Infernal Ascendancy
Chapter 57: The Broken Seal

Chapter 57: The Broken Seal

Royal Palace — Azreal’s Room

Selmora was tending to Hulk’s wounds when Arian approached, concern on his face.

"Why is he in such a state?" Arian asked.

Selmora sighed, wiping sweat from Hulk’s brow. "You don’t know much about his ability, do you, Arian?"

She continued, "At first glance, it seems like an ability that only makes him stronger. But it’s risky. The more heat he absorbs to fuel his strength, the more oxygen his body consumes. Eventually, it begins to deplete—he has a limit. Judging by his current condition, he clearly went beyond it. But he’s out of danger now. Same with Lord Azreal and Aria."

Arian’s brows furrowed. "Then why are they still unconscious?"

"For Hulk, he’ll wake up soon. But for Lord Azreal and Aria..." Selmora’s voice trailed into a low whisper. "We’ll just have to wait."

Arian clenched his fists. "We can’t afford to wait. The Infernals could attack again at any moment—we’ve already suffered three fatalities."

"I’ll call a meeting with the Pillars," Selmora said. "Someone needs to take charge while Lord Azreal is incapacitated."

"That’s right," Sarah chimed in.

"I’ll go patrol," Arian said, already turning. "If I notice anything suspicious, I’ll report it right away." In a flash, he vanished.

Just then, Laisa burst into the room, tears streaming from her eyes. She rushed to Azreal’s side.

"How is he?" she demanded, voice trembling.

Selmora answered gently, "He’s out of danger now. The rest... is up to him."

"How can you say that?" Laisa snapped. Her eyes darted to Aria lying nearby. "It’s her fault! If Azreal hadn’t gotten close to this ant, he wouldn’t have risked his life!"

"Watch your mouth!" Selmora snapped back, rising to her full height. "You don’t get to talk about Aria like that—not while I’m here."

Laisa turned away, resting her head on Azreal’s chest. "My lord... please, wake up soon."

Two guards entered and carefully carried Hulk away. Selmora exited the room, her face tense.

---

Palace Hallway

Selmora stepped out and was immediately stopped by Nena, tears brimming in her eyes.

"How is Azreal?" Nena asked.

"I... don’t know what to tell you," Selmora said softly. "I’ve done all I can. He’s stable, but... still not waking up."

Nena shut her eyes as tears rolled down her cheeks. "I’m sorry," Selmora whispered, brushing past her.

"How’s Aria?" Nena called out after her.

"They’re both in the same condition," Selmora replied.

"That can’t be..."

Selmora walked away as the room door creaked open. Nena collapsed to the ground, sobbing.

"Azreal... Aria... please get well soon..."

A maid helped her up gently.

"I can’t cry here," Nena muttered, wiping her face. "Azreal will be fine—I know him. He’s strong. And so is Aria."

She looked at the maid with determination. "Let’s cook both of their favorite meals. Just in case they wake up."

The maid smiled. "Okay." Together, they headed toward the kitchen.

---

Flaming Hall — Meeting of the Pillars

The Pillars sat around a long table. Tension hung thick in the air.

Malphas began, "As you all know, Lord Azreal is still unconscious. And the seal of Y’tharion has been broken. With Aria and Hulk also down, we can’t afford more losses."

Xaltheon lowered his head. "It’s all my fault..."

"Don’t take it to heart," Veymar said. "Cheer up."

"No," Malphas said, "this was beyond your control."

"But you don’t understand!" Xaltheon cried. "If I had kept better control of my guards and monitored Aria, none of this would have happened! Azreal wouldn’t be like this now. I was careless."

Dragos crossed his arms. "You’re right. This is all your fault."

"Dragos, that’s enough!" Malphas scolded.

"Old man," Veymar added, "you should really learn to read the room."

"Let me finish," Dragos snapped. "Yes, it was your carelessness. But you still have a chance to redeem yourself. Lord Azreal didn’t blame you. If anything, he probably blamed himself. What matters now is that we prepare for war. The enemy may think Azreal’s fall weakens us—but they’re wrong. We’re not going down."

Xaltheon nodded slowly. "Yeah. You’re right. I’m sorry for losing it."

Selmora smiled. "Looks like someone’s changed."

"Now," Malphas said, "let’s share what we’ve learned."

Selmora’s tone shifted. "The Infernals... have evolved again."

Gasps filled the hall.

Veymar groaned. "Will their evolution never end?"

Selmora explained, "According to Hulk’s report, these new Infernals are more powerful. Unlike the Cinderborn, they look more human... and they can manipulate flames."

Dragos muttered, "So that’s why Hulk ended up like that."

Selmora nodded. "He pushed past his limit. It’s incredible, really. I only wish I could have helped him more."

"You did well," Malphas reassured. "You trusted him to handle it while you focused on healing Azreal and Aria."

Xaltheon frowned. "So now there are three types... Demon Infernals, Cinderborn, and these new Human Infernals. Which means they have a new type of mark."

Veymar chuckled. "Then Y’tharion’s mark was split into three parts..."

Dragos clicked his tongue. "That bastard..."

