Flames burned fiercely as a shadow stood still within them. The figure didn’t move, his voice calm and chilling.
"The sins of this world... the sins committed by the gods... are the reason for my existence. I am Sin."
Azreal stared at him with narrowed eyes. "So, you’re Sin."
Sin stepped forward and reached out his hand. "Azreal, I need your help. With your power, my dream world will be easier to create. Join me. Together, we can build a new world."
Azreal shook his head, expression unchanged. "No thanks. I don’t go along with ideals like yours."
Sin let out a small chuckle. "That’s too bad, then."
Azreal’s eyes began to glow. Flames surrounded Sin, forming a swirling sphere around him.
"Don’t think I’ll let you get away," Azreal said coldly.
But from within the flames, Sin’s voice echoed out clearly.
"I didn’t come here to fight. Because honestly, I’d lose. I acknowledge your strength, Azreal. You’re not someone to be reckoned with."
There was a brief pause, then he added, "We’ll fight another time. For now... think about my offer."
The flames exploded outward and vanished in a flash—but Sin was gone.
Azreal lowered his hand, clicking his tongue. "He ran away. What a shame."
He snapped his fingers, and a glowing gate appeared before him. As he stepped through, he muttered, "I look forward to our next meeting... Sin."
Third Gate of Hell – Chainland
The feast had ended. Everyone returned to their rooms.
Aria reached her door, but before she could open it, Xaltheon appeared beside her. "Aria."
She turned to him. "Yeah?"
"You came here to train, right?"
"Well... yeah, I guess that’s true."
Without another word, she followed him.
They arrived at a strange place with a long, shaky chain bridge.
"Welcome to Chainland," Xaltheon said.
Aria stared at the bridge nervously. "This doesn’t look safe... It’s literally swaying!"
Xaltheon stepped onto it without hesitation and walked across with ease. He turned and called, "Your turn!"
Aria stepped onto the bridge, instantly freezing as it wobbled beneath her. She dropped to her knees, inching forward in fear. "Please don’t fall, please don’t fall..."
The bridge swayed again.
"Nope!" she cried, lying flat on the bridge. "I can’t do this!"
Watching her, Xaltheon sighed and rubbed his temples. "What was Lord Azreal thinking, sending her here? She’s way too soft for this."
Just then, Arian floated nearby.
"Stop crying and cross the bridge, or Lord Xaltheon will be disappointed," Arian said bluntly.
"Easy for you to say—you’re flying!" Aria yelled.
"Well, that’s just how I am."
Aria’s eyes lit up with mischief. "I have an idea. Why don’t I ride on you?"
Arian’s eyes widened. "No! No one’s allowed to ride on me except Lord Azreal!"
"Aw, don’t be stingy," Aria teased. "I’m on good terms with him, so it should be fine, right?"
But before he could escape, Aria leapt onto his back.
They both plummeted into the pit below.
Xaltheon watched it happen, completely deadpan. "...Are they dead?"
He sighed. "I knew it. She wasn’t cut out for this."
Suddenly, a huge gust of wind roared through the canyon. Steam filled the air. As it cleared, Aria was riding on Arian’s back—now in his majestic full-dragon form.
"That was awesome!" she shouted with a huge grin.
Arian threw her off. "How dare you! You abused my back!"
"Abused?" Aria poked his arm. "Come on, wasn’t it fun?"
"You could’ve died!" Arian snapped.
"But I didn’t. Because I had you," she smiled. "I knew you wouldn’t let anything happen to me."
Arian turned red. "W-Well... you’re close to Lord Azreal. I couldn’t let you die."
"Aww, are you blushing?" she teased again.
Arian growled, puffed fire, and shrank into his small form. "I am not! Anyway, train. I’ll be back when I find something useful."
He disappeared into the wind.
Xaltheon clapped slowly. "Impressive."
"Huh?" Aria blinked. "What did I do?"
"You rode on Arian’s back. No one except Lord Azreal has ever done that. He must really like you."
"Really?" Aria smiled. "I guess we’ve gotten pretty close these past few weeks."
"Enough talk," Xaltheon said. "Come at me."
"Alright!" Aria’s eyes glowed. Pink flames flared around her. Flame-formed cat ears and two tails appeared behind her. Her feet ignited as she launched forward. "Compress!"
She flew at him, fists raised.
Chains erupted from the ground to trap her, but she burst forward with flames, weaving through them with ease.
"Not bad," Xaltheon said.
"You’re not that tough," Aria smirked, flipping and dodging every strike. She dashed again, full speed.
"You really know how to push buttons," Xaltheon said with a grin.
He raised his hand. Black flames swirled into his palm.
"Seven-Layered Chains."
Massive chains spiraled down from above.
Aria gasped. "You’ve gotta be kidding—!"
She sped up to escape, but more chains formed beneath and around her.
Chains wrapped around her from all sides, forming a glowing prison. She hit the edge—nothing budged.
Xaltheon approached calmly. "There’s no escape."
Aria sighed. "Just when I thought I had you."
"Those moves... Dragos taught you compression, didn’t he?"
"Of course!" she said proudly. "I was a good student!"
Xaltheon chuckled. "I wonder about that."
Royal Palace – Main Hall
Azreal walked into the hall. Nena rushed to him.
"What happened? I was worried when Hulk came back alone."
Azreal smiled lightly. "It’s fine. I handled it. You can relax."
"Alright, I’ll go prepare your meal." She left quickly.
Hulk approached. "How did it go, my lord?"
Azreal kept walking, Hulk following close behind.
"He wants to create a new world. A world without Heaven or Hell. Without sin or good deeds. He asked me to support his ideals."
"You didn’t... agree, right?"
"Of course not. I even tried to stop him, but he escaped. Said he’s not strong enough to face me yet."
"So... he’s buying time to gain power?"
"Looks like it. And he might be the one marking all the Infernals."
Azreal stopped at his door. "First, I need to check if Sarah deciphered those files."
"I’ll go inspect the Gate’s security," Hulk said.
Azreal entered his room and sat on the bed. "Sarah."
A virtual face appeared. "Good day, Lord Azreal."
"Took your time. What about the files?"
"I’ve deciphered them... but what I found will shock you."
Third Gate of Hell – Later That Night
Xaltheon ended the training, chains vanishing from his eyes.
"Go rest. We’ll continue tomorrow."
"Fine..." Aria turned to leave.
"And don’t go snooping around. If I see you investigating again, I’ll kill you myself."
"Sure, sure," she said lazily.
She stopped at the chain bridge, but before she stepped on, Xaltheon sighed.
He tapped the ground, and chains formed a new, stable bridge.
"You could’ve done this earlier?!" Aria cried.
"Go. Before I change my mind."
"Geez, you’re so harsh," she mumbled, jogging off.
As she reached her door, a shadow loomed behind her.
"Arian?" she asked, turning around.
Flames burst out—and she vanished without a trace.
Royal Palace – Azreal’s Room
"What does it say?" Azreal asked.
Sarah’s virtual face was serious.
"Y’tharion... was once the King of Hell."
Azreal stood up slowly, stunned. "Are you sure?"
"Yes. But it also says... he only ruled for five years."
Azreal was deep in thought. "If he was once king... why was he sealed away?"
"I suggest we visit him. And ask Lord Xaltheon to reinforce the seal."
"Do it. Send him a message now."
Xaltheon received the message and replied, "Of course, my lord." ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ 𝗇𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗅•𝖿𝗂𝗋𝖾•𝗇𝖾𝗍
Back in his room, Azreal said, "Don’t tell the others yet."
"You’re keeping it from them?"
"For now. Just until we find out the truth."
"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!"