If you Like this story! Check out my other stories! Solo leveling in Westeros.
&
If you wish to read more or simply support me than check out my patreon at
"https://www.patreon.com/FrenzyAren"
You can Get Access to 3 More Chapters OR 7 More Chapters if you want !
/-\
Arthur stood at the head of the chamber, arms crossed, gaze fixed on Etrigan. "Go on then Etrigan, tell us what you know."
Then Etrigan stepped forward.
The demon straightened, fire flickering behind his eyes.
"Of Neron's court, there is a shade unseen,
A whispering power that moves between.
When I stood beside Azazel's might,
He spoke of strings pulled out of sight.
Neron could not rise alone,
The Tower of Dis is not easily overthrown.
When Lucifer vanished, the crown left dead.
He seized the throne when Mazikeen followed his stead,
He feared her not for strength or blade,
But for the bond the Morningstar made.
To harm her risked celestial flame
Thus 'Queen' became her whispered name.
She too had help that skirted death.
And now that same unseen hand
Guides Neron's grip across this land."
John let out a low whistle.
"So," he muttered, "we've got a mystery puppet master pulling Hell's strings. Fantastic."
Zatanna tilted her head. "Do we know them? Or is this another nightmare we'll have to name ourselves?"
Etrigan turned, ember-lit eyes narrowing.
"Azazel spoke a name once told,
A rumor whispered, dark and old.
I know not truth, nor can attest..
But he believed it more than jest."
Kara crossed her arms impatiently. "Can you please just say it? You're killing me here."
Arthur remained silent, gaze fixed on Etrigan, listening with razor focus.
The demon inhaled, fire flaring brighter in his throat.
"The First Mother."
Silence fell.
John blinked, then muttered, "Bloody hell… Lilith?"
Zatanna exhaled sharply. "If that's true… then Hell isn't just unstable. It's on the brink of a full-scale mythological disaster."
John ran a hand through his hair. "It's basically the apocalypse down here, isn't it? And if we don't wrap this up fast, I'm calling it now, we're getting a front-row seat to angels dropping in."
He grimaced. "Which is never good."
Arthur finally spoke.
"Lilith…"
He looked at the others. "Any clue why she'd help someone like Neron?"
John shrugged. "Could be personal. Could be politics. Could be a long con spanning centuries. With beings like her? There's always another layer."
Etrigan snorted,
"Her motives coil in endless scheme,
Truth and lie in one obscene.
I cannot grasp her tangled art..
Her mind is labyrinth, her soul is dark."
Arthur scanned the room Kara's concern, John's guarded cynicism, Zatanna's quiet dread, his Marshals' silent readiness.
Then he spoke.
"It doesn't matter."
His eyes glowed faintly violet.
"Whether Lilith aids Neron out of ambition, resentment, or some grand design… the result will be the same."
The war chamber remained alive with murmurs and quiet strategizing until Kara suddenly stepped forward.
She reached for Arthur's wrist.
"Come with me," she said under her breath.
Before anyone could tease or interrupt, she tugged him a few steps away from the table, pulling him toward the darker edge of the chamber.
Arthur allowed it, watching her with calm curiosity.
Kara turned to face him fully, both hands clasping his. Her grip was firm, blue eyes locked into violet.
"…Arthur," she said, voice softer now, "I'm starting to question all of this."
He tilted his head slightly. "Questioning is healthy."
She shook her head. "Not like that. I mean.. what if we're messing with things we shouldn't mess with?"
A flicker of emotion crossed her face, concern, thoughtfulness, not fear.
Arthur studied her. "Are you afraid?"
"No," she answered quickly. "It's not fear. It's just…"
She hesitated, searching for words.
"The things I've heard about Hell. Nothing ends well with places like this. Ever. Look at John, we know he wants his soul back. That's insane if you think about it. Beings that can just… take something like that from you."
Arthur's gaze briefly flicked toward Constantine before returning to her.
"It was his mistake to make that bargain," he said evenly. "But I believe there was a good reason for it. Something he keeps to himself. He might be an idiot sometimes, but his intentions are usually good, it just chaotic in nature."
Kara frowned. "He always does…"
Then she looked back at Arthur. "Should we call extra help?"
Arthur already knew what she meant.
"You're talking about Raven."
Kara nodded. "She understands this kind of thing. Magic, demons, Hell, she can.."
"No," Arthur said immediately.
His tone wasn't harsh, but it was absolute.
"She is still recovering. I won't drag her into Hell after everything she endured lately, even if she can take it."
His eyes narrowed slightly. "And there are many of her kin here. Even the demon I fought Belial is her half-brother…"
He pointed subtly toward Etrigan across the room.
"…which makes her, technically, his aunt."
Kara blinked.
"…That is still weird to think about."
