Shadow of the Abyss

Chapter 274: Schemes I

"Master!" Hilda muttered once she was tagged, shaken to her core by the sensation that nearly took her to her knees. She wanted to kneel, to be made to be whipped until her back blistered and bled for her failure. "F-F-Forgive me."

Altair's piercing red eyes did not so much as cross Hilda's, remaining poised on the countless Cambions surrounding them. Their gnarled bodies were petrified by the indescribable sensation of authority that pulsed from his crown and blood.

Dread.

Dread bore through the bodies of the half-bloods, leaving many to be made to bow, writhing like lowly worms. They dared not look at the Prince, determined to suffocate beneath the profane might that echoed from the infernal depths of the Nine Hells. And to be made to die beneath the honor of the Prince of Hell.

To do so was their honor. They're right as worms whose mother tossed them away at birth.

[Divine Fallen, Conquest, is surprised by your level of Authority.]

Far within the Nine Hells, the Second Monarch of Hell, Arsene, was smiling upon his throne, his semi-translucent body fluctuating between reality. He chuckled, narrowing his eyes as he looked at Zero across from him.

"You sure of this?"

Zero shrugged. "Why not? We only hid his identity because your first wife might learn of him. Now that he's touched the Abyss, her semi-omnipotence has more or less told her of his conception. Giving Altair a little of your Authority won't change anything. Especially now that the Upper Moon has betrayed their duty."

"I see." the Second Infernal Monarch mused, a half smile playing at his lips. "I guess I should break the news to her before she goes on a rampage. After all, the Shadow Proclamation does not affect her."

Zero sighed. "It might be too late."

Arsene frowned darkly. "What do you mean?"

"The real body of Iliana has been summoned," Zero remarked. Your Wife might have sensed the Endless Night is dying and is probably seeking answers. She might already know more than she lets on."

"Iliana's main body should not know about Altair. We made sure to create her clone separately."

"But she knows we made a clone. She assisted in it. If and when Lilith learns of this, she will summon the clone. No abyssal can deny their queen's decree. Iliana's clone will obey."

'Then lock her ass up!" Arsene shouted, rising to his feet from his throne.

"No shit. I've done so. Both Iliana's clone and main body have been locked up. However, her main body is viciously trying to escape. It's only a matter of time before she learns about Altair. And if she sends out one of her Generals.

Damaris, for example. We are fucked."

"Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit."

Zero nodded. "This is what happens when you can't keep your cock in your pants. I swear, how are you and Zariel related? One is undeniably loyal. And then there is you."

"Zariel was mind fucked. Something is wrong with him," Arsene spat, falling back onto his throne exhausted. He sighed, massaging his temple. "How long?"

"Altair... is protected. The same is true for Syris. Something ancient is protecting those two—Beelzebub, I suppose. However, I can't be sure. Much of the events on Farwin are still not adding up." Azura shook her head. "Either way, we'd rather not break relations when not necessary.

Altair has not acted out of turn... yet. I do believe he is plotting. But Adam wants to use finesse. The boy is a fine talent. More so than you."

"That has yet to be seen," Morrigan said, bowing her head as Azura's eyes turned a tinge bit cold.

"You know what is expected, Morrigan. This Crucible was meant to temper the finest talents the Myriad Heavens have ever seen. If you can't handle it, you will be disposed of. Salazar will be your point of contact from now on. His words are my words."

Morrigan's fingers found blood writhing against her palm. "Will Altair allow it? In the end, it's his decision."

"I shall speak to the boy. Just see, you bear him a son. You two are still mortals, so conception should not be all that difficult."

****

As the Cambions were made to bow, Altair did not immediately strike, sensing something off. For some reason, the authority he governed felt precarious. It was beneath his thrall, yet he could feel someone infusing their authority into his blood. It felt strange. Yet strangely familiar.

He wondered how far he could push it.

"Die," he commanded.

And beneath an incredulous eye, those that bore Infernal Blood all splattered into a mist of gore, smearing the earth like a whip. In the blink of an eye, an ocean of blood painted the forest a deadly red, leaving only the fog to exist.

[Divine Sin, Archeon demands to know what just happened.]

[Divine Fallen, Conquest is curious about your attunement to the Nine Hells.]

[Divine Sin, Archeon wonders if that was really Infernal Attunement.]

But Altair could give no answer.

He wasn't sure what had happened, but he could feel that Authority was not his—or rather, it wasn't yet his. It was infusing itself in the blood of Nephilim, which Reina had shared with him. He blinked, looking down at his hands and then up towards the pool of red around him.

"The system didn't register it as my kills. I guess kills made by one's authority don't count. I wonder why, ' He asked himself, turning to Hilda. He finally smiled at her and said, "You alright?"

The Shadow blushed, bowing her head. "Yeah..."

"Good. Come, let's get out of here. Let's see if Vaiga can slice through the domain." Altair mused before he went to check on Zagreus, who had a few injuries but nothing more than flesh wounds that would mend in a few hours.

"I'm fine," Zag said, surveying his surroundings. "For now, let's just get out of here. I'll cast a clairvoyance spell to find the entrance."

"You can do that?"

Zagreus seemed a tinge bit embarrassed. "I can... I just suck at it, "he said, looking up at the vale of darkness shrowding them. "But first, let's get the hell out of this formation."