I'm The Devil - Chapter 213

Chapter 213: PTTGF 14 – Planning

In the heart of the City of Darkness, a place where shadows whispered and light was a rare visitor, Michael and Lucifer stood at the forefront of their gathered forces. The atmosphere was tense, the air thick with the anticipation of another inevitable confrontation. Around them were their celestial siblings, Lilith, and Fang Hua, each bearing the marks of the recent battle but standing resolute and ready for what lay ahead.

Michael, his armor gleaming with a faint divine light even in this gloomy place, addressed the assembly. “Azazel has been subdued, but we know this is not the end. The Outer Beings Father speaks of will not relent, and we must be prepared for their next move. We need to strategize and fortify our defenses.”

Lucifer, his fiery aura a stark contrast to Michael’s calm radiance, nodded in agreement. “Azazel’s return will come with even greater fury. He will not make the same mistakes twice. We need to anticipate their tactics and be ready to counter them.”

Lilith, her eyes still glowing with residual arcane energy, stepped forward. “The Watchers will not stand idly by. They will seek to exploit any weakness they can find. We must strengthen our alliances and ensure there are no gaps in our defenses.”

Fang Hua, her expression as steely as ever, added, “We should also consider offensive strategies. Waiting for them to come to us puts us at a disadvantage. If we can identify their next move, we can strike first and disrupt their plans.”

Gabriel, holding his trumpet close, interjected, “Our greatest strength lies in our unity. The Watchers and Azazel will try to divide us, sowing discord and mistrust. We must stand together and remain vigilant.”

Raphael, ever the healer, nodded thoughtfully. “We need to keep our forces in top condition. I’ll set up healing wards and protection spells around the city to ensure that everyone is ready when the time comes.”

Uriel, the Flame of God, looked at Michael and Lucifer with a determined gaze. “We should also focus on intelligence. We need eyes and ears within the enemy’s ranks. If we can understand their plans, we can outmaneuver them.”

Michael turned to the group, his voice filled with conviction. “Very well. Here is what we will do. Raphael, set up the healing wards as soon as possible. Gabriel and Uriel, work on intelligence gathering. Use whatever means necessary to get us the information we need. Lucifer, Lilith, Fang Hua, and I will coordinate the fortification of our defenses and prepare for a preemptive strike if the opportunity arises.”

Lucifer smirked, his eyes glinting with fierce determination. “We should also set traps for them. If they are planning to infiltrate or attack, let’s make sure they regret it.”

Lilith, her mind already racing with ideas, added, “I can weave protective enchantments around the city, creating barriers that will alert us to any intrusions. Fang Hua, your ability to manipulate shadows will be crucial in creating hidden defenses and countermeasures.”

Fang Hua nodded. “I’ll ensure the shadows work in our favor. We’ll be ready to strike from the darkness if they try to breach our defenses.”

As they each set off to their respective tasks, the City of Darkness began to hum with activity. Raphael’s healing wards glowed softly, providing a sense of comfort and security to their allies. Gabriel and Uriel mobilized their networks, seeking information and planting spies where they could. Michael, Lucifer, Lilith, and Fang Hua coordinated the fortification efforts, ensuring that every possible point of entry was guarded and reinforced.

Michael, watching the preparations with a critical eye, turned to Lucifer. “We have to stay one step ahead. We can’t afford any missteps.”

Lucifer, his usual confidence tempered by the gravity of the situation, replied, “Agreed. But remember, brother, we’ve faced worse. And we’ve always come through.”

As the first light of dawn began to break, casting an eerie glow over the City of Darkness, Allied forces stood ready. They knew that the battle ahead would be one of their greatest challenges, but united and prepared, they felt a renewed sense of hope.

Lilith climbed the spiral staircase of the tower, her thoughts a swirl of determination and curiosity. The City of Darkness lay below her, a sprawling expanse of shadow and flickering ward-lights. She reached the top to find Lucifer already there, leaning against the parapet, staring out over the cityscape. His infernal aura cast an eerie but strangely comforting glow in the twilight.

“Lucifer,” she called, stepping closer. The breeze tugged at her hair, and she pulled her cloak tighter around her.

He turned to face her, a faint smirk on his lips. “Lilith,” he acknowledged, his eyes glinting with a familiar mischief. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Lilith joined him at the parapet, her gaze sweeping over the city before fixing on him. For a moment, they stood in silence, the weight of their shared history hanging in the air. Finally, she spoke, her voice tinged with curiosity and suspicion. “Lucifer, I have a question. How did you know about the Watchers being corrupted? Information like that isn’t easily come by.”

Lucifer’s smirk widened into a grin. He tilted his head, considering his words. “I have my sources,” he said, his voice smooth and enigmatic.

Lilith arched an eyebrow. “Your sources?” she echoed, clearly unconvinced. “This isn’t something one just stumbles upon. To know about their corruption, you need more than just a casual informant.”

Lucifer chuckled, his eyes never leaving hers. “You’re right, of course. It’s not just any information. But you forget, Lilith, I have my ways of uncovering secrets. Especially the dark ones.”

Lilith’s curiosity deepened. She knew Lucifer well enough to understand that he thrived on knowledge and manipulation, but this seemed different. “And these sources,” she pressed, “are they reliable?”

He straightened, his expression becoming more serious. “As reliable as they need to be. The Watchers’ fall from grace is something I forsaw. I kept that knowledge close, waiting for the right moment to use it. Now seemed as good a time as any.”

Lilith crossed her arms, studying him. “You always did have a knack for knowing things others didn’t. But why now? Why reveal this information at this moment?”

Lucifer’s grin returned, softer this time. “Because you asked” that’s all he said.

Lilith nodded slowly, understanding dawning in her eyes. “You’re playing a long game, as always.”

He shrugged, looking out over the city again. “It’s what I do best. And besides,” he added with a playful tone, “I couldn’t let Michael have all the fun, could I?”

Lilith laughed softly, shaking her head. “No, I suppose not. Just… be careful, Lucifer. We can’t afford to lose you.”

Lucifer’s gaze softened as he looked at her. “And we won’t. Trust me, Lilith. Together, we’ll see this through.”

In the distance, the Watchers and Azazel plotted their next move, unaware of the readiness and resolve of their adversaries. The stage was set for another clash of titanic forces, one that would determine the fate of all realms.