Selmora’s expression darkened. "There’s something else. Something more disturbing."

"What is it?" Malphas asked.

"Arian reported that during his trip to Val’Karas with Lord Azreal... they discovered an obelisk seal. It reacted with Azreal’s mark."

Dragos leaned forward. "That means someone related to his mark was sealed there."

Selmora took a breath. "Not just someone... someone we all know. Sarah deciphered some ancient files and believes that the one sealed there was none other than Y’tharion."

Xaltheon shook his head. "Impossible. Y’tharion was sealed in the Final Gate!"

Dragos growled. "Watch what you say, woman."

"Shut up and listen," Selmora snapped.

"It hasn’t been confirmed, but Sarah’s findings match. Hulk said when he reached the seal, he found Aria unconscious and saw two men. One was clearly Sin. The other? Unknown. And then... the seal broke. That must have been Y’tharion."

Veymar chuckled darkly. "This Y’tharion guy... he’s complicated. I’d like to meet him—I’ve got questions."

Malphas rubbed his chin. "If Y’tharion was sealed in the Final Gate, then who... was sealed in Val’Karas?"

---

Royal Palace — Hulk’s Room

Hulk stirred. His fingers twitched. A faint groan escaped his lips as he fell into a deep memory...

---

Years Ago — A Desolate Land

Azreal strode across a ruined wasteland. A monstrous figure emerged, veins glowing with flame, massive in build.

"So you’re the monster I’ve heard about," Azreal said, eyes narrowing. "You certainly look the part."

The monster roared and lunged, slamming a punch into the ground. The earth split with the impact, dust exploding into the air. He turned to walk away.

Azreal stepped from the cloud, completely unharmed, dusting off his cloak. "Strong punch."

The monster turned, eyes narrowing.

"You’re strong," Azreal smiled. "How about we make a deal?"

The beast attacked again, but Azreal caught his punch with one hand. Wind whipped around them.

"Oops," Azreal said casually. "That’s some strength. But—" another punch came. Azreal vanished and reappeared behind him. "Won’t even listen?"

The monster began absorbing heat. Steam hissed from his body.

"Ah," Azreal noted. "So that’s your ability—heat absorption to boost your power."

With a fiery fist, the beast attacked. Azreal dodged, smiling all the while.

"Fast too," he praised. "But how about a deal?"

The monster finally spoke, surprising Azreal. "If I win, you’ll become my follower."

Azreal raised a brow. "And if I win, you listen to my deal."

"Deal."

They shook hands. The monster squeezed tight—but Azreal didn’t flinch.

"You’re strong," Azreal said. "Let’s begin—"

A punch came instantly. Azreal dodged. Another barrage followed—he sidestepped with ease.

"You’re fast for your size."

The monster gathered flames around his fist—one final attack. He struck. The ground exploded.

He laughed. "He’s dead! All talk!"

But from the flames... Azreal emerged, untouched. His eyes glowed. Heat radiated from him.

The monster collapsed to one knee.

"Did I overdo it?" Azreal asked, voice calm.

The monster tried a final punch. Azreal moved aside.

"Out of steam, huh?"

Steam hissed from the figure as he reverted to normal.

"I win," Azreal said. "Now, my deal."

"Kill me if you want..."

"I don’t. I want you to work for me."

"What?"

"You’re strong," Azreal said. "I need a right hand."

"But I’m useless once I steam out."

Azreal stepped forward, stopping just a few feet away. "Don’t say that," he said firmly. "I actually like your ability. It’s cool—and honestly, it has the potential to rival even me."

The figure looked up, surprised. "Rival you...?"

Azreal crossed his arms and smiled. "Why do you think I didn’t use flames against you? It’s because I knew you’d just absorb them and throw them back at me. That’s your strength. You just need to work on direct combat, that’s all."

The figure stared at him, clearly taken aback by the compliment. For the first time, he didn’t feel completely worthless.

Azreal extended his hand. "So... what do you think about my offer?"

The figure looked at the hand for a moment, then reached out and took it as he stood up. "I’ll think about it," he said quietly.

Azreal nodded. "Fine. Let’s go then."

"Go? Go where?" the figure asked.

Azreal turned, already walking away. "Home."

"Wait for me!" the figure called, jogging after him.

Azreal glanced back with a sly grin. "From now on, you’ll have to address me as Lord."

"Hah? I haven’t even agreed to anything yet. Don’t you think you’re being a little overconfident?"

"I already know your answer," Azreal said calmly.

"You might be disappointed," the figure replied with a smirk.

"Oh, by the way," Azreal added, glancing over his shoulder. "Your name?"

"Huh? You asked me to walk with you and didn’t even know my name?"

"Of course not. How would I?" Azreal shrugged.

"...It’s Hulk," the figure said.

Azreal gave a short laugh. "That name really does suit you."

"I’m Azreal," he added, smirking again. "But that’s Lord Azreal to you."

"Like I said, I haven’t given my consent yet!" Hulk shouted.

Azreal chuckled. "Hai, hai."

The two walked off together, the sky slowly darkening behind them.