Monarch of Darkness, Arsene

Heat bubble within the depts of my stomach as I concentrated on the Flame of Hellfire, or maybe it's the Flames of Darkness, now? No longer would these flames burn or sear, but instead wither life and absorb everything it touched till the remains were scattered thew the void of the shadow realm.

My comprehension of the Dao of Darkness had long since surpassed all other Dao's. However, as I sat upon the Echo, letting Little Ty drive, sweat dotted my brow, slipping down my cheek as I concentrated.

I clenched my eyes shut, making sure not to distract myself with Ty's wild riding. By the Hells, she is going to kill someone.

Focus Sene

"PAPA!!!~~~ "

Focus

"PAPA~~~~."

Focus

"Pa—"

Closing my thoughts to the world, despite the hairs on my neck standing on end, I pondered over the theory of tarnishing the Flames of Hell.

The first step lay in separating the layers of flames down to its core. Comprehending all the ins and outs of the core mechanics of Hell's greatest form of torment wasn't going to happen. I'm smart, a genius, in fact, but that could take billions of Dao cycles, possibly Chaos cycles. And I simply could not wait for that to happen. I was tainting the dark flames, not trying to understand them.

Slipping into the depths of my blood, I felt a forbidden aura rise. Thick with a forsaken air, the aura of hell emanating from my soul receded. My breathing slowed, and a layer of frost left my lips like a gust of wind. Positioning the Forsaken Qi over the Flames of Hellfire, my eyes opened, lingering on the white flames of hellfire, slowly turning transparent.

Shock whipped over my mind, stirring my soul, and for a while, I stood starstruck. Truly who the Hell was my mother? The Flames of Hellfire was a divine tool that surpassed anything within the Fourth Heaven. To my knowledge, it was capable of decimating everything, yet the Forsaken blood that runs in my veins was cutting it apart. My heart shuttered as I thought of my ability to Tarnish. If the Shadowfell could all tarnish, what would that mean? Wouldn't we be able to recreate the heavens? To dissect even the strongest of abilities and turn them into weapons of mass destruction.

By the Hells, if I could just as well fuse three of the great powers: Abyss, Hell, and Night, to create a cultivation tool for my people. It won't be as strong as abyssal night, but by the Hells, it would be a close second.

The Echo suddenly slowed, and with Ty at the helm, my eyes flickered to stare up ahead towards the massive trench with the remains of a starship.

"What is—"

"Vice Admiral Veruim." Avar calmly mentioned, shooting me a chilling stare. "I may have directed you here," she said, slipping off her echo with Lilith in her arms. She approached the trench, her azure eyes darkening as she gazed upon the wreckage of flames. "Captain Soral," She suddenly said, and a hologram of a man appeared beside her. "I have managed to locate Veruim's Star Revolver, the damage is critical, but we should be able to repair most of the damage in a year, maybe less."

"Admiral, to confirm, you want us to repair his ship?" Soral said, his gaze filled with disbelief." Shouldn't our time be better spent—"

"You will follow my direction, Captain." Avar interjected calmly, "I will continue to locate Veruim men. I have also been relaying information periodically. Send word to the entire fleet within this land, and tell them to prepare for war."

"Sir, yes, sir!" Soral said with a salute, and Ava disconnected. She turned to me and back to the growing disaster chasing us.

Holding onto my control of the flames of hellfire slowly being broken down, I hopped off the Echo, " What's on your mind?"

"The Devils and Demons. They are not the best allies." She said, peering down at Lilith in her arms. " Neither is she. Her people are too primitive. At least, that is from what I gathered. Staying out of this war is the best decision we can make."

"But it's also the most foolish." I corrected, shaking my head, " Stop musing. This Star Revolver was destroyed without rhyme or reason by the angels. There is no reason to hesitate. Not unless you think you can reason with the angels. "My lips curled upwards as I entertained the idea. " Darling, I can assure you that is a foolish notion."

"But you are going to lose." She said, and I shrugged.

Pointing towards the Star Revolver burning with searing hot flames, I waved my hands, quelling the burning flames. "If you think I don't have backup plans, you are as foolish as those who decide to make me their enemy. In war, defeat is bound to happen. My schemes are not meant for this realm, darling. Everything that happens here can only end in two ways, and neither of them is in my favor nor yours. Not with the forces that I am against." A faint chuckle escaped me, and I turned towards the brimming mist expanding and the light tremors beneath my feet." Avar, you are indeed powerful, but I assure you the forces Lilith, and I are battle will turn your very world upside down.

"You have mentioned the Fallen."

"But have I told you about the Arbiters?" I added, watching her calm expression slip into disbelief. "This festival did screw tons of my plans, but after a few years of thinking and planning. It's only a matter of time before victory is achieved.

"A pregnant woman who cannot leave even a hundred meters from you is in my arms. Did that register in your plan?" Avar coldly pointed out.

Scratching the back of my head, I laughed, " Booty is booty! Every plan has its hic-ups, but nothing should change. At least, I hope. The little bun should stop absorbing so much lifeforce once its life is secured."

Avar appeared unconvinced, more so than I was, but I couldn't argue against this one. Lilith's pregnancy was not within my plans. And was quite a burden. There were no denying children are burdens, but I regret nothing. I'm having a baby! A little version of Lilith or me. My main goal was to open the Gates of Ilutahthth; everything after that was just me getting revenge against those who once screwed me. And to do so, I have all the time in the world.