Thanks to the sacrifice of Rorik and the other dwarves, Light acquired the ability to manipulate earth. Grateful for the dwarf's sacrifice, he couldn't let things go according to the enemy's plan. He quickly mobilized five men who were in good condition and led them to the Witch's Swamp, a place they had always abhorred and stayed away from.
The witch looked Light up and down, trying to understand the boy's intentions, his expression strange and serious.
"You will follow us into battle and lift the curse now!" Light decreed with an authority that shouldn't be questioned.
"The agreement was to lift it after the battle," the witch grumbled.
"This is the best approach, don't question it and just follow me." Feeling his determination to fight Phantaminon, she lifted the curse. They all headed north of the city, where the ruins of what had once been a castle stood. The air was heavy and silence hung in the air, no one dared to question the plan their leader had devised; he was tense and sharp, ready to react to any response.
Many times they tried to question what he intended to do, but they were constantly reminded that the enemy would likely discover the plan if they spoke. If it weren't for Light dying for the cause, none of them would follow him.
The castle lay on a plain; around it had once been a civilization that, unlike the dwarves, built their houses from stone. Large pillars extended across the plain, covered in moss and plants. Behind these pillars, it was possible to see more hooded men dressed entirely in white, holding chains with demonic dogs like Grimm, and wraiths surrounded them.
One of these men stepped forward.
"State your intentions!"
"You should know by now." Light's voice was sharp as a thousand blades, ready to cut the throats of everyone there. Quickly, his men and the witch prepared for combat; the man in question was a disciple, and he was accompanied by another. It would be a tough battle.
"Ah, yes, of course." The man's eyes burned with flames, his hands loosening as he prepared to release the hunters.
"I've come to negotiate with your boss; I have the key to the door." At that moment, everyone was left confused; the hostility wouldn't leave the air anytime soon.
"What?" the cultist repeated.
"Do you have a dick in your ear? I said I came to negotiate with him, and I have the key to the damn door he wants to open so badly!" The man grew serious for a moment.
"You know if you're lying, you'll die in the worst of the seven hells, right?" Still armed and completely incredulous.
"Go quickly you bitch!" Light had no patience left. The man immediately turned to his companion and asked him to go to the Lord. The witch whispered in Light's ear.
"Do you plan to deceive him to get close and kill him?"
"Why the hell does no one think I have the key!" The witch, in shock, looked at the dwarves, as incredulous as she was. The outsider had never mentioned this to them, and no one believed that door could actually be opened.
Soon after, the man returned and informed his companion that the Lord was waiting for them. Everyone exchanged looks as they walked across the plain, several tieflings camping near the castle among the ruins, many still wearing their usual white robes, always casting hostile glances at Light.
The castle was in no better condition than the outside, its atmosphere cold, the corridors dark, and the walls damp. His soldiers were uncomfortable and uneasy with the situation's unfolding.
"This place reminds me of home, so comfortable. I guess your leader and I have something in common after all." Light was so at ease that he began to tell stories about his home, briefly gossiping about his life, where he came from, and what it was like.
The cultists were becoming scared of this man; even to them, this place wasn't pleasant. It might be to their leader or some of the crazier among them, but this place was always meant to be uncomfortable for everyone.
Soon, with torches, two soldiers opened a large and heavy stone door, its size exceeding 5 meters, the strength required to open it evident. In front of it, a great throne rose, and a man with a purple cloak rested calmly, awaiting his visitors.
The aura of this monster was oppressive; he felt the urge to flee at that moment, sensing how many lives he had taken for himself.
"Light, is it?" he spoke casually, with some presumption.
"They told me you have the key to the door and want to negotiate it with me. Do you have it with you?"
"I wouldn't be stupid enough to bring it to you and die in the process," Light said, laughing, and the Lord continued.
"I can tell when people are lying, so tell me, Light, do you truly possess the key that opens that door?"
"I wouldn't be an idiot to come here otherwise, yes, I fuck have it!" Smiling greedily, he proceeded.
"What do you want in return?"
"Release Triss; she's no longer of any value to you. Let me go with her, my men, and the Witch to the other side."
"Is that all?" Thinking a little more, Light continued.
"Give me fire magic artifacts, they must be given in advance!" The lord quickly took one of his many rings off his finger and tossed it to him.
"Bring that chatty fairy!" While they waited, the Lord initiated a new conversation.
"To whom does you and that fairy serve?" This question had intrigued him for some time.
"You first. I hope whoever it is is powerful enough to protect you," the Lord continued to laugh.
"Nisroch, a great and powerful demon. If you want, I can convert you into one of his servants."
"I serve Azrael, an archangel." Immediately, Phantominum's laughter stopped. Nisroch was nowhere near Azrael in power; it had been a long time since anyone knew the angel's whereabouts, but that was common among very powerful beings; he could simply be traveling through worlds.
"I would love to meet Nisroch; I can see from his servants that he treats them very well."
"Forget it; he would be very angry if he became a direct enemy of Azrael." Soon, screams began to be heard approaching the corridor, an unmistakable glow filling the air.
"Light you shit cuckold, where were you?" Flying at an impressive speed, Triss approached; finally, we were reunited again.
"So, my dear Light, where is the key?"
"I am the key, take me to the door, and I will open it." It was impossible to see under the hood, but it was clear he was confused. Could Light be a complete lunatic who believed himself to be a key? With a sigh, he led them to the back of the castle.
There were no walls there, only a door surrounded by several trees and roots, the wood common with parts of steel embedded. Light took a step forward; this door could not be opened by force, not even by the gods; Phantominum was certainly crazy to try.
But not to Light.