Formal Challenge

30 advance chapters in my Pat.reon. Pat.reon.com/Saintbarbido.

Couldn't write yesterday. Sorry about that. This chapter is huge tho.

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(General P.O.V)

"You are sure of it?"

Iroh's voice rang out through the library. A typical tea set was placed at his front between him and the huge black owl perched on a metallic stand.

"What exactly are you calling to question Iroh, my honesty or my observation skills?"

The Owl asked in a stiff voice. Iroh rolled his eyes.

"After centuries of knowing you, one would think you'd loosen up that stick stuck so far up your..."Iroh cleared his throat awkwardly, then sheepishly offered, "Have some tea to calm your nerves down."

"Mmph!" Wan Shi Tong snorted and started flapping his wings. A blast of wind swept out through the room, ruffling the table cloth set below the teacups and kettle. Iroh's beard was blown into an unruly shape, just as the owner of the Library disappeared off into the rows upon rows of book shelves.

"Make no mistake Iroh... something used the link you have with this 'strange new place' to cross over. You better inform the dwellers there that a great evil shall be soon released. An evil with no precedence."

The words were the only thing left behind as Wan Shi Tong's form flew out of view. Iroh's face was solemn. He looked at the tea in his cup worriedly.

"Aden..."

(Aden's P.O.V)

My heart beat fast at the thought of my next move. I knew that what I was about to do would spell my doom or salvation. All eyes were on me but I only had eyes for one figure. Alyssa had...changed. Gone was the haughtiness of your typical magician. In its place was a demure and gentle angel. A shy girl with white wings, covered with patches of black and red at random intervals.

I established eye contact with her and saw the despair warring with hope. Then I remembered what Gabriel had told me. 'Save her from an undeserving fate. Save her and heaven will honor you, Aden.' He had given me all the tools needed to turn this from a losing battle to one I could win. I smiled softly at the angel, hoping to ease her worries. 'I am not going to leave you here. Not with these monsters.' I promised myself.

"Denizens of the infernal lands, I am Aden Strong." I amplified my voice to reach the castle. As stated before, only a few thrones, to be precise 4 were occupied while the rest remained empty. The first Throne had a curvaceous Woman with red skin and horns twirling up in the air gracefully. She looked like dangerous unhealthy sex. And the sadistically lecherous grin on her face as she stared at me, left no question as to exactly what I was in for if I landed in her hands. Goosebumps appeared on my skin as I shivered in disgust.

The second throne had the most bizarre Demon I had ever laid my eyes on. It was a dark cloud filled with eyes and teeth all over it's form. To better explain, he reminded me of Kurogiri from MHA, a show I'd watched back in my earth. Just a purplish smoke like being.

The next throne was unoccupied. As was the second one after that but the next had a demon lord that was no less strange looking as the last one. He was in the shape of a gigantic bug. A fly. Well a Fly man to be exact. The wide compound eyes and the antennae on it's head made it creepier than the others. Fuck I might be racist...speciest?

I moved on to the last demon seated on the throne. Instantly, a feeling of maliciousness that hit me like a 12 wheeler truck going at top speed slammed into me. My chest seized up and I started wheezing a little. 'What...what the fuck...is this...' I widened my eyes and groaned as the pressure increased. My legs shook and I took a knee, trying and failing to raise my head up.

Anger bloomed inside me from within the Avatar State. But no matter what, I could feel that it wasn't going to intervene. The mission difficulty was tagged as hellish for a reason and if the Avatar State took over, the mission difficulty would go down. It was all a theory but it was a theory that made a lot of sense. All in all, I'd resolved to always act as if I was alone in this...and now I truly was.

The horn in my hands pulsed with a gentle light and I felt a gentle wisp of energy, enter my body and cast away the oppression I was facing from the last demon. I stood up to find my body soaked in sweat. The demons that had been riled up by my brief show of weakness settled down in caution as the horn glowed with power.

The Arch Demon smiled at me viciously. He had blonde hair, cruel eyes, a hard face and was dressed in a green and white costume. Power just seemed to...roll off him in waves. I knew who this fucker was. Neron, the prince of lies. Zatara and Nimue had briefly explained to me who I was mostly going to face opposition from. Neron was responsible for most if not all of this shit. And he was much stronger than the rest of the Demon Lords sitting beside him. What that meant for me however...was that I was fucked without The Avatar State. And even with it, This was their home ground. Such a fight with beings close to being literal reality warpers was not good for my health. Luckily, it wasn't all hopeless.

