly taken away from the trance he was caught into when he hears Justice's voice. Shaking his head, he finally notices the demon "looking" back at him over her shoulder with a mischievous grin on her face. She wasn't wearing her signature sunglasses, allowing Alinoth to take a very good look on her blind, grey eyes.

"I- I wasn't staring! I swear on Faraam's name!" Alinoth says that fast, sounding extremely nervous.

"Really? Your heavy breathing says otherwise. That's how I knew you woke up in the first place."

Alinoth's face, thanks to the blood of the Dark Soul inside him, is taken by a shade of black instead of red, as he starts stuttering as he desperately tries to apologize himself, with no coherent word managing to leave his mouth.

Justice couldn't hold her laugh. "What's the matter? Did I embarrass you?"

"Seeing you like that was definitely not the first thing I expected to see this morning..." Alinoth replies, still completely blushing. "What do you think?!"

Justice laughs even louder as she squats one last time, placing both dumbbells on the ground as she fully turns towards Alinoth, giving the monarch a full view of her ripped abs.

"You're so easy to tease. I'll keep that in mind."

"Please, don't…"

"No promises."

"You find amusement in my suffering…"

"Yup."

Alinoth can't help but to smile. "You truly are a demon, my lady."

Justice shrugged. "What can I say? Also, I bet your face is as red as a tomato now."'

'Dark as the Abyss, actually.'

"In any event, get out of your bed, sleepyhead. It is time for us to start our day. By now, Taker should have made some pancakes already."

The mere thought of tasting the pancakes made by the Helltaker once again is enough fuel to motivate Alinoth to get up. Those sweet treats were a true delight, and perhaps they could help on burning the memories about last night.

Meanwhile, Justice takes her glasses, placing them over her eyes as she walks towards the door, not even changing from the gym clothes. She leans herself against the doorframe, crossing her arms as she waits for Alinoth.

"Come on, man. Double time."

"Yeah, just give me a minute."

Opening his bottomless bag, Alinoth considers what to wear. Of course, he could always take his way-to-go Faraam armor, but today he decided to change things up a bit.

Having the perfect choice of attire in mind, Alinoth removes the armor in question from his bag and wears it.

Now about his items… Alinoth hesitates to even grab the Crown of the Ivory King; the Crown of Logan. He swallows, not ready to face that yet. Taking only Lucatiel's mask, Alinoth places the item on his belt as he walks towards Justice. Each step the monarch takes generates a distinctive sound of rustling metal.

"Okay, I'm ready now."

"Are you really wearing armor to eat breakfast?" the demon asks.

"The vast majority of clothing I own is armor. Also, after spending millions of years wearing second skins made of steel, I feel... naked wearing anything else."

Justice crosses her arms for a moment. "You know... it's still strange to hear you say so casually that you're millions of years old."

Alinoth shrugs. "Sometimes, I can't even believe I've been alive this long. The concept of time simply ceased to have meaning for me."

That was something Justice had trouble imagining. Living for so long that the mere concept of time loses meaning to you? Talking about the birth and death of entire worlds so casually? Sure, Justice was thousands of years old, but that was nothing compared to Alinoth.

But anyway, forgetting those unimportant thoughts, Justice and Alinoth finally left the room, making their way downstairs and heading towards the kitchen.

The room in question was already buzzing with activity, with the presence of Lucifer, Judgement, Pandemonica, Modeus, and Zdrada. The Queen of Hell was preparing pancakes, keeping her long white hair tied up in a bun and wearing her characteristic apron as she prepared the batter.

Curiously, the Helltaker was absent.

"So, Lucifer, where's Taker?" Pandemonica questions the CEO of Hell. Curiously, the demon was not drinking a cup of coffee, as was standard every morning. Even stranger was the fact that Pandemonica's horns were bigger, which only happened when she was not tired and her sadistic side blossomed, but the demon was not showing any aggressive or violent traits.

In fact, Pandemonica seemed quite happy, with a genuine smile on her face.

Lucifer shrugs at the other demon's question. "I tried to wake him up, but he remained as still as a stone, not waking up for anything."

"My, my... You two must have had a lot of fun last night, then. Taker is not someone who gets tired easily." Zdrada speaks in an extremely suggestive voice as she lights another cigarette.

"We did nothing last night besides sleep." The Queen of Hell crosses her arms as she stares at the Bitch Demon. "And my tolerance for you smoking inside the house will not be standing. Put that thing away."

Zdrada didn't care about anything Lucifer said. The Bitch Demon takes a long drag on her cigarette, holding the smoke in her lungs for several seconds, before releasing the smoke in Lucifer's direction, all the while maintaining a mocking look and smile and defying authority.

"Make me, 'boss'."

"Zdrada…" The Bitch Demon's blood runs cold and a silent shiver is sent down her spine when she feels Pandemonica's hand on her shoulder. For a split second, she looks away from the other demon, being greeted by a small smile from Pandemonica. "Lucifer is right. Could you, please, smoke later?"

"Seeing a genuine smile on your face is scarier than your sadistic shit." Zdrada comments as she puts out her cigarette with her hand.

"Even I have to say it's odd. What's going on with you today, Pandemonica? You didn't even drank coffee until now." Lucifer questions.

The demon shrugged. "I just had a good night's sleep, surprisingly. Unlike usual, today I managed to wake up completely rested."

The Queen of Hell was going to question Pandemonica about a few more things, but the loud sound of laughter soon echoed through the kitchen, making everyone there look away in the direction the sound was coming from. This laughter was also accompanied by a strange sound of rustling metal, both of them approaching the kitchen.

"Wait, wait, wait... Is this serious?!"

"Totally. One moment we were in a fight to the death, but less than a second after I dodged one of his attacks, he stumbled, fell from the platform where we were, and drowned in the sea."

"And this guy was supposed to be a knight of the highest elite of Drangleic?! One of those who helped found the kingdom?!"

"To be honest, the Dragonriders were already hollowed when I fought them, and they didn't even have the wyverns they were known for riding anymore. But even if they were at full strength, even the greatest ones can be fooled, especially when they least expect it."

Justice stops walking for a few seconds, catching his breath after laughing so hard. "Man... You gotta tell me more of your adventures later. If you have other stories as wacky as this one..."

Alinoth thinks for a second. "I do have a few more I could share, yeah..."

'And many more that will remain hidden, no matter the cost.'

Alinoth and Justice were so busy talking that they barely noticed when they finally reached the kitchen. Once in the room, Alinoth finally finds the eyes of all the demons there on him and Justice.

The sight of the former High Prosecutor in her gym clothes was nothing new, but what genuinely surprised the demons already in the kitchen was Alinoth's armor.

The armor worn by the Bearer of the Curse had a far more imposing appearance than the one he donned the previous day, with a completely inverted color scheme. This new set was forged from matte blackened metal, and at the center of the chestplate was an engraved sigil featuring two dragons. However, what truly stood out was the large black cape draped over Alinoth's shoulders, flowing down his back and nearly touching the ground, adding an air of majestic beauty to the ensemble.

It was unmistakably a suit of armor befitting a monarch.

"Good morning, yall!" Justice greeted cheerfully as she approached the table, pulling out a chair and sitting down.

"Good morning." Alinoth replied as he made his way over. Instead of using a chair like the others, the True Monarch caught everyone off guard as roots suddenly emerged from the ground, twisting and curling until they formed a massive chair, perfectly sized for the monarch. With a look of satisfaction, Alinoth seated himself.

"That was... unexpected." was all Lucifer could manage in response to the display.

Alinoth shrugged casually. "One of the many perks of having Aldia nearby. I would have done this yesterday, but I didn't want to startle you all."

"We appreciate your consideration." Lucifer replied with a nod. "But tell me, Alinoth, how was your first night with us? I trust everything went accordingly?"

Alinoth's smile faltered slightly, his eyes widening for a brief moment. In the blink of an eye, flashes of the haunting memories and nightmares from the night before surged within him, trying to break free. But he quickly forced them back into the depths of his mind, plastering on a smile.

"It's been centuries since I slept this well. I'm grateful to you, Lucifer." Alinoth lied, his composure barely intact.

Fortunately, Lucifer didn't seem to catch on. She simply smiled warmly at the monarch.

"There's no need to thank me, Alinoth. It was nothing." she said, her gaze drifting back to his armor, studying it again. "I must admit, even though I'm not usually fond of bulky armor, the one you're wearing is an exception. It's bold, yet graceful."

"It looks like it offers quite the protection..." Judgement murmured, clearly mesmerized by the armor. When Alinoth turned toward her, though, she quickly averted her eyes, pretending she hadn't spoken.

Alinoth, relieved by the change in conversation, smiled. "I appreciate the kind words. This armor belonged to King Vendrick, and it's one of my favorites."

"Vendrick had excellent taste, it seems."

"When it came to armor, yes. Women, however, were another matter entirely." Alinoth remarked, briefly recalling or Nashandra. "But in all honesty, Drangleic's army was unparalleled in terms of style. Every soldier there looked magnificent. No other kingdom's army could compare when it came to fashion. Vendrick had an eye for beauty, no doubt."

"How impressive is this armor we're talking, exactly?" Justice chimed in after a brief silence.

"Without exaggeration, it's one of the most stunning suits of armor in my collection." Alinoth said proudly. "The cape, in particular, adds a certain grandeur to it."

"Wait... you're wearing a cape?" Justice asked, surprised.

"Yes."

"May I feel it?"

Alinoth raised an eyebrow at her request. "Uh… sure."

Standing up, Alinoth knelt beside Justice to account for their great height difference. Gently, he guided her hand to the fabric of his cape.

"Man, this is so cool..." Justice exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement as she ran her fingers over the material. It was unexpectedly silky, yet sturdy. "And it goes all the way down to the ground?!"

"Why the excitement?" Alinoth asked with a hint of amusement. "Don't you wear a cape yourself?"

"It's just my blazer draped over my shoulders, not a real cape. And a cape that reaches the floor? I've got to get one of those for myself. Capes are just too cool!"

"Hmm…" A thought struck Alinoth as sharply as the Fume Knight's sword. The idea would take time to bring to life, but the mere contemplation of it made him smile.

As Alinoth stood and returned to his chair, he noticed Pandemonica's eyes on him. Turning to face her, he was met with a gentle smile from the demon. It was then that he realized something had changed in her appearance.

