Chapter Thirty Five

A Battle Among Demons

----------------------------------------

Tartarus was silent.

The Blood Moon was coming.I had yet to learn where Kurai was or if he was ok.

The Lady in Red or Lady Serelia… Or mother? She was dead.

Mati… I pray he’s ok.

The world around us dissolved into an impenetrable darkness, and I felt a sinking sensation as though we were descending into the depths of the earth. I was in a cold, dimly lit chamber when the darkness finally lifted. The air was thick with the scent of damp stone and old magic. I rested my head against the stone walls, the cold air chipping in and biting at me.

Chains bound my wrists and ankles, and I was shackled to a large, ancient throne made of blackened iron. The chains hummed with dark energy, suppressing my magic and leaving me feeling weak and helpless. I couldn't move. I was stuck.

The imposing iron door, heavily reinforced and covered in ancient runes. It was clear that this place was designed to keep me blocked from going anywhere. I wanted to spit, I tried to fight, I wanted to smash and crash. But here I was, chained up with nowhere to go. I couldn’t move anything but my head. I felt almost nothing. My body was numb and frozen with fear.

It’s funny because I was just an ordinary human woman in the real world nearly a year ago.

Yet, here I was, some magical entity apparently that is just to be used to empower the realm of Tartarus so that this demon - this thing that I don’t even know has a name - could suck everything out of my body until it was dry. I thought about the past year that I had been here in the Underworld. From the day I activated the portal, to meeting Yushin, and Astaroth and all the others! The friends that I didn't have on the human realm, I had here. Hell, I don’t even know how time passes here in Taratus. It could be three years since I’ve seen the realm above! But who knows.

The tap of shoes approached my cell, and I could see him.

My eyes, cold and heartless like the rest of my body, stared at him as he stopped in front of my cell. His usual white attire has changed and shifted entirely to black, and he held his stupid staff, Shadowfall, close to him. His eyes glowed through the dim light as he crouched to face me.

"Get the hell away from me,” I snarled to him, pulling on my chains as he neared me. “This was all just a game to you, wasn’t it?”

His head tilted as he gazed at me, not fully understanding why I was so angry.

“Get the hell out of here, you stupid piece of shit, Enoxon! After all, we shared, everything you taught me, I’d rip your stupid little face off right now if I could,” I snarled at him.

“Here,” he said gently, quickly tapping his staff toward my cell as he conjured up something black and floating toward me—a hand, it looked like. But it held water in it.

My body tensed as I tried my best to sit up and get away from the hand he was trying to give me.

“Get lost,” My voice was low and full of spite.

Enoxon’s expression remained calm, almost serene, as he watched my futile struggle against the chains. He straightened, the black hand he conjured holding the water hovering just out of my reach. “Aria, you misunderstand,” he said softly, his voice carrying a tinge of regret.

“DON’T call me Aria,” I snapped. “You don’t deserve to.”

“Fine, ‘Snow,'" he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "This was never a game to me.”

I scoffed, the sound bitter and sharp. “Oh really? Then what was it, Enoxon? Enlighten me. Tell me exactly why you’re working right alongside the demon that’s trying to kill me, who has now, actually, killed my entire family, and my father is just a mystery. ENLIGHTEN ME, WILL YOU?” I pulled on the chains again, like a rabid dog trying to bite him, the hatred building in me.

He sighed, his eyes momentarily closing as if he were gathering his thoughts. When he opened them again, they were filled with an emotion I couldn’t quite place. “I taught you because I believed in your potential. I wanted you to be strong, to survive. But choices have consequences, Snow. My choices, your choices—they’ve brought us here.”

I glared at him, my rage undiminished. “You betrayed me. You used me,” I accused. “Your soul will never go to the Celestial World. You nor your damned demon masters stupid soul. I promise you you will be stuck in Tartarus to rot.”

Enoxon cocked his head slightly and sighed, “He’s not my master - Get your facts straight. He’s a means to an end.”

“What end?” I demanded, glaring at him.

“To save Nova, simply,” He replied, standing up once. His voice was full of desperation and determination. “To save the world and Nova. She’s the reason I exist. Everything I do, I do for her.”

“Imagine being desperate enough to revive someone from the dead!” I mocked him, my hair falling in my face as I did so. “You think consuming all these souls here in Tartarus and using dark magic will save her? That’s what killed her. She’s dead, and you’re over there trying to bring her back. What is this, necromancy?!” I snapped.

