The chamber was massive, yet quiet.
Chains hung from the ceiling like decorations no one asked for. Red light bled from the cracks in the stone, flickering with every low pulse of energy rippling through the throne behind the shadows.
The Dark King didn't move. He didn't need to.
A hooded figure stepped forward and knelt at the edge of the throne's reach. He kept his head down, voice steady.
"My lord… two new variables have entered the surface realm. Both carry… divine energy."
Silence.
Then, the king spoke. His voice was low. Not loud. But it carried like thunder held on a leash.
"Elaborate."
The minister didn't rise. "One is near the Slayer. Unconfirmed alignment. Older power. Controlled. Centered."
He paused, then continued.
"The other… is alone. Wandering. But he radiates something heavier. A force meant for war. He's not hiding it."
A beat of silence passed.
The Dark King sat forward just slightly. Not enough to see his full form, only a shift in presence—like gravity bending around a larger mass.
"This wandering god… he's not of this realm either?"
"No, my lord. We believe he's from the same dimension as the boy traveling with the old one."
The air turned cold.
"So," the Dark King muttered, "the Slayer has started drawing the gods to him."
He said nothing for a while.
Then: "They don't belong in this world. None of them do."
The minister looked up faintly. "Shall we strike?"
Another pause.
Then the Dark King stood.
Still cloaked in shadow.
Still unseen.
But his voice was final.
"Send the Marauders. All of them."
He turned.
"And a Barons' pack… but not to the one standing beside the Slayer. Not yet."
He looked out toward nothing. But he saw everything.
"Target the one who walks alone."
The minister didn't hesitate. "As you command."
He vanished into the mist.
Far behind the throne, hellfire stirred. Somewhere deep in the fortress, portals began to open.
The Dark King remained still, watching nothing and everything.
"One god with the Slayer. One wandering."
He exhaled slowly.
"Let's see which one bleeds first."