Nullivar's voice echoed through the gathering of Destroyers, low and deliberate.
"When Light disappeared a thousand years ago," he said, "it didn't simply vanish. The Abyss did something. Something deliberate. We couldn't locate Light because its authority was sealed—dormant. Until it awakens, it cannot be found."
A pause.
"And Darkness made sure of that."
Averis — Isola Krein
The sky above the mansion rippled softly as space folded inward.
Rayon and Nyk stepped out of the distortion, boots touching familiar stone. The air here was calm—too calm for what had just transpired among Monarchs and Destroyers alike.
"They'll go after Light," Rayon said as they walked toward the courtyard. "It's their only real option to delay me."
Nyk glanced sideways. "You're that sure?"
"A thousand years ago," Rayon continued, unbothered, "I sent Light to another universe. Somewhere far enough that even the Destroyers couldn't reach without consequence. By now, I'm certain Light has found a vessel."
He stopped, eyes distant.
"They won't find her until she activates her authority."
Nyk snorted. "And when a Monarch dies, the others get notified—Destroyers too. But even knowing that… what can they really do right now?"
Rayon smiled.
"Nothing, lil bro."
He looked up at the sky, relaxed.
"I make moves because I'm certain there won't be consequences later. They act because they want results without understanding the ending. They sent three Monarchs before finalizing their plan—now they know they made a mistake."
"A chance for war," Nyk muttered.
"Or a chance to scramble for a new plan," Rayon replied.
A voice joined them.
"Knowing those Destroyer bastards," Azelar said, sipping tea as he approached, "they'll delay you as long as possible. Buy time. And if you've got artifacts tied to the Upper Realm…"
He smiled knowingly.
"That's where they'll poke first."
Rayon laughed, genuinely amused.
"Exactly. They'll strike where they think it's soft. But it already worked in my favor."
He turned slightly, tone shifting—older, heavier.
"The Upper Realm is dangerous. Even for Destroyer leaders. It was once my home… in another life."
Nyk raised an eyebrow.
"So Nullivar can't just do whatever he wants up there."
"No," Rayon said calmly. "A single being from the Upper Realm could erase this entire multiverse."
A beat.
"Not right now," he added casually. "I'm here."
Azelar chuckled.
"Only a few Monarchs would survive something like that anyway."
Rayon nodded. "Kratos. Asura. Aseir."
He shrugged. "And even then? Half-dead at best."
The mansion doors slid open.
Christine stepped outside first, stretching, followed by Nexus—Esdeath asleep in her arms, gently rocking as she walked.
Before anyone could say a word, a small figure floated free from inside.
Lucifer.
The little demi-god drifted toward Rayon, eyes bright.
"Pa… pa."
Rayon's entire expression softened.
"Hey, little guy," he said, holding out his arms.
Lucifer happily floated into them.
Rayon walked over to Nexus, who smiled warmly at him.
He leaned in, kissing her gently on the cheek. "Hey, babe. You okay? You eat?"
She nodded. "Yeah. I'm good. They're both stable."
Nyk groaned dramatically. "Yo, I swear—I can't get tired of y'all being lovebirds for even one second."
Christine didn't hesitate.
Thump.
She smacked Nyk on the head. "Shut up, idiot."
"Ow—worth it," Nyk muttered.
Azelar sat back down, tea warm in his hands.
Something I'd forgotten, he thought.
The feeling of family.
He smiled quietly.
Rayon noticed.
He turned, bringing Lucifer over. "Azelar—watch him for me."
Azelar blinked. "Hm?"
Lucifer was gently placed into his arms.
The child stared up at him, head tilting.
"…Hmm."
He squinted.
"Not da… da."
Tiny stars shimmered faintly in Lucifer's eyes.
Then—
"Grand… pa."
Azelar froze.
Then laughed, deep and surprised.
Lucifer reached up and grabbed Azelar's beard.
"Now, now," Azelar said, chuckling, "be careful, little one. Don't pull—"
YANK.
"HEY—!" Azelar yelped. "If you're going to pull it, at least take your time!"
He looked up at the sky, laughing despite himself.
"Where do these young ones get their strength?"
The courtyard filled with laughter.
For now—
The Abyss rested.