A faint, amused breath escaped Arthur.
Then he stepped closer and drew her into a firm, warm embrace.
His voice dropped lower.
"Worry not. We can handle whatever Hell throws at us… without dragging anyone else into it."
He rested a hand at her back.
"The reason I brought you here with me, knowing the risks.. is because I trust you. You've learned. You've adapted. You've grown stronger beside me."
His tone softened further.
"Your will… your hope… it moves even me. And even this concern of yours about us, I appreciate it more than you think."
Kara's eyes widened.
Her cheeks flushed.
"…You're.. You don't mean that.." she muttered, smiling despite herself.
Arthur simply smiled.
She pulled back slightly, still holding his hands.
"Alright then."
She leaned forward, pressing a brief kiss to his lips.
"I trust you," she said quietly. "So let's get this over with so we can return and.."
Before Kara could finish and Arthur could respond..
"Sorry to interrupt, lovebirds, but uh…"
John's voice cut in.
Arthur's eyes ignited faintly.
He turned sharply toward the exit.
"Yeah," he murmured, already sensing it. "I know, John."
His expression sharpened.
"An army is approaching."
John grimaced. "Could be Neron's."
Etrigan scoffed, folding his arms. "Neron wouldn't abandon the City of Dis. It's the heart of Hell. He'd rather rule from the center than chase shadows at the edge."
Arthur stepped away from Kara and moved back toward the table.
"Then we'll find out who shortly," he said coldly.
He turned toward the chamber doors.
"Follow me."
****
The sky above the fortress tore open in a silent fracture of shadow.
From that rupture, Arthur stepped out as if Hell itself were merely a doorway.
Ashen-white hair stirred in the infernal wind, violet light burning behind his eyes.
Behind him, the air distorted again.
One by one, his Marshals emerged.
Galatea descended, cape snapping behind her, eyes sharp and cold.
Doom stood in absolute silence, his towering form wrapped in writhing darkness.
Ultra hovered a few feet above the ground, arms folded.
Igris stepped forward with a knight's grace, hand resting on the Demon King Longsword.
Beru clicked his mandibles once, standing tall and proud, antennae twitching as he surveyed the battlefield.
H'El appeared last, his long shadow hair and cape of shadow billowing behind him.
Behind them, the army assembled.
Shadow Giants towered over the field, colossal silhouettes wreathed in drifting black mist. Demon Knights formed disciplined ranks, armored and silent, eyes burning with hellfire. A smaller formation of Heavenly Soldiers, those Bellion had left behind stood apart, radiating a cold, otherworldly authority, their presence an unsettling contradiction in Hell.
Kara floated at Arthur's side, John leaned casually nearby, cigarette unlit between his fingers, eyes sharp. Zatanna stood with her staff in hand.
Across the scorched plains, an army answered them.
Demons by the tens of thousands stretched across the horizon, winged horrors, horned warlords, colossal beasts dragging chains of bone, legions clad in infernal steel. The sky above them burned red with drifting embers.
And from their center, a single figure walked forward.
Calm and confident.
Arthur narrowed his eyes.
"That presence…" he murmured. "Another fallen angel."
Etrigan said, eyes blazing with recognition.
"In ancient days his name was praised,
A rebel star in Heaven's haze.
Cunning, ruthless, draped in flame..
I know that walk. Azazel's name."
The lone figure stopped within speaking distance.
Black wings unfolded behind him, feathers singed with ember-light. His features were sharp, regal, and twisted with amusement. A slow, wicked smile curved his lips as he spread his arms.
His laughter rolled across the battlefield.
"Lord of Shadows…" Azazel's voice echoing like a verdict. "You bring quite the spectacle."
His gaze flicked across Arthur's ranks, lingering on the Shadow Giants, the Heavenly Soldiers, the Marshals.
A smirk.
"But spectacle does not equal permission."
His eyes locked onto Arthur, amusement darkening into something colder.
"You are not welcome in this realm."
Shadows around Arthur surged in response.
"I didn't ask for a welcome."
He took a step forward.
Kara clenched her fists, hovering closer. John let out a dry chuckle.
"Fallen angels lining up like it's happy hour at the apocalypse..."
Zatanna whispered under her breath, eyes glowing faintly. "This is going to get very loud…"
Azazel tilted his head, amused.
"This realm is already in chaos, Lord of Shadows. You think planting your banners here will bring order?"
A cruel smile.
"You are merely another invader. Another contender."
Arthur's eyes glowed brighter.
"Then go ahead and stop me."
/-\
If you Like this story! Check out my other stories! Solo leveling in Westeros.
&
If you wish to read more or simply support me than check out my patreon at
"https://www.patreon.com/FrenzyAren"
You can Get Access to 3 More Chapters OR 7 More Chapters if you want