Monarch of Darkness, Arsene

Chapter 1268 Honor

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It was good seeing Tiamat up and running again. Tene had told me she gave me some 'breath.' It was a big sacrifice. I was sure she didn't know what she was giving up. Nevertheless, It had seemed Zariel was the one to heal her. He was passing by on business and wanted to check-in. He'd done me a big favor. Tiamat is an invaluable ally.

And in time, so too would Zaid. The little brat was annoyed by my command. The bastard almost spat on my face thinking I was only fucking with him just so that I could take it all away. I'd have killed him if it weren't for Tia. That little shit was about to be backhanded to death. But I'll settle for the poison I was about to pour into his veins.

The Seven Sins of the Abyss were pure. They were made for Abyssals, and in a way, I believe that it was the Abyssal Sins that created the Myriad Sins. Both act like each other, but the feel is different. Perhaps I didn't comprehend the Myriad Sins enough before my upgrade, but I always felt the Abyssal Sins were stronger.

But to gift it to Zaid. That would be… dangerous as it was experimental. To understand an Abyssal, one needs to understand their hive mind. These bastards are on another level. It's instinctual to them. They have ancestors to pull from and elders whose wisdom and willpower can assist the next generation.

There was a reason the Abyssals were mad beasts for such a long time. And implanting a sin I have no business touching, a sin I barely understood was suicidal for Zaid. Whether he lived or not… he'll not be a dragon anymore. He'd be something else. The Abyssal Laws will twist his nature, break his will, and transform him.

"ARSENE!!!" A fiery voice barked as a scarlet hair lass barged into my chambers as I dressed for the days ahead.

I smiled as the maid Lilims buttoned my black tunic, making sure not a drop of dust touched my skin. They sensually trailed their half-clothed bodies over mine.

An attempt to make me have them, I was sure.

"What can I do for you? I believe we have a meeting later today."

"Why didn't you tell me you were back!" Ezra hammered, storming towards me. She grabbed me by the tunic. Apparently losing her manners in her time here.

Not that I blame her… these bastards here are quite unruly.

"Your Highness, " one of my nameless Lilms addressed, swatting her hand away. "He is the Monarch watch—."

Finding my cheek stained and my eyes sight blinded by a mist of blood and guts, I merely sighed at the sight of Ezra plunging her entire forearm through the maid's head, tearing out any brain matter she had, killing her dead.

"For the love of God. I just got clean." I groaned, snapping myself clean with a cleansing spell. I looked at my red-headed demoness, cheeks ablaze with anger. I smiled. "I—" Pausing as my entire vision whirled from out of control, a confusing sensation caught hold of me as I frowned. My eyesight settled after a brief moment.

Standing upon a mountainous coast, overlooking the waves crashing over the rocky shores, painting the skies with glimmers of starlight, a chair, and table presented themselves to me.

I glanced at my palms… they were transparent. I wasn't actually here: Was this a mental projection? A dream?"

"Arsene! We meet again." A voice I'd never forget called, just where the chair and table rested.

I looked over, frowning at the bastard who seemed to not know what boundaries meant.

"Metatron…" I said my voice like utter stone. " What is it you want."

"No need to be so defensive. This is merely a dreamscape. I cannot harm you here." He assured me, but I knew that was a lie, one I wasn't the least bit fearful of. Despite being in this realm… this dreamscape... I felt in control, as if I had been granted authority similar to what I held in the Nine Hells.

"Why is it no one can seem to schedule a meeting? Is it that hard?" I mused, taking a seat. Metatron grinned and conjured two chalices and some wine. "We would like your help. And you being a businessman… I'm sure we can compromise on some issues."

He poured me some that smelt of clouds, freeing and refreshing, with nodes of oak, nuts, and cheery: "It's one of my own custom blends. Try some. I—"

"What is it you want? I was about to get laid." At least, I think I was; Ezra is always so hard to read and aggressive.

"Then I'll get right to it." He said, pouring himself a glass. He took a sip, closed his eyes, savoring his drink, and said: " We want Mephisto."

"... Good for you. Although, I didn't think Mephisto swung that way. Are you coming out of the closet? Well, why don't you go back in? I don't care."

'That… that's not what I meant." He paused, a twitch in his brow. He looked me over: "We need Mephisto's assistance, and we want you to assist us."

Taking hold of the chalice, I swirled the ruby contents with a contorted sneer: " Well, aren't you guys shameless? And why would I help you?"

"Well, your children. They are in Mephistos eye right now." he started, and I felt as if Metaton was trying to allude to something.

But what? It's not like I trusted Mephisto fully, but he also wasn't one to screw over my children when we had a close relationship with each other. His intention is unknown, but… It's better than trusting someone like Metatron.

"Arsene—"

"Monarch," I coldly corrected, seeing the need to remind him, pouring the content of wine over the table. Something about it felt wrong. I spoke out: "You ask me to betray my Master? Or did you forget I accepted him as my teacher?"

Uhmmmm, that is so embarrassing. What fucking Master. Hmmm! Let's never tell him this.

"Look what he did to Zariel!" Metatron roared, storming to his feet. He glared into my eyes, his anger darkening this once dreamlike symphony. "Cast into Hell, and—"

"It wasn't by Mephisto's hands that Arsene was cast to hell. We both know that. I have no business with you, Metatron.

"But was he one who tormented your brother." The Seraphim roared.

I scowled. He was right, but:" That is Zariels business. He had a choice to make Mephisto an enemy and didn't. I've no business interceding on his behalf. My brother, too, has honor. I'll not tarnish it."