Chapter 3.2: Persevere and Interfere

Lucifer explained, "You see, they're here to help with lifting tons of sacks of flower seeds, as well as to accompany us on our journey."

Jophiel nodded in understanding. "Hmm, okay, that would be great. I never thought demons would also help with things related to humans."

Lucifer replied with a hint of amusement, "Well, consider it an exception. Besides, why don't you call up some of your fellow archangels and suggest they offer some assistance as well?"

Jophiel sighed softly, her gaze momentarily turning towards the heavens. "I don't want to disturb them. Michael is heavily involved in the 'Restoration' plan with the angels and priests, working to encourage the departed souls to be reborn as Christians. This way, we hope to save Daleth, or should I say Netherus."

The distant sound of a train's horn brought their attention back to the present moment. Their journey was about to begin. 

The train was now in motion, steadily chugging along the tracks, carrying its passengers towards their destination. Jophiel and Ennemond settled into their seats, relieved that their journey had finally begun.

"Looks like we're about to depart," Jophiel remarked with a smile.

She turned to Lucifer and asked, "Could you help Granpabi with his baggage?"

Lucifer smiled warmly, his eyes filled with kindness. "Of course."

With a gentle nod, Lucifer took Ennemond's baggage and followed the elderly man into the train. Jophiel followed suit, and the three of them entered the fourth carriage. As they settled into their seats, the train gradually picked up speed.

Unbeknownst to them, Diane had managed to catch up to the train. She ran alongside it and, with a daring leap, managed to grab onto the back of the train. Swiftly, she opened the door and incapacitated the conductor, rendering him unconscious.

Diane began making her way through the carriages, attracting curious and bewildered gazes from the passengers. Meanwhile, Beelzebub, Asmodeus, and Leviathan were alert to her approach. Beelzebub communicated with the others through the beetles he had given them, relaying Diane's proximity.

"She's here," Beelzebub warned.

"Fifty meters away," he added.

Lucifer contemplated the situation for a moment before issuing his command. "You know what to do. But let's not create a scene inside. We don't want the archangel to suspect that Diane is hunting us. And, most importantly, we must avoid causing harm to innocent passengers."

The three demons nodded in agreement, each understanding their role in this delicate situation.

As Diane approached their carriage, Asmodeus swiftly intervened. He manipulated the man sitting next to her and convinced him to prevent her from entering the next carriage.

"Ma'am, you really shouldn't be entering this carriage," the man insisted.

Diane, unaccustomed to resistance, challenged him. "Who are you to command me, fragile one?"

Meanwhile, Beelzebub, hidden within his beetles, executed his plan. He used the beetles to open the back door of the train. As it swung open, Leviathan cast an invisible spell, ensuring that their actions remained unnoticed.

Before Diane could react, Asmodeus intervened once more. He forced her out of the carriage and onto the train platform. Confused and disoriented, Diane found herself thrown into the forest.

With impeccable teamwork, Beelzebub and Leviathan acted swiftly. Beelzebub applied his Horned Dung Beetle chain to immobilize Diane, while Leviathan submerged her in a nearby water pond to restrict her movements.

"You have nothing to lose now, Diane," Beelzebub remarked coldly.

Diane grunted and struggled, but her efforts were in vain against the formidable restraints they had placed upon her. 

As Diane struggled against her restraints, Beelzebub cautioned her, "The more you struggle, the more you'll get drowned. So I suggest you stay put. I'm sure Leviathan has control over the water."

Diane acknowledged Beelzebub's warning with a nonchalant "Hmm."

Curiosity piqued, Beelzebub couldn't help but inquire, "May I ask where you got that unusual strength back there?"

Diane responded cryptically, "The only one who knows where it came from is her."

Asmodeus, eager to learn more, asked, "Who's 'her'?"

Diane's lips curled into a mocking smile. "So she didn't tell you? That's a shame."

Beelzebub, contemplating the situation, pressed further. "Is this what Lilith is doing?"

