Damien stood before the pulsating void he had torn in the fabric of reality, an insidious smile spreading across his demonic face. At long last, after eons of biding his time in exile, the moment had come. Today, he would unleash hell upon the mortal realm once more.

With a grunt of exertion, Damien forced the edges of the rift wider, opening a doorway between dimensions. Strange energies crackled around him, warping the very air. Peering inside, Damien beheld a desolate plane filled with swirling red clouds and distant flames. The Netherworld - his ancient home.

"Brothers!" Damien called into the void. "The hour of our liberation is nigh!"

Horrific shapes began emerging from the shadows. Horned humanoids, fanged beasts, creatures that defied description. An army born of nightmare. Damien's smile widened, baring his own jagged teeth.

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"My loyal followers, our time has come at last!" he proclaimed. "For too long we have suffered imprisonment for our supposed 'sins.' But no more! Today we take back what is ours!"

The demon horde howled in approval, bloodlust in their glowing eyes. Through guile and dark magics, Damien had evaded Heaven's wardens long enough to channel power from the Nether into this gateway between worlds. Now vengeance would be theirs.

As the first of his minions passed through the portal, Damien recalled the human preacher who had so arrogantly condemned him to the Nether centuries ago. The old fool had promised Damien would never escape to reap his unholy evils upon mankind.

"You were wrong, priest," Damien hissed. "My vengeance is at hand. May mankind despair and burn!"

With peals of malevolent laughter, the demonic army surged forth into the mortal world. The heavens themselves seemed to tremble in dread and fury at their unchecked return. It was a symphony of chaos to Damien's ears.

His hour had come at last. An age of darkness was dawning