The Soul Realm
The sky was gray.
Not like the burning red of Hell. Not like the darkness of night. Just...gray. Still. Lifeless.
A large black gate opened slowly with a heavy creak, and from within the swirling mist, Azreal stepped out. His eyes scanned the dull sky above him as he muttered quietly.
"This is the Soul Realm."
He walked forward calmly, his footsteps echoing faintly across the quiet stone path. Not far ahead stood another gate—taller, thicker, and guarded by two armored souls holding long, blackened spears.
As soon as they saw Azreal approaching, the guards stiffened, lowering their weapons in his direction.
"Stop! Who goes there?!"
Azreal didn't stop. He kept walking with the same calm expression on his face.
"Tell Hades... the Guardian of Hell has come to see him."
One of the guards narrowed his eyes. "We don't accept strangers!" he shouted and lunged forward, thrusting his spear.
But Azreal tilted his body slightly, dodging with ease. His fingers snapped up, catching the tip of the spear mid-air. The weapon instantly lit up in flames. The guard flinched and dropped it with a cry.
Azreal chuckled, his fingers still glowing with embers.
"Not exactly the greeting I expected. But I can work with it."
He stepped closer, rested a hand on the stunned guard's shoulder, and leaned in.
"Go tell Hades I'm here."
The guard nodded quickly and ran through the gate. The others backed away slowly, fear growing in their eyes.
Moments later, the gates creaked open. A young woman with silver hair, wearing black robes and holding a large book, stepped out and bowed.
"Welcome, Lord Azreal," she said politely. "Forgive the guards. They didn't know who you were."
With a small gesture from her, the guards bowed deeply. Azreal didn't even glance at them as he walked through. The woman followed close behind, and the heavy gates shut behind them.
---
Hell Realm – Azreal's Room
Aria stretched her arms and yawned, rubbing her sleepy eyes.
"That was a nice sleep… I haven't rested like that in… forever."
She reached across the bed, expecting to feel warmth beside her. But there was nothing.
"Huh? Azreal?" she called softly. No answer.
She sat up and looked around. "Maybe he's outside…"
Suddenly, a burst of flame appeared in front of her and took the shape of Hulk. Aria jumped in surprise.
"Ahhh! W-What the—oh, it's you."
"I mean no harm," Hulk said calmly. "I've come to deliver a message from Lord Azreal."
"Azreal?" Aria tilted her head.
"He had urgent matters to attend to. He said he might be gone for a while."
Aria sighed and mumbled to herself, "He could've just used his flame writing… I liked when he made flowers."
Hulk tilted his head. "Is there anything you need, my lady?"
"No… no, it's fine."
"Then I'll take my leave. The maids are nearby, and Fredrick is on standby. Just call if you need anything."
Aria nodded, and Hulk vanished in a small flame.
She looked around the empty room and dropped onto the bed with a soft sigh.
"This was supposed to be our time together… you're always so busy." Her eyes fell to the glowing mark on her hand. She traced it gently.
"I wonder how this even got here…" She stared at it. "Maybe… maybe this is the key to my paradise."
She rubbed the mark a few times, then frowned.
"But how do you even use it?"
Frustrated, she flopped onto the bed and pulled a pillow over her face.
"Azreal… come back soon. It's boring without you."
---
Chamber of Scarlet Flames
Maids moved quietly around the room. Some were preparing water, others tending to the woman lying in bed.
Laisa slowly opened her eyes. Her vision was blurry, her body sore.
"Where… am I?" she whispered. She tried to sit up but winced, holding her head.
"You're not ready to move, Lady Laisa," one of the maids said, gently guiding her back down.
Memories flashed through Laisa's mind. Her eyes widened.
"I… I tried to kill Lord Azreal…"
Tears welled up in her eyes.
"I'm so sorry… Lord Azreal… I didn't mean for that to happen…"
"Lady Laisa?" the maid asked, surprised. "Are you in pain?"
"No… it's not that." Laisa wiped her eyes. "I committed a grave sin. One only he can punish…"
The maid shook her head. "But he didn't seem angry. He was calm… He brought you here and asked us to take care of you."
Laisa blinked. "He… did?"
The maid nodded. "He even sent Hulk to check on your recovery. He seemed… worried."
Laisa remembered it now—his warmth, the way he hugged her. She smiled through her tears.
"It wasn't a dream… He forgave me…"
The maid smiled gently. "It's strange… seeing Lord Azreal like that. I wonder what changed him…"
Laisa's thoughts drifted to Aria. Her smile widened.
"It's her… Isn't it?" she whispered. "She's the one who brought out that side of him."
With a soft sigh, Laisa closed her eyes and fell asleep with a peaceful smile.
The maid adjusted her blanket. "Rest well, Lady Laisa."
---
Soul Realm – Hades' Domain
Azreal walked silently, following the woman from earlier.
"My name is Rin," she said softly.
"Nice to meet you, Rin," Azreal replied.
They stopped at a tall black door. An emblem—skeletal, cloaked in black, holding a massive scythe was imprinted on it. Rin knocked once and then stepped inside. Azreal followed.
Inside, seated on a floating chair, was a middle-aged man wearing glasses. His black robe flowed like smoke.
Azreal gave a small nod.
"Hades. It's been a while."
Hades stood and offered him a seat. Rin moved to stand beside him silently.
"What brings the Guardian of Hell to my realm?" Hades asked.
Azreal sat. "There are some questions only you can answer."
Hades raised an eyebrow.
Azreal leaned forward. "Have you ever heard the name… Y'tharion? Or something called Y'tharion's Mark?"
Hades paused. "Rin. Check the files."
She rifled through a thick book, flipping through pages.
"Nothing," she said.
Hades shrugged. "You heard her. Doesn't ring a bell."
Azreal narrowed his eyes. He's lying. There was a slight delay… hesitation.
He spoke in his mind. Sarah, I hope you can read my mind?
Yes, my lord. I'm on it.
Azreal then shifted the topic. "What about… the God's Mark?"
Hades' expression changed instantly. "How do you know about that?"
"Just curious."
Hades frowned. "That's not something you should be poking your nose into. Focus on your realm."
Azreal smirked slightly. Using anger to hide secrets. Classic.
"Alright." He stood and glanced out the window. Below, a boat floated down the Soul River—two souls on board. One rowing, the other sitting.
Azreal's eyes widened.
"I was wrong…" he muttered. "The problem wasn't the Gates. It was the river."
He turned to Hades. "Is it possible… for the Soul River to make a mistake?"
"Impossible," Hades said firmly. "It always delivers souls where they belong."
"I see," Azreal said, turning to leave. "That's all I needed."
As he reached the door, Hades spoke again.
"You came asking questions. Now it's my turn."
He picked up a book and smirked. "You go by Azreal now… but what was your real name again?"
Azreal froze.
His eyes began to glow. He turned slightly.
"For your own sake… don't bring that topic up."
He continued walking, but Hades appeared behind him, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"I'm not done yet."
Azreal turned slowly, eyes burning. "Let go."
Hades withdrew his hand—but now held his scythe, pressing it to Azreal's neck.
"You forget," he growled. "This is my realm."
He swung.
But the blade missed.
Flaming feathers rained from the sky as Azreal reappeared behind him, fingers lightly touching his shoulder.
"Are you sure you want to fight me?" Azreal whispered. "It could destroy everything here."
The room shifted. Hades' eyes flared with fury. His aura surged—dark, cold, crushing.
Azreal's power flared in response, heat rolling through the chamber like a wave of fire. The ground trembled, windows cracked, and even Rin backed away in fear.
Two great forces stood face to face.
A battle was about to break out in the Soul Realm.