The soul-forging furnace rattled and wheezed violently, spewing thick black smoke as if on the verge of exploding.
The machine was not particularly old, but this was the first time an avatar of a deity had been crushed and shoved inside as fuel. Perhaps the kindling thrown into it had been simply too volatile; under Bel's watchful eye, the furnace finally blew apart completely.
Wrapped in a cocoon of sacred radiance, Harvey's body drifted slowly down from midair, looking like a newly born deity.
Bel frowned. What in the world was this?
A human demigod?
Had Cyric staged such an immense spectacle just to revive a demigod?
Yet no matter what it was, it was something created at great expense to himself—it belonged to him.
Bel reached out, intending to seize Harvey in one grasp.
Lock him up first, then decide later whether to dissect or devour him; either way, he had to recoup some of his losses.
Bel's massive palm unfurled, generating a pulling force from the center to drag Harvey into his grip.
Demigod or not, a newborn fledgling possessed no power to resist before a devil archduke like Bel.
Harvey's eyes were tightly shut, as though still unconscious, but at this moment, every movement Bel made slowed to an absolute crawl within Harvey's perception.
Time seemed nearly frozen, while Harvey's soul remained vibrant and active.
Yet Harvey did nothing. He merely savored the sensation from that sudden flash of inspiration earlier. When hopelessly entangled in fate's web like a trapped insect, how had he broken free?
Outwardly, Harvey did not budge. But just as Bel was about to close his hand around him, a veil-like light draped over Harvey's body, materializing into a radiant, tenderly loving goddess who took Harvey into her embrace.
The fleeting phantom caused Bel's hand to pause.
Not because the illusion possessed formidable defenses, but simply because it puzzled him.
Bel could sense no power from it at all; it seemed to be a mere trick of light and shadow, utterly useless.
"A petty illusion. Cyric up to his tricks again!"
Bel sneered and thrust his hand forward once more. This time, he intended to crush Harvey entirely, preserving only the soul that had cost him so dearly.
Yet the moment Bel exerted force with his hand, a streak of blazing white flame descended from above, piercing straight through his palm and pinning his hand to the floor.
Bel let out a shrill scream, but in the next second, even his mouth was filled with raging flames.
A blade carrying holy fire pierced through the back of his neck, pinning him to his seat.
"Heh... heh..."
Bel choked out in shock. Before him stood an exquisitely beautiful six-winged angel, the flaming longsword wielded by her hand.
It was Zariel, yet not the fractured devil archduke, but Zariel in her angelic form.
When she had first invaded Hell, it was with these twin swords burning with holy fire that she had slaughtered countless demons, and even many celebrated commanders of Blood River Fortress had fallen beneath her blades.
She should have been suffering the ceaseless corruption of Hell's laws, forced forever into the guise of a fallen angel.
When had she turned back into an angel?! Why hadn't the laws of the First Layer stopped her at all?!
Bel was utterly unable to comprehend it.
On the surface, Zariel was ruler of the First Layer of Hell, but in truth she was Hell's prisoner, a sinner eternally tortured. The fractured scars across her face were the mark of the torment she bore at every moment.
Yet now Zariel was pure and flawless, an embodiment of perfect holiness without a single blemish to be found.
Impossible—this was utterly impossible!
Bel had thought that an issue with Hell's laws had weakened the power Zariel could command; he had never imagined that Zariel was actually trying to flee.
But having regained her angelic form, why hadn't she run? Why was she here?
Bel had no time to ponder the answers, for the surging holy fire had already engulfed his body, burning furiously into his soul.
Bel struggled frantically. While holy fire held an edge over devils, Bel was not so easily finished.
Surging hellfire erupted from his wounds, colliding with the holy fire in earth-shattering explosions. Bel assumed Zariel would yield ground; as long as he had the slightest opening to regain his freedom, he could rally the full might of Blood River Fortress against this angel.
Yet Zariel did not retreat an inch. She didn't even put up any defense, letting the two colliding energies detonate before her, leaving countless scars across her holy body.
