The Domainverse: The Three Kings' Main District
The kingdom was under heavy lockdown. Soldiers patrolled every corner, their armor clanking as they marched. The gates were sealed shut, guarded by rows of armed god's scanning for intruders. High above the chaos, perched on the tallest building in the Domainverse, Kazo watched the scene with sharp eyes.
Kazo gritted his teeth. "Damn... the troops are everywhere. Even the entrance into the kingdom is heavily guarded. There's no way in or out without being seen."
Beside him, Zerich, his commander, remained calm. "Yeah, but getting out isn't the real problem. The hard part is finding out where Team Kima is being held... and saving them."
A third voice chimed in-Martha, a woman who had been listening quietly. "I can help you find your team... if they've really been captured."
Kazo turned to her, eyebrows raised in disbelief. "And how can you possibly do that? You're just a bar servant!"
Martha crossed her arms, unimpressed. "It might surprise you, but before I started working at the bar, I was a High Judge for the Three Kings. I still have some authority left... enough to get information."
Kazo's eyes narrowed. "See, Zerich? I told you! She's leading us into a trap. She's part of the damn government!"
Before he could say another word, Martha smacked him on the head. "Shut up, Kazo! I said I used to work for them!"
Zerich burst out laughing. "How did that taste, Kazo?"
Kazo rubbed his head, grumbling. "Shut up, Zerich..."
Martha ignored their bickering and turned to Zerich. "You, come with me. I'll help you find your missing soldiers."
Kazo's head snapped up. "What?! If you two are going, then what are the rest of us supposed to do?"
Zerich smirked. "You and the others will act as a diversion while we search for Team Kima."
Kazo's jaw dropped. "And how exactly are we supposed to do that?"
Zerich's grin widened. "Simple. You'll escape through the main gate."
Kazo's face went pale. "You can't be serious! The gate is crawling with guards!"
Zerich clapped him on the shoulder. "I know. But if anyone can pull it off, it's you. Break through, then send a message to Chief Lesu-tell him we need backup."
Kazo hesitated. "But-"
Zerich cut him off. "No 'buts,' Kazo. That's an order. Push through and escape with the men. Meanwhile, I'll head into Dano's Prison Yard and find our team."
Kazo sighed, then finally cracked a smile. "Stupid commander... Fine, I'll do it. Just remember-watch your back out there."
Zerich nodded. "Yeah. I will."
With that, the two teams split up, each heading toward their dangerous missions.
Hell's Domain
The Rise of Nielan
For thirty long years, the cursed land known as Hell's Domain had been my prison. The air here reeked of rotting corpses, a foul stench that once made me gag. But now? Now I breathed it in like it was the sweetest perfume. This place, this forsaken pit of darkness, had become my home-and my battlefield.
My name is Nielan.
Once, I was a ruler, a being of immense power. But my own half-brother, the King of the Cronoverse, stripped me of my strength and sealed me away in this nightmare. He reduced me to something weaker than a god-closer to a human. But I refused to stay broken.
In this hellish realm, I discovered a dark truth: devouring high-level demons and even Demon Kings didn't just grant me power-it gave me knowledge. Secrets buried so deep that not even the rulers of Hell knew of them. With every demon I consumed, I grew stronger, wiser, and more dangerous.
My army had swelled over the years. Once, I stood alone. Now, legions of damned souls and fallen warriors bowed before me. But one obstacle remained: Lucifer, the Ruler of Hell himself.
Then, the moment I had been waiting for arrived.
The Scout's News
The sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the cavernous halls of my fortress. From the shadows, a figure emerged-one of my scouts. He dropped to one knee, his breath ragged.
"My lord," the scout gasped.
I turned slowly, my crimson eyes burning in the dim light. "Speak."
"He has returned," the scout said, his voice trembling.
A cold smile crept across my lips. "Who?"
"Lucifer, my lord. The Ruler of Hell... he's back."
The news sent a thrill through me. "Good," I murmured. "Now, we bring destruction unlike anything Hell has ever seen."
The scout bowed lower. "What are your orders?"
"Leave me," I commanded. "Prepare the others. War is coming."
With a nod, the scout vanished into the darkness.
Dakar's Arrival
No sooner had the scout disappeared than the ground trembled beneath heavy footsteps. The doors to my chamber burst open, and in strode Dakar-another damned god, trapped in this cursed realm just like me.
"Nielan," he growled, his voice like grinding stone. "I heard Lucifer has returned."
I smirked. "Sharp as ever, Dakar. Yes, he's back. Gather the others. We strike his stronghold in three days."
Dakar's eyes gleamed with hunger. "We must break free from this place. No matter the cost."
"We will," I assured him.
He studied me for a long moment. "You never told me why you were sealed here."
My fingers curled into fists. "That's none of your concern."
Dakar crossed his arms. "We've been allies for twenty-eight years, Nielan. I think I deserve to know."
A surge of anger burned in my chest. "Because I tried to take the throne from my half-brother, the King of the Cronoverse!" I slammed my hands onto the stone table, cracking it. "And for that, he made me weak!"
Dakar's eyes widened. "You... you're a ruler?"
"I was," I snarled. "And once I crush Lucifer, I'll reclaim what's mine."
Dakar laughed, a deep, rumbling sound. "I like your fire, Nielan. Fine. I'll help you take back your throne."
I glared at him. "Don't mock me. Just gather the army."
With a final grin, Dakar vanished, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
The War to Come
The time had come.
For thirty years, I had suffered in this pit. I had feasted on demons, forged an army, and waited. Now, Lucifer's return was the signal-the beginning of the end.
Soon, Hell itself would tremble.
And I, Nielan, would rise again.
To Be Continued...