With my momentum briefly cut off, I cleared my throat and started again.

"I am Aden Strong, and with the authority vested in me as Heaven's emissary, I hereby formally challenge you for the freedom of the angel known as Cerial. By the Ancient Laws and the First Circle, those who stand vigil in upholding the foundations of reality, Neron the prince of lies, do you accept?"

(General P.O.V)

Silence. The whole battlefield fell into an atmosphere of astonishment and surprise. The eyes of the female Demon narrowed. Her interest had been peaked. The cloud like demon on the other hand made no reaction and the bug like demon started screeching in laughter. But the last Hell Lord's reaction was the most priceless.

"Preposterous!"

Neron rose up and shouted in rage.

"To think that a mere ant would dare..."

"Hahahaha what Neron, are you scared of a 'mere ant'?"

The bug like demon mocked. Laughter followed among the rest of the demons. Uproar.

"Such an... intriguing human. How does he know of such things?"

Lady Blaze pitched in.

Azazel shifted in his seat, one of his numerous faces sneakily looking back at the balcony above his head, and behind them. He could think of such a way but...Lucifer was not much of a schemer. He had power. He was imposing but he had never been the type to strategize against those weaker than him. This, Azazel knew. So it meant...Gabriel or the silver city were responsible. Yet, Azazel couldn't shake the feeling the devil was involved in some way.

"Sit down, Neron. Getting so easily worked up over something so trivial is unbecoming of your stature as a Hell Lord."

Azazel ordered. Neron rounded up to sneer at him.

"Do not talk down to me as if I'm one of your servants, Azazel."

"Then act like it."

Lady Blaze took a dig at the blonde demon with a small smile.

"You're embarrassing us. It's unseemly."

Neron's eyes shot towards the female Demon.

"What would you know, half blood wench? Your only on that throne due to Lucifer casting Belial out. If anything...a duke should have taken over. You...are nothing."

The words were filled with as much mockery as Neron could inject in his tone. Lady Blaze's smile widened.

"Oh really, Prince of Lies? If I am nothing, then what does that make you? You had the chance to take over hell when his Majesty was...'occupied'" She tilted her head, bringing one long nailed finger to her lips. "How did that work out for you?" With every word, Neron's eyes grew ever more angrier.

"Such grand ambitions. You have corrupted so many pure souls throughout millennia and what do you have to show for it? Nothing. Just empty...air."

Neron's aura burst out as he started burning in a green fire. Beelzebub and Azazel instantly went on guard. The demons below them, those weaker than them, shivered as the oppressive power of a Demon Lord started crushing them. A nasty smile spread out across Neron's face.

"Fucking bitch...I am going to slice the flesh off your bones. Slowly."

Lady Blaze rose up as well, a murderous intent no less than Neron's exploding out of her.

"Big, strong they've all fallen before me." She narrowed her eyes, her voice icy.

"You want to join the list? So be it."

The tension was almost tangible. To add fuel to the fire Beelzebub, The Lord of Flies started laughing.

"Oh this is fun. Fight or Fuck but do something already!!!!"

He boomed out, riling both of them.

"Beelzebub Stop inciting the both of them. Blaze, Neron, is this the picture...

Azazel started only for Beelzebub to interrupt.

"Oi shut your trap hole you two faced swine! If they want to fight let them!! This is hell. Chaos incarnate!"

And so Beelzebub and Azazel both ended at loggerheads, just like Neron and Blaze.

The demons gathered all started murmuring in discontent as the different factions of each of the Hell Lords present begun trading barbs and insults as well. It didn't take a genius to see where this was headed.

Aden on his side was surprised by the sudden turn of events. It seemed like he had faded into obscurity. Tossed aside for the bitter politics of hell. He almost felt like his presence was unnecessary. He was even considering the fact that he used the wrong move. Sowing discord was proving to be a more effective strategy than any great show of power he might have demonstrated.

And just as fast as it started, all the arguments and squaring off stopped.

"Is this what my generals have been reduced to? Bickering like mortal children in a playground."

A soft voice sounded out. It was not overwhelmingly loud yet, it reached Aden's ears clearly. As if the one who spoke was making a light hearted conversation.

