Chapter 76: The Truth
Ethan's fury burns hotter than ever as he launches himself at Lucifer, his fists aimed to strike the fallen angel with unyielding force. But Lucifer, his body warped and distorted, effortlessly evades Ethan's onslaught, his movements defying the very laws of nature. Ethan's attack meets only empty air, as Lucifer's mocking laughter fills the space around them.
Suddenly, Lucifer's distorted mouth opens wide, devouring the massive beam of black energy and white lightning unleashed by Ethan. The sight is both grotesque and awe-inspiring, as the malevolent force vanishes within Lucifer's ravenous maw. With a roar of triumph, Lucifer releases a devastating "Oblivion" of his own, a million times more powerful than before, hurtling towards Ethan.
Yet, Ethan's growth and adaptation are swift. His body moves with precision, his reflexes honed to perfection. With a single finger, he cleaves the colossal attack in two, dissipating its destructive force. The display of his newfound power leaves even Lucifer momentarily stunned.
Lucifer, ever cunning, absorbs a portion of the energy from the diminished "Oblivion" into his own being. The black armor engulfs his distorted form, radiating an ominous aura. His once draconic visage returns into a handsome men, with three massive horns piercing the air. The armor itself is an embodiment of darkness, with intricate red details accentuating its malevolence.
The transformation is complete, and Lucifer's words drip with malice as he speaks once more. His voice, laced with icy determination, echoes through the void. "I have indulged your amusement long enough. From this point onward, you will know nothing but suffering."
With a ferocious punch, Lucifer defies the infinite growth that Ethan has achieved, overwhelming him with unbridled power. The blow lands squarely in Ethan's chest, unleashing an excruciating pain that courses through his entire being. The gap between their strengths, once insurmountable, has been bridged, and Lucifer's multiplied energy eclipses all that Ethan has attained.
Ethan, his body wracked with agony, musters his resolve and retaliates, launching a series of desperate strikes. But Lucifer evades with supernatural grace, his movements a blur of speed and precision. He taunts Ethan, relishing in his superiority. "To think that someone like you was capable of almost killing Michael. It was nothing but an illusion, a trick of my creation."
Ethan, disbelief and frustration etched across his face, counters, "I beheaded him in front of you! There's no way he could have survived!"
Lucifer, his voice dripping with malice, interrupts Ethan's protestations. "You misunderstand, my dear adversary. The Michael you beheaded was but a mere fragment of energy that I conjured. He may be injured, but rest assured, he is alive and well, residing in that forsaken desert, bathing in a pool of his own blood."
Ethan's fury intensifies, his voice laced with seething rage. "How could this be? I was faster and stronger than you! There's no way you could ha-"
Lucifer Interrupts, his eyes burning like crimson fire. "I have the ability to copy the powers of any being, except for Michael. I absorbed that energy from you the moment you transformed, moving swiftly before you could reach your full potential. The Michael you encountered was nothing more than a shadow, a puppet I created to deceive you."
A mix of shock and anger washes over Ethan as he grapples with the realization of Lucifer's deception. His mind races, trying to comprehend the depths of Lucifer's treachery. The fallen angel's mocking laughter echoes in the space between them, taunting Ethan's frustration.
"What about the rage, the blood?" Ethan's voice trembles with a mix of confusion and fury.
Lucifer's expression darkens, his features contorted with a blend of resentment and self-loathing. "I was indeed furious, but my anger was directed at myself. To stoop so low as to steal power from someone like you... It was pathetic. But fear not, Ethan. In the depths of hell, I shall make you pay for eternity."
Ethan's anger ignites, his veins pulsating with raw energy. The ferocity of his fury manifests in a burst of power, as his Damon form intensifies to the point where his skin begins to peel away from the searing heat. He unleashes his exponential growth, multiplying his power two hundredfold, shattering the very concept of infinity.
But Lucifer, his twisted grin never wavering, evades Ethan's onslaught with ease. He dismissively remarks, "You still have much to learn, Ethan. Your path to perfection is far from complete."