Shortly after that brief but rather interesting encounter, we had gathered together with Beelzebub in his realm. It seemed to be the only other place that was safe from the Devil as I couldn't go to the human world anymore. Well, rather, couldn't bring myself to.

We were sitting on a couch in one of the secluded alcoves and had just finished telling Beelzebub all about the Belial's little venture down to the Abyss. Beelzebub's face read that he had not anticipated those sort of news and as Belial was retelling the event, the Beelzebub's frown deepend.

"How did you even manage to get Paimon to trust you in the first place?" came his immediate question right after Belial finished speaking. "He doesn't seem like someone who can be easily swayed."

"That was my question too," I admitted. Even thinking about it again made me feel a bit uneasy, despite also being grateful that Belial managed to find something as useful as Solomon's seal.

"I got close to him." Belial shrugged. "He was a mentor to me in a way ever since I'd been given a higher rank. You'd be surprised how much honesty you can extract when you play on a demon's thirst for power." He laughed condescendingly as he shook his head. "And I've tortured a lot of demons. They all have that weakness, no matter their rank."

Beelzebub frowned, trying to process his words. "So, you used his ambition against him?"

"Precisely," Belial replied. "Paimon, like many demons, craves power and recognition. By presenting myself as a trustworthy ally and leveraging his desires, I was able to gain his trust."

"But wasn't that risky?" Beelzebub asked. "What if he found you out?"

Belial smirked. "That's always a risk, but it's one I'm willing to take. In this game of power, the rewards outweigh the dangers."

Listening to Belial, I couldn't help but think if he had managed to manipulate me as well. But no matter how much I proded through his true desires, I came out with nothing but bare lust. I clenched my jaw slightly as I leaned into the couch, observing Belial's demenour. Maybe he really was twisted in his own way.

"Well, nonetheless, I'm glad you're on our side." Beelzebub said through a small smile. "I suppose we have to act fast now."

"Yeah, there's no telling when the Devil is going to notice Paimon's absence - if he hasn't already." I sighed as I rubbed the bridge of my nose. Paimon's motionless body continued to lay in Belial's room the entire time so we were playing a risky game, as usual.

"We need to catch him off-guard but the current Devil is more dangeorus and calculated than ever," Beelzebub suggested through a sigh as he leaned back into the chair. And he was right - ever since Lucifer had been no longer in the picture, the Devil didn't have much sympathy left and there were much less emotions clouding his judgement in general.

"Is he mostly in his office per usual?" I asked. I highly doubted his routines had changed as he always loved everybody else doing the dirty work for him.

"Sometimes," Belial replied with a shrug. "He sometimes even comes to monitor the trainings held outside the castle's walls."

"Oh, is that so?" I hummed, rubbing my jaw. I was actually surprised that had been the case.

"Although since Paimon is no longer our concern, it should make it easier to strike. However, I don't want any unnecessary casualties, so I'd want the assistant out of that area," I sighed, leaning back into the seat. Beelzebub raised an eyebrow at my statement, probably not expecting me to consider others. But even I had to learn at some point. Solomon's seal was more straightforward than any other method we might have used, and there was little to no possibility of messing it up. But given how easily things went awry when I was involved, it was better to be safe than sorry.

"Fair enough," Belial replied. "I should probably head back, though. I'll tell you when it's safe to strike. Be vigilant," he added, getting up from his seat. We followed suit.

"Don't take too long," I warned lightly. He stretched his lips into a smirk.

"Don't worry about a thing, Asmo," he said sweetly, the sugary tone making me almost feel sick.

As he left, Beelzebub and I exchanged a glance. "It's always the waiting that's the hardest part," I muttered.

"Yeah. It feels like that's all we've been doing." Beelzebub commented. "Should we make a backup plan? Just in case the first one falls through somehow?"

"Well if the first one falls through... then we may never be able to get back to Hell, that's one thing." I laughed even though it was far from a laughing matter. "So we have to make sure this plan doesn't fall through no matter what."

Beelzebub breathed out, "that's very true. I'm going to make sure Mammon is not anywhere in sight when the time comes."

I raised an eyebrow at his statement, "what do you have in mind?"