Alinoth raised an eyebrow. "Pandemonica, right? If I may ask, weren't your horns smaller the last time I saw you?"

"They usually are, but when I'm well-rested, they revert to their true size. And let's just say today, I woke up feeling better than I have in millennia." she replied.

"Honestly, same here. I've never felt so energized before." Justice chimed in.

"I'm just surprised I woke up in my bed. I could've sworn I fell asleep on the couch with Malina…" Modeus added, perplexed.

Alinoth took a deep breath, raising both eyebrows. "Yeah, about that… I owe you all an apology."

His words immediately drew the attention of every demon in the room.

"An apology for what?" Lucifer asked, raising an eyebrow.

The True Monarch then began explaining the situation - his conversation with Azazel last night, his attempt to calm her with a spell that, unintentionally, knocked out the entire household.

"...And since many of you were left on the floor the moment I used the spell, I ended up carrying you to your beds." Alinoth added. "Don't worry, I didn't touch anything in your rooms or snoop around. I simply placed you all in bed and left-"

"Ahh!" Modeus suddenly dropped her book, letting out a sharp scream as she half-covered her mouth with both hands.

"So… you're the one who carried me from the couch to my room? To my bed?" she asked, her face flushing bright red, the heart-shaped pupils in her eyes glowing even more intensely.

"Uh… yes." Alinoth replied, raising an eyebrow, confused by her reaction.

"With your big, strong arms?"

Now it was Alinoth's turn to blush because of the sudden complement. "...Yeah."

"And... how exactly did you carry me?"

"Uhh… like this." Alinoth mimed the action, showing how he had carried her in a bridal style. "You were asleep, and just throwing you over my shoulder would've been completely inappropriate-"

"Ahhhhh!" Modeus screamed louder this time, backing away with a deep blush, staring at Alinoth for a few seconds before turning on her heel and darting out of the kitchen.

"Wait! I-" Alinoth tried to speak, but Modeus vanished around the corner in an instant.

"I… uh… but I…" he stammered, glancing between the direction she ran and Lucifer, utterly confused. "Can someone please explain what I did wrong?!"

That was all it took - Zdrada and Justice burst into laughter, their hysterics threatening to wake the entire neighborhood. Even Lucifer, Pandemonica, and Judgement couldn't help but chuckle. Though, as soon as Judgement noticed Alinoth's gaze, she quickly looked away, frowning and crossing her arms as if nothing had happened.

"You did nothing wrong, that's just Modeus for you. You'll get used to it." It took Pandemonica a few more seconds, but finally she managed to stop giggling.

"In any event, we all appreciate you taking care of us, Alinoth." Lucifer smiles as she looks upon the other monarch. "Although it would be best to avoid accidents like that from now on."

The True Monarch raises both hands. "Don't worry, I'll watch myself from now on."

Returning to his chair, Alinoth and the others just keep chatting about some random topics for the next minutes. The girls ask a few more things about Alinoth's world, he does the same about this one. After a while, Lucifer finishes some of the pancakes and serves them to the others. They weren't as good as Helltaker's, but we're on a very similar level, which also was extremely good.

And as Alinoth and the others ate, more people started to get down the stairs and join them at the table. Malina was the first, followed by Cerberus and the return of Modeus only a few minutes after, although the Lustful Demon was extremely quiet and avoided even looking towards Alinoth.

Then, Alinoth's attention was shifted the moment Azazel steps inside the room.

"Good morning!" The angel seemed to be quite happy today.

The Bearer of the Curse's countenance shifts a little the moment he lays his eyes on the angel. Many of his worries come back to the surface of his mind, together with the memories of what he tried to do yesterday. Both the monarch and Aldia also could feel the presence of the Forlorn tasked with watching over Azazel, lurking in the shadows, unbeknown to others, except her masters.

But Alinoth quickly buries all of that back into the depths of his mind, forcing a smile as he gazes upon the angel. "There she is. Sit by my side, young one. We need to talk."

Azazel raised an eyebrow, confused about what Alinoth had to discuss with her. But in any event, she complained, moving to sit on a chair next to Alinoth.

"I've been thinking, Azazel… After our conversation yesterday, to see the way you always seek more and more knowledge…I need to ask you: what do you seek, truly? What is it that drives you to chase these answers so relentlessly? There has to be more than just what you told me yesterday."

She hesitated, not expecting that question now. "The truth." she finally said, her voice quiet but resolute. "I want to understand how the universe works. I want to find the answers that no one else can."

There it was - the insatiable thirst for knowledge, the same one that had once driven Alinoth. But there was something else, something she didn't yet understand. A warning the monarch had to give her.

"Knowledge is the greatest power in existence and beyond. With the right knowledge, one can forge entire existences by merely thinking. But it can also be a trap. The pursuit of it can become all-consuming, and in the end, you might find yourself further from the truth than when you started."

The last part... that was Alinoth talking more for himself than for Azazel.

The angel tilted her head, confused. "What do you mean?"

"The more you learn, the more you realize how much you don't know." he said. "It's easy to lose yourself in that endless chase. And sometimes... the pursuit of knowledge comes at the cost of everything else."

She opened her mouth to respond, but Alinoth held up a hand, stopping her.

"I'm not trying to discourage you. Quite the opposite, actually." he said. "You have a brilliant mind, Azazel - far greater than many sages and scholars I knew in all the aeons I'm alive. You're more than capable of finding the answers you seek. But I believe you'll benefit from guidance - someone to help you not only find the right questions, but also to recognize when the chase might be leading you astray."

She looked at him, eyes wide, as she realized what he was offering. "Are you... are you suggesting to mentor me?"

"That's exactly what I'm suggesting." He said slowly. "If you're willing, I would like to guide you. To be your mentor. There's a great deal you could accomplish, but there's also much you'll need to learn beyond texts and theories."

Alinoth crosses his arms before he says: "And as a bonus, I would share knowledge about the many worlds I've visited; give you access to my erudition from tens of millions of years. So... what do you say?"

"Are you... truly serious?!" To say that Azazel was excited was an euphemism. The angel began hyperventilating, her eyes looking forward without even blinking as Azazel tried to process all of this. Was Alinoth really offering to be her tutor? She only wanted some knowledge about the monarch, but this... it was even better.

"Yes! Of course I accept!" Azazel's smile grew even larger.

The True Monarch forces another smile. "Excellent. It pleases me that you made such a choice."

'No, it doesn't. But with you, I am the one who doesn't have a choice. I will not let you become like him... I refuse to let you hurt anyone and plunge this world into chaos.'

"Though I understand your excitement, you must calm yourself, child. I do not wish to use my magic on you again." Alinoth cautioned.

It took all of Azazel's effort, but she finally managed to steady her breathing, though the excitement still bubbled within her. Her smile widened as she thought of the endless possibilities ahead - so much research, so much to discover. And to have a mentor? In Heaven, most of Azazel's teachers had always seemed too slow for her, leaving her to teach herself most of the time. But with Alinoth... the thought of learning from someone so far beyond her abilities was exhilarating.

They agreed to continue their discussion after breakfast. For now, Alinoth and the others focused on their meal, sharing stories and chatting casually.

"…but unlike its counterpart created by sorcery, the automaton fueled by flames became too powerful to control. In its rage, the Smelter Demon killed the Old Iron King. The sheer force of the destruction caused Iron Keep to sink into the lava. Yet that wasn't the end. In the depths of the flames, the Iron King's body and soul were found and possessed by a great evil that lurked below, transforming him into a giant demon known as Ichorous Earth, whom I later had to defeat."

"Your battle with this demon must have been legendary!" Judgement exclaimed, her interest piqued.

Alinoth rubbed the back of his neck. "I wouldn't say that. It was actually one of my lowest moments. I died many times before I managed to defeat Ichorous Earth."

"That's only proof of how powerful this demon must have been!" Judgement responded eagerly.

"That's the sad part... He wasn't." Alinoth sighed. "By the time I faced him, I was far stronger. The reason I kept dying was…" He paused, then admitted, "...I kept accidentally falling into lava pits."

Judgement's grin faded. Her usual bravado evaporated in an instant. "…You're joking, right?" she asked after a moment of stunned silence.

Alinoth groaned, covering his face with both hands. "I wish I were... I fell into the lava FIFTEEN TIMES before I managed to defeat Ichorous Earth. Once, I even dodged straight into it…"

As Alinoth recounted this embarrassing episode, the Helltaker finally entered the kitchen, the last to wake up.

"Looks like I missed breakfast." he said, approaching the table. "Sorry, I didn't mean to oversleep."

"You can blame me for that. I'll make sure to keep my spells in check from now on." Alinoth replied with a sheepish grin.

The Helltaker raised an eyebrow. "Your… spells?"

"It's nothing to worry about, Taker." Lucifer interjected, coming over to give him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Besides, you deserve a bit of rest now and then." She guided him to a chair as the meal continued.

With everyone gathered, the morning unfolded in its usual chaotic manner - though it was a chaos that felt comforting. Some of the demons bickered over trivial matters, but never seriously. They were all friends, after all, and the playful arguments were just part of their camaraderie.

Alinoth smiled as Cerberus tried to steal Azazel's pancakes, while Zdrada teased Modeus for how she behaved earlier. Judgement threatened to chain both of them to the couch as punishment. These were the moments Alinoth cherished most: lightheartedness, friendship, the feeling of belonging. It had been millennia since he last experienced anything like this. Not since...

Memories surged back like a storm - memories of happier times. He recalled sitting at tables like this, surrounded by friends, family, those he loved and swore to protect at any cost… until their bodies lay at his feet, their blood staining his hands and blade. Like Logan and Lucatiel, they were ghosts he would never forget.

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Alinoth reached for his Estus Flask and took a few sips, feeling the familiar warmth of the liquid fire spreading through him.

"I've been meaning to ask since yesterday - what exactly is that drink?" Malina's voice pulled Alinoth from his thoughts.

"Oh, this?" Alinoth held up the glowing green bottle. "This is Estus, a favorite among the undead. I forgot to explain yesterday."

"It looks like a glowing mead." Malina observed.

"It's not far off, actually. In taste and texture, Estus is similar to a very honeyed mead."

"May I try some?"

