The infernals surged forward, a massive, grotesque demon leading the charge.
"None shall pass," the Guardian declared, his voice echoing through the battlefield. With a single swing of his sword, flames erupted, consuming the front lines of the horde. But more infernals crawled from the depths, relentless in their assault.
"What is going on?" the Guardian muttered, eyes narrowing as he cut through another wave. "Why are this many infernals trying to breach Hell's defenses? Is someone behind this?"
Lost in thought, he barely noticed an infernal lunging at his blind spot. Without even turning, he twisted his blade, impaling the creature mid-air. It disintegrated instantly. Yet, more and more kept rising from the ground.
"Tch… there's no end to them," he growled.
An infernal leaped at him, fangs bared. This time, the Guardian let go of his sword. It dissipated into flames as he caught the demon barehanded. Heat erupted from his palms, and the infernal struggled in agony before its skull was crushed to ash.
A smirk spread across his face. "Interesting... I'm getting warmed up."
Floating into the air, he raised his hand towards the charging army. "Inferno."
A blinding burst of flames engulfed the battlefield, reducing everything in its wake to nothing but smoldering ashes. As the firestorm settled, he landed smoothly on his feet.
Two men rushed toward him, dropping to their knees.
"Lord Azrael, we came as soon as we heard about the attack!"
Azrael stepped forward, the heat radiating from him growing more intense. The ground beneath his feet cracked, and the men began to sweat—only for the moisture to evaporate instantly.
"You must have heard from Bullock that I was handling the infernals," Azrael said, voice dripping with authority.
The two men flinched. "Y-Yes, my lord!"
"And yet, you still came?" His gaze burned into them. "Are you implying that I couldn't handle this alone? That I am weak?"
They panicked, bowing deeper. "No, my lord! We would never—"
Azrael's heat surged. Lava erupted in the distance. "Then explain yourselves."
One of them hesitated before answering, "W-We just wanted to make sure everything was handled."
The other man, Hulk, turned to him with wide eyes. That was a terrible response.
Azrael took a step forward.
Bull paled, his mind racing. I'm going to die. Should I run? No, I have to run! I don't want to die!
He bolted.
Hulk sighed. "That fool… running is pointless."
Before Bull could get far, Azrael appeared in front of him in an instant.
When—?! Hulk barely registered the movement before Azrael caught Bull's flaming fist with ease.
"Has the heat made you forget your place?" Azrael said, tightening his grip. Bull trembled, tears forming in his eyes.
"P-Please, my lord, I don't want to die!"
"Too bad. I can't have a rampaging bull causing chaos in Hell."
Bull screamed as flames devoured him, his body rolling in agony until nothing remained but ash. Azrael turned back to Hulk.
"Hulk."
Hulk flinched. He was just over there a second ago…
Azrael loomed over him. "Tell Laisa to meet me in the Flaming Hall. And summon the Five Pillars."
Hulk, drenched in fear, bowed deeply. "Y-Yes, my lord."
Azrael turned, vanishing into flames. Hulk exhaled, finally able to breathe. He glanced at the pile of ash. "Bull… you should've thought of a better response. Not that it would've changed the outcome."
He sighed. "And Laisa, huh? I don't like her… she gives me the creeps. But an order is an order."
With that, he disappeared into smoke.
---
The Chamber of Scarlet Flames
Inside an elegant chamber, a group of maids stood at attention. Hulk materialized in front of them, raising a hand. "I've come with a message. Lord Azrael summons Lady Laisa."
One of the maids gasped and rushed inside.
A woman with flowing red hair lay lazily on a luxurious bed, draped in a silk robe. She barely opened her eyes. "Who dares disturb my rest?"
"Lady Laisa, Lord Azrael seeks your presence."
At the mention of his name, she sat up, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Lord Azrael wants to see me?" A smile spread across her lips.
The maid stammered, "Y-Yes, my lady."
Laisa huffed. "You should've said so sooner!"
She waved the maids away and stepped toward her wardrobe, pulling out a long, flowing crimson gown. She carefully applied a deep red lipstick, admiring herself in the mirror.
"I need to look perfect for him."
Moments later, she stepped out of the chamber, finding Hulk waiting. She wrinkled her nose. "Why are you still here? Scram."
Hulk sighed, muttering under his breath, "Does she even know this is a war council, not a date?"
Laisa smirked. "Did you say something?"
"N-No, my lady!"
"Good. Let's not keep Lord Azrael waiting."
She strode forward, maids trailing behind her, and Hulk vanished into smoke.
---
Flaming Hall
The grand hall was a masterpiece of destruction and power. Flames lined the towering obsidian pillars, casting eerie shadows along the walls. A massive, circular table sat at the center, long chairs surrounding it. The very air shimmered with heat, suffused with an overwhelming aura of dominance.
Four men and one woman were already seated around the table, their presence heavy with authority.
The doors burst open, and Azrael strode in. Immediately, they all stood, bowing their heads. He took his seat at the head of the table, and with a simple motion, they followed.
"Let's go over today's assessment."
With a snap of his fingers, Hulk stepped forward to address the room.
Just as he opened his mouth—
"Sorry for being late~"
Laisa sauntered in, her movements deliberate, her crimson gown flowing like liquid fire. She approached Azrael, holding her dress as she curtsied.
Azrael's gaze met hers. "You're late."
She smirked. "My apologies, my lord."
She leaned in, lips nearing his cheek. Just as she was about to make contact, Azrael raised a single finger, pressing it against her lips.
"Sit. The meeting has begun."
Laisa pouted but obeyed, sliding gracefully into her seat.
Hulk gritted his teeth. First she's late, and now she's pulling this? She's too much…
Azrael's voice cut through his thoughts. "Shall we begin?"