Aden could feel the reverence and fear spread out through the masses. The whole hoard of hell seemed terrified of him. Lucifer hovered inches off the ground before the Thrones of the Hell Lords. Grand, the Demon Lords and Thrones might have been yet...they lacked the sheer presence before the Morningstar. Satan, The King of Hell.

"Forgive me, your majesty. I got carried away. It will not happen again."

Lady Blaze lost the arrogance that had been apparent on her face, she bowed her head and stepped back. Lucifer's expression was devoid of all emotion.

"See that you don't. Otherwise you will be joining your brother."

A brief flash of anger appeared on her face, followed by another flash, this one of fear.

"As you command my Lord."

Blaze's tone was shaky when she replied. Lucifer's sight next landed on Neron. He narrowed them.

"You forget your place, Neron." He then glanced at Azazel and Beelzebub. "As do you two as well."

"Forgive us, Lord Lucifer, Conflict is inevitable once in a while. We are but creatures of habit."

Azazel spoke up calmly.

"Hahaha yeah what he said. I sometimes get fired up over the smallest things."

Beelzebub added with a nervous chuckle.

"Mmmhhh. I see. Very well."

Lucifer then directly addressed Neron.

"You have nothing to say for yourself?"

Neron tightened his hands in rage before he forced himself to be calm. His green eyes made contact with Lucifer's own red orbs that spoke of power beyond anything Neron could ever hope to gain and the prince of lies understood one thing. Lucifer only needed an excuse. 1 flimsy excuse and Neron would Join Belial, Mammon and the rest of the occupants of the empty thrones in the lowest pits of hell. Where regardless of who or what you were...all that awaited you was unending suffering. You couldn't hope to escape, no matter how powerful you were. It was truly the hell of hell. It was so cold that it burned.

So the Prince of Lies swallowed his pride. He had managed to avoid a direct screw up. What had saved him from Lucifer booting his ass over there was that he covered his tracks well. And Lucifer understood that should he do that...it would only mean more work for him. He was trying to bring hell back into a state of...relative calm and Neron was indispensable in such an endeavor. Demons followed him due to his charisma as the Prince of Lies.

"I... apologize my Lord."

He lastly bit out, feeling aggrieved by the whole situation.

"That's a good doggy."

Lucifer mocked with a small smile. Neron fumed, livid inside. Despite the joke none of the Hell Lords dared to laugh.

The king of Hell turned his back to them. Mocking the Demon Lords even more. It was customary to never show your back to a demon because of their traitorous nature. Hence for anyone to do that showed that they considered you a non-entity. Weak. Something not to be worried about. 'One day Lucifer, one day...'

Neron vowed inwardly.

Lucifer turned his head to throw him a look over the shoulder.

"I'll be waiting then, little demon."

Neron's eyes widened, stunned beyond belief. His thoughts had been accessed without him being aware of anything. The rest of the Hell Lords figured out that something must have occured between them but apart from the curious glances they threw at each other, none said a thing.

After reaching a sufficient height where Lucifer could be seen by all, his black wings spread out behind him majestically. Like a bright light in a dark room, all eyes were on him.

"My loyal, devilish subjects, a Formal Challenge has been issued." He let that soak in. His eyes found Aden and his smile widened.

"This human, standing before us, holds the horn of Gabriel, my younger brother and claims to be Heaven's emissary."

He made no effort to disguise just how funny he thought the whole thing was. And just like expected, an uproar escaped from the crowds of billions of demons. Shouts of tearing up Aden from limb to limb to devouring his soul, to molesting his dead corpse rang out. Showing just how ruthless the denizens of the Infernal realms could be.

Lucifer raised his hand.

"Preposterous, just like Neron stated." He announced seemingly in agreement. The look on his face turned serious. Aden's grip on Gabriel's horn grew tighter, as he was subjected to such a look. A look he had never seen from Lucifer ever before.

"But...he called upon the Ancient Laws and the First Circle as witnesses. Had his claim been a falsehood, his soul would have been immolated. A true death. Anything making Aden Strong, Aden Strong would have disappeared into nothingness. A void of unawareness stretching out into the unending shores of infinity."