Alinoth raised an eyebrow. "Only if you wish to have your insides completely disintegrated. Estus is no ordinary drink, my lady. It's primordial fire, liquefied. It burns as hot as the core of the sun-"

Before Alinoth could speak, the True Monarch sensed something - a presence, or rather, several unfamiliar ones. He wasn't the only one to notice. All three bodies of Cerberus widened their eyes in unison, immediately sniffing the air.

"That scent..." one body murmured.

"That... stench." another added, more disdainfully.

"There's no doubt about it, it must be-"

A sharp knock suddenly interrupted them, echoing from the front door.

On an envious demonstration of perfect synchrony, all of Cerberus' bodies snapped toward the door, growling menacingly.

"I assume none of you are expecting visitors?" The Bearer of the Curse calmly prepared his pyromancy flame, fixing a serious gaze on the door.

He could sense thirteen souls just outside - clearly not human. They resembled the souls of Lucifer and Judgement, yet carried distinct differences. One, in particular, caught his attention: powerful by this world's standards, but filled with inner turmoil and uncertainty.

But more concerning was the darkness within each soul - a malevolent darkness, far different from the kind dark of humanity. It was closer to the darkness of the Abyss, the type carried by truly vile beings.

"Actually, I was expecting them." Lucifer sighed, removing her apron and hanging it up. "I'm surprised it took them this long."

The Queen of Hell approached the door with an irritated stride, signaling her displeasure with whoever was outside. When she opened it, she was met with exactly what she anticipated - and more.

Standing at the entrance were Michael and Gabriel. Michael, as always, wore her pristine white military uniform, her expression cold and unwelcoming, hands clasped behind her back.

Behind the two angels were eleven heavily armored soldiers, their gear gleaming and ornate, emblematic of Heaven's army. They carried an array of weapons - swords, spears, and even scythes.

Yet the figure who stood out the most was another archangel behind Michael and Gabriel, her face taken by scars and gaze exuding an aura of authority nearly rivaling Michael's. Towering over everyone there, besides Alinoth, this archangel was clad in thick, imposing armor and wielded a massive sword strapped to her back. She was tall to the level where Lucifer barely reached her elbow.

"Michael. Gabriel." Lucifer greeted dryly, her voice hardening at the sight of her sister. She briefly turned her gaze to the armored figure behind them. "And Raphael… New armor? It suits you."

Raphael's eyes flashed with disdain as she met Lucifer's gaze. "Spare me your false flattery, Fallen One."

Back inside the house, as soon as Azazel heard Michael's name, she gasped in panic, dropping her notepad and instinctively hiding behind Alinoth.

"Gabriel? Raphael? Saint Michael?! She… She can't see me here!" Azazel whispered in a rush.

"The other angels don't know you're living with demons, do they?" Alinoth asked.

Azazel nodded silently.

"I thought as much." Alinoth sighed, standing from his chair of twisted roots. "Come with me." He gently took Azazel's arm, leading her elsewhere.

Meanwhile, at the door, Michael's unwavering stare met Lucifer's. "Lucifer. You know the reason we're here."

Lucifer's expression matched her sister's intensity. "Yes, I know - and I don't like it. But let me make one thing clear: that immense power you all felt wasn't my doing."

"Lies, as always," Raphael interjected sharply, but Lucifer paid no attention.

"That's enough, Raphael." Michael cut in, turning back to Lucifer. "If it wasn't your doing, then what was it? We're not here to start a fight, Lucifer. Just give us answers, and we'll leave."

"If it means getting this over with, come inside and sit. But just you and Gabriel. The rest stay outside-"

"No, let them in." a deep male voice echoed from within the house, one Michael didn't recognize.

Lucifer glanced at the source of the voice, then back at Michael and her entourage. "This should be interesting…" she muttered, stepping aside to let them in.

Michael hesitated, but after a moment, entered the house, Gabriel and Raphael following closely behind. Raphael had to duck slightly to pass through the door, and the other soldiers filed in afterward, forming a tight line.

The sight of Heaven's soldiers, armed and armored, made the demons and the Helltaker tense. Even so, the human watched Raphael with particular interest, having never seen her before.

Inside, the house looked much the same as Michael remembered from her last visit, months ago. Yet something was different this time - something in the air. And it wasn't long before all the angels saw him: the overwhelming presence that made every celestial being uneasy.

Sitting in a massive chair woven from roots was a man Michael had never seen before. His aura was unmistakable. This was the power that had shaken Heaven - stronger than anything else in Creation.

White-haired and blue-eyed, clad in dark armor, the man observed the angels with a penetrating gaze, as though seeing straight into their souls. As he rose from his chair, he was revealed to be from a stature far taller than even Raphael.

"So, you're the angels..." Alinoth finally spoke, his voice deep and commanding as he focused on Michael. "You're all as unimpressive as I thought."

"Who… are you?" Michael's voice faltered slightly, though she tried to stand firm under Alinoth's intense gaze and staggering power.

"I am Alinoth Cynred, the True Monarch. And you… are Archangel Michael, one of God's most revered children. The greatest of the archangels."

Michael's eyes widened in surprise. "How do you-"

"Your soul." Alinoth interrupted. "It speaks to me. It reveals your most guarded secrets. There is nothing one can hide from me."

He narrowed his gaze at her. "It also reveals every sin you've ever committed."

Raphael bristled. "Angels do not sin, Monarch! We're not like these demons."

Judgement, angered by the remark, stood up abruptly, glaring at Raphael. "Watch your mouth, Raphael!"

"Geez... She's even worse than you described, kid." Justice said as she stood at Judgement's side.

"Don't think I've forgotten you, Judgement!" Raphael spat, her voice filled with contempt. "After you fell, you disgraced us all. Hell is exactly where you belong." Het gaze then shifted to Justice. "And you… despite your nature, I expected better from someone with your reputation... Flybreaker."

The air around Justice grew deadly as she stood, her usual playful demeanor gone as she clenched her teeth towards Raphael. A very unusual sight coming from Justice. "Do not… I repeat, do NOT call me that again." She growled.

Alinoth took a step forward. "These beings, despite being demonic in nature, are ultimately good and deserve life. I've felt it inside the soul of each one of them. Also, they offered me both some understanding about this world and shelter."

Alinoth's eyes then narrowed as the monarch stared upon Raphael. "So for your own sake, pigeon... I shall ignore your vicious comment about my hosts."

Raphael's expression twists into a frown as Alinoth's comment reaches her ears. But at the same time, the archangel feels a hint of fear deep within her; a fear born of provoking a being of such power.

"That's enough, Raphael." Michael warned her companion, both considering her comment about the demons to be unnecessary and fearing Alinoth's response.

Calming down a little, the True Monarch then raises an eyebrow, still facing Raphael. "And you claim angels don't sin? For something to be considered a sin, it is not necessary that it be committed only against a god. Acts committed against the world, the universe, against existence itself... Those are the true sins - the sins that even the most holy of beings are subject to committing..."

His eyes locked with Raphael's. "Sins that even gods are doomed to commit."

Lucifer stepped forward, glancing at Alinoth before turning back to Michael. "You wanted to know what that power was, Michael. You're looking at it."

"I'm not sure what I'm looking at." Michael replied, still confused. "Are you human? Or…"

Alinoth let out a short laugh. "I haven't been human in a really long time. But in many ways, I still consider myself one."

Michael frowned, trying to make sense of Alinoth's words. He wasn't a demon, nor an angel, and claimed he was no longer human. Then what, exactly, was he?

"If you're seeking answers, I can provide some - but that's all. After you hear what I have to say, you'll leave us in peace." Alinoth's tone was dry, laced with clear displeasure at the situation.

Still, it was something. Michael hadn't expected even this much cooperation. The archangel nodded, accepting Alinoth's terms. It was better than nothing.

"Very well. Let's sit down, then." Michael already moving toward a chair on the table.

As the angels followed, something caught Lucifer's attention. Since when has there been an extra writing table near the cabinet? And was it just her imagination, or had the table moved a few inches on its own?

"Ahem..." Lucifer's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Alinoth clearing his throat. The monarch's piercing blue eyes locked onto her, silently urging her to take a seat.

Obediently, Lucifer moved to her usual chair beside Alinoth, who was already seated in the massive, root-like chair crafted by Aldia. At the opposite end of the table, Michael and Gabriel pulled out chairs and sat, while Raphael stood behind them, arms crossed, watching Lucifer and Alinoth like the guard dog she was.

Despite Alinoth's relaxed posture, his towering presence made Raphael, and indeed everyone else in the room, seem small by comparison - a reminder of his intimidating height and power.

"Let's begin," Michael said, her gaze sharp and unwavering. "Tell us exactly who you are."

The True Monarch leaned further into his seat. "I'll speak on MY terms, Archangel. But as for your question…"

His explanation was frustratingly simple. He claimed he came from another world, arriving here by accident - nothing more. Gabriel jotted down his words, even though they offered little detail, it was enough to fuel speculation.

Michael took a moment to absorb what she had heard. "So… you're not from this universe?"

The Bearer of the Curse sighed. "Yes, yes... I'm from a different universe, the sky is blue, and even here, holy beings like to test my patience." Alinoth leaned forward, his eyes narrowing at Michael in annoyance.

Behind Michael, Raphael reached for her greatsword, but the gesture was halted by Michael's raised hand.

"My apologies." Michael said calmly. "This is… a lot to process. It confirms some theories, while dismantling others. So, your arrival in Hell was by accident, and Lucifer offered you refuge in the Helltaker's household?"

Alinoth growled, visibly irritated. "Yes. That's exactly what I said. Nothing more."

"Could you share anything about your world? Or perhaps more about yourself?" Gabriel asked, clipboard in hand. "Just some basics, like-"

"No." Alinoth's response was sharp and final.

Gabriel blinked in surprise. "No?"

"Speaking to you at all is already more than generous. I won't divulge anything else about my world or myself."

The monarch continued, "I know what truly concerns you: my power. You want to know if I'm a threat, if I'll turn it against Heaven."

He reclined in the root chair, adopting a relaxed demeanor. "You can all rest assured. Despite how much your ignorance and foolish questions irritate me, I seek no conflict."

