Chapter 117:
Lucy Morningstar led her Seven Deadly Sins through the vast halls of the Underworld, her gait smooth and confident, her expression determined. They reached a large obsidian gate engraved with ancient runes of powerful magic.
"This gate will lead us to the Shadow Realm," she explained. "A place of pure darkness, filled with negative energy. A realm created by my son's wife, where we will have absolute power."
"Yes, my lady," Pride replied, her crimson eyes gleaming.
"Very well," Envy murmured, a smirk tugging at her lips.
"Indeed," Sloth said, her eyes narrowed.
"We are ready, my lady," Wrath stated, her gaze sharp.
"I shall not fail you, my lady," Gluttony vowed.
"Anyone who harms Lord Noboru will be dealt with, my lady," Greed stated, her tone firm.
"I can't wait to see my Lord. My lady, do you think he has room for another in his harem?" Lust asked playfully.
"We will see. Now, let's go," Lucy commanded.
"Yes, my queen," the Seven Deadly Sins replied in unison as Lucy opened the gate to the Shadow Realm. The entire Underworld surged forward, stepping into the abyss.
"My lady, it's so dark," Sloth murmured.
"It's creepy here," Gluttony said.
"It's kind of hot too," Envy noted.
"Well, it is called the Shadow Realm," Pride retorted.
"Let's find my son," Lucy ordered, leading her army through the shadowed expanse.
"Yes, my lady," the Seven Deadly Sins responded as they followed their queen.
The Shadow Realm was vast and endless, an expanse of shifting darkness. Shadows coiled and writhed, forming shapes and figures that never truly solidified. It was not just the absence of light—it was a living, breathing void, the very essence of primordial darkness. And within it, a presence. Ancient. Boundless. Devouring.
Moving through the abyss felt like wading through an unseen current, unseen hands reaching out, tugging at them, trying to drag them into the void. But Lucy ignored it. This was her domain. She was not afraid.
Finally, they reached a clearing surrounded by twisted, blackened trees. In the center stood a towering obelisk, dark as midnight, humming with unearthly power. And before it, a lone figure cloaked in shadows.
Lucy's heart clenched. She knew that silhouette.
Without hesitation, she ran forward. "My baby boy!" she cried, her voice breaking with joy.
"Mama!" Noboru replied, his voice filled with warmth.
Lucy cupped his face, searching for any signs of harm. "My darling, how are you? Are you hurt? Have those bastards done anything to you?"
"I'm fine, Mama," Noboru reassured her, smiling. "I have been well, and I'm not hurt. But more importantly, how are you?"
"I'm fine, baby boy, I'm fine. As long as you're okay, I'm okay," Lucy whispered, tears of relief streaming down her face.
"I'm glad, Mama. I'm so glad," Noboru said, his arms wrapping tightly around her.
"Me too, baby boy. Me too," Lucy murmured, holding him close.
A soft cough broke the moment. Lucy turned to see three women standing behind Noboru—Ayumi, Yami, and Ayame.
"My lady, it's good to see you," Yami said, bowing her head.
"Yes, we missed you, Mother-in-law," Ayumi added with a smile.
"Indeed," Ayame said, her tone soft but warm.
Lucy smiled. "I missed you too, Ayame, Yami, and Ayumi."
"Thank you," the three women responded in unison before kneeling and bowing their heads in respect.
Lucy took a deep breath, regaining her composure. "Now, what's the plan? My army is ready."
Ayame stepped forward. "Greed, position the army. We're going to ambush that man's forces when he believes he has found Noboru and his wives alone."
"Yes, my lady," Greed acknowledged, disappearing into the darkness.
"Lucy-sama, may I ask a question?" Ayame inquired.
"Of course. What is it?" Lucy replied.
"Are you truly prepared for war against your son's father?" Ayame asked, her voice cautious.
Lucy's expression hardened. "I am. My son's safety is the only thing that matters."
"That's understandable. His safety is our priority," Yami affirmed.
"Indeed," Ayumi added with conviction.
Lucy exhaled, concern flickering in her eyes. "We have no idea what his father has planned."
"I don't care," Yami declared. "I would do anything for my Lord and husband."
"I agree with Lady Yami," Ayumi said without hesitation.
"As would I. Noboru-kun is my world," Ayame added.
Lucy straightened her posture. "Then let's prepare ourselves. It won't be long before his armies arrive. When they do, we will make them regret ever crossing us."
"Yes, my lady," Ayame responded.
"I can't wait," Yami said, her excitement barely contained.
"Nyaa~," Ayumi meowed playfully.
"We will protect our Noboru," Ayame vowed.
"No matter the cost," Lucy declared, her voice like steel.
"I agree," Yami and Ayumi said together.
"Noboru-kun, it's time to unveil your presence so your father can sense it. Then his army will come," Ayame instructed.
"Okay. Let's do this," Noboru said, determination settling in his gaze.
"We are all ready, my Lord," Yami stated.
"Let's rid ourselves of him, my Lord," Ayumi added.
Lucy placed a hand on Noboru's shoulder. "Don't worry. I will protect you, my darling."
"I know, Mama. Now, let's end this," Noboru said.
With that, he released his presence, no longer hiding his power. The air in the Shadow Realm thickened as his energy surged, making the very fabric of the realm tremble.
"He is coming, my Lord," Ayumi stated, her voice tense.
"Yes, he is," Yami agreed.
Lucy narrowed her eyes, her fingers curling into fists. "Get ready, everyone. We have no idea what his father has planned."
"I agree, my Lord," Ayame said, standing at the ready.
"Let's hope nothing goes wrong," Yami murmured.
Lucy's gaze burned with an unyielding fire. "I won't let anything happen to my baby boy."
"For Noboru," Ayame declared.
"For Lord Noboru," Yami echoed.
"Nyaa~ for honey," Ayumi chimed in, smiling at Noboru.
And so, they waited. The darkness trembled. The war was about to begin. They Golden lights beacons of them emerge as the lights died down to reveal many angels. Behind them was the feared 7 Arc Angels who are called the Seven Heavenly Kings and behind him was their creator, Noboru's father. The God himself Yahweh