Diane shrugged indifferently. "Who knows? Why don't you ask her?"

Beelzebub touched his head, deep in thought. "If only the king's power didn't disappear, this would end quickly."

Diane's curiosity was piqued. "Wait... Lucifer's power is gone?!"

Beelzebub responded matter-of-factly, "Maybe you're not deaf enough to not clearly hear it."

Diane fell silent, her mind racing as she processed this revelation.

Leviathan then suggested, "Asmodeus, why don't you try reading her mind so that we can understand her true motives regarding Lucifer and the archangel?"

With a nod, Asmodeus activated his power, the Sin of Lust: Manipulate of Desire. As his hand touched Diane's forehead, he expected to glean her thoughts and intentions. However, he was met with an unexpected sight.

Instead of Diane's thoughts, he saw only darkness, until a pair of glowing red eyes materialized within. The eyes belonged to Lilith, and she addressed Asmodeus with a sinister greeting.

"Fancy meeting you, Asmodeus," Lilith taunted.

Perplexed, Asmodeus questioned her, "Why are you the one appearing in Diane's mind, and not hers?"

Lilith's voice oozed with malevolence as she explained, "As you see, Sin of Lust, I don't want you to interrupt my plan. It's necessary to eliminate anyone who stands in the way, even you, my fellow arch-demons."

Her ominous words hung in the air, leaving a sense of foreboding in the minds of Beelzebub, Asmodeus, and Leviathan as they grappled with the implications of Lilith's presence in Diane's thoughts.

Asmodeus, his curiosity piqued, couldn't help but ask, "What plan?"

Lilith, still appearing in Diane's mind, responded cryptically, "It's classified."

Frustrated and unwilling to let her escape without answers, Asmodeus hastily retorted, "Well then, catch you later."

However, before he could get any more information, Asmodeus suddenly collapsed to the ground, leaving Beelzebub and Leviathan bewildered.

Beelzebub hurriedly approached Diane, suspicions mounting. "So Lilith sent you here. To do what? Get Lucifer back to Hell or kill the archangel?"

Diane, struggling against the deepening water, gasped for breath. "Now I know why you have that Arch Demon strength of yours."

Leviathan continued to manipulate the water, causing Diane to drown slowly, as Beelzebub pressed her for answers.

Diane protested vehemently, "Wait! It's not what you think!"

Beelzebub, his demonic aura intensifying, demanded, "Then tell us your motive!"

Desperation crept into Diane's voice as she explained, "I just want to warn Lucifer that Lilith wants to bring her back to Hell and is plotting something against him."

Leviathan, perplexed by her conflicting motivations, inquired, "Then why did you try to kill the archangel earlier?"

Diane clarified, "I wasn't meant to kill her. That knife was enchanted to put her to sleep temporarily so that I could get Lucifer far away, and..."

Beelzebub prodded for more information. "And what?"

Diane hesitated for a moment before revealing her true intentions. "I'll make him mine."

Leviathan, trying to make sense of the situation, questioned her further. "Wait, I don't understand. Lilith commands you to bring Lucifer back to Hell, and now you want Lucifer for yourself?"

Diane replied defiantly, "I know, and I don't care. As long as it's necessary to keep Lucifer away from her, it would be enough."

The Arch Demons, caught in the midst of this intricate situation, continued their conversation with Diane as they sought to gather more information.

Diane inquired about the relationship between the archangel and Lucifer, asking, "And also, is that archangel and Lucifer, hanging out?"

Beelzebub explained, "That's the only thing we don't know, but according to our king's statement… he's playing along so that the 'Domination' plan will be executed at the finest time."

Leviathan added, "Our king is unpredictable, so we just follow his orders."

Diane processed this information and then turned her attention to Beelzebub. "What's the plan, Beelzebub?"

Beelzebub pondered for a moment before responding, "Taking her back to Hell would not be the option for now…"

Leviathan and Asmodeus were skeptical of Beelzebub's decision. Asmodeus exclaimed, "Seriously?!"