For a moment, Alinoth's gaze shifted away as he murmured, "Faraam knows I have enough burdens as it is…"

Shaking off those thoughts, he refocused on Michael, his expression serious. "But don't mistake my words as weakness. If provoked, I will act - in both my behalf and to those who live in this abode. So here's the deal: leave me and those in this house alone, and you have my word I won't do anything to jeopardize your domain or order."

Raphael's mocking voice cut through the air. "Do you really expect us to believe these lies? You've taken shelter in a house ruled by the Mother of Lies herself. You're nothing but serpents, all waiting to strike. Even that human man-"

Raphael's words were abruptly silenced as Lucifer slammed the table with both hands, her scarlet eyes blazing with fury.

"Don't you dare finish that sentence!" she roared, her voice venomous. The Queen of Hell wasn't the only one enraged; several demons in the room glared at Raphael with a fire in their eyes, their loyalty to the Helltaker fueling their wrath.

And that even included a certain angel.

"I don't care what you say about me..." Lucifer hissed, "...but you will NOT insult Taker in my presence!"

Weapons were drawn by the angels, and tension mounted. Despite the looming threat, Raphael stood firm, a half-smile on her lips, daring Lucifer to act.

"Enough, all of you!" Michael's voice broke through the escalating conflict, her tone authoritative. She shot a disapproving glance at Raphael.

"Raphael, that's enough. Stand down." Though clearly displeased, Raphael begrudgingly complied, silenced by the weight of Michael's command.

"I suggest you keep your mutts on a tighter leash, Archangel." Alinoth's voice, calm yet filled with barely contained fury, broke the tense silence. His cold gaze was like the calm before a storm, hinting at a far deeper anger than he revealed. Though his composure was held, the monarch was just as enraged by Raphael's words as the demons were.

"It won't happen again, I assure you-" Michael's voice faltered mid-sentence, her demeanor shifting abruptly. The archangel's eyes widened, her jaw dropped, and she stood frozen, as if she had just seen a ghost.

"No… It can't be…" And for Michael, it might as well have been.

She wasn't the only one to react. Both Raphael and Gabriel mirrored her shock, their expressions identical to Michael's, all three celestial beings transfixed by something just behind Alinoth.

At first bewildered, realization finally dawned on Alinoth. He sighed, turning to face what he had already anticipated.

Azazel stood exactly where Alinoth had positioned her. A rare, fiery glint of anger burned in her eyes as she glared at Raphael, seemingly unaware of what had just unfolded.

"Azazel…" It took Alinoth speaking her name to snap her out of it. "We can see you."

"W-what?!" Only now did Azazel notice the piercing gazes of Michael, Raphael, and Gabriel fixed upon her. Her eyes widened in shock as she looked down at her hands. "But the spell-"

"My Chameleon spell only keeps its effect for as long as you don't make any sudden movements. That's why I told you to stay perfectly still!"

Alinoth's explanation seemed to fall on deaf ears. Michael, still staring at Azazel, was barely listening, unable to fully believe what she was seeing. "Azazel… it's really you… you're here with-"

The disbelief quickly gave way to fury. Michael's gaze snapped toward Lucifer, her eyes blazing with righteous anger. "What is the meaning of this, Lucifer?! Azazel has been missing for over a year! Have you been holding her hostage?!"

The Queen of Hell crossed her arms, clearly irritated by the accusation. "Far from that, Michael. Azazel is here by her own choice. We're not forcing her to stay."

Michael turned her gaze back to the angel in question. "Azazel, is this true?"

"Saint Michael, I…"

"Is this true?!" Michael demanded, her voice rising with intensity.

Azazel instinctively took a few steps back, trembling under Michael's furious gaze. "Y-yes… I'm here by my own choice."

"Is this... because of your research?"

"Yes." Azazel nodded. "I'm sorry, but I needed more. I had to learn beyond the basics taught in Heaven. What better way to understand demons than to live among them?"

"Living with demons will teach you nothing! It will only lead to your Fall. Don't you see? It's already happening! Your halo - it's cracking! That's one of the first signs!" Michael's voice wavered with desperation.

Azazel's eyes widened as her hand reflexively reached for her halo. "No… no, this is nothing. Falling is just a fairy tale. You told me that yourself."

Michael clenched her jaw, her eyes wide with the realization with what she did. She had hoped that by dismissing Falling as a myth, Azazel would lose interest. She had always been drawn to the tangible, the provable - not legends.

Michael sighed deeply, closing her eyes. "...It doesn't matter what I said. What matters is that you're coming back to Heaven with us."

"What? No!" Azazel stepped forward in protest. "I can't go back now. I still have so much research to do. Also, there's an opportunity here for me that I can't just abandon."

Michael's frustration grew, her anger rising as she stepped closer to Azazel. "You don't get a choice in this, child! You're coming back with us, whether you like it or not-"

Her words were abruptly cut off when a hand landed firmly on her shoulder. Michael turned, locking eyes with Alinoth, whose expression was anything but friendly.

"Azazel has made her decision, Archangel. She is not going back." Alinoth's tone was calm but laced with warning. "And unless you have anything else to say, I suggest you leave."

Raphael and the other angels instinctively reached for their weapons, reacting to Alinoth's sudden involvement. But the Bearer of the Curse stood unmoved, his gaze never leaving Michael.

Michael met his eyes, refusing to back down. "That is not your decision, True Monarch! As leader of the Archangels, Azazel is under my authority, and-"

"Your 'authority' dies outside Heaven!" Alinoth snapped, raising his voice. "Azazel is a free being. She has made her choice, and it is hers alone. If she wishes to stay, you have no right to take her." He leaned in closer, towering over her. "So I'll warn you again: leave. This is your final chance to go peacefully. If you refuse…"

"I'm not leaving without Azazel." Michael said, her voice firm and unwavering.

Alinoth drew a deep breath. "Very well... That was your choice."

With lightning speed, Alinoth shoved Michael with tremendous force, hurling her through the wall of the house. She crashed through concrete and brick, landing violently in the street outside.

"MICHAEL!" Raphael roared, drawing her greatsword. The other angels followed suit, weapons raised, ready to attack the Bearer of the Curse.

But Alinoth was faster. Without even looking at them, he merely waves his hand, releasing a small black flame that instantly melted the weapons of every angel present. The celestial beings cried out in agony as their burning swords disintegrated to ash before they even hit the ground.

Distracted, the angels failed to notice the eerie figures that appeared among them. Raphael gasped as she felt a sharp blow to her knees, forcing her to the ground. Just as she tried to rise, a root-like tendril coiled around her legs, arms, and head, yanking it back and exposing her throat.

Gritting her teeth, Raphael struggled to free herself, but her efforts were halted by the cold, sharp sensation of steel against her neck.

Her breath caught as she shifted her gaze, seeing through the corner of her eye the terrifying form of a Forlorn - a towering, faceless creature draped in darkness, its scythe resting against her throat. The sight of this monstrous figure, coupled with her helpless position, sent a chill through Raphael's blood for the first time in millennia.

Glancing around, Raphael saw her angels in the same predicament - immobilized by the same gnarled roots, each held captive by black, faceless beings. Some bore scythes, others greatswords, with all weapons being as grotesque and menacing as the creatures wielding them.

Outside, Michael took her time rising from the ground, pressing a hand to her head as she recovered from the sudden attack. As she looked ahead, the archangel spotted the imposing figure of Alinoth stepping out of the house, standing on the opposite side of the street. They exchanged gazes, with Alinoth's cold, unwelcoming eyes locking onto hers, sending a wave of dread through Michael. His eyes made it clear - there was no turning back, no peaceful resolution to be found anymore.

Michael clenched her teeth, steadying herself as she faced Alinoth. If it was a fight he sought, she would answer. She wouldn't coward herself and flee, despite part of her telling that it was the smartest course of action at this moment. With a simple motion of her hand, the archangel summoned an ethereal spear forged from pure divine light, expertly twirling the weapon as she prepared for battle.

The archangel surged forward in a silent, lightning-fast charge, her eyes blazing with purpose. Meanwhile, the True Monarch remained still, his expression unreadable as he watched her approach.

Without so much as a gesture, Alinoth summoned a ring of Crystal Soul Spears that floated serenely around his head and shoulders before launching toward Michael. Yet the archangel did not waver. With expert precision, she swung her spear, shattering each soul spear mid-flight while continuing her relentless advance toward the Bearer of the Curse.

As Michael closed in, she leaped into the air, gripping her spear with both hands, poised to impale Alinoth. The monarch, however, showed no reaction, arms still crossed as if entirely unconcerned.

Many onlookers believed Michael was about to land a blow. But Alinoth's plan soon became apparent.

Suddenly, the ground beneath the monarch trembled, and within a heartbeat, enormous, jagged white crystals erupted from the earth. Michael's eyes widened in shock as the crystals shot toward her, threatening to skewer her mid-air. Reacting with inhuman speed, she snapped her wings open and beat them powerfully, propelling herself upward just in time to evade the deadly spikes.

Now hovering several feet above the ground, Michael caught her breath, still rattled by the close call. Her wings, elegantly spread, revealed intricate patterns of immaculate white feathers - a breathtaking sight.

In an instant, however, Alinoth took advantage of Michael's distracted state and seized her by the ankle. Before she could react, he pulled her within range and delivered a devastating punch at her face, sending the archangel hurtling hundreds of meters into the sky at an unimaginable speed.

As this unfolded, Lucifer and the others looked on, captivated by the scene. All eyes were now on Alinoth as he reached behind his back, tearing off the cape that draped his shoulders and letting it fall to the ground. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes, focusing inward. It had been ages since he'd used them, especially in his human form.

Then, to the astonishment of everyone watching, two enormous wings burst from Alinoth's back, unfurling in a majestic display. But what truly shocked the crowd was their appearance. These wings, unlike anything expected, resembled those of a dragon, armored in gleaming black metal, with only small sections revealing the flesh and bone underneath.

Locking onto Michael's trajectory, Alinoth assumed a ready stance. He spread his wings to their full span, and with a single, mighty thrust, he shot into the sky. His speed was so incredible that the air itself collapsed before him, creating a massive shockwave that rippled through the surroundings. The force of it knocked down all the demons and humans who had been watching and shattered the windows of every house in the vicinity.

---

Spinning wildly through the air, Michael stretched her wings and body to their full extent, abruptly halting mid-flight to catch her breath. A sharp pain shot through her face, prompting the archangel to reach up and touch it, quickly realizing that Alinoth's punch had broken her nose. However, the injury was minor and soon began to heal, thanks to Michael's natural regenerative abilities.

