Eros - The Great Cataclysm

Chapter 20 - Prelude to Destruction

The dim light of the warehouse cast long, ominous shadows across the cold concrete floor, adding to the already thick atmosphere of tension. The air was stale, tinged with the scent of dust, sweat, and a lingering metallic tang of blood from past rituals. In the center of the room stood a large, circular table made of dark, polished wood. Around it sat the Arch Dukes—Asmodeus, Belial, and Dagon—each a formidable presence, their very auras radiating power and malice.

At the head of the table sat Samael, his expression cold and calculating as he surveyed the scene before him. His eyes, sharp and dangerous, flicked toward the scout who stood at attention, trembling slightly under the combined gaze of Hell's most fearsome lords. The scout was a wiry demon, his posture hunched but alert, his eyes darting nervously from one Duke to the next, finally settling on Samael.

The scout cleared his throat, trying to steady his voice. "My lords, the surveillance has been thorough. We've tracked the Elites' movements and mapped out their daily routine. We believe the demon blade Zanfa is kept within their residence, in a heavily guarded vault."

Samael's eyes narrowed slightly, the tension in the room palpable. "And you're certain of this?" His voice was deceptively calm, a dangerous edge underlying his words.

The scout nodded quickly. "Yes, my lord. We discovered an empty vault within the shell of their abandoned home. It makes the most sense that they would keep their heavenly relics and dark trophies within the warded safety of their new residence."

Asmodeus leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with malevolent interest. "If they've secured the blade in a vault, it means they know its value. They're not taking any chances."

Dagon, his voice a low growl, added, "But neither are we. The vault might be warded, but it's nothing we can't handle. The key is striking when they least expect it."

The scout hesitated before continuing, his voice laced with fear. "We've tried breaching the warding around their home... but several scouts were incinerated in the attempt. The barrier is stronger than anything we've encountered before."

Belial's eyes flashed with impatience. "Then find a way around it. The blade is within our grasp, and we won't be stopped by a few magical defenses."

Samael raised a hand, silencing Belial's outburst. "The scout is correct to be cautious. The Elites are not fools—they've taken every precaution to protect what's theirs. But we are not without resources. The barrier may keep us at bay, but it won't keep us out forever."

The scout swallowed nervously, his gaze shifting between the Dukes. "We've been monitoring their comings and goings closely. Tomorrow morning, they'll be vulnerable. We can strike when they're not home, and breach the vault without interference."

Asmodeus leaned back in his chair, a slow smile spreading across his face. "So, we have an opportunity, then. We strike tomorrow."

Dagon nodded in agreement, his serpentine eyes narrowing in anticipation. "And when we do, we'll tear through whatever defenses they've put in place. That blade will be ours."

Samael's lips curled into a dark smile. "Good. Tomorrow morning, then. We'll take the blade and eliminate the Elites in one decisive blow."

The scout's shoulders sagged with relief, though fear still gnawed at him. "Yes, my lord. We'll be ready."

Belial's grin widened, a twisted expression that reflected his cruel nature. "Remember, scout—if you fail, you won't live to see another day."

The scout bowed deeply, his voice trembling. "I won't fail, my lord. The blade will be yours."

Samael's gaze turned cold and calculating once more. "See that it is. Tomorrow, we reclaim what is rightfully ours."

As the scout backed away, the room filled with dark laughter, the sinister sound echoing through the warehouse, a harbinger of the chaos and destruction to come. The stage was set, and the players were ready. Tomorrow would mark the beginning of the end for the Elites—and the dawn of a new era for Samael and his Dukes.