In a Vast Shadowed Hall

Hades sat tall upon his obsidian throne, the dark expanse of the hall swallowing everything around him. His gaze was calm, but sharp, as he addressed the figure before him.

"So, that's the reason you sent for me," he said slowly, his voice echoing through the vast chamber.

"Yes," the figure replied, voice low and deliberate. "So, what do you think?"

Hades leaned back, considering. "I understand… but why send Hermes to deliver the message to Azreal? You could have summoned Azreal yourself. You know how he and Hermes interact… Hermes tends to lose himself whenever he's near him."

The figure's voice remained steady. "I am well aware of their relationship. Hermes will deliver the message… and perhaps enjoy a little reunion. Let him savor the moment; let him feel relief for a while."

Hades' brow furrowed slightly. "You really shouldn't spoil him. Sending him to Azreal—does that mean you intend for Azreal to handle the mission?"

"Of course," the figure replied. "Azreal has just finished dealing with Zarion. I have every confidence he can manage this as well."

Hades nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Then… we merely watch and wait."

"Exactly," the figure said. "We simply watch everything unfold."

---

Final Gate of Hell

A figure appeared, moving with effortless speed, leaving a faint shimmer in the air as he came to a stop before Azreal.

"Long time no see, Azreal," the man said, a casual smile playing on his lips, his tone warm as if greeting an old friend.

Azreal's own lips curved into a smile. "Hermes!"

Hermes tilted his head, golden eyes glinting in the dim light. "I'm glad you still remember me, Azreal."

"Why would I forget you? So… what brings you here, Hermes?" Azreal asked, curiosity sharpening his gaze.

"I'm here with a message," Hermes replied, then paused, smirking faintly. "Though I never thought I'd be running errands in Hell."

Azreal raised an eyebrow. "I'm surprised myself."

---

At Hell's Archive

Orvath carefully poured ashes into a test tube, his goggles shielding his eyes from the fine dust as he shook it gently.

"What are you doing, Orvath?" Veymar asked, leaning casually against a counter, ever playful.

Orvath sighed. "Lord Veymar, this isn't your station, as you well know."

Veymar grinned. "My gate is boring."

"If you want something interesting to do…" Orvath began.

"Do you have something?" Veymar interrupted, eyes twinkling.

Orvath shook his head. "No… but I heard Lord Hermes is in the Final Gate with Lord Azreal."

Veymar's grin widened. "Hermes!" He snapped his fingers. "Science can wait." With that, he vanished in a swirl of shadows.

Orvath muttered to himself, exasperated. "I knew he couldn't resist. Just hope he doesn't cause too much trouble…"

---

Final Gate of Hell

Hermes hadn't delivered his message when a familiar voice rang out behind him.

"Sorry to intrude, Lord Azreal!"

Hermes spun around to see Veymar striding forward, his usual smile in place, but his presence radiating a predator's intensity. Without hesitation, he clapped a hand onto Hermes' shoulder.

"Ho! Hermes! You're here at last. Come—fight me! I want to test your speed against mine."

Hermes arched an eyebrow, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Straight to violence, I see. Some things never change." In a blink, he slipped from Veymar's grip, reappearing several meters away, cloak fluttering as if caught in a breeze.

"Not now," Hermes said, his golden eyes flicking to Azreal. "I'm here to deliver a message… not to duel. Perhaps later, if you insist, but you'll have to catch me first."

Veymar chuckled, the predator's undertone clear even behind his playful grin. "That won't be a problem. A predator never tires of chasing its prey. Though… I must admit, I sense fear in the prey's eyes."

Azreal stepped forward, voice firm. "That's enough, Veymar. Aren't you supposed to be in the Second Gate with Aria?"

Veymar turned, bowing slightly. "Apologies, my lord. I let Aria rest for a while, and then I intended to see Orvath. But when I heard Hermes was here… I couldn't resist. Since he's with you now, I'll give you both space." He stopped mid-step, grinning once more. "Hermes… don't keep me waiting. I might start hunting before you even have a chance to escape." With that, Veymar disappeared, leaving a faint shimmer in the air as the doors closed behind him.

Hermes exhaled softly. "Veymar's… still the same. Now, about the message—something troubling is happening in the world of the living."

"The humans?" Azreal asked, unconcerned.

Hermes' expression darkened. "Yes. They're dying… but not naturally. Their deaths are… unnatural. It's as if they're transforming into something before they die."

Azreal and Hulk exchanged shocked glances. "Transforming into… what?" Azreal asked, tension sharpening his tone.