Enoxon’s eyes darkened, his resolve unwavering. “Nova’s soul is trapped. When completed, The Blood Moon ritual will grant me the power to bring her back, restore her, and end the cycle of destruction. She is my the very reason for my existence.”

“Black magic got you into this mess! She sacrificed herself so you could live happily and move on with your life—to change your name for the better!”

“No,” He replied. “You know nothing - you’re as dull as the others say you are.”

There was that word again - Dull.

“A child, a Mortal,” His voice coughed. “I could end your life right now if I wanted to and save you from the pain and suffering you’ll have to go through here shortly. But that would void everything I’m here for. So, drink and rest; you’ll need your strength for what’s to come.” The sorcerer edged the hand that was holding the water closer to me.

I looked at the water, then back at him, my eyes filled with defiance. “I don’t need anything from the likes of you,” I said coldly.

Enoxon sighed his expression one of resignation. “Very well.” With that, he turned away, and the magic hand dissipated into the air, leaving the water to splash onto the cold stone floor. His footsteps echoed in the chamber, and I could feel anger, betrayal, and an unwelcome flicker of doubt. I was raging. I understand Kurai’s rage and what fuels his flames.

Locked in these chains, I vowed to find a way to break free. Revenge was the only thing on my mind. The millions of ways I could end this How I could end this…

How can I end this? I had nothing but the cold floor.

That’s when I heard a little chirp. My eyes grew wide as I looked around to see where the noise was coming from, and I turned around to see a tiny spectral crow coming through the wall. “Ehh?!”

It had then transformed into the fox cub form, the one that I was so familiar with. “Ember?!” I whispered quietly.

The cub looked up at me and rubbed its head against me before turning back into a crow’s body, flapping its wings in the spilled water. “What are you doing here?” I hissed to it. “How are you here? I thought you were, well, un….summoned?”

The crow’s head tilted to me, and its purple eyes stared into mine. You are locked?

My eyes grew wider as I stared at it. “You can talk?!”

Talk, yes.

“And go through walls?”

Spectral, yes.

“You’ve got to find a way out of here.”

Where Noxaris?

“You know Noxaris?” I questioned.

Noxaris - spectral friend.

“Can you get me out of these chains?” I questioned.

No - Not magic. No spells.

I frowned at it as I tried to think of any ideas. “Can you get Kurai?” I questioned.

Dangerous - no get.

My eyes narrowed, and my anger returned as I pulled on the chains once more, this time a lot harder than usual. But of course, it was no use—of course. Why do I keep trying?

“Find the Grimoire,” I explained to the little raven.

Reaper Book?

I nodded to Ember, smiling.

I get book? I read book? I transform?

“Did you read the book too?! I didn’t know you could read - nevertheless, talk. Ok, I need to get the book. We need to get out of here. Can you please find the book Ember?

I get book. I good bird. Ember responded in its peculiar, disjointed speech.

“Ye-yes! Good fox-bird?” I questioned as it faded back and forth between its two forms before going through the stone wall again.

----------------------------------------

Minutes felt like hours as I waited in the dimly lit cell, the chains biting into my wrists and ankles. The dripping water echoed in the silence, amplifying my anxious thoughts. I replayed Enoxon’s words, trying to understand his actions and desperate need to save Nova. There had to be another way, right? There’s always another way. I didn’t understand fully why I was a part of this plan - but those two seemed to have different plants. Enoxon wanted to save Nova, but the demon wanted to kill the line of Reapers and consume souls. What was the end game? Who worked for who?

Suddenly, the wall shimmered, and Ember reappeared, clutching the book in its talons. The creature flickered between its fox and bird forms, its eyes glowing with urgency.

I got book! Ember stated, dropping it on the cold stone floor before me.

“Good, good! Now open it, please!” I exclaimed, my heart racing with a mix of relief and determination. I strained against my chains, inching closer to the book as best I could.

Ember did as it was told, taking its talon and grabbing each page. It stopped on a page that read, “How to change your familiar.” The bird flapped its wings excitedly and looked up at me. I did this!

“Great job, Ember,” I said with a happy smile. “Now keep going - see what we can use here.”

