Yet just as Baalzebul fought his way out of the celestial realms, teleported back to his domain on the seventh layer of Hell, Maladomini, then streaked like a meteor across Cania's lead-gray sky and crashed into Malsheem, smashing through the hell-fortress's dome, he raised his head toward the far end of the shadowy grand hall, preparing to seek an audience with the Lord of the Nine Hells—whom he had once regarded as his fated enemy—and report the changes in Mount Celestia...
He was stunned to discover that the lords of the nine layers of Hell had already gathered in the hall, with the sole exception of Tibilus, Duke of Avernus, who had led his army on an expedition into the Abyss. Even Levistus, lord of the fifth layer of Hell, had been released by Asmodeus from the depths of Stygia's frozen sea.
Seeing this formation, Baalzebul immediately understood. The Lord of the Nine Hells not only already knew—he had also made the necessary preparations.
As his heart settled somewhat, he thought with a touch of self-mockery: Of course. Such an enormous disturbance in the Seven Heavens of Mount Celestia and the Sea of Law's Origin—how could Asmodeus, the most ancient Angel of Glory, possibly have failed to notice?
After all, no matter what had happened in the past, those sacred mountains were ultimately the shared homeland of all their celestial Angels.
Yet what surprised Baalzebul even more was that besides his daughter Glasya, there was someone else standing at Asmodeus's side—someone who was not a devil. Or rather, a god.
Azuth, God of Mages!
Why is he here?
Just as Baalzebul was wondering about this, Asmodeus's deep voice rang out:
"Good. Since everyone is here, go and prepare. Prepare to welcome this war that belongs to our Barto Hell."
With