章節 60: Darkness Descent - Part 1

As the Demons of Sins and Michael clash with God in their fateful battle, another trio embarks on a perilous journey through the ethereal planes towards Hell. Malique, Lucifer, and Asmodeus step forward, burdened with the weight of their mission, their destination lurking in the depths of darkness.

Asmodeus, the Archdemon of Lust, strains her waning energy to teleport herself and her companions closer to Hell. With each successive teleportation, reality quivers and shifts, hurtling them through time and space, drawing them inexorably towards their infernal destination.

The toll of Asmodeus's teleportation becomes evident. Lucifer voices his concern, his keen eyes detecting her hastened breaths and the glistening sweat upon her furrowed brow.

"Asmodeus, are you alright? You seem to be straining yourself," he says, worry etching his voice.

"I'm fine, Lucifer. We can't afford to waste even a single millisecond of the sacrifice the Demons of Sins and Michael have made for us," a reassuring smile flickers across Asmodeus's tired face. Determination is resolute in her tone. "We must press on."

Malique, his obsidian wings spanning wide, watches their exchange silently, his concerns held tightly within. The urgency of their mission propels them forward, but the toll it exacts on Asmodeus is undeniable.

Their journey blurs into a frenzy of motion and disorientation, each teleportation propelling them closer to their goal. The landscape twists and morphs as if reality contorts under their passage's strain. Electric energy fills the air, charged with the relentless power of their pursuit.

Asmodeus's breath grows heavy and ragged, her body visibly straining to maintain her pace. Sweat cascades down her face, mingling with the dirt and grime clinging to her skin. Yet, amidst exhaustion, her unwavering gaze remains fixed upon the distant horizon where Hell awaits.

A palpable darkness envelops them, sending shivers down their spines. The weight of their mission bears down upon them, compelling them forward, even as their bodies plead for respite. No faltering or hesitation can be afforded. The fate of their comrades and the delicate equilibrium of existence depends on their success.

With each successive teleportation, the veil between realms grows thinner, echoing the muffled cries of the damned in their ears. The air grows thick with the scent of sulphur and brimstone, an ominous aroma that saturates their senses. They teeter on the precipice of the infernal abyss, on the very edge of damnation.

Finally, on the outskirts of Hell, the trio emerges, with only Asmodeus having her body exhausted and on the brink of collapse. Before them sprawls a desolate expanse of charred earth and jagged rocks. The air crackles with otherworldly energy, suffused with the tormented souls trapped within this cursed realm.

Asmodeus, her body trembling from the immense strain, staggers forward. Lucifer and Malique rush to her side, offering support and solace. Their eyes meet in a silent understanding, acknowledging the challenges that still lie ahead.

Gathering their last vestiges of strength, the trio prepares to descend deeper into the depths of Hell. The weight of their mission presses upon them with renewed intensity. They can only hope that their arrival will not go unnoticed.

A reckoning awaits within the heart of darkness, its echoes resonating with an overwhelming sense of foreboding. Fear grips their souls as God's haunting words reverberate in their ears, leaving them trembling in absolute terror.

As they seek refuge amidst the desolation, the impending confrontation with God casts a foreboding shadow over them. The clash of light and darkness intensifies, and the fate of their comrades and the world hangs in the balance.

Lucifer's eyes dart between Asmodeus and the entrance to Hell, a mix of determination and concern etched on his face. He turns to Malique, his voice filled with urgency.

"Malique, we have to bring Asmodeus with us. She's an integral part of our mission, and we can't leave her behind."

"You're right, Lucifer. Asmodeus, we need your strength and guidance. Together, we stand a better chance of finding the Holy Lance," Malique nods in agreement, his wings twitching with anticipation.

"No, Lucifer, Malique. I won't be a burden to you. I've deduced that I will only slow you down in your search for the Holy Lance. It's better if I stay here and try to buy you some extra time by confronting God right now," Asmodeus, her body trembling from exhaustion but her gaze unwavering, shakes her head defiantly.

