Levi said:
"That’s right. By having the Underworld step in, we’re telling Nightmare—don’t expect to use Supreme Will to oppress us. Nora stands bare to all, with no retreat; we’re fighting with our backs to the wall. If we’re willing to drag this out, is Nightmare Will brave enough to do the same?"
Emmon said:
"I’ll head back first; you should return to reality soon, too."
Seeing that Levi was unscathed, Emmon was relieved.
Together, he and Levi could face off against the Master of Horror. Add the Netherworld Ancestor, plus the combined might of Nora and the Underworld, and they were clearly superior to Nightmare.
The only uncertainties lay with the Abyss and the astral world. Still, the great war had raged for some time already, and neither had shown any intention of entering the field—which already revealed their stance.
They would either tacitly allow Nora to become the Fifth Pole,
or wait for Nora and Nightmare to destroy each other.
In any case, at this early and unclear stage of the war,
neither side would lightly intervene, nor would they ally with Nightmare.
In fact, if not for the succubus queen betraying Nightmare at the outset and shattering the fragile trust between them, Nightmare might have truly joined forces with the Abyss.
But now, unless pushed to absolute desperation,
Nightmare would rather fight alone than ally with the Abyss.
...
Three days later.
Blood and Flesh Palace.
The Master of Horror, the Three Emperors, and three hundred Level 10 Strongmen stood guard here.
"Damn it, the Underworld is ruining our grand designs."
"Exactly. For a true Giant to collaborate with mere mortal rookies—what an utter disgrace!"
"Are we, the mighty Nightmare, really about to fall?"
"Worried Sky Monarch, shut your crow mouth!"
"Agreed, every time you mouth off like this, disaster follows!"
Nightmare was never truly united; each Vassal King ruled his own seat, and the chaos was scarcely better than in the Abyss. Now, it was an utter mess.
The Master of Horror said coldly:
"Silence—all of you. Guard this place well. The Blood and Flesh Palace is where the Supreme Will resides—it’s the very foundation of Nightmare. We must not lose it under any circumstances!"
...
Meanwhile,
Netherworld Ancestor Hall.
The swordswoman in a Grey Robe stood Sword Wielding and alert.
The Nether Emperors formed ranks, securing the temple layer by layer.
The world was ignorant: the location of the Netherworld Ancestor Hall was no accident. It had been built atop the very origin of the River of Death—at the Death Spring.
The pool where the Netherworld Ancestor often bathed was the fountainhead itself—here, Death Energy flowed endlessly, and from this spot the Underworld Source River was born.
Now, the Mother River clashed with Nightmare Will.
They, too, were deeply anxious, fearing the Abyss or the astral world might strike while they were distracted.
This was the Dark Universe: everyone nursed hidden schemes in their hearts.
Thus, back when Sauron visited the Underworld, the two parties struck a pact.
At the very least, until the other three Giants were eliminated, the Underworld and Nora would not turn against each other—they would maintain their foundation of mutual trust and alliance.
After the plan succeeded, even in victory, they would strive to cooperate, avoiding conflict. By channeling their strife outward—in wars across the infinite Multi-Universe—they would minimize internal cosmic tensions.
Nora and the Underworld stood back to back.
Only by watching each other’s backs and aiding one another could they hope to break out of the siege!
...
Abyss.
Floor 666.
The Chaotic Servant wore a grave expression.
"The Mother River is actually confronting Nightmare Will for Nora’s sake. The Underworld is dead set on protecting Nora. Their ambition to rule all is unmistakable. Damn them.
Since that’s how it is, let the two sides keep fighting. I’ll inform the Abyss Will—when both Wills are battered and weakened, all we have to do is desperately Devour one. The Supreme Will can then Soar in power, nearly or even surpassing the Star Ancestor, ascending as the first power in the Universe. Perhaps it could even break the shackles of the Multi-Universe and become a Supreme Existence."
This is a once-in-an-epoch opportunity.
The Abyss must seize it!
...