Leviathan echoed his sentiment, "How can we trust this enamored-devil?"

Beelzebub reassured his fellow Arch Demons, "Rest assured, brothers."

With a firm grip, Beelzebub confronted Diane and issued a warning, "Just show an awful motive, Diane, and you will know what the Arch Demon truly is," his eyes filled with a menacing, demonic intensity.

Diane quickly complied, and Beelzebub released her, allowing her to catch her breath.

"First," Beelzebub announced, "we will take over Diane's Arch Demon strength."

The three Arch Demons initiated a ritual, sealing Lilith's Arch Demon strength within Beelzebub's small urn bug. Once the ritual was complete, they removed Diane from the water and unchained her.

Diane, eager to prove herself, asked cautiously, "We're good now, right?"

Beelzebub, maintaining his vigilance, responded sternly, "Not until you're no longer making motives. We have our eye on you, especially me."

Diane nodded in agreement, saying, "Understood."

Leviathan shifted the focus back to their mission, suggesting, "We should chase the train."

As the train journey continued, the tension among the passengers remained palpable. Diane sat on one side, her thoughts consumed by envy and uncertainty. She couldn't help but observe Lucifer and Jophiel, who were seated together with Ennemond by the window. Jophiel had drifted into slumber, leaning gently on Lucifer's shoulder, an image that stirred a sense of longing within Diane.

"They look good together, somehow," Diane mused, her gaze fixed on the sleeping pair. She pondered the implications of an angel and a devil becoming infatuated with each other. The complexity of their situation weighed heavily on her mind.

Diane reflected further, acknowledging her role as a clone of Lilith. She was entrusted with a mission to kill the archangel and bring Lucifer back to Hell, but she couldn't decipher Lilith's true motives. Doubt clouded her thoughts as she considered the potential consequences of her actions.

"I must prevent that," Diane resolved, her determination clear. "In order to save Lucifer and make him mine."

As Lucifer prepared to wake up Jophiel and Ennemond for lunch, he reached for the lunch pack in Jophiel's luggage. To his surprise, he noticed Diane sitting next to them, silently watching. A sudden alarm coursed through him, and he instinctively glanced back at the three arch demons.

Beelzebub, Asmodeus, and Leviathan exchanged subtle signals, assuring Lucifer that the situation was under control. They urged him to proceed without panic.

Jophiel, ever the welcoming host, spotted Diane and greeted her with a warm smile. "If it isn't Diane!" she exclaimed. "Care to join us for lunch?"

At first, Diane hesitated, but a subtle nudge from Beelzebub encouraged her to accept. "No, thank you," she initially replied but then reconsidered. "Alright, I'll take it," she said more modestly.

Jophiel graciously handed over some food to Diane, saying, "Okay, here you go!"

"Thank you," Diane replied, and Jophiel responded with a warm, "You're welcome!"

Ennemond invited the three Arch Demons to join them for lunch, recognizing the importance of nourishment during their long train ride. Lucifer nodded in agreement, signaling to his companions to accept the offer.

As they sat down to eat, Ennemond's curiosity got the better of him, and he inquired about their origins.

"So, where did you three come from?" Ennemond asked, his tone laced with interest.

Leviathan began to respond, "We're from He—"

"They're from Gallia, Mr. Ennemond," Lucifer interjected, diverting the conversation. Ennemond nodded in understanding.

Ennemond's curiosity persisted, and he couldn't help but question what had transpired earlier during the sea rescue.

"But what happened back there, in the time when I saw you floating in the sea?" he inquired.

Beelzebub started to explain, "I shot the halberd, and he's the one who flew to cover the archang—"

Lucifer interrupted with a chuckle, his secrets still shrouded in mystery.

Lucifer quickly crafted a plausible story to explain their situation to Ennemond, simplifying the truth of their origins. He spoke of a shipwreck caused by a massive storm that led to their unfortunate separation, omitting any mention of their celestial or demonic nature.

