Demon Cage

Sargeras was stunned by the planet before him, not only because of its immense size, far surpassing that of other planets, but also because he could truly sense how compatible the star system it occupied was with his plans. Space within the star system Vanidak had teleported them to was abnormally active—or, to put it another way, abnormally fragile.

Beyond that, Sargeras could clearly sense an enormous spatial rift. This massive fissure lay not far from the planet. Strangely, not only the surrounding space but even the formed rift itself was restrained by some mysterious force. Otherwise, no matter how immense this planet was, it surely would not have escaped being drawn into the rift over endless ages and smashed to pieces.

"Sargeras, what is this? I can feel that this space is unusually fragile, and that rift—it seems to connect to something?" Aggramar, who arrived shortly afterward, asked Sargeras after sensing it for himself. "So this is our destination? Will it be useful to your plans?"

"I don't know yet, Aggramar, but this star system truly is rather strange. The state of space here is unusual. I think I need to observe and study that rift more closely before I can find the answer," Sargeras replied.

"Then let's investigate it." Aggramar voiced his support.

The two Titans set off toward the rift. Sargeras carefully observed this strange fissure, which existed in a state rarely seen in the universe, occasionally releasing energy to probe it. Having worked alongside Sargeras for countless ages, Aggramar took the initiative to stand guard and defend the area, preventing unwelcome visitors from disturbing Sargeras's research.

"Quite remarkable, Aggramar. This space is truly wondrous." Sargeras seemed to have made a discovery as he spoke. "This space is extremely fragile, yet some powerful force unknown to us is constantly stabilizing it—especially this enormous spatial rift..."

"What about it, my brother?"

"This rift has been sealed by that same force. And the most remarkable thing is that the energy I sent inside detected a familiar scent!"

"That sounds like good news, brother."

"Of course. It is the scent of the Twisting Nether, the one I know best and hate most. The other end of this rift connects to the Twisting Nether!"

Aggramar, standing beside him, was also shaken by Sargeras's discovery. "This truly is astonishing. Its other end is actually the Twisting Nether. But something is not right. If it is such a stable passage, why have we not seen a single demon in this star system? I don't believe their stench could escape my notice!"

"That is precisely what is so remarkable, Aggramar. That force has sealed this gateway, perhaps even altered it. From the Twisting Nether's side, this passage may not exist at all. An ingenious method! A terrifying power!"

"Though I do not fully understand, may I take this to mean that this region suits your plans?"

"Oh? Of course, of course. It could not be more suitable. Unstable space, an enormous passage rift—this is simply the perfect place. I think I need to reconsider my brother's reliability rating." Sargeras spoke with great delight.

"That is wonderful news. So what should we do?" Aggramar seemed considerably invigorated by the news as well.

"Hmm, I have already made preparations, Aggramar. I hope that when I finish all this, nothing unpleasant comes to disturb me." Sargeras flexed his hands, preparing to act.

"Of course. I am your strongest support."

"Yes, you always have been, dear Aggramar."

Facing the rift before him, Sargeras slowly released the energy within his body, gradually erasing the mysterious force contained within it. As that force slowly dissipated, the space around them seemed to awaken as well. Spatial currents began to form one after another, and as the rift's seal was undone, an aura familiar to Sargeras drifted over from the other side.

"Hah, the Twisting Nether. What a disgusting smell." Sargeras muttered a curse, but his hands never stopped moving. Using the knowledge he had developed through research, he controlled and shaped the energies flowing from the Twisting Nether, carefully spreading and binding them throughout this star system.

As Sargeras worked, Aggramar, guarding the perimeter, gradually sensed this star system filling with nauseating chaotic energy. Sargeras's actions were slowly assimilating the system into the Twisting Nether. Aggramar gradually understood Sargeras's intention: a region where demons could be killed—or rather, a prison. That was Sargeras's goal.

After a tremendous wave of energy, the space finally stabilized. Sargeras, the one responsible for it all, emerged and looked upon his own creation, unable to stop himself from nodding in satisfaction.

