Monarch of Darkness, Arsene



Having had enough of the conversation, I had Ares lead us toward the center of the ruins of Olympus that had been abandoned long ago. Apparently, most of the gods that had been revived or regained their memories due to Zariel abandoned this place and are now searching for a new home.

It was strange to see, but it was odder that Hades was actually helping them. From what I've heard from Ares, no one knows how much influence and power Hades has. Especially his second wife, Nyx, who had silently remained by his side since his Ascension.

A/N: Hades first wife was Arsenes Aunty on his mother's side

"What are you thinking so hard about?" Lilith whispered in the ear as Ares led us deeper into his castle basement. Torchers of azure flames were ablaze, lighting the way down the seemingly endless spiral stairs.

"Thanatos… He was a friend, right?" I mentioned.

"Oh my! Sene, are you lonely?! You rat bastard! I'm your friend!"

Hastily shaking my arms, not daring to deny such a claim, I nodded. " There is no denying that… I'm just curious. I've never been in a situation like this. The Fourth Heaven has monstrous Talents that were all limited by their Heaven. But now, all these monsters have been freed due to the Ascension. The Shadowfell is powerful, but I am limited by the Shadow Proclamation that's now backed by the Father. Certain actions could lead to my death. I can't create an endless supply of Shadowfell. Now is the time for allies. I'm just a little regretful of not cultivating relationships."

"He is indeed correct, Lilith," Ariel said. " The Shadow Proclamation covers just about everything from the abuse of power to the abuse of Order. Arsene may create a Shadowfell once a dao cycle."

"That's…"

"The Shadowfell species are immune to all Dao, all Poison, and have a high comprehension. It's a fair deal that might be amended to every Chaos Cycle." Added Ariel. "If anything, I'll say they lack control. And are consumed by the Abyssal Sin of Wrath. And as you know… the Varient sin of… well, never mind, I'm sure you'll hear about it in the future when you start paying attention."

Holding Lilith's arm as her ragged breath tightened, I held back my own weakness behind a warm smile, "Well, it's not a bad restriction; I have enough Shadowfell. Now all that is left is to raise their level. And if there is one thing I have, it's time."

"And loyalty," Ariel said. " Surprisingly."

"Eh?"

I looked at her, startled by the absurdity. I was, without a doubt, a terrible king… At least, I think I am.

Seemingly noticing my shock, Ariel giggled. " Arsene, the thing is… you are a horrible king; that's always missing. Thank goodness you left a clone behind. But it doesn't really matter. You lack greed. You don't seek riches, nor are you afraid to let your enemies live. In fact! You prefer it! Everyone thinks of you as a magnanimous ruler. Quite a few angels love it in Nocturne. Aside from the sins, they have enjoyed a few visits."

Ridiculous! Me a generous ruler? That must be Tenebrae's influence. She handles the day-to-day shit. But it would be wise to hear more about these rumors on my planet. How odd… I, of all people, am considered to be magnanimous.

"Were here," Ares said before within the deepest trench of Mount Olympus, to what seemed like someone had scarred space itself. Hovering over a meter in the air, I felt the Breath of Heaven pooling from this great scar. "Welcome to the Entrance to the Underworld."

The Entrance, he says. But…

Drawing near, past the little prince, and the God of War, I reached up towards the entrance shimmering a faded white light. And allowed my senses to fall into its depths.

Indeed this was a portal to the Underworld, but…

As my senses fell deeper into this web of spacial energy spiraling within the depths, I slowly found myself at a crossroads. A little fitting as I was quite a devil.

"The Entrance to Heaven and Hell," I muttered, and for some reason, I turned to Ariel. To her innocent eye that seemed to glimmer with hope.

I shook my head, 'Eden is nothing more than a… lol. It's nothing more than the tutorial area. It's neither Heaven nor Hell. But a forgotten realm faded from time: A Fallen Heaven."

Directing the flow of breath to grant me another burst of energy, I offered a hand to Lilith: "Shall we, wife? Let us see the beautiful land that Adam and Eve stained."

Cupping my palm with a weak smile, I pulled Lilith to my side and stepped in, but rather than take the trail left for us. I followed the flow of breath past the Crossroads laid out before me. It was clearly a trap I had no intention of falling into.

I was sure I would end up within the Seven Heavens if I stepped into the Path of Heaven. And had I taken the other path, I'd be in One of the Nine Layers of Hell: Most likely an unsafe area. And I've zero intention of being tormented.

Surrounded by a blinding flash of light, I closed my eyes feeling myself encompassed by both my wife and the Aura of Eden. It was warm, soft, graceful, and regal, yet there was a hint of melancholy. An ever-faint sadness that pinched at the deepest reaches of my soul.

As I opened my eyes to my teary-eyed wife, the flutter of the winds whirled around us as I felt my earlier weakness fade away.

"I feel sad… " Lilith whispered.

I couldn't help but agree, "Yeah, It's like all the joy of exploration has been sucked dry, leaving only sadness."

"But I don't feel pain anymore," Lilith said, finding her smile.

"Welcome," The soft-spoken voice of Ariel said, "Welcome to the Seed of Eden that houses the Tear of the Father." She paused, her voice trembling." I am not allowed in, but please be respectful. Father is actively watching."

My heart jumped but quickly calmed as I nodded.

"What, you scared? You were flirting with my other half. Why are you scared now?" Lilith challenged with a smirk.

"Nonsense. I was flirting with my wife!"

A buzzing expression overcame Lilith's mournful one as she quickly snickered. " I'll accept that answer, mister man."

I chuckled, poked at her challenging smile, and surveyed my surrounding.

"It's beautiful…."

"Not as beautiful as you."

"Cringe"

"But you're smiling."

"Never said I didn't like cringe. But you sound like you just want to get laid."

"Can I?"

"I'm literally about to burst."

"... soooo?"

"I hate you."

"Hehe."

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