4~5

Jinx knocked on the guest chamber doors where Julian and Kuina had spent the night making love.

"King Julian, I have an updated message from Queen Lilith."

She spoke calmly as she opened the door before anyone answered. General Isolde stood by her side as they entered. Jinx's blackened eyes rested on the pair as they slowly woke up, noticing the nearly empty bottle of booze toppled over next to the bed.

Julian's eyes groggily focused on Jinx and Isolde, a hint of a hangover evident on his face. He rubbed his temples, wincing as he sat up, the sheets falling away from his chest. Kuina stirred beside him, her eyes fluttering open as she took in the scene. She pushed herself up, her hair disheveled, and her eyes narrowing slightly as she regarded Jinx and Isolde. The air was thick with the scent of sex and booze, and the room was dimly lit, the only sound the soft rustling of the sheets and Jinx's calm voice.

"What is it, Jinx?"

Julian asked, his voice rough from sleep and drink.

"Queen Lilith has addressed all of us to rondevu by a teleportation marker she is setting up."

Jinx stated calmly, stepping inside to snag some cheese for herself that was left untouched on the table.

"We'll be going to the celestial plains to investigate, and get to the bottom as to why they attacked, ending our peace agreement without warning."

She explained, tearing a piece off of the crumbling surface before tossing it in her mouth. A rather unhelpful weakness of temptation, showing no emotion while enjoying each bite.

"She'll create a time barrier around us when we step through. The time differences between the celestial and overworld are far more significant compared to the underworld."

Isolde added to the explanation, narrowing her brow down at Jinx. The smaller demon froze midway in her meal, side glancing back at the general before forcing herself to stop.

Julian swung his legs over the side of the bed, planting his feet firmly on the ground as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes.

"A time barrier, you say? That's a big deal. How long will we be gone from the overworld's perspective?"

He asked, his gaze flicking to Isolde, then to Jinx, who was still savoring the cheese. Kuina, meanwhile, had thrown off the covers and was standing up, her eyes fixed intently on Isolde.

"Without the barrier, a single day in the celestial realm is equivalent to a year in the overworld."

Isolde stated, shifting herself over by Julian's side. It's been a hot minute since the two seen each other, and she missed him so.

Julian's eyes widened in surprise at Isolde's words, his mind reeling at the implications.

"A year?"

He repeated, his gaze drifting to Kuina, who was now dressing herself, her movements efficient and practical. Isolde's proximity was not lost on him, and he felt a flutter in his chest as she shifted closer, her eyes locked on his. He reached out, his hand brushing against hers, a spark of familiarity and affection passing between them.

Kuina's eyes narrowed slightly as she noticed the exchange between Julian and Isolde, a hint of tension creeping into her shoulders. She busied herself with dressing, her movements swift and silent, as she tried to shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in her stomach. Jinx, still standing by the table, watched the scene unfold with an air of detachment, her blackened eyes taking in every detail. She popped another piece of cheese into her mouth, her expression unreadable, as she waited for the group to gather their thoughts and prepare for their journey to the celestial plains. The air in the room was thick with unspoken emotions, and the only sound was the soft crunch of Jinx's snacking and the rustle of Kuina's clothing.

"We'll be leaving at some point this afternoon noon. Do ready yourself before then."

Jinx sighed softly.

Julian nodded, his eyes never leaving Isolde's as he replied.

"I'll be ready."

He gave her hand a gentle squeeze before releasing it, his gaze drifting to Kuina, who was now fully dressed and standing by the door, her eyes fixed on him with a neutral expression. Isolde's face was a mask of professionalism, but her eyes betrayed a hint of warmth as she regarded Julian. Jinx, meanwhile, turned to leave, her movements fluid and silent as she exited the room, the door creaking softly shut behind her. The room fell silent, the only sound the soft hum of tension between the remaining occupants.

"Do you really have to take their food?"

Isolde glanced over at Jinx with a raised brow, curling her arms around Julian. The warm embrace of hers pulled the king into her large cleavage, smothering him closely. Jinx only shrugged at the question, feeling no shame for her needy desire.

"The food vault was emptied before I got here, and I feel famished."

Jinx admitted in a soft tone.

Julian's face was buried in Isolde's cleavage, his voice muffled as he spoke,

"It's alright, Isolde. Let her eat. We can always restock the vault."

He paused, his voice still subdued.

"Besides, Jinx has been working hard to keep us informed."

Isolde's arms tightened around him, holding him close as she glanced over at Jinx, a hint of a smile on her lips. Kuina, now fully dressed, cleared her throat, her eyes fixed on the group.