Aden felt his heart shake. Holy Fuck. Had any of what he said been even a little bit untrue...then it would have been game over for him. Gabriel had told him to say all that as way to back up his claim but to know that he had been so close to the end was jarring. Even Lucifer's words seemed like a warning to him. To never swear on the First Circle lightly.

"Clearly...the boy's claim is true, seeing as he stands before us, unaffected by the gathering of what Humans have been afraid of ever since their conceiving." A few scattered laughs sounded out.

"And so, the challenge is...valid!"

Despite all of them seeing it from far away, another uproar arose. Neron particularly looked as if he had swallowed a bitter lemon. His hard eyes found Aden's across thousands of miles and promised retribution.

Aden on the other hand smiled softly. He breathed out a sigh of relief, mentally thanking his luck that the challenge had been deemed valid. Lucifer allowed the complaints to continue for a while before he raised his hand again. Silence immediately dominated. Satisfied, the Morningstar turned around to address The Prince of Lies.

"Neron, you were the one to capture the angel whom he seeks to save. As such, you are the challenged one." Neron stood up.

"That gives you a few... advantages. For one, you have the benefits of choosing two out of the three customary challenges. Furthermore, due to the challenger not clearly stating what he shall offer in return..." Aden's heart dropped as a slow smile appeared on Neron's face.

"You can decide what you want from him incase you win. So tell us, what is it you want him to stake?"

A proud chuckle escaped Neron. He cleared his throat and used a voice amplifying spell to announce.

"For starters, I choose the first challenge to be a one on one battle of skill against my chosen champion. Only one weapon shall be allowed to each combatants. No spells or powers."

"Fuck."

Aden muttered. Things weren't looking too good now. He could feel the shackles imposed on him from the clause given. Once the first challenge begins...he would truly be confined to the stipulations given. Even energy sense, spiritual sense and air sense would be restricted. It almost made Aden wonder if Neron knew his weakness lied in his soul, body strength and weapon skills.

Neron seemed giddy at the expression on the boy's face.

"The second Challenge shall be announced after the completion of the first one."

Lucifer declared.

"on to the last matter, What have you decided to ask for?"

Lucifer questioned Neron, impassively. The prince of lies in turn simply closed his eyes. A few seconds passed before he looked straight at Aden and asked.

"What is the most precious thing you have? The thing you hold dear above all else?" Upon asking that question, Aden's heart skipped a beat. He hadn't known what to expect but...this, this was almost out of his depth. If he lost then...

He considered lying but the ancient laws forbid him from knowingly or unknowingly doing so. Everyone gathered waited patiently and in interest. Lady Blaze in particular leaned forward. She could feel something was... different in this human. He wasn't like the rest. Something set him apart. Something hidden deep inside him.

Aden briefly thought about what he held most precious. A few images appeared in his mind. His family back on his earth, his realm, his sword, Saisei, Hakai, Breeze and Iroh, his memories, his powers. He wondered if any of those were what he held most precious. But when his mouth opened, Aden was left astonished. The words left his lips, ringing with honesty. They resonated with him so much he felt himself tear up at the thought of losing it.

"Me. I...hold myself as the most precious thing I have. Me and nothing else. I could lose my loved ones, the world could burn, my powers gone, my sword destroyed and my limbs cut off but as long as I am me, not corrupted, not controlled, not shackled then hope would remain. Hope that I have something despite the bleakness surrounding me. A will to brave the eternal void forever, as long as I am...Me."

The statement shook everyone present. Their view on the human instantly changed. Such was the strength of the young mortal boy standing infront of them. A strength not born out of the codependence all creatures of emotions seemed to share, but one born out of an altruistic selfishness that was so relatable and endearing. Aden actually won a few fans due to that.

(General P.O.V)

In the DEEP reaches of space, The Sto-a star system located in Sector 0, Oa calmly floated in place. It was the home of the Green Lantern corps, housing the Central Power Battery.

For a brief second the emerald green shining forth from the core of the Central Power Battery flashed an Aqua blue color before reverting to it's former color. It was so brief, most would have thought they'd imagined it. All the rings connected to the Will emotional spectrum failed for a few split seconds, not enough to make a difference but enough to leave one sole Green Lantern dead from am attack in the Kalium Sector in a fight against a mysterious foe.

As was protocol, the ring escaped his finger, leaving his floating body in space before shooting off into one direction. The trajectory was aimed at finding a new successor...but something was different this time. The ring was not headed towards a life form, the ring was headed towards a vortex of strange energy.

