Chapter 27 - Visiting Diablo

I wake up feeling completely refreshed. But it’s also kinda weird. Sleeping in space—on a floating bed? It’s not exactly what you’d call normal. You’d think it’d be strange to see someone snoozing in the void of space, right? Oh well, I guess I’ll just have to get used to it.

Let’s check how long I’ve been out.

---

[Name: Autumn Hall]

[Age: ~700,000]

[Species: Universe]

[Titles: -]

[Time Scale: 1 : 1,000]

[Major Skills]:

Creation

Destruction

Chaos

Order

[Minor Skills]:

Blessed Body

Clone

Enchant

Possess

Modify

Whoa.

--

I’m still not used to seeing my age in these massive numbers. If anyone ever asked about it, they’d probably get a cosmic-sized shock. Seriously, if someone dared to ask, I’d probably be tempted to zap them just for asking. Just kidding!

Even though it sounds a bit crazy, I wouldn’t actually hurt someone for asking about my age. But, yeah, I might fib a little or just give them the bare minimum if they’re curious.

Anyway, I’ve had a good nap—seven hours to be exact, or roughly 400,000 years in my time scale. Time to check up on my creations. Are they still kicking? They should be, especially if they’ve grown strong. To me, power equals life. The stronger they are, the longer they’ll live. That’s how most fantasy stories portray it, anyway.

And if they’re still alive, I guess I’m not the only ancient one around. Unlike me, though, they’re not immortal, so they’ll probably have a shorter lifespan. It’s kinda sad to think about. I’ll be the only one left standing as an old-timer, while they come and go.

Most people see old age as a sign of wisdom and experience. But here I am, a 700,000-year-old universe who still feels like a young girl. It’s a weird mix, for sure.

Alright, enough musing. Time to visit my creations.

I swing my arm, and a crack opens in space right in front of me.

---

POV: Diablo

"In the name of the Holy One, I, the Devil Emperor of Bloodlust, Diablo, condemn you to suffer 5,000 years in the flames of purgatory!"

Diablo stands before a statue of a stunning woman. He’s a striking figure himself: long red hair, sharp eyebrows, a toned body, blood-red skin, and impressive black horns. Most women would probably swoon over him, despite his devilish looks.

In front of him lies a grotesque lump of flesh, limbs sticking out in all directions, with a distorted, tearful face peeking from the mess.

As soon as Diablo finishes his verdict, guards rush out, dragging the lump of flesh through a massive double door. This place is what you’d call a court, but not your average human court. No, this is a devil’s court. Not exactly known for its fairness or cleanliness, but surprisingly, it’s quite organized—nothing like the chaotic devilish stories you hear about.

Diablo turns his gaze with disgust to a bulky humanoid figure clad in black armor.

"The trial for the punishment of Devil King Dozgal will be postponed until tomorrow."

With that, Diablo strides through a pair of double doors behind the statue and enters an incredibly luxurious room. Inside, a statue stands in the middle of the room, far surpassing the grandeur of the one in the courtroom.

He flops onto a plush couch, letting out a long sigh.

"Sigh... I’ve ruled this hellhole for hundreds of thousands of years, and I still haven’t found a worthy successor."

As Diablo settles in, he hears a sound behind him. He spins around and throws his sword towards the noise, only to see something astonishing.

A woman with black hair studded with stars and an incredibly beautiful face appears before him. The sword hits her, but instead of causing harm, it disintegrates as if it never existed. She doesn’t even flinch. No movement, no energy fluctuation—nothing.

Cold sweat breaks out on Diablo’s back.

"I’ve never encountered anyone this powerful before, and I’m supposed to be the strongest here. Who the hell is she?"

"You don’t recognize me?"

She tilts her head, as if she can read his thoughts. There’s something strangely familiar about her, but he can’t place it.

Wait... she looks exactly like the statue of the Holy One!

"Did I just attack the Holy One?!"

Panic sets in. What kind of punishment would he face for this? He’s worshipped her like a savior, and now he’s attacked her on their first meeting? Not the best first impression, to say the least.

Without missing a beat, he falls to his knees and plants his face on the ground.

"Please show mercy, Holy One! I didn’t mean to attack your Highness!"