Monarch of Darkness, Arsene

Crossing my arms over one another in the outreaches of space, I sighed, unsure what to say regarding that eccentric golden eye woman. She was at the pinnacle, but she did not act like it. I wonder what the blood of Nephilim tastes like? No, I can't. Stop making enemies. I need to focus on my task. It's as she said. It's up to the wheels of fate.

Shaking my head, I sighed and opened my senses, shadow stepping back to the planet below. There were many things to do, but I needed to start treading carefully. If each of the Twelve Planes has secrets or monsters, then I expect all hell will break loose one day.

Not to mention that bastard Mephisto seamlessly changed the conversation regarding the particular spells the Ruler and Monarchs possess. I wonder what Lilith did, that she was required to use that spell, and what was the price?

Sending a long glance to this new Sun above my head, my eyes narrowed before I walked into the carriage Lady Black delivered.

Ignoring the two guardsmen staring up at the star, I tapped the carriage top, signaling to get moving.

…

…

…

"What do you think about the sudden destruction and subsequent birth of a new star," Valice inquired the very moment the carriage came to a halt as she stood outside her estate with a squad of soldiers at her beckon command.

Is she going to war or something? What's with the squad?

"You tell me," I said, narrowing my eyes, " I hear Aether was the reason for the birth of this star."

There was a frown on Valice, and she placed her hands behind her back, "Is that right? and why do you think that? I don't know about it?"

She is lying.

She would know of it if there was such a massive monster hidden in Aether.

There's no way the king of Aether would not have told his wife. Especially one that is a Paragon. While we are not enemies, I might need to accelerate a few things.

"Well, that's fine if you don't wish to tell me. But I just had an interesting conversation with the golden-eye lass."

Eyes widening, " How did you get to space? No one left the—"

"I've my ways. She's quite something and a little on the eccentric side. And she seems to like to bully someone named Lammy. It seems like the Light Bear—"

"Ok, that's enough, initiate Order X, " Valice commanded as the eyes of every guardsman turned dead. In but a moment, they fell limp, and their souls were gone. Vanishing before I could even grab hold of them.

"I guess the identity of that clan is of the highest?"

A cold, suffocating atmosphere rippled from Valice as she took a few steps forward, "who the bloody hell are you?"

"Now you wanna ask that? Don't you think it's a little late," I plainly responded, unsure why she seemed so upset. "But it begs the question, how do I know of this? How do I know about the Descendants of Sol?"

"Keep talking, and you'll be dead, and it won't matter. I suggest we both keep silent on this matter. Deal?"

My brow gently grew arched, " we'll see. I've my eye upon her and on Avar of Genesis. Two extreme monsters. It makes you wonder what the two fallen are up to."

"Excuse me!" she uttered, taking a few steps back as her tone began to tremble and her eyes quivered as if a cold realization appeared.

"Surely you are—"

"Please don't act as if you haven't made the same conclusion. And I'm sure you've also taken notice of the various cathedrals around the world. I've heard much of Aether and its almost endless tales of history. The Etherial plane may reign supreme when it comes to recording history. Still, you guys have your fingers in almost every major event that takes place," I revealed, shaking my head, as Bael had written a few things regarding the complexity of Aether.

Aether was the birthplace of Qi, commonly known as Ether, there or Arcana. Each of these names, while subjected to various dynamics regarding the foundation of magic and circles, ultimately do the same thing.

Every Dao Cycle, the laws would change, and so too would the energy usage. Qi will alternate between these three titles. But in the end, on a fundamental level, all three act similarly with minor differences.

Aether's wizards, witches, and warlocks are probably one of the most feared people to battle. On a fair playing field, everything will be fine, but when it comes to those that hide in the dark, everything is subjected to luck if you are marked. I'd even read that some Paragons walk around with various Artifacts to guard against killing spells that kill the target no matter what. Although most of those are based upon blood laws."

I must thank Zariel for that, though; since my blood is constantly changing, using any blood spell on me will ensure it only partly works.

"Congrats, Mr. Blackwater. I will speak to my husband regarding a meeting. You have officially captured my attention." Valice uttered sharply with a cold regal air to her.

​ "So seems. Then allow me to give my thanks in advance; I'm sure you've many questions, " I replied with a teasing smile.

Sorting almost derisively, Valice rolled her dark eyes, "By year's end, you will have an audience; I'd recommend you start preparing."

"I'll say the same thing with you," I coldly said, "glancing up at the legion of angels monitoring the skies. You guys are far too complacent with them acting as guards. An angel without the Laws of Concordance is but a lost angel. And the most dangerous kind. "

"I'll take your warning to heart, now. Before we head off to the colosseum—"

"HUH, I was just there! I don't want to go back!"

"Before we head back," She repeated, ignoring my words without care, " Your two daughters are here to see you. They are playing with Zanta."

"Huh?!"

"And they brought your sister."

Pushing out my senses, my heart raced as I shadow stepped, appearing before an emerald-headed goddess mischievously smiling at me.

"If it isn't my arch-nemesis."

'Hiiiiiiiiiiiiii, bubba!"