In the planet Odym, A grey skinned figure dressed in a blue costume displaying the symbol of the blue Lanterns, floated serenely in place. His legs were set in a cross legged position and his eyes closed in meditation. The central power battery behind him seemed to briefly pulse in a different color and this roused Saint Walker.

He looked out into space in contentment.

"And so, hope blooms anew, ushering in an era of change."

In the planet Ookara, Larfreeze was throwing an angry tantrum.

"Mine!!! Mine!!! Mine!!!"

He shouted, trying to use a construct to block the wave of energy resonating out into space. The energy rapidly rippled and and escaped from the sole Orange Lantern to disappear towards the void, leaving Larfreeze feeling very aggrieved and promising retribution to the thief.

All these incidents went unnoticed by most. The sole reason why they happened was still reeling from the statements that had come out of his mouth. The Truth that he'd never thought he could utter, yet all of it was unfiltered.

Neron's laugh was boisterous.

"Good! That's more like it. If you are to lose this challenge, I choose you as the prize."

Aden ground his teeth. He now understood why Neron had asked him that question. It wasn't that he particularly needed Aden's powers or abilities, no, this was to ensure that he made Aden suffer for disrupting his plans.

Aden closed his eyes and called on his inner fire. He ran it throughout his system to filter out the negativity. The warmth underneath his skin was comforting enough that he even forgot where he was. He centered himself and when he opened his eyes, his determination was undeterred. To avoid losing himself, Aden guessed he would have to beat the crap out of whoever the opponent for the first challenge was then move on and complete the last two challenges as well. Neron narrowed his eyes, he had expected to break the human's spirit but if anything, his resolve seemed much stronger.

Lady Blaze looked on in appreciation, the boy just grew more and more interesting to her. Lucifer's lips turned up in a small smile whole gazing down at the young man he had come to like. Aden truly thrived in conflict and Lucifer could not wait to see how far he would advance.

"The first challenge shall commence immediately. Are you all ready?!"

Lucifer riled them up.

The crowds of demons chanted and shouted in loud voices that would have burst the ears of normal humans.

"Good, then we shall move this to an appropriate arena." He snapped his fingers and the surroundings changed. Aden blinked his eyes and found himself standing in a sand filled stadium with numerous seats surrounding him from all sides. The seats were only occupied by high ranking Demons and dukes and on one side, 4 huge thrones were placed strategically. Offering the ones seated on them the best view of the activity about to happen.

This was the first time Aden had ever stood so close before the Demon Lords and the power coming off of them was simply astonishing. His skin felt pricked by their passive aura alone. The Hell Lords also stared at him in different emotions. Neron was eager and impatient to torture Aden, for the perceived insult, Beelzebub was curious to see how Aden would stack against Neron's chosen champion, Azazel couldn't care less and only saw this for what it was, a move by Lucifer. He was already thinking of countermeasures incase the boy actually won and Lady Blaze was studying him up close in a way that made Aden particularly uncomfortable.

He would have even been more uncomfortable if he'd known that she was looking for a consort.

"Neron, who do you choose as your champion for the first challenge?"

Lucifer's voice rang out. Aden trailed the source and found him standing before a more massive and grander throne set above the Hell-Lords.

Neron simply stood up, running his eyes through the gathered high ranked demons.

"I choose...Agog to represent me in the first battle. Anyone else would be too overkill for this pest."

His arrogant words were accompanied by a loud cheer from the hoard. The Avatar paid them no heed, content to keep silent in quiet confidence. They would soon find out who they were fucking with anyway.

The horn in Aden's hands disappeared into his hammer space and Equity appeared in its place. He twirled it just as the huge bars to the arena opened up to allow Agog in. Aden knew this fight was probably going to be the hardest fight he had ever been engaged in. Already, he could feel the Ancient Laws working to restrict all the rest of his powers. The compulsion felt iron clad and something he couldn't break out of. Not alone. Maybe with the help of the Avatar State but with the mission difficulty set as it was, that was not likely going to happen, so he really was all alone.

Agog stopped before him, his lance dipped low, silent and waiting. Aden adopted his own stance, following instinct given to him by Equity on how to hold it in its shirt sword form. The two fighters stared at each other. Eyes clashing in mid air.

"Begin!"