While she was momentarily distracted, she noticed Alinoth closing in, stopping just a few meters away. His enormous, menacing wings, which had caught Michael off guard, beat steadily as he hovered before her, arms crossed, his gaze cold and unwavering. Without a word, he made it clear - this fight was far from over.

From the start, Michael had sensed this wouldn't be easy. What she had done on the ground was merely a test, a way to gauge whether this battle was truly serious. Now, with her answer clear, she knew she could no longer afford to take Alinoth lightly.

Grunting as she stares Alinoth down, Michael's form becomes enveloped by her wings, soon swallowed by a light so intense that even those on Earth were forced to shield their eyes. Alinoth remained still, merely observing as the archangel underwent her transformation before him.

Moments later, the light faded, and Michael's wings unfurled to reveal a breathtaking sight. For many, it was the epitome of celestial beauty. Her usual military attire had given way to resplendent, silver-plated armor adorned with intricate gold accents, gleaming and immaculate. Above her, the halo blazed with radiant, golden light, more brilliant than ever before. In her hands, the once ethereal spear had been replaced by a magnificent longsword. Its blade, perpetually alight with divine fire, exuded an overwhelming aura of power.

Michael, the Mightiest of the Archangels, stood prepared for battle.

To many, the sight would inspire both awe and terror. But to Alinoth? It was meaningless. He had faced enemies far more formidable on his journeys. Unfazed, he reached into his bottomless bag, withdrawing a weapon that even Michael could sense its aura, being extremely sinister.

The weapon in question was a scythe, but unlike any the archangel has even seen. It was completely black in color, seeming to absorb all the light around it, as if it was a weapon born from darkness itself. Its elongated, crescent shape blade was jagged, almost organic look, with the edge being uneven and serrated. Along the blade's surface, faint wisps of dark energy also can occasionally be seen flowing or pulsing, giving up its dark nature.

The handle of the scythe was long and slightly twisted, being quite jagged at its end and filled with thorns. The material the handle was made appears to be a worn, blackened metal, with a rough, textured surface filled with intricate carvings or etchings, though they are faint and hard to discern, further suggesting the scythe's mystical and cursed nature.

The mere sight of the weapon sent a chill through Michael's soul. "What in God's name is that…?"

"The Scythe of Want." Alinoth replied. "A weapon I claimed after killing Nashandra, one of the Daughters of the Abyss."

Gripping the scythe firmly with his left hand, Alinoth swung it with precision, displaying effortless mastery as he tested its weight and balance.

"You should have listened to me, Archangel." Alinoth warned, his voice cold. "Now, you will regret it."

Michael didn't care for Alinoth's words, her eyes blazed with righteous fury, reflecting the eternal heavens behind her while an unwavering and completely focused expression decorated her face. The archangel held her sword of light tightly as its blade pulsated with divine fire; her wings stretched outward, shimmering with ethereal energy, casting beams of holy light.

The monarch, however, bearing the black, armored wings of a dragon, seemed more unconcerned. Alinoth was not so much focused on Michael, but rather on the scythe he was holding, running his index finger through its black blade pulsing with darkness, creating an eerie resemblance between Alinoth and Nashandra.

Taking his eyes off the Scythe of Want and looking directly at Michael, Alinoth lets out a snort. as he gracefully swings the reaper at his hand, holding it in a combat stance while also placing his free right hand on his back, holding it there as he strikes a quite elegant pose.

The air was heavy as both opponents locked eyes, and for a moment, the world stood still. The wind howled, bringing whispers of the fury that was to be unleashed on the skies.

"I will bring Azazel back home. And if I need to unleash all of Heaven's wrath upon you, so be it." Michael's voice was imposing and commanding, fit for a leader of God's armies. However, between the lines, fleeting signs of hesitation and fear could be heard. Michael knew very well that she, even at full power, was no match for Alinoth. That was obvious to her. She felt that the True Monarch's power was greater than anything in this world, perhaps even on par with the power of God.

However, she would not give up. She would try, even against certain defeat. She had to do this... for herself.

Without another word, Michael finally surged forward, she let out a war cry as her wings propelled her through the air with unbelievable speed. The light around her intensified, creating a trail of glowing energy in her wake. Her sword arced downward, a blazing comet aimed directly at her opponent.

Alinoth didn't let himself be intimidated. The Cursed One merely spun his scythe with supernatural agility, meeting Michael's strike. The force of the collision between the darkness from the scythe and the divine fire of the sword created a massive shockwave of both energies that tore apart all the clouds around them, and the resulting boom could be heard for thousands of miles, breaking the windows from the entire city.

Michael pressed the attack, her sword moving with blinding speed, each swing leaving a trail of holy fire in the air. She aimed for Alinoth's head, neck, chest - each strike a calculated blow designed to destroy. But the True Monarch, despite his size, was equally fast, his scythe whirling in a deadly dance, deflecting the archangel's attacks with precision, all while using only one hand, keeping his other one at his back all the time.

Both warriors moved around the sky so quickly they looked like blurs, each clash exchanged by them causing a massive boom. For the demons down on the earth who were watching the combat, it was quite hard to follow their trail of movement; but for humans such as the Helltaker, it was literally impossible.

This time dodging faster than Michael could even see, Alinoth seized the opportunity and swung his scythe in a wide arc. The blade glowed even further with dark energy, a shadowy trail following its path as it sliced through the air. Michael quickly raised her blade just in time, but the scythe struck with such force that it sent her flying backward, her form cutting and leaving trails through the air.

Back on her stance, Michael notices that her sword shimmered, cracks appearing where that cursed scythe had struck. The dark energy of the weapon hissed and burned against the divine protection of her blade, but even so the archangel stood firm. With a mighty roar, she thrust her sword forward, sending a beam of pure light directly at her foe, similar to Alinoth's Moonlight Greatsword.

As the bean of light made its way towards Alinoth, the monarch initially prepared his scythe to simply bash it off... but instead, he had another idea. Lowering his weapon, Alinoth merely stood still, allowing the beam to hit him right at his chest, causing an explosion and engulfing him in smoke.

Seeing her success, Michael didn't stop. Once again she swung her sword and unleashed yet another beam of light, and another, and another... The archangel cut through the air so fast that it seemed like a blur, where she wielded multiple blades instead of just one.

Dozens and dozens of attacks of light hit Alinoth in quick succession. It reminded him of a certain Slave Knight he fought many different times at the end of many different worlds. He never saw a being use a crossbow with such speed and ferocity like Gael did - but just like the bolts the Slave Knight shot at the True Monarch, Michael's beams of light didn't even make him tickle.

Raising her sword while holding it with both hands, Michael sings a prayer in Latin, waves of pure holy energy converting upon her sword, making the blade glow even more. Being ready, Michael locks her eyes wide upon the monarch before swinging her blade once more towards him, but this time unleashing a concentrated, non-stopping massive beam of light, extremely similar to the Soul Stream, one of the many spells created by Aldia.

The beam hit Alinoth, but just like the previous ones, it did nothing against the True Monarch. Deciding that this was enough, Alinoth finally makes a move, flying at high speed towards Michael, moving directly through the concentrated beam of light. The archangel saw that and made the beam even stronger; a foolish attempt at the end.

Alinoth then emerges from the beam of light, right in front of Michael. The archangel barely has any time to react before the monarch delivers a precise blow with his scythe, right at Michael's left arm, severing the limb.

It happened in an instant… yet for Michael, time slowed to a crawl as she watched her left arm drift further away from her body, almost as if in disbelief. Her blood - brilliant as starlight - poured from the stump, shimmering as it fell.

But Alinoth wasn't finished. Dazed by shock, Michael barely registered the pain spreading through her body until she noticed the crimson stains blooming across her once-pristine armor. Glancing down, she saw the dark blade of Alinoth's scythe piercing her abdomen, cutting through her as a shadowed curse.

Her face twisted in shock and confusion as her mind struggled to process the rapid onslaught. The pain was overwhelming - not just from her wounds, but from the darkness radiating from the scythe. It crawled through her like a living poison, gnawing away at her from within, preventing any chance of healing. Breathing, staying aloft - each breath and beat of her wings became a monumental effort. Yet, by some miracle, Michael still clung to the sword in her remaining hand.

Alinoth grabbed her by the hair, forcing her to meet his gaze, their eyes locking.

"I've heard much about you from Lucifer." Alinoth sneered, his voice laced with cold amusement. "She told me of your legendary prowess, both as a warrior and commander of Heaven's armies. But I must say..."

A fresh wave of agony surged through Michael as Alinoth wrenched the scythe from her stomach, the blade pulling free with sickening ease.

"...I am unimpressed."

With a swift spinning kick, Alinoth sent Michael hurtling through the air at a terrifying speed. Moving faster than the eye could track, Alinoth intercepted her mid-flight. The moment she was within reach, he struck a vicious diagonal blow with the scythe, tearing a deep gash across her back.

Despite her disorientation, Michael felt the searing pain clearly - amplified by the scythe's dark nature, which bit into her like a swarm of millions of infernal insects, gnawing and devouring her flesh.

That was only the beginning.

With masterful precision, Alinoth wielded the Scythe of Want, his strikes relentless and devastating. Each touch of the weapon left fresh wounds, more severe than the last, the darkness spreading through her body like an insidious plague.

Michael fought back as best she could, but the pain and the storm of blows made it nearly impossible to react. In a fleeting moment of success, she managed to block Alinoth's scythe with her sword. But any hope was shattered - literally - as the scythe cleaved through her blade, breaking it into countless shards and continuing its merciless path, carving yet another mark of pain across her skin.

"ENOUGH!"

With a sudden surge of divine power, Michael spread her wings wide, unleashing an explosion of radiant light so brilliant it blinded Alinoth, forcing him to retreat and halt his assault. As the light slowly dimmed, Alinoth caught sight of Michael again.

Still panting, her eyes remained closed, but her entire body now radiated with such intense, blinding light that even those on the ground below could see her clearly. Yet, despite the divine glow, all of the wounds inflicted by Alinoth remained, the darkness still ravaging her from within. Behind her, a colossal glyph of divine energy materialized, hovering like a halo of power, fueling her resolve. It was awe-inspiring how she could appear so sublime, so radiant, even while standing on the edge of ruin.

