The clash between Belphegor and Baphomet had reached terrifying levels of intensity. The atmosphere, thick with the scent of sulfur and the oppressive heat of flames, bore witness to the archdemon's fury. Baphomet's desperate attempts to escape were futile against the Burden of the Eternal Flames.
- Baphomet: "Damn you...! This can't be possible!" - Baphomet screamed as he tried to regenerate his burning cells.
- Belphegor: "There's no use running, Baphomet. These are my Eternal Flames. They won't let you go so easily, you piece of shit." - Belphegor replied, his tone a mix of calm and disdain.
Yet, something surprising happened: Baphomet's cells did not perish completely. The group surrounding them watched in frustration and confusion.
Suddenly, one of Baphomet's semi-intact cells hissed:
- Baphomet: "Lord of the Flames... That's how all low-class demons in the underworld know you."
Elyra frowned, surprised.
- Elyra: "Lord of the Flames? That sounds way beyond anything you ever told us, Belphegor."
- Belphegor: "This isn't the time for stories." - Cut off the archdemon, turning his focus back to the enemy.
But even battered, Baphomet showed his demonic resilience. He conjured a cloud of infernal insects that began to extinguish the flames on his cells. Meanwhile, one of the insects, larger and more grotesque than the others, opened a portal, allowing for simultaneous attacks from multiple directions.
Belphegor, relentless, invoked his Infernal Flames technique, neutralizing the regenerative abilities of Baphomet's cells. At the critical moment, he used a forbidden technique among demons: Soul Sealing. A sphere of energy appeared, trapping Baphomet almost completely.
However, as the group sighed in relief, a single cell escaped, vanishing into one of the portals.
- Midoki: "Belphegor..." - Midoki began, still surprised. - "Since when have you gotten this powerful?"
- Belphegor: "Ever since Orpheus' Armageddon..." - Belphegor started, but was cut off by Elyra.
- Elyra: "That was amazing! With you on our side, the 10 Decrees of the Abyss will be a joke!"
Belphegor shot her a sharp look.
- Belphegor: "Silence, elf. Don't fool yourself. Baphomet was weak because he was created only two months ago. He was Lucifer's last 'masterpiece'. He hadn't had time to reach his full potential."
Elliot remained silent, clearly uncomfortable.
Midoki broke the silence, still troubled:
- Midoki: "So... these Geulins... What exactly are they?"
Belphegor crossed his arms and explained:
- Belphegor: "They're demons that alter their nature and personality into angelic aspects. They 'redeem' their sins, becoming more powerful in the process. But all of them are artificial creations, made from Lucifer's cells and those of Infernal Generals who failed important missions."
Midoki's alarm was visible.
- Midoki: "Lucifer's cells? Then, that bastard... this is..."
- Belphegor: "There's something even bigger behind all this..." - Belphegor interrupted, casting a grave look. - "But that's all I know."
- Midoki: "Even so..." - Midoki replied. - "I still don't fully trust you. But for now, I'll allow you to continue with us."
- Belphegor: "Understood..." - Belphegor said with indifference.
The group found shelter in nearby ruined houses. Before falling asleep, Midoki reflected.
- Midoki: "Are all demons truly just destructive? We sealed their race out of fear, but not all of them seem so cruel..." - He thought, lost in his own questions.
While Midoki and Elyra slept deeply, Elliot could barely close his eyes. He couldn't forget Belphegor's terrifying power. With his eyes half-open, he pretended to sleep, but his mind was a storm of thoughts and fears.
The next morning, Elliot decided to return to the port to meet up with Throk and Neptune.
- Elliot: "I'll wait for you guys there." - He said hesitantly.
Midoki, Elyra, and Belphegor moved forward, entering the dark castle. In the main hall, they found Mammon sitting on a throne. In his hands, he held something... the skull of Canvos Bedivere the Third of Lior, Midoki Bedivere de Lior's father, now reduced to a zombie.
- Mammon: "You took too long to return, Midoki." - Mammon sneered, his voice dripping with malice.
Enraged, Midoki rushed forward.
- Midoki: "What did you do to the inhabitants of Lior?"
Mammon laughed cruelly but did not answer. Instead, his form shifted, taking on Midoki's exact appearance.
The hall echoed with the metallic sounds of Midoki's and Mammon's katanas clashing. Every strike was a battle of pure strength and skill.
Mammon seemed identical to Midoki in every way, but he couldn't perfectly replicate the essence of Midoki's techniques. Midoki seized that advantage, activating the Originalism Law - Destruction, unleashing a devastating wave of energy that left Mammon stunned.
- Mammon (thinking): "His power..." - Mammon thought, a wicked look in his eyes. "It's getting dangerously close to Lucifer's..."
Even wounded, Mammon refused to surrender.The clash continued, both fighters standing their ground, while the castle itself bore witness to a battle between strength and willpower — a clash that could change the fate of everyone.