269 WAR AGAINST TWO FORCES
[The Temple of Assassin- after subduing Dassa the Shadow minion]
"I was wondering when you'd show up," the Deacon of Death said as Leo entered the shadowy chamber of the Temple of Assassin with Petunia.
"Sorry, I was delayed. That Aseran wasn't easy to handle, not to mention the bloody apparitions from the Temple of Hera," Leo replied, his voice heavy with exhaustion.
Suddenly a woman appeared from behind the deacon. Sujira rushed forward, wrapping her arms around Leo in relief.
"I was so worried about you", she said with relief.
"You don't have to worry about me", Leo replied simply.
"Why are you so eager for the body of the double?" Petunia asked, her tone sharp with jealousy.
Sujira didn't flinch. "He may be a body double now, but his memories will eventually merge with our husband. For all intents and purposes, he is our husband."
"Erm… sorry to interrupt this touching reunion, but we have pressing matters to discuss," the Deacon of Death interjected, his urgency cutting through the moment.
Sodom City was teetering on the brink of invasion by the Koresh army.
Leo turned to the Deacon, his face grave. "Deacon, let's be honest. What are the city's chances against the Koresh army?"
The Deacon stroked his beard thoughtfully before answering.
"Fortunately, we dealt with the Deghad and Toledo traitors before they could spark a civil war in the city. The city can face Koresh's forces united. But..." His voice grew heavier. "The Koresh army is still far stronger than us. Early scout reports make that painfully clear."
Lady Dassa schemed to create chaos in Sodom city before their forces' invasion to increase their chances, but that scheme was thwarted before it came to fruition.
Before the conversation could continue, Sujira stepped forward and held out a glowing Soul Vessel. "This is another of the Godmother's shadow minions," she announced.
Leo's eyes widened. "How many of those damned bitch minions does that witch have? I know Dassa before she was possessed by the Godmother, there was no sign she could be this capable."
"Your friend Dassa has a unique constitution of Doppel, but she couldn't emanate even a single shadow summon. The Godmother of the Temple of Hera on the other hand is ancient," the Deacon explained calmly. "After claiming the Doppel constitution, having two shadow minions or more simultaneously is entirely within her capabilities."
"Well, that's two she's lost to us now," Petunia added with a smirk.
"Let's hope it weakens her enough to stop more doppels coming at us", Leo said.
The Deacon cleared his throat. "Back to the Koresh invasion?"
Leo's expression shifted, a sudden spark of an idea lighting his face. "Do we have all the Temple of Hera's assassins with us?" he asked Sujira.
"Yes," she confirmed. "They all surrendered to us after we broke their kill curses. They are now with us."
"Good. We'll need them to deliver a message to the Godmother," Leo said.
Sujira hesitated. "What message are we sending?"
"We'll tell her how to invade Sodom City," Leo replied, a cunning glint in his eyes.
The Deacon frowned. "You can't be serious? What are you planning?"
Leo nodded. "We'll let them believe their plots in the city succeeded. They'll march in unprepared, thinking they have the advantage. When the time is right, we'll strike, dealing them devastating losses."
"That could weaken the Koresh army," the Deacon admitted after considering the plan. "But it won't stop them entirely. They'll retreat and call for reinforcements from Debauchery City and fight another time," he added with caution.
"Then we'll destroy their forces before those reinforcements arrive," Leo said confidently.
"And how do you plan to do that, given our weaker numbers?" the Deacon pressed.
Leo smiled faintly, his mind already working ahead. "Before I answer that question, can you reopen the gate to Sodom's ruins?"
The Deacon was shocked, paused, confused but intrigued. "It's possible. It's far more challenging to seal the gate than to open it. But why should we do something that would harm us. Leaving the gate open will lead the demons from Sodom ruins to invade us. Then we would be facing two armies- the Koresh and demons at once."
"That is Perfect," Leo said, his tone decisive without explaining.
"We have work to do."
-----
[In the ruins of Sodom]
"Someone explain to me why we must treat this pathetic human as though he's our master," Demonlord Harith growled, his fiery eyes narrowing as he loomed over Agathae- the human who transformed into a demon.
Usually, the demon spirits in Sodom ruins would possess a creature of strength such as the magical creatures in the ruins. Their combination would give birth to monstrous demons with powerful physical abilities.
Humans, on the other hand, are weaker physically compared to magical creatures. They are the least desired vessels for demon reincarnation.
"He's nothing but a vessel—a body suit!"
Agathae flinched but protested, trembling under Harith's towering presence. "I—I can rally the demons! Remember… Lord Bael's soul resides within me!" His voice cracked as Harith raised a massive, jagged axe above his head.
Lord Argun's commanding voice cut through the tension.
"Stand down, Harith. Lord Bael's soul is indeed inside this body. We cannot harm him." He smirked faintly. "Besides, this human has his uses—on occasion."
Harith suddenly reached Agathae in a dashing move.
"Uses?" Harith scoffed, his clawed hand gripping Agathae's throat with cruel, mocking playfulness.
Agathae gasped, struggling to breathe. "I gave you valuable advice... on dealing with the demon-devouring monster last time! Didn't I?"
"That is true", Lord Argun admitted to Agathae's defense.
Harith sneered. "Hmph. That was nothing but blind luck." He tightened his grip, savoring Agathae's terror.
"Enough," Argun commanded again, his tone firm.
"Drop him," he added.
Before Harith could reply, Agathae's eyes glazed over momentarily, as though receiving a distant message. Then, a strange notification echoed in his view:
"You have received a trade request from Black Pink."