For seconds that most appeared to be hours, Michael simply stood there, eyes closed and without moving a muscle. Alinoth did the same, merely observing the archangel, waiting for her to make her move, something he felt was close to happening.

While having her eyes closed, Michael focused inward, summoning every ounce of will left in her battered form. Her connection to the divine - ancient, vast, and unfathomable - was still there, a faint but unwavering thread that bound her to the Light. She reached for it, grasping at the last vestiges of her power.

Words finally came out of her mouth; a prayer, short and simple:

"Deus omnipotens, quaeso, concede mihi fortitudinem tuam."

With that small prayer, the spark within Michael ignited, a small flame at first, then a roaring inferno as she tapped into the very essence of the heavens. Light, pure and radiant, began to gather even further around her, spilling out from the cracks in her armor and wounds in her body. Her wings flared wide, their tips catching fire with divine energy. Her sword, despite being broken, began to glow once more, its length growing, its broken blade being replaced by pure, holy light.

Alinoth didn't falter at any moment, despite the sudden shift in the air and the hum of divine power building, making both the sky and the earth far beneath them tremble.

"W-what's going on?" Back on the ground, the Helltaker asked Lucifer, feeling as if they were at the start of an earthquake.

The eyes of the Queen of Hell widened and her jaw dropped as she felt the immense power her sister was gathering. "That mindless imbecile! She'll destroy the entirety of the mortal realm with that!"

Placing both hands at the side of her mouth, Lucifer yelled as loud as she could towards the Bearer of the Curse in the sky: "ALINOTH! YOU NEED TO STOP HER! IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW!"

However, the True Monarch didn't answer.

"ALINOTH!"

Finally, Michael's eyes snapped open, her pupils gone, and one its place an intense blaze that rivaled the very stars. Holding her sword very tightly with her only remaining arm, Michael's voice was filled not with fierce resolve as before, but with raw, unadulterated rage, echoing with the power of the heavens as she yells: "IN THE NAME OF GOD, PERISH!"

With that raging cry, Michael rushes with all her speed towards Alinoth, the air around her burning as she aims for the monarch. And yet... Alinoth remained still. He did nothing to try and escape the upcoming attack, to defend himself from it... nothing. Michael's most powerful attack in all of her life and the True Monarch only watches as Michael's sword finally clashes against his chest, hitting Alinoth with an energy similar to that released if a billion galaxies all exploded at the same time.

The skies were taken by a massive explosion of pure, divine energy that engulfed both Alinoth and Michael, spreading waves that could be felt across the entire planet. The force of it was overwhelming, like the very essence of creation unleashed in one final, devastating blow. The entirety of earth trembled, while the skies crackled with holy fire and lightning as the heavens themselves answered Michael's call.

Down in the earth, the light was so bright it felt like a billion suns exploding at the same time. No one managed to keep their eyes open to see it, and many even expected that to be their end... but it never came. The explosion, despite all the power Michael used, was smaller than expected.

As the radiant light began to fade, Michael's breaths grew labored. Her wounds were taking their toll, and the strange darkness coursing through her made it impossible to heal. She needed to return to Heaven - urgently - to find a way to purge the dark energy that was consuming-.

But before the light could fully dissipate, Michael was seized by the throat. An agonizing grip tightened around her neck, intensifying her pain. As the remaining light dimmed, Alinoth's figure was revealed, standing tall and completely unscathed. Not even his armor showed no sign of damage despite the tremendous power Michael had unleashed. Worse yet, his eyes had shifted from blue to yellow and draconic in appearance, his face contorted into a furious snarl, every ounce of his rage focused squarely on her.

"You brainless fool! Are you insane?!" Alinoth's voice thundered with fury. "If I hadn't absorbed the power you released, the human realm would be gone! You were really willing to destroy everything - just to defeat me?!"

The thought that Michael had nearly sacrificed innocent lives, even unintentionally, enraged Alinoth beyond reason. His free hand clenched into a fist, and with a devastating punch to her gut, he sent the archangel flying backward, making her vomit blood from the force of the blow.

Before Michael could even react, Alinoth was upon her again. Moving faster than she could follow, he intercepted her in midair, driving an elbow into her back. But he wasn't done. Alinoth unleashed a brutal barrage of strikes: punches, backhand slaps, knee strikes, kicks, headbutts... relentlessly beating her, his rage propelling every attack with terrifying force.

As the assault continued, Michael's senses dulled, her body overwhelmed by pain. She tried to fight back, but her strength was gone, her body refusing to respond. The only thing she could do was cling to the fading remnants of life within her, which were slipping away with every passing second.

With a final uppercut, Alinoth lifted her by the chin, then caught her by the throat again before she could fall. His eyes still blazed with fury as he looked into hers.

"You might deceive humanity, but not me, Archangel. I can sense your soul. You, like the others, are nothing but the exact opposite to what you pretend to be. Azazel would be in the worst possible hands with you."

Remarkably, Michael was still alive. Even after the wounds inflicted by the Scythe of Want, the darkness consuming her from within, and the vicious beating - she somehow endured. There was a flicker of reluctant respect in Alinoth's gaze as he acknowledged her resilience. That feeling tempered his rage, if only slightly. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly, trying to regain control.

"I should kill you here and now. Rid this universe of such a twisted being!" His eyes snapped open, still filled with rage, though now more measured.

"But no… a warrior's death would be too good for you. You deserve to suffer. You'll demise shall come from my darkness slowly burning your flesh and soul until you're nothing more than an empty, soulless husk."

Michael couldn't respond, choking on her own blood. Alinoth, showing no mercy, grabbed her by her halo this time. With her nearly lifeless body in tow, he descended from the sky, returning to the Helltaker's home, where the majority of its residents had gathered outside, watching in horror as the Bearer of the Curse approached.

Landing several meters from the house, Alinoth strode forward calmly, dragging Michael's battered and nearly lifeless form by her halo. Lucifer and the others could only watch, dread washing over them as Alinoth drew closer, drenched in Michael's blood from head to toe. With a sudden surge of magic, black flames - dark as the Abyss itself - erupted around him. The dark fire consumed the blood covering his body and restored the black cape he had discarded before the battle, forming a new, immaculate garment as though conjured from nothing.

Inside the house, Raphael stood frozen in horror as Alinoth entered, throwing Michael's broken, barely-alive form at her feet.

"No! No, Michael!" Raphael screamed, but her voice fell on deaf ears. Her heart pounded as she gritted her teeth, her gaze shifting from the fallen archangel to Alinoth, hatred blazing behind her eyes.

"I'LL KILL YOU! I SWEAR IN GOD'S NAME, I-" Her vow was cut short as Alinoth's fist slammed into her head, the blow so powerful it nearly knocked her unconscious.

"Shut your mouth before I tear out your tongue!" Alinoth growled. He seized Raphael by her halo, forcing her to meet his gaze.

"You have two choices, pigeon: You can try and fail to avenge Michael, but it will cost you your life and the lives of the angels who came with you. Or, you can take Michael back to Heaven and try to save what's left of her."

Releasing his grip on her halo, Alinoth waved dismissively, releasing the angels from the Forlorn and Aldia's roots that held them captive.

"So, what's it going to be? A worthless revenge, or the chance to save a friend?"

Now free, Raphael glared at Alinoth with burning hatred, her fists trembling as if she might strike him. How dare he?! They were angels, the purest beings in all of Creation! How could they be humiliated by a worm like him? But the sound of Michael choking on her own blood jolted Raphael back to reality. She glanced down at her dying friend, her heart sinking at the sight.

Raphael wanted to make Alinoth pay for what he had done, to make him suffer. But she couldn't - not now. He was still far stronger than anything she had ever faced, and then there was Michael…

Taking a deep breath, Raphael knelt down, gently lifting Michael into her arms.

"Good girl. Look at that - you do have a brain after all. Congratulations," Alinoth sneered. "One more thing... Azazel stays here under my tutelage. And if I sense any of you from Heaven nearby, I'll invade your realm and reduce it - and every soul in it, even your God - into nothing but ash! And believe me, not even your God can stop me. She wouldn't be the first divine being I've killed."

The blasphemy of Alinoth's words made Raphael's blood boil, but she held her rage in check. She couldn't afford to let her anger consume her now. Without acknowledging him further, Raphael turned and left the house, carrying Michael's broken body in her arms.

"And by the way... here's her arm." Alinoth tosses the severed limb towards one of the angels. The heavenly being barely manages to catch it, holding it awkwardly as she stares back towards Alinoth in shock.

"Perhaps you can reattach it... IF you manage to save her life."

With her teeth clenched so tightly it felt they might shatter, Raphael seethed with hatred for Alinoth. The fury boiled within her, threatening to consume her whole, but now wasn't the time. Michael needed her.

Still, she wouldn't leave without a warning. Turning back, Raphael locked eyes with Alinoth, her gaze ablaze with divine fire. "This isn't over! I swear on God's name, you will pay for this transgression! I will see to it myself!"

"An empty threat, just like your soul, pigeon. Now get out of here before I decide to extinguish my mercy." Alinoth's voice was cold and dismissive.

Raphael felt her rage surge again, but she had more urgent matters to tend to. Bitterly swallowing her fury, the archangel - one of Heaven's finest warriors - turned away. She spread her wings, cradling Michael with utmost care as she soared toward Heaven, followed by the host of angels.

Alinoth watched them depart, his eyes never leaving Raphael - not because of her, but because of the wounded archangel she carried.

"Aldia…" he called his friend into his mind. "Keep a close watch on Michael. I've sensed doubts within her soul - doubts that could be exploited. If she somehow survives, she might be useful to us."

"Uh, Alinoth... who are these?" Lucifer's voice broke Alinoth from his thoughts, her expression tinged with concern as she eyed the shadowy figures that lingered nearby. Several of the demons there were equally unsettled, eyeing the ominous forms with a mix of curiosity and fear.

"These?" Alinoth glanced over at the spectral figures. "They are the Forlorn."

"The Forlorn?" Judgement was the one who asked, raising a hesitant eyebrow at the faceless shadows.

"They were once human but have been twisted by Aldia's experiments. Now, they exist between worlds, wandering through them all. They serve both me and Aldia. Do not be alarmed - they act only under my direct command, so they're not a threat."