The bird nodded again and began flipping through the pages as I scanned them. They were all simple spells, and I took my time to study each one. I was going to be locked up for a while. I needed to understand my spells. Then we came across a page that stated, "A Reaper’s Life." These pages had spells specifically for a Reaper—only ones that could be used by the Reaper.

"With the help of Noxaris," I read aloud. "Are you kidding me?!"

I continued reading it when I came to the bottom of the page, where it said, "Can also be used in demonic form. See pages 66-78 for Demonic Page Runes."

My eyes widened at the implication. These spells were powerful; if I could understand them, they would give me an edge against Enoxon and his dark plans. “Ember, please go to pages 66-78. I’d like to see the difference between the normal spells and Demonic Page Runes.”

Ember complied, flipping through the ancient pages until it reached the demonic section. The runes on these pages were intricate, glowing faintly with an eerie light. As I studied them, I felt a strange pull, a connection to the dark magic courting through these spells.

"These runes," I murmured, "They could amplify my abilities. But I need to be careful. Demonic magic is dangerous. Black magic is dangerous. Astaroth said it could consume me.”

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

Ember looked up at me, its eyes filled with concern. Danger, be Careful. There no demon form, Mati said so. Mati said dangerous.

“Mati?!” I exasperated, “When did you talk to him?”

Mati back with Kurai, helping Kurai.

Helping him? I stared wide at the bird, my eyes filled with fear. “W-w-what happened to Kurai?”

Don’t know. Kurai not wake up - fox form.

Before I could process Ember's words, a menacing chill enveloped the room. The shadows seemed to pulse and writhe, coalescing into a dark figure. The demon had marked me, the one with no name.

"You," it hissed, its voice dripping with malice. "It is time."

The demon's eyes burned into mine as it approached, and I felt a cold sweat on my skin. With a swift motion, it slashed through the chains that bound me, the links clattering to the floor.

"You've wasted enough time," the demon growled. "The ritual must commence now." As it roughly grabbed my arm to drag me away, its gaze fell upon the grimoire in my hand. A cruel smile twisted its lips. “The book? Useless.” With a snap of his fingers, the book burst into flames.

“No!” I cried, watching it burn. “No, please,” I whispered, the flames lighting up the walls.

“Pathetic excuse for a Reaper. Besides, those chains rendered you and any feeble attempts powerless.”

Before I could react, the demon's grip tightened, hauling me through the dark corridors with terrifying speed. The air became colder, and the shadows seemed to deepen, pressing around us.

We finally emerged outside, up on a high ledge overlooking the vast, dark landscape. The Blood Moon had risen, casting an eerie red glow over everything. The air was thick with tension, and the shadows seemed to pulse with malevolent energy. I was forced to sit on my hands and knees at the base of the ledge. I was now being held down by some Demons, their faces covered by the armor that they had been wearing. I guess this thing did have friends.

My eyes followed the demon’s shadowy form up to the edge. “I can feel it,” the demon hissed, its shadowy arms reaching the sides. That’s when I saw Noxaris in his hands—the scythe completely changed.

“Noxaris!” I called out, only to be muffled by one of the guards.

Aria, where have you been?! Oh, the amount of things that this demon has made me do. His demonic voice pleaded to me, and I saw its singular red demon eye lock with mine. I felt the fear that rose in me as I was forced to approach the altar near the top. The altar was plain but had an inscription written on it. Each step I took felt heavier like the air thickened with dark magic.

“Move faster,” The demon hissed, pushing me forward with a rough shove. Its eyes gleamed with anticipation, feeding off my fear and hesitation.

Reaching the altar, I could feel the air grow colder, the shadows around us deepening. The Blood Moon cast an eerie red glow over the scene, heightening the sense of fear and anger I felt. I looked over my shoulder at Enoxon, who had emerged, holding the body of his former lover, Nova. My eyes locked with his, and I felt heartbroken to see him take this path. I shook my head before I felt my hair being yanked and forced to look back in front of me at the altar. “I don’t want to do this,” I whispered to the demon.

“I don’t give a shit what you want; you’re a pathetic mortal whose life means nothing,” The demon hissed at me. “Now, place your hands on the altar and channel your power.”

“What if I don’t?” I questioned him.

“Then you and your precious Kurai will be consumed and never heard of again, and I will just force your dead body to channel the power,” He said simply.

