Monarch of Darkness, Arsene

By the time Zantar had turned into a mist and faded from my sight, I collapsed to the ground. My arm, legs, chest, abs, and eyes all quivered. I shook so much that excessive sweat began to trickle out of my pores, forming a poodle around me.

My skin turned red like blood, but I was defenseless to do anything.

"You're overworked. But it seems like the damage sustained by your attunement has been minimized." Lily remarked

"What's my recovery time?"

"A day. Your body is fueled by your soul now. A literal ball of energy. You'll be back on your feet in a few minutes and healed by day's end."

Pushing past the strain of my muscles bulging and tearing, I hoisted myself up and eyed my surroundings alongside the still-brewing clouds, seemingly gathering Qi to start a tribulation.

I wasn't really sure the Hells had Tribulations. I knew they were affected by the Myriad Gods from beyond the fourth Heaven, but I don't think Hell innately had a Tribulation. Then again, there's an argument to be made that all of Hell is a Tribulation.

Sucking in a large breath, I summoned a bottle of water and devoured it in a blink of an eye before chanting the Path of Abyssal Night to refill my lost Qi. Usually, Gods wouldn't be able to just recharge like me, so this gave me some time when dealing with Zantar.

I needed to train.

Burning under the embers of Arakiel wings, I wobbled to my feet, stepped into the darkness, and materialized on the head of the bridge of the Damned. Catching sight of the Devils and Demons battling against my forces down below, with a prince of Hell standing back with a cruel smile. I knew this would be the perfect opportunity to kill him.

Both the King and Archduke are busy. And Princes aren't Paragons, so this should be easy.

"Don't move!" A sudden cry came my way, and before I could speak a word, dozens of guards were at my throat with spears.

"Who are you and how'd you… My King, is that you?" A guard suddenly addressed me but didn't dare lower his spears as his spear inched closer to my neck.

Releasing a bit of my aura, I sent a shutter of absolute fear in the guards of Noctem; the ends of each of their spears struck against the bridge. They saluted and clasped their palm over their chests.

"Forgive the transgression, my king!"

I hummed in response. " Where is Freya?"

"The Infirmary, my king." A guard with a golden open helm fixed with two wings on each end uttered with the firmness of a seasoned veteran. "We managed to take the entrance, and the Prince of Hell, Alzimar, gave us half a kilometer of land. I suspect it's because he wants us to come out and fight instead of hiding in the practically indestructible tower."

Another hum of recognition left my lips, and my eyes slid to the smoldering clouds that seemed to follow me.

"As you were then," I uttered, stepping into the darkness and appearing near my knight resting peacefully.

There hadn't appeared to be many wounds aside from scrapes and bruises, but I could feel her withered life force. She had pushed herself hard.

I stared at her silky black hair and sighed, a little jealous she could sleep while I struggled with all I had just to stand. I shook my head. And placed my palm over her lips and clenched my fist so tight a trickle of blood raced town, my palm landing over her tender lips.

She quivered like a small child and smiled like she had tasted the best thing. Screw those people that think blood tastes like copper. I bet it's the same people that think tea tastes like water.

A/N: Mines sweet…. Idk why.

"Oiii, wake up," I said, climbing over the bed and resting my head right in the middle of her wonderous chest.

"Good for you, Arsene. Your wife is battling against two Paragon, and you're doing what exactly?"

Ignoring Lily. I snuggled up. Lilith will be fine. Her skill set when in Into the Abyss is terrifying. Not to mention almost all the Abyssal Children are there. I'd be surprised if Arkduke Bune and Beleth live against such a line-up.

I was still somewhat small, but Vanir Queen was quite tall. Not that I mind more squish. But man, I miss being 6'7.

A small smile found its way to my lips as I felt two arms wrap around my chest, holding me tight. " Master…" Said Freya gently. " Your blood is delicious."

Stuck between two mountains, I smiled, enjoying the warmth returning to my knight, " I'm sleepy."

"Then you ought to sleep, my king."

"I don't want to sleep, " came my response.

Freya giggled. "And what is it you wish for, my Master?"

"Tell me a story."

"Then I shall tell you the fable of Yuki Black and Three Lords." She said, startling me, but I could feel her arms tighten. "I've lived for a long time, my Master, so long that if you counted it up, it'd be around seven hundred Chaos Cycles, and I had the honor to bear witness to these four legends.

"Long ago, before the Rise of Ishar, during an era that seemed so faded and old, I can barely remember, there existed a tower known by many names, but Yuki called the tower of Babel."

"..." Didn't Levi give me a ring…."

"You should have seen it, Master. It was one of the greatest things I'd ever seen before. Laws and concepts were distorted from each angle I looked at. The stones had seemed to be crafted by an alloy or perhaps stone that made it seem modern yet old."

"What was in it?" I couldn't help but ask.

"A tree… the most beautiful tree I've ever seen. So beautiful. I stood enamored. By the time I came, too, I was on my knees. Kowtowing before the magnificent— It was the first time I had found myself so defenseless yet blessed simultaneously."

'Snagged it from the garden of Eden when Luci was feeling himself.' Said Yuki at the time, giggling." Freya imitated.

I smiled at that "... that sounds just like Mother. She always did like creating chaos."