Monarch of Darkness, Arsene

"Aegis, don't you think it's time we make a deal? A devil's deal, that is?"

There was an eerie silence within this domain of darkness. Knowing Aegis was listening, I didn't bother to repeat myself as I waited.

"You truly do not remember, do you." He whispered, unable to hide the mockery hidden beneath his tone. "we already made a deal, Arsene. All of this, all of this that we are in is your doing."

My doing? What the hell?

"what was the deal!" I hastily asked. If it was made using the Hells, I was screwed.

Crackling with a burst of laughter, Aegis responded with pure contempt. "You made the terms, not us. I will not speak of it."

Us? There was more than one?

Touching my hairless chin, I narrowed my eyes. Does this have anything to do with Zariel? It wouldn't make sense if it were. We are so close to finding a path to Illutath; why risk failure on my part? But if I made this deal, It must have been in a desperate situation. To wipe my own memory was not something I would willingly do.

Lilith should know who is in my head. She didn't say before since I could not stop Aegis from reading my mind, but now it's different. I need to find out what the hell happened in the Temple of Darkness.

"Scared?" He mocked in a way that showed his power at hand.

I will not lie; Aegis held the upper hand on this. But there was still something that had caught me off guard. Why did he say the both of us had no choice?

'A little," I replied honestly, but I could not take Aegis's words to heart. I need to speak to Baphomet or Azeroth and see if there is a way to do so. I need proof that a Devil's Deal was struck between one or more parties.

Pressing onwards through the sea of endless darkness, Aegis's words once more sounded. "Where are we going? You know the Gate of Noctem is not on this level, right?"

Ignoring his snarky comment, I moved forward with only a single intent in mind, not speaking a word.

The Second Realm of the Shadow Realm was a bit complex. Moving through space could be challenging to those who are new to its ways and daunting.

The only way to navigate through the darkness was with one's Will and intent. You needed to believe you were walking in the right direction, and it will be so. Hold an image within your mind, and things will only get easier.

However, should a man see only darkness, they shall forever be lost in the night. Adrienne had warned me many times of the dangers regarding entering this realm. One slip of the thought, and you were lost.

I have used it many times due to being able to split my mind, but others do not have the same skill like I do. The distraction of the darkness before their eyes is but a trap.

Taking my time, it was not long before I once more appeared before a towering castle, spanning further than the eye could see.

Arching my lips at the familiar home I lived in for countless cycles, I made for the bridge, watching as the draw bridge lowered itself just for me.

"Arsene?" Said the sweet seductive voice of Adrienne. Matierlaizing from the darkness, she frowned. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"So you were hiding out here?"

Scrunching her brow further, Adrienne shook her head, "I am on Alos, but when someone enters my domain, I will know about it."

"Does that include the future lord of Noctem as well?"

She smirked, rolling her eyes, "It would seem so. What the hell are you doing here anyway?"

"I count risk someone following me. I am no god, you know. People could follow me without me knowing it. Plus, I was hoping you could take me to Midgard." I said with a bit of a cheeky smile.

"I could, but I am a bit busy. Baphomet is calling for me. Give me a week or two." She employed, yet her tone implied a bit of annoyance. "If you can't wait, speak with Tang Feng. That little shit is in your city."

Drawing a bit close to the woman I wish was my real teacher instead of a depraved demon, I sighed, pursing my lips. "Fine. I will speak to Tang Feng about it. But what the hell is going on that he requires you?"

"Seems like Asmodeus did not take too kindly to an Arch-Angel appearing on Alos. He is fuming right now. I hear even Drar was summoned."

Clitting my tongue sharply, I sneered but did not speak my mind. "I see than I wish you all luck."

Staring at me for a while, Adrienne chuckled. "It's a means to an end; I am sure you understand it."

"Oh, I know, but it doesn't matter how good one is before a nameless scheme prepared by a prince of hell, even someone like Asmodeus will fall prey to it. That is what makes the game deadly."

"Welcome to being a devil." She said, holding onto my arm, whisking me away.

Glancing around at the familiar setting, I could not find any sign of Adrienne within my room. "I need to find a way to Midgard. I need to have grey summon the old man."

Making for Greyson's room, a heavy stench of blood consumed my nose. Frowning, my finger approached as to nock, "Just come in," he said with my hand inches from the door.

Pushing through, my eyes locked onto the tome I had given to Greyson, followed by the man with his heart carved from his chest and placed upon what seemed like an alter.

Grey was covered in a bit of sweat. He appeared tattered and downright weak right now. Littered with blood, he turned to me weakly, "What is it?"

"My god Greyson." I muttered, "What the hell are you thinking performing a ritual in Casia? Angels are here.

Turning his gaze back to the body of a man I did not recognize, he shrugged, "Baphomet, allowed Azeroth to sleep here. If I were him, I would have laid a formation down, just in case some divinity leaks. He was heavily injured after all."

Narrowing my eyes, I only frowned, as I knew Baphomet didn't.. Divinity was a rare resource, who the hell would lose it when they are resting or injured.