An all-out war.

Due to the wide expanse of the Light Kingdom, the Lords had not comprehended how truly colossal the empty plaza before the gates had been until they came close enough to witness it with their own eyes.

Millions of light-born entities were locked in eternal battle.

Looming giants, several times taller than Devil’s biggest form, humanoid creatures bearing golden shields, spears, and swords, altered beasts wielding untamed power, and more were fighting in a free-for-all, unleashing massive devastation.

From what Michael observed, there wasn’t any form of harmony or cooperation.

Not even the smallest trace of teamwork was at play.

Just mindless slaughter occurring before the colossal gates.

Which, as fate seemed to have it...

"They are closed." Michael’s whisper was quiet, yet it weighed heavily on the Lords.

The gates, which they had passed through to enter the Titan’s ecosystem, had been wide open, as if inviting any challenger brave enough to venture deeper.

Michael and the others had assumed the gates from then on would virtually function the same way...

They had been mistaken.

"Perhaps we can just push them open?" Solomon offered a suggestion.

Persephone shook her head. "You mean to tell me the literal army of millions has not bothered to try? I can bet my life they are locked."

Nicole’s eyes sharpened. "Locked would indicate that there is a key somewhere."

"Key hidden in a kingdom larger than Earth?" Rosalie shuddered. "Our extended lifespans wouldn’t be enough to properly explore the whole place. Where could a key be located... how would it even look?"

Nobody knew.

Devil scoffed.

"It’s obvious."

His confident remark earned him the curious stares of the others, all waiting for him to elaborate.

Grinning from ear to ear, Devil pointed to the chaotic battle.

"This is a trial to prove oneself." He declared with absolute certainty.

"From what we understand, these creatures crave power to venture deeper. Considering that they are all self-aware to an extent, none would risk their lives without the promise of a tremendous reward on the other side. Victory would mark the illusions worthy of advancing further, while defeat would condemn the losers to serve as nourishment for the last standing."

"Should that prove to be the truth, it’s hopeless." Francesca observed the raging battle. "Eradicating millions of the Titan’s subjects isn’t feasible."

"What about the serpent?" Noctis’ eyes lit up. "The Guardian should suppress the anarchy, right?"

"Not strong enough." Gloria theorized.

"With their numbers, they would all die in the chaos before they could amass enough power to pose a legitimate threat. And besides, none of them fly like the one we saw get killed. Here, the skies are the serpent’s degree of specialty. Any being that gets the idea to go over the walls instead of through the gates would answer to the Guardian, sealing their fate."

Fortunately, the Lords had not tested their luck by scouting the surroundings from high in the skies. Otherwise, the price would not have been limited to burning their spiritual energy reserves but also their lives. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

"Why don’t we put the theory to the test?" Nicole suggested. "We join the battle and deliberately thin their numbers, giving a few of them an advantage. Eventually, one illusion would grow stronger than the rest. The Guardian would either attack it or it would open the gates, and we could slip past unnoticed."

A rather risky strategy, but the Lords were not exactly brimming with options. Staying idle was not going to achieve much.

Exchanging nods, they moved forward.

Naturally, Devil assumed his true form. In the chaotic conflict, he was in his own element.

Even amidst the battle’s havoc, the Lords did not remain concealed for long.

Dozens of light-born creatures shifted their sights to them, charging for the kill.

The illusions’ assault was supported by mental attacks, attempting to pry deep into the Lords’ brains and impair their fighting capabilities.

Already having experienced such pressure, combined with the weak state of the golden beings, Eliza’s and Elina’s consciousnesses remained unfazed.

Splitting up, the Lords covered more ground while also making sure to stay close enough in case an emergency arose.

Using his Lightning Surge technique, Michael moved like thunder, specifically targeting the illusions’ cores.

When an illusion’s origin of power was shattered, its shivering form deteriorated, vanishing within seconds.

Slowly wounds accrued across his physique. When surrounded, he could do little to prevent his frame from being damaged.

Blades slashed his skin.

Claws sank deep into his back, leaving bloody marks.

Imprints of jaws appeared around his shoulder.

Yet the pain did not deter him.

On the contrary, it fueled him further.

With Archwarlock at play, his eyes gradually shifted from a crimson color to a golden hue, slowly overwhelming the radiant intensity of the Titan’s subjects.

Meanwhile, Devil stood before a giant creature.

The golden entity swept downward, aiming to crush his figure.

However, Devil proved faster.

Like a phantom, his form blurred, dodging the giant’s strikes.

Flanking, his claw tore deep into the being’s back, forcefully taking hold of the shivering core within.

But he did not break it.

Lifting it toward his gaping mouth, Devil devoured it in a single bite before a protective body could form around it.

He was the only one brave... and foolish enough to attempt consuming the essence of his enemies.

"Delicacy." Devil smirked and licked his lips, anticipating a breakthrough or maybe even enlightenment.

Revelation struck him a heartbeat later.

Not like the one he expected.

An unbearable pain spread throughout his existence, as if the consumed core was burning him from within.

Devil’s tainted nature screamed in agony when faced with the purity of the core’s structure.

Devouring them only hindered him.

"Screw this!" He bellowed, spitting out the core onto the ground.

Before the form of the giant could take shape, he stomped on it with all the hatred he carried, shattering it into smithereens.

For him to get agitated was a rarity. It didn’t matter if it was his own fault! The illusions were about to pay dearly for angering him!

While the battle in front of the gates raged on, a predator waited patiently.

A magnificent fox with golden silky fur and eyes burning like unyielding flames.

Three mesmerizing tails sprouted from her back. Few, if any, dared to challenge her.

Her eyes watched carefully.

Searching for the perfect time to strike.