“Where is Kurai?!” I questioned, trying everything I could to stall it.

“Locked away,” Enoxon’s voice commanded. “Do as your told, Snow.”

I hesitated, my hands trembling. “I will do this if you leave Kurai alone,” I whispered.

“Fine, whatever, just get a move on before I take your life right now,” The demon hissed, shaking my head once more with his grip tightly on my hair.

The moment my skin touched the inscription, a surge of dark energy shot through me, almost knocking me off my feet. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. I closed my eyes and focused on the energy within me, the remnants of my magic that the chains had not completely drained. I could feel the dark energy of the altar mingling with my own, a dangerous and potent mix. If I did this, the demon would consume a million souls, but if I didn’t do this, he would kill Kurai, myself, and all of the souls.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. I closed my eyes and focused on the energy within me, the remnants of my magic that the chains had not completely drained. I could feel the dark power of the altar mingling with my own, a dangerous and potent mix. I could sense the portal forming, a swirling dark energy vortex connecting the Human Realm, the Celestial Realm, and the Underworld Realm. The demon's grin widened, its eyes gleaming with triumph.

I closed my eyes, seeing everything I had seen again. I had encountered the Celestial Realm, the Reaper’s Realm, the Underworld, and Tartarus. The amount of souls I saw in the Celestial Realm warmed my heart, knowing they were there safely. But if I did this, would that ruin their souls? What would happen? I didn’t want to go through with this. But my body moved on its own, and the magic in me began to seep out. I could feel the pain, the demon’s mark on my side growing even more—consuming me.

My entire body began to burn as the portal before me grew. The dark, jagged landscape of Asturdorm was filled with the wails of tortured souls. The air was thick with despair and hopelessness, making breathing hard. Inside that portal, I could see another, a ripple of the Human Realm looking down on a street filled with people who were stopping and now pointing to the sky. Cars halted, and pedestrians stood frozen, their faces a mix of awe and fear as they witnessed the uncanny sight above them. After that, I could see the last one begin to form—the beautiful gates of the Celestial Realm. Those gates, made of shimmering light, stood as a beacon of hope and peace. Beyond them, I could see fields of golden light and hear the faint hum of celestial music. Though, the Reaper realm was not there. Why?

As the portals expanded, the demon’s mark on my side was seared with unbearable pain, like molten lava coursing through my veins. I could feel the dark energy trying to merge the realms, but something within me resisted. The souls from the Celestial Realm, the Human Realm, and the Underworld began to swirl around me, drawn towards the growing vortex.

The demon's voice echoed in my mind, a malevolent whisper. Embrace the power, daughter of The Reaper, Aria. Let it consume you. Only then will you have the strength to control the portal.

My mind felt like it was going to explode as the pain rippled from my toes up. I could feel the energy from the portal pulling at me, trying to draw me in. The souls from the different realms swirled faster, creating a chaotic storm of light and shadow. The demon's mark on my side pulsed painfully, each throb a reminder of the dark magic tethering me to this ritual.

"No!" I screamed internally, but my voice was lost in the cacophony of the storm. The portal's energy was overwhelming, and I felt my consciousness beginning to slip. The demon's mark burned hotter, its dark magic seeping deeper into my soul.

"Yes, Aria," the demon's voice purred. "Let go. Accept your fate."

My vision blurred, and I could barely distinguish the different realms through the swirling chaos. The Underworld's bleak landscape, the Human Realm's bustling street, and the Celestial Realm's radiant gates all seemed to blend together in a nightmarish whirlpool.

I felt the last remnants of my willpower fading, my body surrendering to the dark magic. The portal loomed before me, a gaping maw ready to devour everything in its path. I could no longer fight it. The demon's influence was too strong, its grip on my soul too tight.

In that moment of utter despair, a memory surfaced. The only way I could get through this was by embracing the darkness. Maybe I won’t be consumed by it, but that’s what I needed to do.

Kurai, Mati, Yushin, I whispered to myself, Forgive me.

With a final, desperate thought, I made my decision. I would embrace the darkness, not as a victim, but as a warrior. If I was to fall, I would fall fighting. This was it. I had no choice.

I closed my eyes once more as I felt the course of magic surge through me, but the image of the page shown in my head. I whispered the incantation to myself, Ashrakoth zuranek valastor.