Golden blood flowed freely, proving Zariel was grievously wounded, but Bel had lost any chance to escape. The twin holy-fire longswords had transformed into a seal, binding Bel's body completely, leaving him incapable of breaking free anytime soon.
Zariel had seized the initiative with an ambush and paid the price of injury to forcibly seal Bel.
By the time Zariel finished all this, Harvey had only just touched the ground, entirely unscathed.
When Harvey opened his eyes, he met Zariel's golden gaze.
Zariel said, "Go tell your teacher that I saved you! I will even grant him authority over the First Layer of Hell—on the condition that he opens a path to Mount Celestia for me! Hurry, my time is short!"
With those words spoken, Zariel seemed to turn into a statue, frozen completely in place.
She needed to exert her utmost effort to maintain the seal upon Bel, unable to afford the slightest distraction from this moment on.
Ever since Bel had discovered something was wrong with her, Zariel knew her time was running out. However cautious Bel was, he would keep probing, and before long he would uncover all her plans.
So Zariel had simply taken the initiative to strike.
While Bel was still squabbling with Cyric, Zariel had already slipped into Blood River Fortress.
Thanks to her familiarity with Blood River Fortress and still holding all its clearances, Zariel's infiltration had been silent and undetectable. Only when Cyric and Bel fell out and Harvey exploded out from the furnace did Zariel finally spot an opening in Bel.
Catching him distracted, her ambush succeeded, sealing him away.
However, the moment Zariel struck, she fully transformed into her angelic form, unable ever to revert.
The laws of Hell's First Layer would soon move against her as an invader, either corrupting her back into a devil or destroying her outright.
If it were merely the laws, that would be manageable; Zariel was confident she could endure for several years.
The trouble was that Hell held not just laws, but countless devils.
The upheaval in the First Layer would soon draw the attention of the other devil archdukes, and even the slumbering Lord of Hell might be awakened.
Once those devils noticed, Zariel would have no hope left.
Her originally steady and cautious plan had fallen apart. Zariel was left with only one hope: Anbaixiu.
Only Anbaixiu could immediately contact Mount Celestia and open a way for her to escape Hell.
Hearing Zariel's words, Harvey was stunned. What in the world was going on?
Harvey truly knew nothing; his memory was still stuck at drinking tea with Cyric and falling asleep.
Hadn't he just taken a nap? How had he ended up in Hell upon waking, encountering a mighty devil one instant and a holy angel the next?
From Harvey's perspective, in just a few short seconds, life had taken several massive plot twists.
Even an even-tempered young man like Harvey couldn't help cursing in awe, "Fate... you are one damn thrilling ride!"
Marveling aside, Harvey quickly came to his senses.
Whatever pieces were missing in between, the top priority right now was to contact his teacher.
Harvey hurriedly patted down his body, trying to find his magic mirror, only to discover he had nothing on him at all. Had it not been for the phantom-like gossamer veil draped over him, he truly would have been stark naked.
Of course Cyric wouldn't have let Harvey carry a magic mirror, lest Anbaixiu find out.
If Harvey wanted to contact his teacher now, he had to find a magic mirror immediately—one that wasn't locked and could be used right away.
Yet this was Hell. As a mere human, wouldn't Harvey be torn to shreds by devils after taking two steps?
Harvey rubbed his chin, contemplating what to do.
Then, looking down at the delicate gossamer veil over him, he quickly arrived at an answer: do nothing.
Because the moment this veil draped over his body, Harvey had gained a special effect called "Favor of the Goddess of Fate."
The exact principles were immensely complex—Harvey could easily write an entire bookshelf of theses about it—but in simple terms, it boiled down to something very straightforward: supreme luck!
For as long as this veil remained, Harvey didn't need to do a thing; whatever problems he encountered would resolve themselves naturally.
This was the legendary boon Harvey had obtained upon ascending to legend.
In theory, even if Hell were destroyed right now, Harvey would remain safe for some reason or another, without even grazing his scalp.
