CHAPTER 94

"Let me summarize. Sixteen years ago, your mother was deceived by the Church of Blood and became the wife of the demon Trigon. They then gave birth to you. You're a half-human, half-demon?"

Yuri rubbed his chin in thought.

"When you mentioned that your mother escaped from the Church of Blood and met the priests of Azarath, what is that?"

"Azarath is a pocket dimension beyond the universe. It's home to many benevolent mages who sheltered my mother and me. It's also where I learned magic." Raven tilted her head slightly, reminiscing.

"It used to be a true sanctuary—blue-green skies and deep red clouds. Streets paved with solid marble and buildings adorned with pure gold pillars."

"You said 'used to be'?" Superboy's eyes flickered as he interjected.

At his words, Raven's eyes dimmed significantly. "Four years ago, Trigon located Azarath and corrupted its reality with his evil power."

"Its emerald skies turned into burning crimson, and the air was filled with a sulfur-like stench. Azarath's land trembled incessantly, producing a deafening roar. Anyone daring to resist Trigon was mercilessly killed. Their souls were forever bound in the flames and cages of his hell, denied proper rest. Peace turned into fear, and life turned into death..."

A once-prosperous magical dimension, Azarath, was now reduced to ruins and a few wandering souls.

After hearing Raven's words, Yuri and the others looked grave. Raven's mere words painted a chilling picture.

If what Raven said was true, then the power of the demon Trigon was far beyond their imagination.

"If the Trigon demon can invade Azarath, then why can't he directly invade Earth?"

Yuri asked, a question that had been on his mind since he heard that Trigon needed Raven to descend onto Earth.

Raven pondered for a moment before explaining, "Although Azarath is a powerful magical dimension, it's merely a small-dimensional space detached from the universe. After locating its position, Trigon didn't find it difficult to invade there. However, to invade within the universe requires a gateway capable of containing the true body of Trigon, which is me, inheriting his power."

Yuri nodded with understanding. Could this mean that some entity set up a barrier within the universe, preventing immensely powerful demons like Trigon from entering in their true forms?

"Based on what you've said, Azarath has already been destroyed by this Trigon demon. How did you manage to escape? And how did you come to Earth?" Suddenly, Robin asked.

"Trigon wanted me to serve him as the conduit for his arrival in this universe. So, he spared my life. I couldn't even end my own life because if I died, my soul would go to hell, where Trigon could manipulate it at will."

"I lived alone in the desolation of Azarath for a long time. It wasn't until three months ago that I used teleportation magic to come here. I know Earth's location because my mother brought me back here a few times when I was young."

At this point, Raven buried her head deeply in her legs, choked up. "I... I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't have come to Earth. If I had stayed in Azarath, Trigon would never have been able to descend into this universe. I've brought disaster to this world! But... I couldn't bear the endless desolation and silence anymore. Every night, I could still hear the wails of the deceased souls. I... I was too lonely."

Yuri couldn't help but feel embarrassed. If he were in her shoes, he wouldn't last a day in such a terrible place. Saving the world, dedicating one's life for the greater good, and not receiving any recognition—let alone a good reputation. Living in a state worse than death and yet unable to end one's life.

However, this sixteen-year-old girl, Raven, had endured alone for three years and nine months. What kind of pressure was that? It's important to note that she was merely twelve years old four years ago!

Now, when discussing this matter, her initial reaction was to blame herself for possibly attracting Trigon and endangering the world, rather than lamenting how her prime years were wasted in that annihilated dimension.

What 16-year-old girl would possess such wisdom? This was practically a born saint—Joan of Arc reborn, maybe?

No matter how tough Yuri might be, he couldn't help but pity this complex girl with a complicated background.

"Raven, you don't need to blame yourself for this. Despite being a half-breed, Earth is still your homeland, your home. We have the Teen Titans here, we have the Justice League. No matter what kind of enemy arises, we will face it together."

Yuri spoke from his heart. "If you're the conduit for Trigon's arrival on Earth, then let's make sure that gateway never opens!"

Superboy stood up indignantly, saying, "It's not your fault; it's that demon, Trigon's, fault!"

"Yuri's right. Even if you had stayed in Azarath, Trigon would probably have found another way to invade Earth. If Batman taught me anything, it's to never rely solely on one plan. This principle applies to enemies as well." Tim analyzed calmly, not as agitated as Conner.

"Raven, your continued wandering is too dangerous. It's better to stay at Titans Tower. The Titans will conduct an investigation into the Church of Blood, and with your assistance, we can more easily eliminate those transformed demons." Yuri scratched his head and made a suggestion to Raven.

"While my experiences may not have been as tragic as yours, I've also lived a nomadic life at times, and that feeling is truly unbearable. Staying at Titans Tower would at least ensure your safety."

"Stay... here?"

Raven lifted her head slightly, feeling a warm sensation in her heart.

"Don't you want to?"

"No, I'm willing... but I..."

"It's enough that you're willing. For now, don't worry too much."

Yuri turned his head to Superboy and Robin.

"What do you guys think?"

"I agree with Yuri's proposal," the eager Conner immediately voiced his support.

"I don't object. This Church's presence is a serious threat and must be eradicated. Raven's an indispensable force," Tim stated calmly.

"Then it's down to Starfire and Cassie...," Yuri mused.

"Don't worry, I guarantee they'll agree," Conner affirmed confidently, patting his chest.

"Alright, it's settled then. Raven, take your time to rest. We have things to attend to."

With that, Yuri left the room with Superboy and Robin.

The three of them reached the Titans' common area.

"Do you guys find Raven's words credible?" Yuri's expression immediately turned serious as he asked the two.

"I've analyzed every microexpression of hers; she doesn't seem to be lying," Robin answered.

"I believe she's telling the truth," Conner said with an assured expression.

"So, that means we've reached a consensus."

Yuri nodded and then said, "Let's report this."

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