Pressure

Sensing the surprise in Tene, I knew she, too, had figured out something. Everything was changing. First, the Flame of the Eternal Flames magically appears before this king. Then Lucifer and the others act strange by laying down roots. We need to be ready.

"Arsene, are you sure? There will be consequences. Zariel and Shiva will not be, pleased. We've established that—"

"Ignore them. And stall. If Shiva comes to you, we know he's an unbias enemy because he hasn't gone after the other gods."

"I'm different."

"Doesn't matter. To a Lord of Order, it shouldn't matter. Rules are rules. If Zariel makes an appearance, he might welcome you or give you a warning. Ignore him."

My brother still had a job to do. And as God's protector, he is probably held to a higher standard than others, so his hands might be tied. But he should at least be able to do that much. So many rules have been broken in this Heaven that I'm surprised that no one has done anything.

"Understand. I'll be there in an hour." Tene said softly, carrying a hint of excitement in her tone.

I smiled as her presence faded and directed my focus to Lily. " Can you contact me to Hellmaster?"

"Someone's busy. Of course, I can. Hubby Hellmaster paid a heavy price by destroying my body. That motherfucker is mine." Lily lustfully exclaimed. "I'm going to haunt that bastard for all eternity till I'm pregnant!"

"..."

I really think Lily doesn't need a body. This bitch is too wild to be let loose. My God, she is going after Hellmaster.

Suddenly feeling a connection spring into existence between me and another, I froze, following a booming voice.

"Who the f— Arsene? How the… how'd you… God damn, Lily!"

"Yo!" I said, hearing Lily mischievously giggling.

"What is it you want?" He begrudgingly asked.

"Mephisto and Michael. Are they still in Hell?"

Bloodlust flared around my skin, turning my face a deep pale as he grunted in response. "First Tenebrae using a Requrim Spell. Now them. You seem to be beloved, Arsene. So much so I want to wring your neck."

Chuckling a little, I shrugged. "it's not my fault. It's the sweetness. But can I assume that's a yes?"

"Yeah. Mephisto did something. And I'm locked out of the Fourth Heavens Domain of Hell. That bastard is deadly serious."

Even Hellmaster? Damn.

"Lord Hellmaster. I need a favor."

Hellmaster hummed and his killing intent, to my relief, faded. "I don't do favors, boy. But do tell me what it is."

"I wish for you to make an idol of worship on Ilutahth."

"Why?"

"Instincts," I replied. " You only need one. But something is telling me your idol is required for the safety of my children."

"Good call," Lily whispered.

I didn't know why I felt this way. But I knew I needed to do this. I merely hoped it wasn't Mephisto's manipulation. He does have the ability to manipulate intent.

"I'll do so… if Michael lives." He replied, severing the connection between us.

My expression darkened as I heard his counteroffer. I've got to save the bastard Lily tried to pimp my daughter off to. What a joke.

Disgust bubbled in my gut. That bastard wanted me dead, but now…

Sucking in a large breath, I hurriedly shook my head. " Stop thinking personally. Stop. We might need Michael. No one knows what's on the other side. I've got to just trust Iza.

Shit.

Clasping my arms together, a wisp of exhaustion flared over my heart as I groaned, having to make so many calls in a mere few minutes.

I feel like Titus. He was always calling someone.

"Mephisto," I said in prayer, knowing he'd hear me. "If you kill Michael. Lord Hellmaster will not create an idol. I don't know what you planned, but having someone like Hellmaster helping you will be beneficial. Please, reconsider. Michael is too important… and God knows how much I want him dead. But we might need him."

"Disciple." Mephisto ash-like voice uttered, chilling the core of my being. "I don't like people interfering in my plans. Michael's time has come."

"And my children will be the ones to suffer. Your brother's grandson will be the one to suffer. Lily said Lord Hellmaster is to be Crowe's master. The kids will need to help each other out. Let him live."

Feeling Mephisto's presence fade, I could only sigh in frustration. I had no idea what Mephisto was going to do. I really wanted that bastard dead. But… not at the cost of a potential loss for Crowe and my kids."

For the first time in a long time since my rebirth, I felt disgusted with myself. Damn, I feel helpless. Screw that bastard Michael.

Glancing down at my Holocube, I spoke. " Show me the way to the main base of Genesis on Ilutahth alongside all the War Zones along the way." Mapping out the way for me, I couldn't help but feel a little better. "Whoever made GPS needs a metal. What a lifesaver."

"You still get lost? Aren't you semi-omniscient?" Lily asked.

"Yes. But I don't like always listening to the darkness, much less the other sins. It gets overwhelming. GPS is simple, you know. I don't need to think. Only follow the map."

Taking off towards the first stop, located just outside the eastern region of the Ebon Forest, I darted through space at a blinding speed that made light seem like a snail. Winds rippling against my clothing, a portion of my soul focused on my hive mind while the other contacted Ezra.

I only had a Dao Cycle to reach the Elvonian Sea, where the President of Genisis resides. Just the amount of time to turn my disciple into a badass. I needed a general. A true monster. Talent could be altered and molded. But if a truly talented and strong will man with both these attributes is cultivated right, he'd be a future god killer.

Not bothering to catch up with Ezra, I had her use our bloodline connection to transport the little brat into my arms.

Catching sight of the tormented look on his young face, having felt the touch of Hell on his soul, I snorted. "Get used to it, boy. Life is going to be hard from here on out. You are about to be in a battle with hundreds of gods. And as a non-god, your chances of death are like a hundred. Your first job is to—Oh shit, I forgot about Tiamat!"