Just now, the collision of power between Zariel and Bel had been so colossal that more than half the hall was shattered, yet all the shockwaves heading in Harvey's direction had been blocked by Zariel, and not a single speck among the countless flying stones had brushed a strand of his hair.
And right now, Harvey needed a magic mirror...
Dense footsteps echoed from outside the palace. With such a massive commotion just now, it was impossible for no one to notice.
A heavily armed troop of devils rushed in, clearly elite powerhouses, any one of whom could probably crush Harvey to death.
Yet none of them paid attention to a tiny speck like Harvey; all eyes were drawn to the towering angel radiating holy light.
The dull-witted among them charged at Zariel on reflex, only to be ignited the moment they drew near, their bodies rapidly burning to ashes.
Only after bodies piled up did someone recognize her: this angel was clearly their boss, Zariel!
A fallen angel suddenly turning back into an angel, and brawling with Archduke Bel? The sight stunned the devils, leaving them completely at a loss.
In that brief hesitation, agonized screams rang out—the devils had suddenly begun slaughtering each other!
The side striking first was ruthless, aiming straight for vitals, and held an overwhelming numerical advantage.
In just a few seconds, the fighting ended. Of the dozen-plus devils that had entered, ten survived, while the rest were killed in a single blow.
Harvey watched in bewilderment, utterly unable to understand what had occurred—until the surviving devils laid eyes on him.
Their leader raised his sword, pointing at Harvey. "There's another one! Kill him quickly, don't let word leak!"
Before Harvey could open his mouth to explain, another devil spoke up, "Wait, I know him. He's the Deceiver's student."
"The Deceiver?!"
The moment the name was uttered, every devil gasped, involuntarily scanning their surroundings in terror, fearing a sudden trap would claim their lives in the next second.
Anbaixiu's reputation in Hell had almost rivaled the laws of Hell itself; merely mentioning his name struck dread into their hearts.
The devil who recognized Harvey carefully steered clear of Zariel's holy light and came to Harvey's side, asking, "Mr. Harvey, why are you in Hell?"
Harvey looked curiously at this colossal devil towering several heads above him. "And you are?"
"I am Lorencos. I have some acquaintance with your teacher. I was once a paladin of Ryan."
Harvey said in delighted surprise, "Mr. Lorencos! I've heard my teacher mention your name!"
Wasn't this the legendary paladin Anbaixiu had duped into treason back when dealing with the Iron-Blood General? If not for Lorencos's help, Anbaixiu wouldn't have resolved the great trouble along the borders of the Kingdom of the Unholy Hymn. If the Iron-Blood General hadn't fallen, the Demonic Dragon young emperor wouldn't have launched his personal campaign, and none of what followed would have happened.
"Still, what was all that just now?"
Lorencos explained, "We are all Iron Guards loyal to Archduke Zariel..."
In the First Layer of Hell, there existed a very peculiar group: the knights who had followed Zariel in her invasion of Hell.
Not every Hellrider had been a traitor. On the contrary, most Hellriders had died heroically in battle, or fought alongside Zariel until the bitter end.
It was precisely because the conflict had been so gruesome that some had turned traitor, sealing the route of retreat solely to cover up their crime of desertion.
These loyal Hellriders maintained unwavering fidelity to Zariel until death, staying devoted to her even after she became a fallen angel.
Over countless years, Zariel had dispersed these most loyal knights, stationing them across various posts in Hell while quietly expanding their ranks.
Lorencos was a relatively new addition; he found himself drawn to the ideals of these Hellriders. After his faith shattered and he became a sinner, loyalty to Ryan was the only thing Lorencos had left to hold onto.
Loyalty was a virtue, and Lorencos's demeanor as a former paladin endeared him to these Hellriders, who quickly welcomed him as a new comrade.
Zariel was staking everything on a single gamble now, having activated all her hidden forces; the Hellriders were her greatest trump card.
Lorencos had never met Harvey, but he knew of him. After Anbaixiu's fame spread, those around him had become subjects of close scrutiny, and Lorencos had made a point to study them.