"So... you have wandering, twisted specters at your beck and call?" Lucifer asked incredulously. "How many of them do you control? Just these few?"

"Just these?" Alinoth chuckled. "Lucifer, I command an army of hundreds of millions! And to top it off? Every soldier in my army is completely immortal. When they are 'killed,' they merely return to the space between worlds, ready for me to summon again."

"I-immortal?!" The Queen of Hell could hardly believe her ears, but Alinoth's gaze left no room for doubt. To Lucifer, an army of hundreds of millions was insignificant - she could summon a force many times larger if she desired. But an immortal army? That was something even she couldn't achieve. It wasn't enough that Alinoth wielded immense power himself; he also commanded a vast army where the number of soldiers was irrelevant, for they were, quite literally, endless.

As they spoke, one of the Forlorn - a figure much taller than the others, standing slightly above even Raphael - stepped forward. The figure advanced toward Alinoth and bowed before him.

"It is always an honor to serve you, King Alinoth." came a voice, surprising Azazel, the Helltaker, and all the demons present. That particular Forlorn, despite lacking a face, spoke clearly. The voice beneath the black hood was distinctly feminine, but it carried an ethereal quality, echoing as though it came from a true specter that she was. Yet it wasn't unpleasant - in fact, her voice was smooth, even comforting.

Alinoth sighed. "Fer, I may be your King, but first and foremost, I am your friend. There's no need for these formal titles. Even Aldia doesn't do that anymore."

"I apologize, my Lord - but addressing you in any way less formal would be a dishonor I cannot accept." Fer responded, her ghostly voice unwavering.

Alinoth sighed again, closing his eyes for a moment. "Alright, since you insist on always forcing my hand…"

He placed his hands behind his back, puffing out his chest and adopting a more commanding posture. "Lord High Constable Fer, by my sovereign will, I, King Alinoth, hereby decree that from this day forward, you shall no longer address me by any royal titles, honorifics, or formalities. Instead, in all matters - both private and official - you are to call me simply by my given name, Alinoth Cynred. This is an order, in recognition of our bond, and it is to be followed without exception."

Alinoth glanced down at her. "To put it simply… just call me by my name, dammit!"

Even without a face, Fer's body language betrayed her shock as she looked up at him. "But my King-"

"Ah, ah, ah..." Alinoth interrupted. "What did I just order?"

Fer hesitated, then bowed her head slightly. "Alinoth…"

The True Monarch smiled. "See? It's not so difficult." He reached down, pulling Fer gently by the arm. "Now stand up, you're embarrassing yourself. You know I don't like people bowing to me - especially good friends."

Noticing the gazes fixed upon him and Fer, Alinoth turned to address the others.

"And I suppose further introductions are in order." he said, gesturing to the tall Forlorn beside him. "This is Fer, my Lord High Constable. She is second-in-command of both the Forlorn and my entire army."

The tall Forlorn presses her forearm against her chest, bowing slightly towards everyone there. "It is an honor to know those who welcomed my Lor- Alinoth into this world."

Alinoth then places his hand on Fer's shoulder. "I appreciate your help here, my friend. As always. You and the others may go now."

Fer bows her head slightly. "As you command… Alinoth."

The True Monarch giggles. "Don't worry, you'll get used to it."

Turning around, Fer joins with the rest of the Forlorn in formation, before dissolving into a strange mist, which quickly dissipates into nothingness.

"You're full of surprises, Alinoth… and that will come in handy now that you've made yourself an enemy," Lucifer said, standing beside the True Monarch. "Raphael isn't one to forgive easily. She'll come for you."

"Then she'll come to her death." Alinoth replied bluntly.

"That's why I'm not worried about Heaven's retaliation. With someone like you with us - and everything you bring with you - they could throw all they have, and still fail miserably." The Queen of Hell smiled.

Lucifer was right. Alinoth's actions today would normally guarantee retaliation, but his sheer power made that a dangerous prospect for anyone daring enough to try. His mere presence was a deterrent.

As he was using his magic to restore the wall and all the windows of the Helltaker's house that he broke, Alinoth was suddenly interrupted by a sudden blow to his back. He turned only to see Zdrada, grinning widely, a cigarette dangling from her lips.

"My man, now that's what I'm talking about! You taught those motherfuckers a lesson they'll not forget!" The Bitch Demon exclaimed, still riding the high of the moment.

"Yeah… I guess so." Justice responded to Zdrada's enthusiasm with a distant, almost hollow tone, as if her mind was elsewhere.

Alinoth noticed right away, his brow furrowing as he studied her. "Justice, are you alright?"

"Hm? Oh, yeah… I'm fine. Don't worry about it." Each word rang false, and Alinoth recognized words like that from personal experience. He wasn't fooled.

Without another word, the Awesome Demon turned on her heel and started walking toward the stairs, visibly unsettled. "If you need me, I'll be in my room." she muttered, her voice barely steady.

Alinoth watched her retreat, concern etched on his face. He had a good idea what was weighing on Justice's mind, and it troubled him deeply.

"I can't believe it…" But yet another voice takes Alinoth out of his reverie.

Looking down, the monarch faces Azazel, who simply stares at the monarch, her gaze completely empty. "You fought Saint Michael… for me."

"You have made your choice. She had no right to force you otherwise. Besides, you're better with us than with them, given what I saw within their souls."

"So that means… I'll still be your pupil?"

Now that was something Alinoth didn't like to hear. He was really doing this, wasn't he? Take another pupil, after all what happened… He doesn't know if he was ready, but if he wanted to prevent a dark fate, he would have to act.

And that reflected on how he treated Azazel right now. He gazed upon the angel with cold and severe eyes, not differentiating Alinoth that much from Michael.

"Yes, Azazel. Meet me tomorrow at dawn. We shall start your teachings then."

Seriously?! Tomorrow already?!" Azazel's voice brimmed with excitement, a growing smile lighting her face, but Alinoth seemed unaffected.

"It'll be unlike anything you've ever faced. You better not fail." Though his words were directed at Azazel, the warning felt more like it was meant for Alinoth himself.

Azazel was practically bursting with emotion. Without a word, she stepped forward and wrapped Alinoth in a tight embrace.

"Thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

The gesture took the True Monarch by surprise. He gasped, momentarily losing his breath. It had been millions of years since anyone made of flesh and blood had hugged him. The sensation overwhelmed him, sending his mind into disarray. He found himself unsure of how to respond.

Alinoth just stood there, his arms awkwardly suspended in the air, torn between returning the gesture or staying distant. In the end, he chose the latter, letting his arms fall stiffly by his sides, motionless like a statue.

Azazel held on for a few more moments before releasing him, flashing a wide, toothy grin.

"Oh, I have so much to organize! Do I even have enough notepads? I should check! And space! I need..." Azazel muttered to herself as she hurried off toward the stairs, heading to her room. Alinoth watched her go, a shadow of sorrow darkening his face as long-buried memories began to resurface.

'She's just like him... Her mannerisms... The way she talks... Why...? Is this more punishment for my sins? Reminding me of what I've done? Isn't my endless torment enough?!'

"Alinoth... are you alright?"

The voice pulled him from his thoughts as Lucifer's hand rested gently on his back, the Queen of Hell gazing at him with concern.

Only then did Alinoth realize his hands were clenched into fists, and tears had begun to streak down his face.

Lucifer's eyes were filled with worry. "Do you need anything? Perhaps you should sit down-"

"No, no..." Alinoth's breath came in ragged gulps as he stared down at his trembling hands.

"I... I don't know," he whispered, the words barely audible.

With a heavy sigh, he wiped away the tears and stepped away from Lucifer's touch, his gaze distant. "My apologies. If you'll excuse me, I need to... take care of something."

Without another word, Alinoth made his way upstairs, his footsteps heavy, leaving the others behind in silence.

---

'You are to watch, wait, and report back. Do not be seen.'

Ordinarily, Mammon would try and find some excuse to avoid this sort of task - but as always, Sathanas had not given her the luxury of choice. And besides, if she succeeded, perhaps the Demon of Wrath would finally stop tormenting her, maybe even reward her - or at least keep Belphagor out of her neck. A coward she may be, but Mammon was nothing if not pragmatic. Even as one of the original Four Lords of Hell, Mammon avoided battles whenever possible, always preferring more deceived and stealthy approaches, making others do all the heavy work for her.

In any event, her orders were clear: she had to spy on the Helltaker's house, learn any information about that unimaginable strength that emerged in Hell yesterday, and live to tell the tale.

And she learn it alright.

She saw very well as none other than Archangel Michael was thrown outside the house, and from inside the abode soon emerged the one that caused Mammon to be sent here. He was extremely tall; with the looks of a demon, but the eyes of an angel. And by just looking at him, Mammon's blood ran cold and the desire to run away overwhelmed her when she felt that power like no other emanating from that man.

It felt even worse when that man fought Michael in the skies, toying with the Mightiest of the Archangels without any effort, surviving her full power without even a minor injury, and overall just humiliating Michael and leaving the archangel at the brink of death.

The moment that man - which Mammon learned was called Alinoth after hearing Lucifer yell his name - survived that massive explosion of holy energy and came down to earth holding an almost dead Michael by her halo... that was the cue for the Demon of Greed to just run as fast as she could. She didn't care to hear and learn more, she just wanted to get out of there and escape with her life. Sathanas' wrath and even Belphagor's hunger were better than to face anything that Alinoth had stored if he found Mammon spying.

And talking about the Demon of Wrath... Mammon knew that Sathanas would be angry beyond belief once she reported back. The intention until now was simple: gather as much information about the usurper Lucifer and her friends, perhaps make them turn against each other, and finally strike, executing their revenge against Lucifer and Justice.

But now, Alinoth's mere existence completely jeopardized their initial plans. How would they act now that Lucifer found herself an ally even stronger than the Mightiest of the Archangels? Mammon couldn't think of anything while she kept running through the alleys of the city she knew so well, returning to inform Sathanas.

---

Closing the bedroom door with a heavy thud, Justice finally released the deep breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding since the angels had left. Her heart pounded like a deafening drum in her chest, and her breathing grew increasingly labored, as if she teetered on the edge of an anxiety attack.

