Monarch of Darkness, Arsene

Icy water, cold and profound, tainted with the Dao, splashed over my flesh, jarring me from my slumber. Startled by this sudden attack, my eyes shot open.

"Wake the hell up!" A deep stern voice commanded.

Pale and grey, with a ghastly complexion, welcomed my gaze as a being with deep scarlet eyes and skin that reminded me of a jagged alligator stood before me. This man's gaze was burning hot while chains bound my arms as I stood strung up like a pig, seemingly dangling with no hope.

My gaze slowly trailed back and forth before landing on this being; I had a feeling he was someone from the Overworld. High-level beings usually keep a clean appearance; even Beastkins held a human and graceful appearance. Still, only those of the Overworld didn't seem to care for their appearance. Or at least that's how they appear to me. They all looked like monsters to me, hideous monstrosities.

"And Empyrean? Interesting. " I muttered softly, glancing down at my naked body, dangling a meter off the ground. I raised my head, and an icy fury bubbled in my stomach as my eyes landed on that familiar imp that appeared like an apparition on this stranger's shoulder.

Seemingly not noticing, as if blinded by the fact someone was on his shoulder, this man's brow jumped, "It has been two years since your arrival, and the nightmare of how over seventy of my men died has been plaguing me. You will explain how you lived while everyone died."

Heart racing, blood boiling, I sucked the deepest breath of air I knew how and glared at this thing that made my heart burn with a killing intent like no other.

"As you are almost ninety percent healed, you are to ready yourself for the next trial," Zax indifferently commanded, nodding at his handy work. His sinister eyes, scanning me for something, " You have surpassed my expectation, torment aside, you are undoubtedly 'one' of the best the Twelve Planes have to offer."

"I will never forget this," I coldly informed Zax, clenching my fist, calming the rage.

"And I don't expect you to. I have a job, and I do this job at the discretion of my master and myself. That is why I am the Arbiter of the Great Devil King, Bael trials. So kill me, torment me when you ascend; it matters not." He said, vanishing, leaving me to taste brimstone.

A sudden pop whipped across my face, startling me again, as I sensed something trying to harm me, trying but failing. I scrunched my brow, and my attention returned to the Overworlder.

"Boy, you are but a heavenly Lord. You will watch how you speak to me." The Overworlder snapped, assuming I was talking to him.

Reaching out my senses, I could not sense Ty nor Freya, to my disappointment. Not letting such things get to me, I stared at the man who was now looking down at his hand. Cold sweat dotted his brow as he stood shaken, glaring at his palm, which began to bleed. Cracks had started to form from both his hands, front and back, stretching out like endless webs, bringing about a sense of dread in the Overworlder.

Tasting his fear, I couldn't be bothered to smile, watching as he staggered back, " What is this!" He howled, snapping his gaze to meet mine, " What ah!!!'

He cried, falling to his knees, shivering without end. To my amazement, I froze, in wonder, watching as the hand that attempted to strike me slowly began to dissolve into a bloody mist.

"Commander!"

Rushing through the door, two heavenly Lord rushed in, weapons drawn; they leveled their eyes onto the Commander.

"My mutations," The Commander started, covered in sweat, clenching the wrist of his missing hand; he bellowed," What have you done? Why is my blood acting against me?"

Mutation? That's right; the Overworlders get their power from devouring people, taking the best features. However, such a thing is dangerous as the soul itself will never accept a body that doesn't match the soul.

Breaking out of my chains with minimal effort, as they turned to dust with but a single thought, I landed on my feet and snapped my fingers, creating a robe of darkness that coiled itself around me.

"I'd heard about your race excel's in the Dao of Creation. I'd work fast if I were you, less you die of blood loss." I warned, entertaining the idea of slaughtering everyone in this… Becoming one with the darkness, I frowned at the massive fortress I was now within.

No wonder Freya and Ty were not here. Picking up on the various formations through my senses, I saw cannons formed from mysterious materials, tanks, and a massive military personnel.

Did my command even reach them? No, it had to; I used blood laws, from a progenitor to my subjects; there should be no stopping that! At least there shouldn't be.

The Overworlder Commander groaned and formed a swirling bubbled of light that reminded me of the seraphic essence of the angels; I watched in wonder at the Overworlder, mending his missing hand.

Creating a new one in seconds, I could only watch in amazement at the power they held.

I want it.

Rising off his two feet, the Commander waved his hands at the two guards who were pointing their weapons at me, " who are you?"

"Now, you ask? Arsene Snow. I'm sure you've heard the name."

The Commander frowned and shook his head as I continued, " Then you will." I coldly said, feeling a wave of fatigue wash over my soul. I placed my hands behind my back to get a sense of balance.

"The torment damaged your soul," Zax suddenly informed deep within my mind, " you will need another month before the next trial starts. I'd meditate to get my mind ready, but what do I know, I am, after all, a higher being."

His words were like a knife on my neck, making my skin crawl with disgust. Holding in my discontent, I didn't even notice when the Commander turned his back to me.

"Come with me, boy."

"Huh? You're not going to make a big stink about me trying to kill you?" I asked, and the Commander turned to stare in wonder.

"What would that solve? I'm sure you're hungry and weak after not eating for two years. Even if you manage to escape my grasp, you would be unsuccessful in leaving Fort Grevania.

Wait, how am I even alive? I'm in the abyss; how is it I lived so long without food?

'You can thank Izavith for that. It was she who made sure you lived." Zax once again said, making my stomach churn.