"Shall we focus on the task at hand? We have a meeting with Queen Lilith to attend to."

Julian wanted to get lost in the demon general / captain's bountiful bosoms, but his mother's interruption was taking all the fun out of it.

"If we must."

He grumbled finally.

Isolde's smile grew, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she released Julian from her embrace.

"Yes, let's focus."

She said, her voice husky. Kuina's expression remained neutral, but a hint of disapproval danced in her eyes. Jinx, still by the door, nodded and slipped out, leaving the group to prepare for their meeting with Queen Lilith. As the door closed, Isolde's gaze met Julian's, a hint of promise in her eyes.

"We'll continue this later."

She whispered, before turning to follow Kuina out of the room.

~

As the sun reached its highest peak in the sky, Lilith remained near the dock, ensuring that the runic circle was perfect. The succubus queen disguised herself as just a regular demon, all just to keep the weak wills of horny mortals at bay. A temporary fixture while in the overworld with her true powers suppressed.

"It's just a matter of waiting on them to join us."

Jinx sighed, sitting up on top of a fisher's barrel. The dock was common grounds for two-way portals, even in its devastated state with repairs on-going.

Julian blended into the crowd of workers and fishermen, having dressed down into commoner clothes and left his stubble shadow across his jaw to further blend him in with the common folk. His eyes scanned the docks before narrowing in on the demonic beauty. Although her charming allure was surpressed, Julian still felt his heart skip a beat as his green eyes settled on his succubus wife.

Lilith's gaze lifted, her eyes locking onto Julian's as she sensed his presence. A subtle smile played on her lips, and she nodded almost imperceptibly in acknowledgement. Jinx, still sitting by the barrel, followed Lilith's gaze and spotted Julian, her blackened eyes narrowing slightly as she took in his disguised appearance. She pushed off from the barrel, standing up and brushing off her clothes, her eyes never leaving Julian's face.

"About time."

She said, her voice low and even, as she walked towards Lilith, her movements fluid and deliberate.

General Isolde folded her arms against her hefty chest, stepping over to Lilith and Jinx as Julian joined them. It appeared they weren't wasting much time on the matter at hand.

"My king."

Lilith purred under her breath, pulling Julian into her lofty arms. Even while on business matters, she missed her precious king. She pursed her lips, feeling her two subordinates watching without a care as she engulfed him with much desired kisses.

"Stay by my side, this accounts for you two aswell."

Julian's face flushed as he returned Lilith's kisses, his arms wrapping around her waist. Isolde's eyes rolled good-naturedly, a small smile playing on her lips as she turned to face the portal circle, her back to the embracing couple. Jinx, however, watched with an unblinking gaze, her expression unreadable. Kuina, who had been standing a short distance away, cleared her throat, her eyes fixed on the portal circle.

"Shall we proceed, Your Majesty?"

She asked, her voice neutral.

Julian broke the kiss from his wife, his ears burning as he cleared his throat and hastily introduced his succubus queen wife to his S-Ranked Adventurer of a mother.

Lilith's eyes sparkled with amusement as she turned to face Kuina, a sultry smile spreading across her lips.

"A pleasure, Kuina."

She purred, her voice husky.

"I've heard so much about you."

She extended a hand, her long fingers tipped with sharp nails, and Kuina took it, her expression polite but wary. Isolde stepped forward, her eyes never leaving the portal circle, and began to explain the details of their plan, her voice crisp and professional.

The portal circle began humming, a darkish faint glow growing with waves of light beaming toward the skies above, awakening from Lilith’s wordless order.

"Relations between the Underworld and the celestial realm should still be in peace. The idea of a few stray angels wrecking havoc might be what's at play. Unfortunately, with no response from the other side, the only way to confirm is by going there ourselves."

General Isolde explained, as far as plans go, it was no more than a diplomatic investigation.

Jinx stepped forward, her eyes fixed on the portal circle as it grew brighter.

"Once we're through, we'll need to be cautious. If there are indeed rogue angels, we don't know what kind of power they're wielding."

She paused, her gaze flicking to Julian.

"Your Majesty, you're the key to this diplomatic mission. We'll need you to... negotiate with the celestial realm's representatives."

Lilith's eyes narrowed, her attention focused on the portal circle as it reached a brilliant intensity, ready to transport them to the celestial realm.

"And when you say negotiate..."

He arched a brow, the wordless continuation of his question was clear. He would likely have to sleep with whoever desired him - not that he was opposed to it.

Lilith's smile grew, her eyes glinting with amusement.

"Negotiation, in the celestial realm, often involves... favors..."

She said, her voice low and husky.

