As Sirzechs examined the Divinity of Death he had taken from Hades, he gradually came to understand the true nature of the authority contained within it.
The black-silver sphere floated silently above his palm, radiating an aura of finality. Within it existed countless laws governing death, souls, reincarnation, and the inevitable end of all living things.
To most beings, even touching such a divine authority would be impossible. To merge with it and ascend into godhood would be an unimaginable opportunity.
Yet Sirzechs merely observed it with calm curiosity.
With this divinity, he could easily elevate himself into a true God.
However, he had little interest in doing so.
His current strength had long surpassed the point where ordinary divine status held any real meaning. Whether he possessed a god's title or not changed very little.
His power already stood at a level where few beings in existence could threaten him.
More importantly, this was merely a World-Class Divinity.
Powerful by normal standards, certainly.
But far from the level of the higher divine authorities possessed by transcendent beings such as Great Red and Ophis.
Compared to those primordial existences, the Divinity of Death felt somewhat limited.
"Hmm..."
Sirzechs gently rotated the sphere between his fingers.
"Giving it to someone suitable would probably be the better option."
Through his connection to the recipient, he could still access many of the authority's functions while avoiding the trouble of personally integrating a foreign divinity into himself.
With that thought, he stored the authority away for future consideration.
There were more important matters awaiting him.
....
Several days later...
A dark crack opened within the dimensional void.
From it emerged the figure of Sirzechs Lucifer.
Before him stretched a realm hidden from the eyes of gods, devils, and mortals alike.
The Shadow Realm.
A world hidden between dimensions.
It did not belong to the Underworld, nor the Human World, nor even the countless mythological territories scattered across existence.
Unlike the vibrant landscapes of the Underworld or the divine domains of the gods, this realm possessed no true sun or sky.
It existed in the spaces between reality itself—a domain woven from darkness, silence, and ancient magic.
The sky above was an endless ocean of black and violet, illuminated by distant stars that seemed far too close and far too large.
Rivers of liquid shadow flowed through the landscape like living serpents, carrying fragments of forgotten memories and lost dreams.
Floating islands drifted through the air, connected by bridges made from condensed darkness.
Massive black moons hung overhead, illuminating the realm with a mysterious twilight that never changed.
The very atmosphere felt ancient.
Timeless.
As though the realm had existed long before the current world was born.
At the center of the realm stood a magnificent castle.
Its towers stretched high into the heavens, forged from obsidian-colored stone covered in countless glowing runes.
The entire structure radiated an ancient and mysterious aura, as though it had existed long before the current age of gods and devils.
It floated upon a colossal island formed entirely from obsidian crystal.
Countless towers pierced the twilight sky, their spires resembling black spears aimed at heaven itself.
Silver runes glowed across the walls.
As Sirzechs stepped into the realm, his crimson hair fluttered behind him while he flew toward the castle.
Despite its intimidating appearance, the castle possessed a strange elegance that made it seem more like the residence of a queen than a fortress of war.
Sirzechs smiled faintly.
It had been quite some time since he had visited this place.
Before he could reach the castle gates, a melodious voice echoed throughout the realm.
"Oh ho~ so you finally have time to meet me, huh?"
The voice was playful.
Teasing.
And very familiar.
Sirzechs chuckled.
"I've been a little busy."
A ripple spread through the shadows before a figure emerged from thin air.
She was breathtakingly beautiful.
His crimson eyes soon fell upon a breathtaking woman standing near the entrance of the palace.
Her long purple-red hair cascaded down her back like flowing silk, contrasting beautifully against her fair skin. Crimson eyes, sharp and intelligent, regarded him with obvious amusement.
She wore a form-fitting violet bodysuit designed for both mobility and combat. The material clung closely to her athletic figure, accentuating every graceful curve earned through centuries of battle.
There was nothing excessive about her appearance; instead, she possessed the dangerous beauty of a master warrior whose elegance was matched only by her lethality.
A teasing smile curved her lips as she folded her arms beneath her chest.
"I was beginning to think you had forgotten about me," she said lightly. "After all, you've been quite busy surrounding yourself with all the beautiful women in that castle of yours."
Sirzechs let out a soft chuckle.
"Come on, Scathach. We both know I'd never forget you."
His smile widened slightly.
"If anything, forgetting you would be impossible. You practically engraved your lessons into my body by beating them into me."
A pleased look flashed through her crimson eyes.
"Heh. Of course I did."
She stepped closer, her expression carrying the pride of a teacher examining a successful student.
"I was shaping you into a proper warrior. And as you already know, I don't tolerate mediocrity from anyone I teach."
"Trust me," Sirzechs replied dryly, "I learned that lesson very thoroughly."
Scathach laughed, a rich and melodious sound that echoed through the quiet surroundings.
"Good."
Turning gracefully, she began walking toward the massive palace behind her.
The castle was as empty as ever.
No servants.
No guards.
No attendants.
Only its sole resident.
Scathach had never cared much for company.
The vast halls and towering chambers existed for her alone.
Without looking back, she raised a hand and beckoned him forward.
"Come."
A small smile appeared on her face.
"It's been a long time since we last spoke properly."
"Let's go inside and catch up."
Sirzechs nodded and followed after her as the enormous gates of the palace slowly opened before them.
Scathach led him deeper into the palace, her footsteps echoing softly through the vast halls.
Eventually, she guided him to an open terrace balcony overlooking the entirety of the Shadow Realm.
The view stretched endlessly before them.
Floating islands drifted through the twilight skies, rivers of shadow winding between them like dark veins. Silver-gray clouds hung motionless overhead while distant black moons illuminated the realm with their eerie light.
There was little conventional beauty to be found here.
No vibrant forests.
No crystal lakes.
No golden sunlight.
And yet...
The Shadow Realm possessed a haunting elegance all its own—a morbid beauty born from timeless solitude and ancient mysteries.
Neither of them spoke as they crossed the terrace.