"There are plenty of ways to keep somebody down." He snickered and I shook my head.

"Fine, keep your secrets." I chuckled. I no longer wished to care what happened to Mammon. Although it was true he could've been a liability even though he didn't know about our plans. So that was why I let Beelzebub deal with him in the best way he knew how. "In the meantime, I'll try to reach Abaddon and see if he can make it easier for us in some way," I said, rubbing my temples.

"Your relationship with Abaddon truly appalls me," Beelzebub confessed through a laugh, and I couldn't help but smile too.

"Why's that?" I asked, genuinely curious.

"It's just odd how you managed to befriend somebody like him," he explained, chuckling.

"That's because you're the only one who doesn't seem to notice my charm," I joked, a smirk tugging at my lips.

Beelzebub laughed, shaking his head. "Yeah, sure. Your 'charm' is legendary."

"Legendary enough to make friends with Abaddon apparently." I quipped, crossing my arms. "Maybe I should start giving out lessons."

Beelzebub snorted. "Lessons on charm from you? I think I'll pass. But hey, if it works on Abaddon, who am I to judge?"

"Exactly," I said with an exaggerated wink. "So, what's the plan while I work my magic?"

Beelzebub rolled his eyes but couldn't hide his grin. "Well, since you're off charming the big guns, I guess I'll hold down the fort and make sure Belial doesn't get any funny ideas."

"Good luck with that," I replied, patting him on the shoulder. "Belial's idea of funny is a whole other level of twisted."

"Tell me about it," he muttered, but his smile didn't waver. "Just make sure you actually get Abaddon on our side and don't just chat him up for fun."

"I promise I'll stick to business... mostly," I said with a mischievous grin. "Besides, I think Abaddon enjoys my company more than he lets on."

"That, I find hard to believe," Beelzebub chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, get going. The sooner we have his support, the better."

"On it," I said, giving a mock salute before turning on my heel and opening the portal. I stepped through it and soon I was back in the grand hall of the castle. As I stepped onto the hard floor, I couldn't help but think about how odd our group was. A demon king, a trickster, and an ancient being of chaos, all working together to overthrow the Devil. It sounded like the setup for a bad joke, but somehow, it was our reality. Well, it was minus the trickster now. Truly the end times.

What was also strange was Abaddon's radio silence ever since Loki left. That was one of the reasons why it was a high time to visit him. After all, he had thrown Mjolnir into the void. I should ask him a few questions about that too. I began firing off telepathic messages to Abaddon one after another as I was walking towards the back office in the casino.

Abaddon, you there? It's Asmodeus. We need to talk. No response.

Abaddon, it's important. Answer me. Still nothing.

I pushed open the door to the back office, the room dimly lit and reeking of stale smoke and desperation. The familiar hum of the casino faded into the background as I continued my mental barrage.

Come on, Abaddon. I know you're listening. Quit hiding.

Just as I was about to give up, the familiar high-pitched noise filled the room. No one stepped through the portal; instead, it seemed to be waiting for me. Well, better than nothing. With a sigh, I walked towards it and stepped through. The pull was as strong as ever, and I was relieved when it was over in a few seconds. Soon enough, I found myself in the familiar, meticulously crafted bar from last time I had been here. I couldn't help but smirk.

"Welcome, Asmodeus," Abaddon's voice resonated through the bar. He was seated at the far end, a glass of some dark liquid in hand. "I see you've decided to join me."

I approached the bar, taking a seat across from him. "You could have just met me in the alley. What's with the theatrics?"

Abaddon chuckled, taking a sip from his glass. "I find this place more conducive to our discussions. Besides, it's been a while since we've had a proper chat." It was odd to see this side of Abaddon. He seemed more relaxed than usual which made him appear a bit eerie.

"I agree." I said firmly as I sat down next to him. I picked up the bottle from the table, inspecting its content. It was nothing like I'd seen before. The liquid was completely black, like drinking void itself. I put the bottle back down on the table, deciding not to risk it by trying it. "So... what have you been up to? Why the sudden decision to throw Mjolnir into the void?"

