Final Gate of Hell
The giant obsidian doors creaked open. One by one, the Dragon Elders stepped into the hall with calm, regal steps. Their robes flowed like ancient fire, and behind them, heat shimmered in the air.
Azreal sat high on his blackstone throne, flames dancing quietly behind him. The moment they stepped in, the elders all bowed low.
"Good day, Lord Azreal," they said in perfect unison.
Azreal gave a small nod, resting his chin on his hand. "It's been a while," he said, his voice deep and cold.
The elders took their seats on either side, their expressions unreadable.
"What brings you all here? Is there a problem?"
Elder Zyronax was the first to speak, stroking his long beard. "No problem, Lord Azreal. We're simply here to discuss your... recent decisions."
Azreal raised an eyebrow. "Which one? I've made quite a few."
Elder Vaelith leaned forward. "We speak of your actions concerning the girl with the God's Mark."
Azreal's eyes narrowed slightly.
Elder Nythrala's tone sharpened. "You chose to train her—to let her wield her flames freely and even sent her to the Fifth Gate for further instruction. She should be locked up. She's a threat. Not just to Hell, but to the Dragon Nation itself."
Elder Krazmyr nodded firmly. "Exactly. You gave us your word—that every decision you make would protect both realms. Are you going back on that promise?"
Azreal exhaled slowly. "No. That decision was mine, and it was the right one."
Elder Xaryndor slammed his cane to the floor. "That choice could cost lives—yours included. If you continue down this path, we'll be forced to consider you a threat too."
Suddenly, the room shifted.
The flames behind Azreal roared, wild and angry. Heat exploded across the chamber like a wave, and a crushing pressure bore down on the elders. The very ground seemed to groan beneath it.
Azreal rose, eyes glowing bright gold, voice like thunder.
"Is that a threat?" he said slowly. "I made that decision for Hell. For the Dragon Nation. Don't stand here and act like you can order me around. I haven't forgotten my promise. But if you keep pushing—" he leaned forward, "—don't make me change my mind."
The elders, faces tight with sweat, bowed again.
"Forgive us, Lord Azreal. We didn't mean to overstep."
Hulk stepped in. "Please, Lord Azreal… calm down."
Azreal closed his eyes, exhaled—and the flames flickered down. The pressure faded. The room returned to normal.
Azreal sat again, gaze distant. "If that's all, you may leave."
The elders stood and turned to go.
But Azreal's voice rang out once more.
"Don't worry. I'll take responsibility for whatever comes next. You have my word—Hell and the Dragon Nation are safe with me."
They nodded solemnly and walked out in silence.
Hulk remained behind, watching.
"He carries the weight of all our hopes," he murmured.
Then glanced at Azreal.
"I just hope… training Aria wasn't a mistake."
---
Fifth Gate of Hell – Drakarth
Aria stumbled to a stop in front of her room, wiping sweat from her forehead.
"Finally... sleep," she mumbled.
But Dragos, who stood beside her, said, "You're not going in."
"Huh? But I'm tired!" she groaned.
"Your gate's librarian almost killed me!"
"I said I'm sorry," Dragos muttered, then grabbed her wrist.
"Come with me."
"W-Wait, hey!" Aria protested as he pulled her down the corridor.
---
Dragon Meeting Hall
They entered. Several dragon commanders stood in line, along with Drakos and armed guards.
"My Lord," Drakos said, bowing. "All commanders are present."
Dragos took his throne.
"Good," he nodded.
"Today, something serious was discovered in Ignovar."
The room stiffened. Everyone focused.
"Xaldric has been experimenting… on draconoids. And infernals."
Gasps broke out. A commander shouted, "That's insane! He wouldn't—"
"He did," Dragos cut in sharply.
He gestured toward Aria.
"Thanks to her, we found out—and stopped it."
All eyes turned to Aria. She awkwardly waved.
"I-It was nothing… really, just a lucky accident."
Dragos cleared his throat. "Still. You saved countless lives."
Everyone bowed deeply to her. She turned red.
"Please don't… it's too much!"
"Let's give her a round of applause."
The room erupted with claps. Aria just stood there, stunned.
"Now," Dragos commanded, "Rhaegor. Zaurik."
"Yes, my lord!"
"Confiscate the library. Send any infernal remains to the Archive."
"Understood."
"Balmorak. Increase security. Search every room for traitors."
"Yes, my lord."
Orders were dispatched. Commanders moved swiftly. Soon the hall cleared.
Drakos walked up to Dragos.
"The elders went to see Lord Azreal."
Dragos scoffed.
"Those old fossils… still chasing their own agendas."
He looked at Aria and walked up to her.
"Since you've arrived, I haven't taught you anything. Let's change that."
Aria's eyes lit up. "So... you're forgiving me?"
"Don't push it," he said coldly.
"This is just a token of thanks."
"But I didn't do anything!" she said, pouting as she touched his arm.
Dragos stepped back quickly.
"Keep your distance. I know what you're trying."
"Wha—! No, I wasn't!" she puffed her cheeks.
"Did you say something?"
"...Nothing," she muttered, following him.
---
Final Gate of Hell – Azreal's Throne Room
Azreal leaned back on his throne.
"I heard someone tried to kill you," Hulk said.
"Yeah," Azreal replied with a smile.
"Some girl. She tried."
"So… what kind of message did you leave this time?"
Azreal just chuckled. "Who knows?"
---
Somewhere in Hell – Unknown Ruins
Shot stumbled through the dark, bleeding.
A red-robed figure with a dark horn on his hood appeared from the shadows.
She froze. "I failed… You didn't tell me he'd be that strong!"
The figure walked forward.
"You're hurt," he said softly.
"It's nothing," she muttered, trembling.
She opened her hand, revealing a glowing symbol scorched into her skin.
"He left a message. For you."
The figure read it.
"Welcome to Hell."
He smiled.
"Are you in pain?"
"Of course I am."
"Do you want it to go away?"
"Yes… please."
Suddenly, he gripped her throat. She gasped, slapped at his hand—
—but flames burst from his palm.
She screamed—
—and turned to ash.
He laughed. The ground cracked beneath the ashes, an infernal claw rose… and died instantly, steam hissing from its body.
He looked at it and grinned.
"Another failed experiment."
He turned and walked away, laughing.
"Sin… is evolution."
---