The air crackled with dark energy, and I felt my body convulse as the transformation began. My skin burned as dark runes spread across it, my eyes glowing unholy. My skin appeared cracked and broken in several places as if the immense power within me was straining to break free. These cracks glowed faintly, revealing a dark, pulsating energy beneath the surface, giving me an eerie appearance.

Horns sprouted from my forehead, and my hands morphed into sharp claws. My hair transformed into a wild, flowing mane of white and red. The white strands symbolized my lost purity, while the red signified the blood and fire of my demonic power. My hair seemed to move with a life of its own, crackling with dark energy.

There. It was done. I could feel my presence disappear, but something far more unimaginable in my place. I felt like I was locked inside something now, chained up once more as I saw through the eyes.

The demon's voice, now more sinister than ever, mocked me. "Foolish girl. Do you think you can control this power? You will lose all control over your body. You will be nothing but a puppet to your own darkness."

But I didn't care. With newfound strength, I turned towards the portal, the chaotic storm of souls and energy now a battlefield. I unleashed a torrent of dark magic, my spells crackling with raw power. The souls around me recoiled, and the vortex trembled under the assault.

Despite the demon's mocking words, I fought with everything I had. But the demon's grip on my soul tightened, and I could feel its influence growing. My thoughts became jumbled, my actions more instinctual and savage. The monster within me roared in triumph, but I knew this power came with a price.

The air grew thick with dark energy, and I could no longer contain my power. In a final desperate act of defiance, I shouted in a demonic tongue, my voice echoing through the realms: “Nirvash kortan xalraxoth.”

The portal's energy surged, reacting to my words. The chaotic storm of souls and energy seemed to hesitate as if recognizing my command.

I was still in control—for now. The demon fought to dominate me completely, but I resisted with all my might. A mocking laughter escaped my lips as I felt myself rising off the ground. “I feel so much more,” my voice echoed as I flew. My hand extended, and instantly, Noxaris landed firmly in my grasp.

Aria, this isn't safe! I heard its voice call out to me. You need to fight for control! You must gain complete control, or we won't survive this!

"FOOLISH DEMONS!" a voice that wasn't mine bellowed from my mouth. "You dare harm the body of my mortal, my Reaper?" My gaze locked on Enoxon, and I felt a surge of unearthly power. The demon's energy pulsed within, threatening to overwhelm my senses, but I clung to the last remnants of my will.

As I hovered above the ground, I could feel the tension between my consciousness and the demon’s growing stronger. The air around me crackled with dark energy, and I sensed the fear and confusion in the eyes of those watching below.

With Noxaris in hand, I pointed the weapon towards the sky. "This power... it’s intoxicating," I murmured, though I wasn't sure if it was me or the demon speaking anymore. The line between us was blurring rapidly. “How I missed the taste of this,” The voice chuckled.

Aria, you must focus. Noxaris demanded from me. DO NOT Let it consume you!

That’s when something flashed out of the corner of my eye, and I felt an immense weight grab me and hold me tight as it took me toward the rocks, slamming me into the tall stones. I swear I cracked the rocky claws of Tartarus. I gazed upwards at my attacker, but that's when I saw its face as this thing huddled in front of me.

“Mundus?” I questioned, my voice barely above a whisper. His face was consumed by black lines, and his ghostly white hair was as twisted as mine.

“You should’ve just completed this!” He growled to me, his wings beating as he held me against the stone-cold rocks. “All you had to do was obey and just finish it.” The man’s voice was laced with venom.

All my senses began to emerge again, and I felt destroyed. “You… Are you the one who’s marked me?” I questioned, my eyes searching for a mistake.

“I am the demon who has killed your entire family and ripped apart your mother’s soul right in front of you. I am the one who is in control of the Underworld, Tartarus, and soon to be the Celestial Realm and the Reaper's Realm! OH but this? This was unexpected. I had no idea you had it in you, Snow. To think, I should've just done this the day you entered my Underworld. I've been waiting for the Reaper's Demon to show!"

Pathetic waste of time. Show him no mercy! My demon laughed wickedly to me.

All this time, it was right in front of me. Mundus. He was my enemy? He was the one who has marked me? Anger twisted inside me as I realized everything. "That's why you were so interested in me, in Yushin!" I snarled at him, flinging myself off the rocks and into his direction, my wings carrying my weight.