"As straightforward as always, Asmodeus." He smirked. "I appreciate that." He nodded as he took a sip. "I just figured it'd give Loki more of a chance to come back victorious. If that didn't happen, they'd just seal him away. Even though I started Ragnarok, Loki still has more of a chance of winning now than if he was back in that horrible cave. Don't you think?"

I frowned lightly as I leaned into the seat. "You thought that far ahead in that small bracket of time?"

"Of course." He shrugged as if it was the most normal thing one would be able to do. I suppose I still hadn't completely grasped the extent of Abaddon's power and capabilities. "As I said, you helped with Lucifer, I wanted to return the favor." Even though it was heartening to hear him say that, his ways of showing gratitude was unlike anything I had expected.

"Speaking of Lucifer..." I cleared my throat and I noticed the energy in the air shift instantly. It felt like he knew exactly where I was going with this. "You knew about Mammon and him, didn't you?" I decided to cut to the chase as there was no reason to tiptoe around this anymore.

"Yes." His response came surprisingly quickly but his face remained as stoic as ever.

I leaned back, trying to process the simplicity of his admission. "And you didn't think it was important to mention this earlier? Or did you just enjoy watching me flounder around trying to figure it out?"

Abaddon's expression didn't change, but there was a hint of amusement in his eyes. "You needed to discover some things on your own. Besides, knowing would've changed nothing."

"Changed nothing?" I scoffed. "It would have at least prepared me for the betrayal, for the chaos that followed."

"You think knowing would have changed the outcome?" Abaddon's voice was calm, almost patronizing. "The wheels were already in motion long before you realized it."

His reasoning was chillingly accurate, and yet I wished he had told me sooner. If I had known, I might have played my cards differently—maybe Loki wouldn't have needed to leave. Perhaps that was Abaddon's plan all along. He had no real loyalties, so it wouldn't surprise me if he'd used my situation to his advantage.

"I don't know if it would've changed the outcome," I said, my voice taut with frustration, "but maybe I could have talked to Mammon in time."

"Well, it was either waiting around for you to reach Mammon or risking Lucifer's death," Abaddon explained curtly, his tone devoid of sympathy.

"At the very least, you could have told me that your involvement was greater than I had anticipated."

"That wouldn't have mattered..."

"WELL, IT MATTERS TO ME!" My anger flared up suddenly, the words exploding from my mouth before I could fully contain them. I quickly reined it in, forcing myself to calm down, my eyes locking with Abaddon's. The last thing I needed was to provoke him. "I was honest with you from the start, Abaddon, the least I expected was the same for you." I explained as calmly as I could even though there was a level of hurt gnawing at me.

Abaddon's expression shifted, the usual coldness replaced by something more somber. For a moment, I was thrown off. Did I hit a nerve? Was he feeling some guilt? I watched him in confusion, waiting for him to respond.

"I suppose you're right," he finally said, his voice uncharacteristically subdued. The shift in his demeanor was unexpected and left me at a loss for words. Abaddon, typically so composed and detached, now seemed to carry a trace of regret.

"I didn't want to deceive you," he continued, his gaze meeting mine with an intensity that was new. "I thought I was making the best call given the circumstances. I didn't anticipate how it would affect you personally."

The vulnerability in his voice was disarming. It was strange to see this side of him, but it also forced me to reassess everything. Maybe there was more to Abaddon's decisions than I'd initially thought.

"It was the best call objectively, Abaddon. But still, you could've told me. Just that, that's all I needed from you," I said, my frustration simmering down. I had always respected his privacy, but this was crucial information that could have changed everything.

"Yeah..." He sighed deeply. "Nothing can be done now. The best I could do was ensure Loki's return."

My heart sank. "You're sure he'll be back?" I asked, my voice tight with anxiety.

"According to my calculations, there's no reality in which he hasn't returned," Abaddon replied. "Just don't expect it to be the happiest reunion." His words carried a weight of foreboding, casting a shadow over what should have been a moment of relief.

I let out a shaky breath, trying to process his words. "I guess I'll have to prepare for the worst then," I said quietly, though my mind was already racing with thoughts of what might go wrong.

