Whether superheroes or supervillains, most of the time they had to play by the rules humans had tacitly agreed upon. As social creatures, what mattered when making one's way in the world was nothing more than numbers, resources, fighting strength, or brains.
Loyalty was something only the older generation cared about, yet although Deathstroke might have had plenty of flaws, he never forgot anyone who had helped him.
Ever since he had taken up the position of Sorcerer Supreme, Hoggoth had provided all sorts of assistance. He offered advice and personally stepped in, appearing whenever there was a roast chicken or suckling pig. Afterward, at most, he asked Deathstroke for some food and drink, maybe a few cigarettes.
They were supposedly the terms of their deal, but Su Ming knew this was Big Axe looking after him. As an Outer God of such a high level, did he really lack a few pig heads offered in tribute?
Whether he was looking after the new Sorcerer Supreme or valued Deathstroke himself, the preferential treatment was an objective fact. Hoggoth did not say it aloud, but that did not mean he could ignore the favor.
Yes, letting Ebony Maw go would not matter much to the Vishanti. After all, he was merely an old mage who wanted to retire after killing Thanos, with no companions or family. His threat was extremely limited.
But if the Sorcerer Supreme let the Ultimate Supreme go when they met face-to-face today, and word got out, where would that leave the Vishanti's dignity?
The Anti-Trinity was originally about as powerful as the three Vishanti, and held a similar status among the many demon gods. If he, as the Sorcerer Supreme, could be so easily persuaded by their representative, would that not mean the Vishanti had lost?
That