"Asmodeus, you're not a burden. We're a team, and we face this together. I can't lose you. We will find a way to overcome this, but not at the cost of your life," Lucifer's brows furrow, his voice laced with concern and determination.

A mixture of emotions flickers across Asmodeus's face—determination, gratitude, and a hint of resignation. She places a hand on Lucifer's arm, her touch gentle yet firm.

"Lucifer, I appreciate your concern, but I've made up my mind. I must atone for my sins and face the consequences. This is my path to redemption."

"Asmodeus, we understand your desire for redemption, but we won't let you sacrifice yourself. We fight for each other, and we will find a way to protect and save you," Malique's voice is filled with unwavering support.

"I won't let you risk everything for me. The fate of the world rests upon your success in finding the Holy Lance. I will do what I can to hold God back. Please, trust me," a fierce fire burns in Asmodeus's eyes as she meets Lucifer's gaze.

"Asmodeus, I can't lose you. I can't lose you just like everyone else. I can't let you face this alone," Lucifer's heart sinks, his voice pleading.

"Lucifer, Malique, I've made my decision. Remember, I've always dealt with desire and temptation. Now it's time for me to face the consequences of my sins. Trust me, I will do whatever it takes to buy you the time you need," Tears glisten in Asmodeus's eyes as she speaks with unwavering resolve.

"Asmodeus, I can't lose you. We'll find a way to save you. We promise. Stay safe, and know that I'll come back for you," Lucifer's voice wavers with emotion.

With a heavy heart, Lucifer and Malique reluctantly turn away, making their way towards the entrance of Hell. As they disappear into the darkness, Asmodeus stands alone, her body radiating with determination. The battle for salvation has begun, and the sacrifices made in its name will resonate throughout eternity.

Asmodeus stands alone, her body radiating with determination, as Lucifer and Malique reluctantly make their way towards the entrance of Hell. The weight of their unspoken fears hangs in the air, a silent reminder of the perilous path they tread.

Before they vanish into the shadows, Asmodeus takes a step forward, her gaze locked with Lucifer's. A bittersweet smile tugs at the corners of her lips, and without hesitation, she reaches out and gently pulls him closer.

In that fleeting moment, time seems to stand still. Asmodeus's lips brush against Lucifer's, a gentle caress filled with unspoken words and emotions. It is a parting kiss, a gesture she hopes he will understand, though she knows it is a concept foreign to him.

"Asmodeus, what was that for? What does it mean?" Lucifer's brows furrow in confusion as the kiss ends, his eyes searching Asmodeus's for answers.

"Lucifer, that was a kiss. It's a symbol of affection, a way to express love," her smile holds a hint of sadness as she struggles to find the right words.

"Love? What is love? I don't understand," confusion etches across Lucifer's face, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

"Love is a complex emotion, Lucifer. It's a connection that goes beyond words or actions. It's caring deeply for someone, wanting their happiness above all else," Asmodeus's eyes soften as she gazes at him, her hand reaching up to caress his cheek.

"I've never felt that before, Asmodeus. I don't know if I'm capable of love," a flicker of realization crosses Lucifer's features, mingled with a tinge of sadness.

"Lucifer, love can be found and experienced by anyone, even those who believe themselves incapable of it. Perhaps, in time, you will understand and feel it too," tenderness fills Asmodeus's voice as she speaks, her words laced with compassion.

Their eyes lock for a moment, an unspoken understanding passing between them. Asmodeus knows she has planted a seed of curiosity within Lucifer's heart, one that will grow and evolve in his own time.

With a final glance filled with both longing and resolve, Asmodeus turns away, disappearing into the darkness to face her destiny. Lucifer stands there, his heart heavy with confusion and a newfound yearning.

The echoes of their connection linger in the air, leaving Lucifer with questions that will shape his journey. Love remains a mystery to him, but Asmodeus has ignited a spark, and in time, he will seek answers to the enigma of the heart.