Abaddon nodded, his eyes reflecting an unsettling blend of confidence and regret. "Preparation is always wise," he said. "But remember, even the worst circumstances can sometimes lead to unexpected outcomes."

I gave him a skeptical look. "You mean like how everything with Loki and Mammon has turned out so far?"

Abaddon smirked faintly. "Exactly like that."

I shook my head, trying to rid myself of the lingering frustration. "Alright, Abaddon. I guess I'll take that as a sliver of hope." I sighed, feeling the weight of our conversation settle heavily on my shoulders. "I came here for one more reason though." I added after a few seconds.

"What is it?" He hummed in curiosity.

"We are going to make a move on the Devil soon." The moment I spoke, I saw Abaddon flinching lightly. It seemed that he did not expect to do it so soon. But we were running out of time. "So... I was wondering if you could ensure our success in some way."

Abaddon leaned back, considering my words. "You're not one for half-measures, are you?" He smirked slightly, then grew serious. "Alright, what do you need from me?"

"Anything, really. I would really appreciate any sort of information regarding the Devil's whereabouts so he doesn't have that easy of an escape," I said, my voice tinged with desperation. I really hoped he'd be able to help in some way. I knew deep down it was a gamble for him as well and he could've easily said no. But I really hoped he wouldn't.

Abaddon was silent for a little bit, his eyes unreadable as he took another sip from his glass. The silence stretched, becoming heavy and oppressive. I knew that it didn't mean anything positive. He had told me before to give up on seeking vengeance against the Devil. In fact, others had told me so as well.

Finally, he spoke, his voice cold and detached. "I'm afraid I cannot help you, Asmodeus. It's too risky. This pursuit of yours is a path to ruin."

His words hit me like a physical blow. I felt the last sliver of hope drain away. "So, that's it then?" I asked, trying to keep the bitterness out of my voice. "You're just going to sit back and let the Devil win?"

Abaddon didn't flinch. "Some battles aren't worth fighting, Asmodeus. This is one of them. If you go down this path, you'll only find destruction." He made a little pause and then continued, "I can help you technically. But no matter what I do... all I see is terrible outcome for you. So, for once, I don't want to participate in someone else's destruction."

"Any battle is worth fighting for if you believe in its cause!" I exclaimed as I stood up from the couch."At least with your involvement, maybe the consequences wouldn't be too grand."

Abaddon took a deep breath as if trying to find the right words to tell me what he really meant. "I'm a being of void. As I said before, laws of Astral do not really affect me but any sort of involvement I put myself in, I bring about drastic changes. So in a sense, I control Astral more than it controls me. And I have already done enough. And believe it or not, I oddly care about you so I'd love for you to at least have a chance of surviving. So for that reason, I don't want to involve myself this time."

His explanation cut through my anger instantly. It was like Abaddon was the only being in this whole vast realm I somehow failed to stay mad at. Not that I didn't want to, but his words always seemed to slice through my impulsive thoughts. "I involved myself with Lucifer, and look where we are now. I can't let the same happen with you."

I sighed, feeling a mix of frustration and reluctant understanding. "I get it, Abaddon. But it doesn't make it any easier."

"I know," he said softly. "But sometimes, the hardest battles are the ones we have to face alone."

I stood there, completely defeated by his words and reasoning that I didn't even have energy to fight him nor storm out nor yell. So, I just simply sat back down. "Well... I appreciate your honesty." I sighed as I glanced at the bottle once again. "What is that void drink you are drinking anyway?"

"Try it." Abaddon said, amusment flickering in his eyes.

With a resigned shrug, I reached for the bottle and poured a small amount into a glass. The liquid was pitch black, swirling like ink. I took a cautious sip, feeling the strange, cold sensation as it slid down my throat. It was unlike anything I'd ever tasted—dark, bitter, and yet oddly invigorating.

"Not bad," I admitted, setting the glass down.

Abaddon chuckled. "It's an acquired taste. Just like many things in the void."

I managed a small smile, feeling the tension ease slightly. "You're a strange one, Abaddon."

"So they say," he hummed as his eyes locked on me. Abaddon leaned back in his chair, his gaze steady. "Even though I'm not going to involve myself directly, I'll offer you one piece of advice."