With her head resting against the door, she clenched her fists and teeth, struggling to rein in the torrent of emotions threatening to overwhelm the former High Prosecutor. It took immense effort, but Justice eventually managed to calm herself - at least a little.

Sighing, she turned and walked to her closet. Opening the furniture, she rifled through layers of clothing until her fingers brushed against the object she sought, hidden deep within. Pulling it out, she closed the closet doors behind her. It was a large, ornate wooden box, its mahogany surface adorned with delicate carvings. As she ran her fingers over the finely detailed engravings, she also felt the thick layer of dust that had settled there, a testament to how long it had been since she last touched it.

Memories swirled around her, even before she opened the box. Justice placed the object on her desk, unlocking the latches with her thumbs before carefully lifting the lid. The inside was padded with rich red velvet, but it was the items within that captured her full attention.

Five objects lay inside, two of them identical, the other three distinctly unique.

The two identical were two crude-looking caestus, which instead of being fashioned from leather or metal, they were made from the skeletal hands of some creature unknown to Justice. One of the other items was a small ring engraved with the image of a beacon. Another was a fragment of a white porcelain mask, with a single black teardrop painted beneath the eyehole. Yet the object that drew Justice's focus the most was the aged feather of a bird.

Each item held deep meaning for Justice, evoking a complex mix of emotions. They might have appeared random to anyone else, but to the Awesome Demon, they were keepsakes from someone from her past, someone who had been very important to her. Each object held memories that stirred both joy and sorrow within her.

The aged feather, though, was the most significant. It had once belonged to her dear friend, and Justice had vowed to safeguard it as though it were her own life. The former High Prosecutor genuinely felt sick for not being able to maintain that promise as highly as she wished. The wounds, the emotional scars... were still too much for her to face.

Tears welled in Justice's gray eyes as she cradled the feather against her chest. She had failed, and because of that failure, her friend had paid the ultimate price. This was why she dedicated herself so relentlessly to becoming stronger, to protect those she loved. She would never allow herself to lose someone she cared again, someone she loved...

"I'm sorry, my friend... I wasn't strong enough... I couldn't save you..."

Suddenly, a soft knock at the door pulled her from the spiral of grief she had been sinking into.

"J-just a second!" she called, quickly returning the items to the box and tucking it back into the depths of her closet.

Wiping away the remnants of her tears, Justice adjusted her sunglasses to conceal her crying eyes. With a deep breath, she forced one of her signature smiles and opened the door.

"Hey, Alinoth. What's up?"

The Bearer of the Curse blinked in surprise. "How did you know it was me?"

"Everyone in this house has their own way of knocking, and I know them all by heart. When I heard a knock I couldn't recognize, it had to be you." she said with a faint smirk.

"That's impressive, though I shouldn't be surprised given that's you." Alinoth smiled back.

Justice snorted lightly. "Did you come here just to flatter me? Not that I mind, of course."

Alinoth chuckled softly. "I'll remember that."

But then the smile on Alinoth's face disappears and the monarch crosses his arms, assuming a more serious posture. "But seriously, I came to check on you. I noticed how much Raphael's words affected you earlier, and I wanted to make sure you were okay."

Justice waved a hand dismissively, attempting to change the subject. "It was nothing. I appreciate it, really, but you don't need to-"

"Justice, don't lie to me." Alinoth's voice was gentle but firm, his gaze sincere and devoid of judgment. ""I recognize very well when someone disguises an inner sadness with a seemingly cheerful facade."

Alinoth lets out a heavy sigh. "I... have more experience with this than I care to admit..."

Justice's voice trails off in her throat as the demon ponders how to proceed. Not only that, but she also tries to digest what Alinoth has just revealed to her. Of course, she should have expected that from the Bearer of the Curse, considering some of the few things she was able to gather about his past yesterday, in addition to the few he revealed. The physical and emotional scars Alinoth had should be no joke.

"This... is something very personal." she admitted quietly.

"If I may ask, it does have something to do with the loss of your vision?" Alinoth asked, his voice soft.

"Partially, yes." Justice nods. "However, the rest is not something I can reveal. Aside from being extremely personal, it is something that involves other residents from this house and I would not like to compromise them."

"So this subject dies here. If it is a delicate topic, I'll not pester you only to satiate my curiosity." Alinoth says with conviction.

Justice smiles slightly at the tall undead. "I appreciate it, Alinoth. Really. Let's just say that this title, Flybreaker... I received it at the cost of two dear friends of mine."

"I thought we wouldn't talk about it anymore, did you? It is the best for us to change the subject."

"Yeah, you're right..." Justice answers in a lower voice. It was to change the subject, and the demon also had something else to talk about with the monarch. "Alinoth... I would like to ask you a favor, if you don't mind."

The Bearer of the Curse raises an eyebrow, curious. "I'm listening."

Justice takes a deep breath, before saying: "I would like to know if you... could teach me."

Alinoth just blinks at those non-specific words. "Teach you what?"

"Teach me the ways of combat. Your ways." The demon looks at the monarch with a rare serious expression on her face. "I mean... all the stories you told us - what you did today facing Michael... All of this is clear proof of your abilities and strength greater than any other being in all of Creation."

"You wish to become my disciple..." Alinoth's voice comes out as a whisper.

"Exactly." Justice steps forward, placing a hand against her chest. "I wish to improve myself. To become stronger than I already am, to have more power."

"And for what do you wish such strength? What are your goals with this power?" Alinoth's tone is surprisingly hard now. It was also laced with noticeable anger.

"To protect those I care about." Justice answers bluntly.

She paused, her voice cracking ever so slightly. "I've seen what happens when I'm too weak. Those important to me suffered because I couldn't act in time, because I was more of a dead weight than anything else. I can't let that happen again."

Alinoth clenched his fists, his mind waging war against itself. Another pupil? Azazel was already extracting a heavy toll from the monarch's mind. The memories flashed once again back to him, just like with Azazel: a bright, eager soul taken under the wing of the True Monarch, someone Alinoth raised and loved as his own son... only for him to lose everyone and everything he ever cared for because that same love blinded him to all the bad omens; blinded him to all the manipulation, ambition, ruthless nature, and hunger for power that the kind monster raised by Alinoth possessed.

Azazel is a case of necessity. If Alinoth doesn't interfere, he knows she'll become a monster even worse than the one Alinoth blindly raised, and that said something. That bastard who was once his son tried to enchant all the inhabitants of the world and make them worship him, only to satiate his lust for power and god complex. Azazel, on the other hand... the risk was that she would become someone who was willing to plunge all of existence into mayhem only to satiate her inner curiosity.

But Justice... Alinoth could feel: her heart and soul were not tainted by greed or the hunger for power. She truly sought strength not for herself, but for those she loved. And with Justice, even though he still had some reservations, Alinoth started to feel a flicker of hope - hope that perhaps this time, things would be different.

Perhaps this time he wouldn't create a monster.

Alinoth sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Very well." he said, his voice resigned. "I will take you as my disciple."

The monarch then glazes over her with a serious countenance. "But know this: I will push you to your very limits and beyond. If you truly want to grow stronger, and more importantly, control that strength, you must be willing to face everything that comes with it - the pain, the fear... everything."

Justice clasps hes fists, an unwavering expression having taken over the demon's countenance. "I am ready."

"No, you are not. But I will make you ready." Alinoth crosses his arms. "Meet me tomorrow afternoon. We shall begin your journey of evolution."

A characteristic smile returns to Justice's face. "Thank you, Alinoth. I promise that I'll not let you down."

'You better.'

With a characteristic wide grim, Justice surprises Alinoth by extending her fist forward.

Alinoth stared at the fist for a moment, blinking. "Um… what are you doing?"

Justice chuckled. "It's a fist bump, bro! You know, like, for good vibes."

"Fist... bump?" Alinoth raises an eyebrow, completely confused.

"People didn't do this in any world you visited?"

"Uhh... No...? What is it, a form of greeting?"

Justice couldn't avoid giggling with Alinoth's complete obliviousness. "Yeah, exactly. Think about it as an informal form of handshake. Here, I teach you. First, just raise your fist like I'm doing."

Alinoth mimicked Justice, his fist looking uncertain. "Okay... what now?"

"Now, just lightly tap it against mine." Justice explained. "Not too hard, though. I don't want you sending me to another galaxy. It's not a punch, just a friendly tap."

"Like this?" Alinoth moved his fist forward, gently tapping Justice's.

"Perfect!" Justice grinned. "See? Easy, right?"

Alinoth smiled awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck. "Yeah... that wasn't too bad."

"I can't believe you didn't knew what a fist bump was!" Justice said. "But you at least know about high-fives, right?"

"High what?" Alinoth asks as he raises an eyebrow.

Justice tries to resist, but ends up letting out a belly laugh. "Ah... Why am I still surprised? Anyway, a high-five is like this: first, raise your hand to about your shoulder height…"

---

Mammon is a character from the fan game Helltaker: Second Circle. She's the demon of and personification of Greed, and is one of the Four Demon Lords that ruled Hell before they were dethroned and banished by Lucifer, Beelzebub, and Justice. As I said before, I'll be following many concepts and events from that fan game, with the Demon Lords and everything that surrounds them being some of the main ones.

Now talking about the angels... Aside from Azazel, do not expect any other angel and even God to be genuinely and overall good. I've decided to take a trope from the Soulsborne games and extend into Helltaker; that being that gods and everyone surrounding them are usually a bunch of bastards who only care about themselves and on preserving their rule, manipulating their believers into worshiping them.

Now talking about certain character heights, I'll be following the usual interpretations for how tall the Helltaker characters are. That means that the Helltaker himself is over 2.20 meters tall, Judgement stands at 2 meters, Justice at 1.90 meters, Malina at 1.85 meters, Pandemonica, Zdrada, Azazel and Modeus all at 1.80 meters, Lucifer at 1.75 meters, and finally Cerberus is the shortest, standing at 1.70 meters. As for Alinoth and my original characters, the True Monarch stands at 3.42 meters, but remember that he's able to grow even taller. Raphael has the same height as Malenia from Elden Ring, that being 2.56 meters - and the Forlorn Fer is only a few centimeters taller than Raphael, standing at 2.63 meters.

Also, here's the translation of the latin prayer said by Michael: God almighty, I beseech thee, grant me thy strength.

Extremely simple, but just like english, latin definitely isn't my strong point.