“Incenectus Animiteus,” the words flowed out of my mouth as Noxaris was pointed at Mundus.

A burst of dark energy erupted from Noxaris, striking Mudus and sending him back. He snarled and retaliated with a wave of his own energy, but I deftly dodged, feeling the rush of power course through my veins.

"Stupid pathetic mortal," Mundus snarled. "All you needed to do was complete the ritual and you wouldn't be in this!"

"Id never let you consume those souls," I snapped back.

Our battle then raged in the sky, a whirlwind of dark magic and fierce combat. Each time Mundus struck, I countered with the strength of my will and the demon's power within me. My wings beat furiously, keeping me agile as I landed blow after blow.

Aria, focus your attacks! Noxaris urged, amplifying my resolve. I swung the scythe in a wide arc, channeling my energy into a devastating strike that caught the demon across the chest. He roared in pain, but his eyes burned with a relentless fury.

"You stupid bitch!" Mundus growled, going after me again.

During the battle, a familiar presence caught my attention. Through the chaos, I saw Kurai, his fox form darting through the shadows of Tartarus, calling out to me. His voice was a beacon, cutting through the darkness that threatened to consume me.

My gaze, now watching as the fox ran through the depths of Tartarus , his flames bright.

Stay Strong, Snow. I'll be there. Kurai’s voice echoed in my mind, his form growing closer with each passing moment. His eyes, filled with determination and concern, locked onto mine. The sight of him brought a surge of hope and clarity.

“Kurai? No, you can’t be here!” I called out to him, my attention faltering.

Shut up, the demon inside me growled. Focus on the enemy—not your boy toy.

“EXCUSE ME?” I replied to it.

Mundus took advantage of my momentary distraction, striking me with a powerful blow that sent me reeling toward the ground, landing with a thud on my back.

Look what you did. The demon inside me hissed.

Stay out of her head, demon. Kurai's voice growled.

Oh little demon fox, that would mean you're casted out.

Mundus landed again, sensing the shift in my resolve. His hand, lifted as black magic wrapped around his fingers. The mans claws, dark and eerie lunged at me. I met the Mundus's attack head-on, blocking his strike and countering with a swift, precise blow to his side. When I got back up, something struck me and forced me down once more.

“Snow, get up!” Kurai’s words called over as he neared me. I could feel the heat radiating from his anger.

I glared at Mundus coldly, my fuel of hatred raging once more.

That’s it, My inner demon hissed at me. Let your anger rage; avenge your family and your previous lives. Avenge the Reaper’s life, which has been consumed.

Dont listen to it, Snow. Stay strong, please! Kurai's voice pleaded.

I struggled to breathe, the weight of Mundus's foot and the internal battle nearly too much to bear. I couldn't let Mundus win. And I couldn't let my inner demon consume me.

With determination, I gripped Noxaris tighter, drawing on the weapon's power and my inner strength.

“Mundus, you will pay for everything you’ve done!” I roared, channeling my rage into a powerful burst of energy. Noxaris glowed with an ethereal light as I swung the weapon at Mundus.

YES! GIVE IN! Destroy him! My inner demon laughed evilly.

Caught off guard, Mundus staggered back, the force of the blow breaking his hold on me. I scrambled to my feet, my eyes burning with fierce determination.

Mundus’s eyes narrowed, his expression turning to fury. “Do you think this changes anything? You’re still mine, Snow!”

I collected my posture, my feet planted firmly on the ground, as I stared directly at Mundus's cold eyes. I couldn't believe it was him this entire time. To think, I was going trust him - as the Lord of the Underworld. Just as i trusted Enoxon.

That was when I felt something go through me, something sharp and twisting. A weapon pierced my side, causing me to grasp for air as it hit, and I staggered backward my demon and I grasping for air. I fell to my knees, my strength fading.

“This ends now,” Enoxon’s voice snapped in my ear. The pain was immediate and excruciating. I felt the dark magic of the claws sear through my flesh, its venomous energy spreading like wildfire. My strength drained rapidly, my vision blurring as I collapsed to the ground.

I fell backwards, my body clashing once more with the rocks. Now I was forced to look at the red sky of Tartarus. My vision faded in and out, and voices from my inner demon and Noxaris hit me. But the last thing I saw was something going ablaze. You got it, Kurai. I chuckled to myself before everything around me went dark.