I looked up, curiosity piqued despite my lingering frustration. "And what's that?"

"Focus on your allies," he said, his tone surprisingly earnest. "The Devil's strength lies in his isolation and manipulation. The more you strengthen your bonds with those who fight alongside you, the more formidable you become."

I mulled over his words. Despite the sting of his refusal, it was clear Abaddon wasn't entirely abandoning me. There was a shred of guidance wrapped in his words.

"I'll keep that in mind," I said, standing up. "Thanks for the advice—and for the drink."

Abaddon raised his glass in a mock toast. "Good luck, Asmodeus. May your path be less chaotic than mine."

"Thanks," I chuckled and toasted as well. I had long accepted that the path I was treading on was treacherous, but if I were to go out, I was going to go out with a bang.

"Also, another piece of advice. Don't try to push Loki out of your memory so much. When I say focus on your allies, I don't mean fuck them. And I mean Belial." Abaddon said dryly and my eyes widened in shock because of his extreme straightforwardness.

"Why does it matter if I have sex with Belial or not at this point?" I frowned.

Abaddon's eyes narrowed, a flicker of something dark and knowing crossing his face. "It's not about the act itself. It's about the connection you maintain with those around you. Dismissing your feelings or focusing solely on strategy can create blind spots."

I raised an eyebrow, trying to make sense of his words. "So, you're saying that keeping my personal connections intact can actually be beneficial?"

"Exactly," he replied with a nod. "Belial, and even your memories of Loki, they're part of what drives you. They're not just distractions; they're strengths. Use them."

His straightforwardness was both unsettling and oddly comforting. I nodded slowly, absorbing the weight of his words. "Alright, Abaddon. I'll take that into consideration."

As I prepared to leave, Abaddon added one last piece of advice. "One more thing: Don't let your emotions cloud your judgment, but don't completely shut them out either. Balance is crucial."

I was honestly taken aback by all the advice coming from him. Nonetheless, I appreciated that he was willing to offer some form of help. I smiled lightly at him, finding it strange that he was the only constant in my life at this point. The one being everyone warned me about was the one who stood beside me through it all.

"Abaddon, stand up," I said firmly but with a light-hearted tone, just to show him I didn't mean it maliciously. Not that I could harm him if I tried. He looked at me with curiosity but complied. I walked up to him and pulled him into a hug. I felt him stiffen under my embrace.

"What are you doing?" he asked, his voice a mix of confusion and surprise.

"Just appreciating the fact that you're here, despite everything," I said. "Just in case this is one of the last times we see each other, I at least want to thank you properly." I held the hug for a little bit longer before stepping back.

Abaddon's expression softened slightly before he spoke up. "Don't read too much into it. It's the least I can do." He said as dryly as he could but even his expression didn't match the usual indifference he was carrying.

"Thanks anyway," I smiled then Abaddon opened the portal with a flick of the wrist.

"Now go. You've got chaos to bring upon. And good luck, you're going to need it." He said, sentimentality painting his voice. I thought I would have never live to hear him have any sort of sentimentality towards anybody, let alone me. But I didn't comment on it as I realized it must've felt foreign to him too so I didn't want to discourage it in him.

"I'll see you soon. Hopefully." I smiled and looked at him one last time before stepping through the portal. It was odd thinking that it might've been the last time I would see him considering I didn't know what my future held at all. I could've won my fight against the Devil but at the same time, if I were to fail, my future didn't seem too promising.

Soon enough, I was back into the office in the casino. I took a deep breath, taking a seat at the desk and burying my face into my hands. The Abaddon's words rang through my head like bell tolls and with each passing second, the words grew louder. He said I shouldn't let emotions cloud my judgement but at the same time not repress them. Much easier said than done. Although it was true ever since Loki had left, I hadn't spent one second by myself. In fact, I was running away from myself and I used to enjoy a time by myself - somehow. So... I just let the memories flood my mind, relentless and unwavering like a tidal storm.

As I sat there, the office around me seemed to blur, the familiar setting becoming almost alien in my current state of mind. I had always prided myself on my ability to handle chaos and uncertainty, but now I felt like I was unraveling at the seams.

