Monarch of Darkness, Arsene

It had been weeks since Zariel entered the Abyss. But not once had I seen him since our meeting—a little annoying since I knew nothing of him, aside from him being Arsene's little brother. Death had confined himself in the conference room, refining Lord Zariels blood, leaving me alone to wander the hollow halls of the Labyrinth of the Pale Gate.

Finding my way through the halls where light did not touch inside a small dome, my eyes skimmed over the bitter faces of the pink-headed doll. Picking herself out of the dirt, she clenched her black-stained sword.

Julius, her opponent, smiled, far more poise than he was before. He carried himself with a hint of grace that hid the savage cravings from the non-discerning eye. Fitted in loose gray garments made for comfort, he lowered the tip of his saber to the ground.

"Master Ava," He softly addressed, "You are without a doubt improving. But if I may, you need some experience. It's been a couple of dozen years since we started, but I feel like you need a break."

"A break?" I called out, somewhat intrigued. Never have I heard of a cultivator ever taking a break. Especially we of the Abyss. We were unlike other races. With our comprehension of every Dao, we would always comprehend something. Ava was no different, even if she struggled now against a full-fledged Master like Julius and not one of his clones created by the Labyrinth. There was no need for a break.

"My Lady," Julius greeted, falling to one knee; he bowed his head. Nodding in recognition, I glanced at the bloodied body of Ava as she glanced at me, carrying confusion.

"Master, even Master Death has said that I am to have a break every couple of years." She hastily defended, to my surprise. Standing in front of Julius, her tone carried a hint of worry.

Interested in what I was witnessing, I played along, "Did he? And what was the logic behind that?"

Ava was always shy. Never before had she spoken up like so.

"M-M-Master Death said that… Umm. He said…" Stammering over her words, with her cheeks red and her eyes wet. I leaned to the left, catching sight of a smiling Julius.

"Are you lying," I coldly teased? Watching in pure amazement as Ava burst into tears.

"I'm sorrwy! Master!"

Julius bellowed into laughter. Unable to hold himself back, he clenched his stomach. Laughing alongside him, I could only shake my head.

"You're so silly." I cried, watching her cheeks grow a deeper shade of red. "Come, let's go on a break." I gently said, patting her head. She peered up, totally embarrassed. Giggling at her cute appearance, my hands fell back to my side, only to wrap around her arm. "Come, let's have a girl's night. We can have Victoria and Elsa join. It's been a while since we were together."

"A wonderful idea, my Queen." Julius approved; taking to his feet, he fixed his eyes on the little lass in my arm, carrying an emotion I never thought I would see so soon in those of the Abyss. There was a bit of infatuation, and Ava did not mind. How interesting. "Have a wonderful trip, but if I may. Around the Pale Gate is currently a war zone–"

"Perfect!" I exclaimed, jerking Ava away; I sent a few mental commands to Victoria and Elsa. It had been far too long, indeed. Skipping away, I sent the quiet Ava a smile, "So you and Julius, huh. I did not see that coming."

"Master," She squeezed out, lowering her head so low, my back began to bend.

"Oh, we have so much to talk about. Maybe you can give Elsa some tips. Eroma has been trying for years. That girl needs to loosen up. And a good dicking will do just that." I explained, and Ava's entire body went stiff. Feeling I was dragging a large cube of ice, I could see smoke steeming from her head.

"Di-Di-Di-Di!" Unable to make sense, I snickered and teleported out of the Pale Gate, carrying Ava with me.

The heavy scent of brimstone carries itself into the skies, clouded with ash. Through the clouds of brimstone stood the clashes and flickers of war. The clanking of steel against steel, thunder through the clouds, while the painful screams of desperation rang like screeching wails. High above off the ground's surface, Angels and Demons fought without mercy. Blood was spilling, without sides caring.

The Holy City of Casia was all but destroyed, leaving black waters and ruin behind. Its once tall and proud structures were now desecrated land for the devils to plot. While the demons carved through angels.

Taking in the war edging closer to land below, I tilted my head to the side where my smile thinned. "I don't believe we had the honor?" I calmly said, to a solemn grimace of the elegant man standing with one placed on a black handle t-shape cane while the other rested firmly behind his back.

Pulling out a small pocket watch with the crest of a serpent. The stranger scanned the time and lifted his scarlet eyes to me and then to the battle in the sky. Placing his pocket watch back into his vest, behind his black suit, he allowed his gaze to settle on me once more.

"I am Duke Gusion, Keeper of Time." He finally answered, "and I know who you are, Lilith Snow, just not why you are here."

Gusion, I had heard bits and pieces of his name. He is not much of a lord in the regard that he usually sticks to himself, and most devils typically make way for him. Even some princes dare not annoy him.

"We are here on a break," I explained, receiving an eye raise from the solemn keeper of time.

"Then you ask for death," he replied sharply, pulling out his pocket watch. Following a similar routine, he frowned, then placed it back into his vest. "Go home. Alos is no place for Star-Lords as vital as you.." He ordered, turning his back to us, to my amazement.