Harvey relayed what Zariel had just told him, and Lorencos shoved a magic mirror into his hands without hesitation.
Taking the magic mirror, Harvey marvelled inwardly. This Favor of the Goddess of Fate was simply too potent. Wishes truly came true... no, even without wishing, things worked out! Even details Harvey hadn't thought of were neatly arranged by destiny.
Activating the magic mirror to contact Anbaixiu, Harvey hurried to recount everything that had just happened to his teacher.
Anbaixiu listened with his jaw dropping. The world moved far too fast; not even a divination wizard could foresee a future this absurd!
Beyond his shock, Anbaixiu didn't fuss over the dying Zariel or ask about the authority of the First Layer of Hell. Instead, he asked Harvey with deep concern, "You've ascended to legend?!"
Harvey nodded. The sensation was unmistakable; he had somehow stumbled his way into becoming a legend.
His earlier premonition had been correct—returning to his teacher's castle led to his ascension, though Harvey still didn't understand why he hadn't been allowed to tell anyone. Not that it mattered much; he had succeeded in ascending, and everything had gone smoothly.
"What is your legendary boon?" Anbaixiu asked.
A divination wizard's legendary boon was usually outrageous. Take Anbaixiu's Destiny Weaving, for instance—its effects were utterly absurd. Had Anbaixiu not resolved to be a heartless scoundrel, that ability would have far surpassed the Golden Throne.
"I call it the Favor of the Goddess of Fate..."
Harvey briefly explained the boon's effects. Anbaixiu couldn't help asking, "Then what is the cost?"
"There is no cost. Furthermore, there's virtually no consumption. I feel like I could maintain this state indefinitely," Harvey said.
Hearing this, Anbaixiu showed no delight at all. Instead, he gave Harvey a stern warning: "Every divination wizard's legendary boon seems like that—appearing to cost nothing and consume nothing. But anyone who abuses their power inevitably invites tragedy. This legendary boon of yours... I cannot say for sure; you have already far surpassed me in this area. But as your teacher, I must remind you: no power comes without a price, even if you truly are God-favored by the Goddess of Fate."
Harvey nodded. He understood this principle well.
Just like a divination wizard wielding prophetic magic: seemingly castable at any time to foresee the future without limit, but whoever dared live their life relying perpetually on such power would meet a tragic end. Over the years, Anbaixiu had seen friends and family die one by one, part ways, or even turn into bitter enemies, while living in dire poverty for most of his life until he resolved to abandon fate, only then rising to the pinnacle of his life.
Yet when he took up fate's power once more and repeatedly invoked Destiny Weaving, the result had been his soul shattering and plunging into Hell, where he nearly lost any chance of resurrection.
Now that Anbaixiu had cast aside fate's power once again, Archduke Zariel was about to hand him the authority of Hell's First Layer.
Such was the perverse amusement of the Goddess of Fate; there was simply no reasoning with her.
Among the wails heard earlier within the web of fate, many were likely the wretched souls who had abused fate's power, only discovering the cost on the day they died.
Yet Harvey harbored another intuition: if he maintained this legendary ability continuously, the one suffering misfortune might not be himself, but rather others paying the price on his behalf. Though merely a feeling, intuition was what divination wizards valued above all.
The Goddess of Fate's boon was this gossamer veil.
In itself, it possessed no active effect, yet it functioned like thorn armor—any hostile act against Harvey would rebound upon the perpetrator, forcing enemies to pay the toll.
Of course, intuition was just intuition; it still required real data to verify. Having only just gained this power, Harvey could not yet determine its precise mechanics.
Harvey decided to keep maintaining the legendary effect until he left Hell.
"Teacher, set that aside for now. Look at Zariel..." Harvey adjusted the view so Anbaixiu could see Zariel radiating holy light. He was genuinely curious as to what choice his teacher would make.
Open a path for Zariel to return to Mount Celestia and become an Archduke of Hell himself?