I leaned back in the chair, staring at the ceiling, trying to find some semblance of clarity. The silence was deafening, and I realized how much I had relied on constant distractions to avoid facing my own thoughts. Abaddon's advice had been meant to guide me, but it only highlighted how lost I felt.

The memories of Loki kept crashing over me like relentless waves. Every laugh we shared, every moment of warmth, now felt like cruel echoes in a void. His absence was a chasm that seemed impossible to bridge. The realization of losing him, of the void he left behind, made it all feel so final, so irrevocable.

My breath hitched, and the tears started to flow. I let them come, unrestrained, my shoulders shaking as I tried to stifle the sobs. It was a raw, unfiltered release of all the pain and frustration I had been holding back. The office was empty, the quiet only punctuated by the sound of my own distress. I felt utterly alone, despite knowing that others cared, and it was a loneliness that pierced deep.

I allowed myself to cry, the tears soaking into my hands as I buried my face. It was both a relief and a torment, this raw, emotional release. The memories, the regret, and the profound sense of loss were overwhelming.

I had always been the one to keep moving, to push forward despite the odds. But now, I felt paralyzed by the enormity of my emotions. The façade I had built, the one that projected strength and confidence, was crumbling, and beneath it, I was just a mess of insecurities and fears.

Why did it have to be him? I kept asking myself. Why Loki, of all beings? He had been my anchor in this chaotic existence, the one who understood me in ways no one else could. And now, with him gone, I felt unmoored, adrift in a sea of uncertainty.

Abaddon's words echoed in my mind. I knew he was right, that I couldn't let my emotions cloud my judgment. But how was I supposed to do that when my heart was shattered into a thousand pieces? How could I focus on the battles ahead when I was still grappling with the pain of losing someone who meant so much to me?

I hated this. I hated all of it. I cursed the moment I met Loki with the same intensity I was missing him. Finding balance was not an easy feat for me. Especially since what I felt for Loki wasn't mere lust. It was something deeper, something that scared me to my core. Abaddon knew this, so how could he expect me to just move on? The only solution I could see was to let him eat my emotions and take all the memories with it.

Logically, I knew it wasn't the right thing to do. I cherished each piece of emotion I held for Loki. But I was a demon, and feeling this kind of love was tearing me apart. It wasn't natural. Demons weren't supposed to feel this way. We thrived on chaos and power, not on tender emotions that left us vulnerable.

"Damn you, Loki," I muttered to myself, wiping away fresh tears. "Damn you for making me feel this way."

Abaddon had also said Loki would be back but not in a way I'd expect him to. That also killed me inside. I wanted the reunion to be happy, I wanted for things to be just a little like they used to. This was such a miserable existence. All of this chaos seemed unnecessary. Loki was right, he should have never dragged me into this. Foolish me, I'd just let him do it anyway. Guess pointing fingers was pointless feat when all of the people involved were somewhat at fault.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. Maybe Abaddon was right, maybe some battles were meant to be faced alone. But I wasn't ready to accept that. Not yet. I had to believe there was a way to fight, a way to win without losing myself in the process.

But deep down, I knew the truth. There were no grand victories, no happy endings. Just the endless cycle of struggle and despair, the fleeting moments of triumph overshadowed by the inevitable fall. The gods, the demons, the mortals—we were all trapped in the same vicious game, fighting for scraps of meaning in a universe that didn't care.

In the end, what did it matter? Love, hate, power—it was all dust in the wind, fleeting and inconsequential. I could fight, I could claw my way through the darkness, but it would all end the same way. The void awaited us all, indifferent to our struggles and our dreams.

So why bother? Why keep pushing against the tide when it would all be washed away in the end? Maybe Abaddon was right. Maybe some battles weren't worth fighting. Maybe none of them were.

With a resigned sigh, I slumped back in my chair, feeling the weight of futility settle over me like a shroud. There was work to be done, plans to be made—but for what? The fight wasn't over, but maybe it should be. Maybe it was time to let go, to stop pretending that any of it mattered.

In the silence of the empty office, I closed my eyes and let the darkness take me.