At the Royal Palace Gates
The cloaked figure walked calmly toward the palace gates. As he approached, more guards came rushing out, weapons drawn and ready to fight.
He raised his hand slightly and spoke in a calm, almost bored tone.
"Why don’t we stop all this? There’s no need for more dead bodies. It would be better for you if you just called your king."
But the guards didn’t listen. They charged at him without hesitation.
The figure shook his head.
"Ignorance is a sin."
He opened his palm, and a wave of flames burst forth. In an instant, the fire consumed all the guards, reducing them to ashes. Only one remained, hiding behind a wall, trembling in fear.
The figure turned to him.
"I’ll let you live. You didn’t attack. You listened. Now go inside and call your king. Tell him I read his message—and I’ve come with a reply."
The terrified guard nodded quickly and ran off toward the palace.
The figure chuckled and stared ahead.
"Azreal... I’ve come to see you."
Inside the palace, Azreal lay on his bed. Hulk stood guard outside his door when the frightened soldier arrived, panting and pale.
"There’s a man at the gates," the guard said between gasps. "He wants to see Lord Azreal. He killed all the others who tried to stop him. He... he let me live to deliver the message."
Hulk’s eyes narrowed.
"Lord Azreal is resting. He’s exhausted."
"We can’t go back empty-handed!" the guard pleaded. "If we do, we’ll all be killed!"
Suddenly, the door creaked open.
Azreal stepped out, already dressed. Hulk looked at him in shock.
"Lord Azreal... you—"
"I heard everything," Azreal interrupted. "Let’s go."
The guard quickly bowed.
"I’m sorry for disturbing your rest, my lord."
Azreal placed a hand on the soldier’s shoulder.
"You did well. You’re brave."
The guard shook his head, his voice cracking.
"I wasn’t brave... I stood there. I didn’t fight. The others risked their lives while I just watched."
Azreal’s gaze softened.
"But you were chosen to live, weren’t you? You came straight here instead of running away. That alone shows courage. Hold your head high."
Azreal turned to Hulk.
As they walked, Azreal looked back.
"Tell the rest of the guards to stand down. It’ll reduce the casualties."
The soldier nodded and ran off.
Near the Palace Entrance
As Azreal and Hulk approached the gates, Nena ran up to them, worried.
"Azreal! What’s going on? I heard the guards are dying... are we under attack?"
Azreal gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Stay here. Everything will be fine. I’ll handle it."
He looked to Fredrick.
"Take her somewhere safe."
Fredrick nodded and led Nena away.
The gates creaked open. Azreal and Hulk stepped outside.
Fifth Gate of Hell — Gate of the Unholy Pyre
Inside the Dragon’s Manor, Dragos slowly woke up, groaning as he moved. A towel slipped off his forehead, and Syrix—sitting at his side—helped him sit up, placing a pillow behind his back.
His chest was bandaged.
Syrix hugged him, voice shaking.
"Please stop doing this. Every two years you come home injured. This ritual... it’s killing us. I can’t take it anymore."
Dragos gently pushed her away and called out.
Drakos rushed in and bowed.
"Take Syrix to her room. I don’t need her here."
"But you’re hurt! I just want to be with you!"
"You being here won’t help. You’ll just annoy me."
Tears streamed down Syrix’s face.
"Drakos, what are you waiting for?"
As Drakos moved to escort her, she slapped his hand away and stormed out.
"How are you feeling, my lord?"
"How do you think I feel?"
"Angry. And disappointed?"
Dragos let out a bitter laugh.
"You weren’t able to defeat Lord Azreal again, were you?"
"Don’t bring that up," Dragos muttered.
"Understood. I’ll tell the maids to prepare some soup."
Drakos left the room.
Dragos stared at the ceiling, lost in thought.
"Why can’t I figure it out? He’s not just fast... I kept up with his speed. But at some point... it was like orange, fiery feathers falling from the sky—and then he just vanished. Next thing I knew, he was behind me. What is that technique?"
"If I ever want to defeat Azreal... I need to understand it."
Fourth Gate of Hell — Gate of Eternal Wailing
Selmora walked through the giant throne room doors. The guards bowed as she passed. The floor was littered with unconscious or dead guards like discarded rugs. She stepped over them casually and sat on her throne.
Nyssara stood nearby.
"Did you check in on Aria at the Third Gate?"
"Yes. Lord Xaltheon threw a feast in her honor."
"She’s doing fine, as always."
"Good. I’m in the mood for music. Let’s visit the Opera House."
"Of course, my lady. The soul choirs await you."
Selmora laughed as she stood.
"Excellent. Let’s go."
Third Gate of Hell — Gate of Blighted Chains
In the war room, Xaltheon stood with Aria.
"Then it’s settled. Investigate my gate, and let me know what you find."
"Of course," Aria nodded.
As they turned to leave, chains suddenly wrapped around Aria’s arms. She looked back. Xaltheon’s eyes glowed intensely.
"If you’re hiding anything... tell me now. I won’t be as kind next time."
Aria smiled nervously.
"Secrets? I’ve told you everything. I have none."
Xaltheon released the chains, his eyes returning to normal.
"You better remember what you just said."
He walked out, closing the door behind him.
Arian looked at Aria.
"We should go before he crushes us."
"Don’t scare me with death."
"You’re already dead."
"But I’m alive now. That’s what matters."
"So are we going to the feast, or are we arguing all day?"
Aria rolled her eyes and hurried out.
In the quiet room, a new figure entered. He looked around and walked up to the war table. A wicked smile spread across his face.
"Sin... is evolution."
Back at the Royal Palace Gates
Azreal and Hulk stepped outside the gates. The cloaked figure was waiting.
"Good day, Lord Azreal."
Azreal narrowed his eyes.
"Who are you? Why hide your face?"
"That... I cannot do."
"To talk. To share our ideals."
Azreal looked up at the palace. Nena stood by the window, watching. He sighed.
"Not here. Somewhere private."
He snapped his fingers. A small portal opened.
Azreal stepped in. Hulk followed. The figure grinned.
"Don’t mind if I do."
The gate shimmered, and the three men stepped through. The portal closed behind them.
Azreal turned around.
"Now we can talk without interruption."
The figure suddenly raised his hand and launched a fiery spear toward Hulk. But Azreal moved instantly, catching it.
"Why did you do that?" Fınd the newest release on 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡⚑𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚⚑𝙣𝙚𝙩
"Just removing the nuisance."
Azreal turned to Hulk.
"Go back to the palace. I’ll handle this."
Azreal’s eyes glowed.
"Don’t make me repeat myself."
"Now that he’s gone," the figure said, smiling. "We can speak freely."
Azreal stepped forward.
"What’s your goal? Why are you pushing the Infernals to evolve?"
"To create a new world."
"Yes. This world is built on sin. The gods created it, filled it with rules of good and evil, heaven and hell. But they themselves are sinners... and so I was born—from that sin."
"I will build a world without gods, without sin, without heaven or hell. A fair world. I am... Sin."
"Hey! If you’ve enjoyed the story so far, let me know by voting or commenting. Your support helps me keep writing iand improving this world!"