"An ingenious method, Sargeras. Your idea astonishes me. What an interesting line of thought."

"Thank you for the praise, Aggramar. I have been considering how to deal with those unkillable demons for a long time. Since we cannot destroy them in the Dark Void, why can't we kill them in the Twisting Nether? Of course, in our Twisting Nether."

"Yes. The good days of those damned demons are over. With such a region in existence, we will no longer have to endure those vermin that can revive endlessly."

"This region I have transformed is connected to the Twisting Nether. It has assimilated with the Twisting Nether. Any demon that enters will never leave, and if they are killed within it, their souls can only howl there for all eternity. These scum will pay an eternal price for their destruction!" Sargeras proclaimed solemnly.

"Praise you once more, my brother. I think our endless war will finally have an end. I can already see it: the demons destroyed, the universe returned to order. But what do you intend to call this plane you have created? I am very curious."

"What shall I call it? Hmm... let me think. Since it will serve as the demons' eternal prison, I shall call it..."

"The Exile Plane—Mardum!"

The creation of the Exile Plane, Mardum, greatly advanced Sargeras's war against the demons. Countless demons they defeated were imprisoned within this newly born twisted plane. As Sargeras and Aggramar fought without rest, this prison gradually filled with captive demons. The destructive energy they unleashed also saturated this star system. Before long, the immense destructive energy brought by countless demons began to further tear at the veil between the Twisting Nether and the material universe, deepening the connection between them. The massive planet at the heart of this prison also became a huge, newly born world burning fiercely in a distant region of the Dark Void. Naturally, this was a planet that belonged to demons.

The arduous battles of Sargeras and Aggramar finally yielded remarkable results. Their extraordinary efforts soon brought new peace and tranquility to the universe. Though many demons still lurked in the Dark Void, waiting for chances to invade, there were far fewer than before. The worlds protected and maintained by the Titans gradually began to flourish, allowing all manner of life to reproduce without end.

Through the efforts of Sargeras and Aggramar, large-scale demon invasions in the Dark Void were no longer seen. After discussion, the two mighty warriors who hunted down those lawless beings decided to act separately. That way, they could protect more worlds, and if either encountered danger, they could summon the other for aid. Having made their decision, the two Titans continued on their separate journeys.

Aggramar, traveling alone, continued the battle he had fought for countless ages. Though separated from Sargeras, this warrior, now fully grown, had long become a powerful figure capable of standing on his own. No matter how cunning a creature was, it could not withstand his wrath. Without complaint, this mighty warrior continued fulfilling the duty he had carried out for so long: preserving peace in the universe.

Like Aggramar, Sargeras also continued his journey with complete confidence, carrying out the mission he had always undertaken. He firmly believed that the universe would become even more orderly under the governance of his fellow Titans. He was willing to fight for that lofty ideal.

In a remote corner of the Dark Void, this star system was permeated by despairingly cold energy.

Sargeras, pursuing a small group of fleeing demons, arrived nearby. After hunting down every last one of those lawless chaotic creatures, he seemed to sense that something was wrong in the vicinity.

A bad feeling. This aura feels somewhat familiar. Hmm, I had better take a look, Sargeras thought.

After determining the direction, Sargeras headed toward the starry expanse that made him uneasy. At last, upon arriving, a black world emanating decay appeared before him.

Cold energy radiated from that black world. Sargeras recognized it—it was Void energy. He would never forget that damned sensation. The place where the Void Lord had wounded him even seemed to ache faintly.

As he moved closer to examine this already lifeless world, Sargeras's heart clenched tighter and tighter. He discovered a creature that shocked him: an enormous, terrifying being unlike anything he had ever seen. Its massive body enveloped the world, while its corrosive skin was decaying the planet's surface.

From Sargeras's observations, it had nearly merged itself into the entire planet and concealed itself beneath a layer of Void energy.

As he looked at the black world and the terrifying creature continuously merging into it, Sargeras's heart gradually filled with fear. He whispered in near despair:

"My God, this... what exactly... are these things?"