"As the King of the Underworld, you will be expected to... reciprocate, in kind."

Isolde's expression remained neutral, but Jinx's eyes flicked to Julian, a hint of curiosity in her gaze. Kuina's face remained stoic, but a faint flush rose to her cheeks. The portal circle's glow intensified, casting an eerie light on the group.

The air around the portal circle began to distort, as if reality itself was bending to accommodate the impending journey. Lilith's eyes gleamed with a mixture of excitement and caution, her gaze fixed on the portal.

"We will be arriving in the celestial realm during a period of... heightened tensions."

She warned, her voice low and even.

"The angels are not known for their hospitality, and we must be prepared for any eventuality."

Isolde nodded, her hand on the hilt of her sword, her eyes scanning the group.

"We will proceed with caution, and ensure the King's safety above all else."

As the portal circle reached its peak glow, Lilith stepped forward, her eyes fixed on the shimmering portal.

"Let us proceed."

She said, her voice firm. Isolde gestured to Julian, and he stepped forward, followed by Kuina and Jinx. Lilith took Julian's hand, her touch sparking a surge of energy through the group. With a deep breath, they stepped through the portal, leaving the mortal realm behind. The sensation of passing through the portal was disorienting, like being pulled apart and put back together again.

As they emerged from the portal, they were greeted with an unpleasant scent of smoldering smoke. Ash flickered from the once glowing skies with ambers distinguishing themselves against the broken stone road. Appearing just outside the walls of the celestial kingdom, the grand entrance of the gates were large enough for modestly large trolls to enter through. The marbel surface was webbed with cracks and craters, with the same damages sustained across the outer walls.

The group's arrival was met with an unsettling silence, the only sound being the soft crunch of ash and debris beneath their feet. Isolde's eyes scanned the damaged walls and gates, her expression grim.

"It seems we've arrived at a... tumultuous time."

She said, her voice low. Lilith's gaze swept the horizon, her eyes narrowing as she took in the extent of the damage. Jinx's hand rested on the hilt of her dagger, her eyes darting back and forth, searching for any signs of danger. Kuina's face was set in a stoic mask, but her eyes betrayed a hint of concern. Julian, still holding Lilith's hand, looked around, taking in the devastation.

"What happened here?"

He asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Julian's green eyes darkened, the palm of his hand growing incredibly sweaty within his wife's grip before his knees suddenly buckled under his weight. The sound of his body hitting the ground was a dull thud that nobody had been expecting. Especially not from him.

"The King! Julian!"

Lilith knelt down next to him, her eyes widening in shock as she watched his aura correspond with the celestial elements. A faint golden glow blanketed around the King, creating a power growth in him like none before.

'Leave... you need to Leave...'

A males voice resonated through him with the sudden surge in strength.

Julian's body stiffened and convulsed, veins bulging along his neck and temple as his eyes rolled back and the intense change began. His mortal body struggled to keep up with the celestial waves of power radiating through him in pulsing currants.

From his body growing in height, to his flesh rippling across his back. The power was immense, drawing in unwanted attention as the air began to shift. A thunderous crackle lit up the skies as a celestial aura burned down across the area. Unlike Astra's overwhelming ****, this felt corrupted, a mix between an angel and a hellish demon. It wasn't growing in pace and it appeared to be pulsing from the center most part of the Kingdom.

"Leave... you need to get stronger..."

The male's voiced echoed in his head once again, resonating with the essence inside of him.

Julian's body drenched in sweat as he reached out to grip his wife's hand instinctively, pulling her into his mind so she could hear the intrusive commands being spoken to him. The world around him began to grow dark, his body burning hot and flushing several shades darker than any human should fluster.

The immediate connection to Lilith linked her to an old familiar voice whilst coiling her arms around Julian into her embrace. The dawning weight of this power with the corruption would make any weak minded person insane in an instance.

"Lilith..."

The male voice echoed into her, feeling her connection through his chosen vessel.

"The south, Venus... they never surrendered... we, I... overwhelmed by seven-"

As the voice severed from their minds, the ground began to rattle with unimaginable strength. The doors begin to pull themselves open, as if welcoming the new visitors. The stench of flesh growing further as blood trails coiled across the ground into a red tree. It was dripping with blood, faces pressed up against the muscular surface as the gates opened up to a scene fresh out from a nightmare. Broken bones, wings, disfigured bodies, all fused together into one masterful tree of flesh.

"We're leaving now."

Lilith ordered.

Isolde's face was pale, her eyes fixed on the gruesome scene before them.

"Agreed."

She said, her voice tight.

"This is not a place for diplomacy."

