Invasion

Under a blue sky, above the scorched earth, a mighty castle stood like a pillar.

Built from obsilianium, the metal found in the deepest pits of hell and reinforced by luminite, the steel of heaven. It was a perfect representation of the unlikely alliance that had wrought havoc on the world of Gaia.

The castle's height was that of a mountain, its width the size of a stronghold. The main body of this menacing castle was dark with a hint of molten red to it, and the contrast, pale white metal reinforcements of the corners and gates.

The castle existed on a flat plain land with the land surrounding the base of the castle dug in favor of housing more demons.

It had borrowed a couple of pieces of designs from the castle in heaven such as the flight chamber but it was mostly Lucifer's preferred design.

If one were to cross the hole dug in the shape of a reverse donut, they would find themself in a grand chamber with a cylinder-shaped hole in the middle to give easy access to airborne troops.

Past that chamber is a grand obsidian hall with ethereal purple torches with a hint of yellow hue around the edges evenly spaced out to act as a light source.

Although they looked like fancy torches, the amount of heat they emitted was no laughing matter. Although they won't work as a weapon, compared to an average furnace those were hotter.

Through those great halls was the reception room with a grand chandelier with a similar color scheme to the torches.

This room was wasted as it was never used, not even once. The angels who were supposed to be received via this room made their own entrance in the throne room in case it was a trap.

The great hall continues through the reception chamber and separates into three corridors.

The middle one continues onwards while the other two go left and right respectively.

On the left side, there is the armory, butchery, library treasury, chambers for the 7 demons, turning altar, etc.

The left side was mostly built with obsilianium, giving it a sinister black color.

The right side was mostly created by snow-white marble. It had all the same chambers and a few extras such as a training room.

The middle path leads straight to the heart of the castle where the throne room exists.

A room completely cut in half with a color scheme. One-half purple, the other radiant golden.

There was a total of 14 seats neatly arranged. There were 2 seats slightly bigger and had more decorations right beside the line that separated the chamber.

There were 6 more seats at the foot of the throne of the leaders in a line resembling a semi-circle.

Behind the two leader's seats, the wheel of reincarnation spun slowly.

Currently, the two leaders of the factions sat on their respective thrones.

On the angelic side were Gabriel, Seraphile, Azrael, and Michael. Calmly observing the invading forces with great interest.

The rest of the seats were vacant.

Gabriel sat as still as Michael for who knows how long, befitting of the title angel of patience. One might say Michael was to be praised for having the patience of Gabriel.

Azrael was not as patient as these two. It was shown clearly by her movements of shaking knees and her furiously honing the edge of her scythe with a glowing whetstone. 

Seraphile didn't have any seat but he always stood on the right side of Michael and he wore a worried expression.

On the demonic side were Lucifer, Asmodeus, Belphegor, and Satanel.

The rest of the seatholders were out fighting.

Lucifer demonstrated an ability to stay still perfectly just like Michael in order to look like a competent, calculating leader.

Asmodeus lay on her seat, using the handrest as a pillow. Nobody batted an eye for her clothes of choice which consisted of a see-through cloth.

Belphegor lay on his seat in a similar fashion as Asmodeus except he was fully engrossed in his sleep. He lay still like he was dead.

Out of all the demons, Satanel looked the most irritated.

A vicious aura kept gushing out of him every now and then. He gripped the handrest of his seat so hard that small cracks could be seen on it.

This was the demon duke of Wrath, a close aid of Lucifer.

A small imp came running through the gate and stuttered.

"The inva-, the invaders are closing on us, your majesties." He reported before flying away.

Lucifer started thinking and smiled bitterly.

"To think the elemental gods intervened themselves… And chose humans as their champions…

Quite unexpected turn of events, isn't it Michael?" He looked sideways at Michael who was keeping a perfect poker face despite the fury within.

Lucifer continued talking. "It seems the gods have decided that we were quite the annoyance.

So they decided to get rid of us."

His face turned bitter and he got up.

"But those old fools underestimate us. Our gods are 2nd to only the creator god and the primordial chaos in power.

A few mortals with elemental powers cannot defeat us!" Lucifer declared proudly.

"Soon, as soon as they cross the first defenses, we will attack! Not with some fodder demons and angels but we will go there on our own!"

'Damn it. It was going so smoothly too! Damn, these gods!' He swore in his head.

Michael did not respond. He gazed at Lucifer intently.

Then, once he received the signal, he stood up and the angels did the same.

He raised his hand, creating a gateway to heaven.

He opened his mouth. "Lucifer, I will let you know that you brought this on yourself."

With a calm reminder, the gate to the throne room exploded and 9 figures entered the chamber within the smoke.

Satanel and Admoseus rushed to support Lucifer.

"What is the meaning of this!" Lucifer exclaimed in outrage and turned his attention towards the intruders.

There was nothing to be said. The angels joined Lucifer as they bought his words. However, the intrusion of the gods told them that their action was unwanted so Michael forfeited.

Michael and the others stepped into the portal but Seraphile hesitated.

"What's wrong? Come here." Azrael asked Seraphile.

"We, we can't just leave him like this." He whispered.

"I'm sorry but we can't let Lucifer die. Not after this alliance." He said before forcefully terminating the gateway.

"MICHAEL!"

Lucifer rushed off to where Michael stood a second ago, then rushed to the wheel of reincarnation which was engulfed in golden sparks ready to head to heaven.

The wheel was being transported faster than Lucifer which left him with no other choice.

'I needed it operational for my plans but if it is being taken like this then-'

He fired an arrow crafted out of miasma at the last possible second and broke a quarter of it which fell on the ground.

Lucifer was strong and he knew that. But he wasn't strong enough to face 9 mortals blessed with an elemental god each.

The other dukes were not of help either. He had purposefully hindered their growth so he would remain the demon lord.

He commanded the 3 dukes to hold them off for some time and then stared hungrily at Seraphile who was second doubting his action.

'I will make your divinity mine.'