Nebolex's eyes widened in disbelief. The spider-like Devil Lord could feel the Divine Power radiating from Vlad's sword even before it struck—pure, searing light condensed into killing intent. But what truly unmade him was not that power.
It was fear.
Fear, as he saw Alioth turn and flee.
There had been a pact between them. A soul-binding contract forged in the blood of the Third Layer, sealed under the eyes of their infernal sovereign. If one of them broke it, they would suffer a backlash that would wound their essence for centuries. Yet Alioth had done it anyway.
The dragon had chosen survival.
Nebolex's many eyes trembled with rage, but he had no time to curse or lament. Overlord, sensing the sudden shift, acted instantly. The A.I. Clone dismissed Durendal, summoning Gram in its place.
The sword blazed like a newborn star as Overlord struck with everything he had.