Jinx's eyes were wide with horror, her hand clamped over her mouth. Kuina's expression was grim, her eyes scanning the area for any signs of danger. The group began to back away, but their movement was slow, as if transfixed by the sheer scale of the carnage. The air was thick with the stench of **** and corruption, and the sound of dripping blood seemed to echo through the air. As they turned to leave, a figure emerged from the gates, its presence seeming to draw the very light out of the air.

A figure with messy white hair and elf ears stared at the group. A red mask covered her nose and mouth, leaving her red cold eyes reflecting toward Lilith and her crew. The sudden growth in power had summoned her from her bath, her white hair straining down against her swollen breasts. Her wings fading with a mix of gold and red, barely able to keep them resonating. A heart shaped pendant coiled around her forehead. She watched with silent amusement as her gaze narrowed down on Julian.

Julian's fevered face was cradled against his wife's large breasts, her strong arms keeping him close whilst Kuina and Isolde readily prepared their weapons in defense of the **** male.

"I am your general - let me secure your retreat."

Isolde said firmly.

Lilith grit her teeth at the two of them, but feeling Julian's body coiled in growing pains. His safety was their top priority.

"Damn it..."

She muttered under her breath, her hand instinctively gripping the air behind them. Her arm was glowing with ancient runes as a new portal was in the process of being made. The lady just watched intently, the flesh on her right arm absorbed into her own body, turning into tightly bound muscles and bones. Sharpened hardening bones surfaced where her fingers were, turning them into large flesh tearing claws.

"I hope you are as tasty as you look..."

She finally muttered in a calm chilling tone.

The lady's eyes locked onto Lilith, her gaze piercing as she took a step forward, her claws gleaming in the faint light. Her wings, though fading, still emitted a faint hum, as if eager to strike. Isolde stood firm, her sword at the ready, while Kuina's eyes never left the lady's face, her hand on the hilt of her own sword. Jinx's eyes were wide with fear, her hand trembling as she held her dagger. The air seemed to vibrate with tension as the lady's claws flexed, her fingers extending like razor-sharp blades.

"You shouldn't have come here."

She said, her voice dripping with malice.

The lady threw her arm back before launching it forward at the three defensive people. Her flesh expanded in length, firing forward like a whip on her prey. Though in fear, Jinx rushed headfirst to block the attack. The sharpened claws tore through the dagger like butter, claws wrapped around her head before whipping Jinx back to herself.

"You both need to leave with Julian! He can't-"

Silence, then a screech as Jinx's body folded. She was being sucked up into the celestial, starting with her flesh and blood. The ladies eyes stayed on Isolde and Kuina, offering a faint chuckle under her mask.

Isolde's face twisted in horror as Jinx's body began to disintegrate, her eyes fixed on the lady's cruel gaze. Kuina's expression was grim, her sword flashing in the dim light as she charged forward, aiming a deadly strike at the lady's chest. The lady's eyes never left Isolde's face, her chuckle growing louder as she raised a hand, her claws gleaming with an otherworldly energy. Lilith's portal pulsed with power, its edges shimmering as she yelled.

"Now, Isolde! Kuina! We must go, now!"

Kuina managed to clash blades with the enemy, holding her ground with a profound look of sadness and protection shining in her ice blue eyes.

"Go!"

She roared, unleashing a biting slash that nicked the enemies cheek.

The lady didn't waver, narrowing her gaze at Kuina as her blood solidified on her cheek. The bones of Jinx fell out of her grasp, just for her claws to immediately slice through Kuina’s torso. At the heightened pace, she didn't want the human to dodge her attack, acting a little too fast. Severing Kuina’s waist from her body in a quick slash. Her other hand grapple her face, snatching her before she fell along with her legs.

"Honorable, and foolish."

Her voice came with an amused chuckle, slowly turning into a laugh.

"I'm sorry, but who could have seen this? It's only predictable that this is the chosen outcome! Charging into certain ****, damn, no different from these weaklings 'protecting' this region."

Isolde's face contorted in a scream of rage and grief as she stumbled backward, her eyes fixed on Kuina's severed body. Lilith's portal pulsed with intense energy, its edges blazing with a fierce blue light.

"Isolde, now!"

Lilith bellowed, her voice echoing through the air. The lady's laughter grew louder, her eyes gleaming with a manic intensity as she raised Kuina's severed body, her claws digging deep into the flesh. Kuina was still grasping for life, chest heaving heavily with each uncertain breath. Isolde's sword slipped from her grasp, her body frozen in shock and horror.

Shadows erupted from Lilith, coiling around her general and yanking her through the portal with them before their fates could all be sealed against the psycho celestial.