"Infernals," Hermes said solemnly.

Azreal's eyes widened. "Infernals? How is that possible? How can they turn into infernals?"

Hermes' voice was steady, serious. "That's exactly why it's shocking. If it were a normal death, Hades would have been sent for. But these… transformations… they demand attention."

"I see," Azreal muttered. "So it's the infernals that caught our attention, isn't that right?"

"Yes," Hermes confirmed. "The council's message is simple. You are to go to the world of the living and discover why humans are turning into infernals. That is all."

Azreal leaned back, incredulous. "Since when did I become a detective?"

Hermes' golden eyes met his with unwavering seriousness. "I know, Azreal. Investigating isn't your forte. But if we don't act soon, it could lead to the extinction of the human race."

Azreal smirked faintly. "So that's supposed to make me more… willing to help?"

Hermes' expression darkened further. "There are… rumors among the Gods. About you."

Azreal stiffened. "Rumors? What kind?"

"They whisper that you are behind this… that these infernal transformations are your doing. That you intend to create your own army to overthrow the Gods."

Hulk's fists clenched. "Such false rumors against Lord Azreal!"

Azreal's gaze narrowed. "I didn't know I was popular enough among the Gods for rumors to spread about me."

Hermes' tone was steady, serious as ever. "So… is it true, Azreal?"

Azreal looked at Hermes with a steady gaze. "So… what do you think, Hermes?"

Hermes' expression softened, a rare gentleness in his golden eyes. "I think… you could never think of such a thing, Azreal. I trust you enough to know what's best by now."

Azreal nodded slowly. "So… will you investigate the case?"

Hermes gave a faint smile. "Since it involves the infernals, I will investigate. Besides… I would like to meet the one who's interfering with my work by using them."

"Good," Hermes replied. "Then I will inform the Gods of your departure. But first… I heard about Zarion and everything that happened."

Azreal raised an eyebrow. "So you all found out… how am I not surprised?"

Hermes' tone sharpened slightly. "Azreal, you really should report these things, or you might soon be considered an enemy."

Azreal gave a small shrug. "I'll think about it."

Hermes let out a quiet sigh. "I shall take my leave, then."

Azreal called after him. "Wait, Hermes… I'd like to ask you something."

Hermes stopped in his tracks, turning his attention fully to him. "Ask right away."

Azreal's voice was calm, but carried weight. "Have you heard of the Gods' Mark?"

Hermes froze, eyes widening slightly. "The Gods' Mark? Yes… what about it?"

Azreal's gaze remained steady. "Is it possible… for someone to be blessed with the Mark of the Gods?"

Hermes hesitated, his expression turning thoughtful. "Yes… it's possible, but it's incredibly rare. I've never seen a human bear it. The Gods don't bestow it lightly—it's not a gift handed out freely."

Azreal nodded slowly. "I see… then I suppose I must have made it up, unintentionally."

Hermes' brow furrowed slightly. "Is something troubling you, Azreal?"

"No," Azreal said, shaking his head. "Nothing much. But I would like to ask one more question. Is it possible… for the Soul Reeders in the Underworld to make a mistake?"

Hermes pursed his lips, considering. "The Soul Reeders, huh… I don't think so. But still… I can't say for certain. The only one who could answer that is Hades himself, since he's in charge. Then again… I suppose you wouldn't ask him directly, given that you two aren't exactly on good terms."

Hermes straightened. "I will take my leave now."

Azreal raised a hand. "You can't just leave like that. Stay and eat with us. Do you still remember Nena?"

Hermes chuckled softly, a warmth in his smile. "Why would I forget Nena? She's like a mother to me."

Azreal's lips curved into a small smile. "And yet… you came to Hell and now want to leave without meeting her, without tasting her cooking?"

Hermes let out a mock sigh, his golden eyes glinting. "Pardon me… okay, then. I will meet with Nena. Besides… I have missed her cooking."

Azreal's smile widened. "Then it's decided. You will stay and eat with us."

"Sure," Hermes said with a nod, still smiling.

Azreal turned to Hulk. "Go and inform Nena that Hermes is coming."

"Yes, my lord," Hulk said, disappearing in a sudden burst of flames.

Azreal faced Hermes again. "Do you still remember the way?"

Hermes' smile returned. "Lead the way."

Azreal stood and snapped his fingers. A portal shimmered into existence before them, swirling with deep shadows and light. Without hesitation, they stepped through together, the portal vanishing behind them.

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