Or reject Zariel's request and help Bel break the seal?
Neither option disadvantaged Anbaixiu; the fate of Hell's First Layer was now firmly in Anbaixiu's hands.
The magic mirror flew into midair, hovering before the angelic Zariel.
"Archduke Zariel, let us talk," Anbaixiu said.
Zariel had been devoting all her strength to sustaining the seal on Bel. Sensing the magic mirror's approach, her golden eyes finally shifted toward Anbaixiu.
Zariel said, "There is no time to chat. Soon, the other layers of Hell will sense the changes in the First Layer. Their armies will surge directly into the First Layer to kill or capture me. Even if I throw all my subordinates into the line of defense, once Asmodeus awakens, I am certain to die."
Anbaixiu sighed and said, "Rest assured, I have arranged everything. I have already contacted Mammon and Dispater; the Second and Third Layers of Hell will serve as a buffer, so no troops from the other devil archdukes will invade the First Layer for the time being. As for the Lord of Hell, I sent a petition to Oghma, and both the Lord of the Dawn and the God of Death have responded. Asmodeus should grant those deities enough face to give you plenty of time to talk with me."
Listening to this, Zariel couldn't help but sigh in marvel. "The last time we met, you were merely a negligible mortal. How much time has passed? Yet an event colossal enough to ruin the First Layer of Hell has been suppressed by a few words from you."
Anbaixiu chuckled. "It is not my doing; I merely happen to be well-connected. Besides, those lofty deities do not wish to see the First Layer of Hell fall into true chaos either."
He spoke modestly, but none who heard it would see it that way. What mortal could possess connections so vast? When Zariel of the First Layer of Hell staged a rebellion, two other devil archdukes had not mobilized to crush it, but instead acted as gatekeepers! The Lord of Knowledge, the Lord of the Dawn, the God of Death—each a renowned greater deity—and all of them were willing to grant Anbaixiu face to hold back the potentially enraged Lord of Hell.
Everyone present felt the sheer capability of this "Deceiver." Previously, when he claimed he would end the Blood War, many had treated it as a joke. Now it seemed far from a joke—if these deities joined hands, putting an end to the Blood War might not be impossible after all!
Anbaixiu continued to Zariel, "Release Bel. A bit of trouble has cropped up at Blood River Fortress, and he is needed to handle it."
Zariel wasted no more words. She broke the seal on Bel, the binding dissolving back into twin holy-fire longswords that returned to her grasp.
Having just regained his freedom, Bel did not strike at Zariel.
He had heard everything Anbaixiu said; today's affair was no longer a personal vendetta between him and Zariel, but a monumental matter watched by multiple deities, concerning the dominion of the First Layer of Hell.
Bel snorted. The wounds piercing his body healed rapidly, and he soon regained the ability to speak.
"I believe I am entitled to sit here and negotiate as well," Bel said.
Anbaixiu shook his head. "Apologies, but my kin have stirred up a spot of trouble. I fear the demons will soon mount a counteroffensive."
Bel frowned and asked, "Your kin—those mercury slimes? What did they do?"
Anbaixiu explained, "They accidentally captured a demon of special standing... As for the specifics, go find out for yourself. Tend to your duties first, Bel. When the Lord of Hell awakens, I can only guarantee that Zariel won't be crushed to death for the time being—that does not include you."
Bel wished nothing more than to cleave this arrogant bastard Anbaixiu in two. A mere mortal, daring to speak to him in such a tone! But right now...
"Hmph!"
Bel snorted in fury, turned on his heel, and strode out of the hall.
The Blood River battlefield was indeed paramount. If something went wrong there, even taking control of the First Layer's power would be useless—the Lord of Hell would swat him dead with a single blow and reclaim that power.
With Bel gone, the others in the hall tactfully withdrew outside, leaving only Anbaixiu and the angelic Zariel.
Looking upon the holy, exquisitely beautiful face before him, Anbaixiu sighed softly. "Zariel... your wish, I fear, will be very difficult to grant."
Chapter 617