Ennemond expressed sympathy for their predicament, understanding the hardship of being separated from companions at sea. He remarked, "Now I know why you call yourself a Demon Lord... you've experienced trauma back there."

Beelzebub couldn't resist adding a teasing remark but was swiftly silenced by Lucifer's forceful kick. Ennemond, however, remained understanding and forgiving, saying, "It's alright! I can handle that."

He went on to share some positive news, mentioning that Nazareth was now safe as the angels had won the war, ensuring that no devils roamed the Earth any longer.

As Jophiel observed the interaction between Lucifer and his fellow Arch Demons, she couldn't help but feel a sense of complexity and mystery surrounding them, raising questions about their true identities and intentions. 

As the train continued its journey, the atmosphere inside took on a complex mix of emotions and uncertainties. Diane decided to visit the bathroom, and to her surprise, she encountered Jophiel there. The archangel smiled warmly at her, but Diane, feeling a bit overwhelmed, quickly avoided eye contact. Jophiel found Diane's reaction rather adorable and couldn't help but smile at her shyness.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the carriage, Lucifer and the three Arch Demons discussed the recent events, particularly the revelation that Lilith was behind much of the chaos. Lucifer contemplated the idea of inheriting Lilith's Arch Demon strength to return to Hell and confront her.

However, he couldn't help but express his frustration, saying, "Even if I have the Arch Demon's Strength, it's pointless. Until now, I haven't had my wings back." Beelzebub suggested using Lilith's strength to return to Hell, but Lucifer remained undecided, lost in thought as the wind breezed through the train. 

As the train continued its journey, Leviathan suddenly noticed something was amiss. The train's movement slowed, and the wind outside intensified, turning into a raging hurricane-like winter storm. The force of the storm was so strong that it caused some of the train cars to snap away, sending passengers into a state of panic.

The train conductor quickly made an announcement over the loudspeaker, instructing passengers to remain calm and stay seated as they were making an emergency stop to avoid accidents. Passengers exchanged worried glances and wondered why they hadn't been warned about the approaching storm.

One conductor expressed his confusion, saying, "What the heck is this? Why didn't they tell us there's a storm coming?" Another conductor added, "But the weird thing is, why is it winter? December is still too far away for this kind of weather."

The unexpected and unnatural storm had thrown the passengers into a state of uncertainty and fear as they waited for further instructions, unaware of the challenges they were about to face.

Lucifer and Jophiel exchanged worried glances as they discussed the sudden and unexpected winter storm that had engulfed the train. Jophiel explained how Ennemond was feeling the cold, and she had given him her coat to keep warm.

Concerned for her grandfather's well-being, Jophiel decided to go back and check on him. Ennemond reassured her, saying, "I'm okay, my dear. You don't have to worry about me." However, Jophiel insisted, making sure he stayed covered to combat the cold.

After ensuring her grandfather's comfort, Jophiel left to find Lucifer, who was deep in thought about the unusual weather phenomenon that had disrupted their journey. 

Lucifer suspected that Levistus, an Archduke of Hell known for his control over ice and cold, might be behind the unusual winter storm. He instructed Leviathan and Asmodeus to investigate the surroundings to see if there was any evidence of someone causing the storm, particularly Levistus himself.

As Leviathan and Asmodeus flew above the storm, they contemplated whether this could indeed be the work of Levistus and his infamous "Ice Storm." They focused their efforts on searching for any clues or signs that could confirm or refute this suspicion.After Leviathan checked the top of the hurricane, he didn't see a single soul; only an eye of the storm.

Leviathan and Asmodeus conducted a thorough search of the area but found no signs of Levistus or any other entity causing the unnatural winter storm. They reported their findings to Lucifer, expressing their doubts that Levistus could be responsible and suggesting that this might just be an unusual weather phenomenon.

Lucifer pondered the situation as the storm continued to rage. He realized that if the storm didn't stop, it would pose a significant obstacle to their journey to Anadem. The situation was becoming increasingly dire, and Lucifer knew he needed to find a solution quickly.

Asmodeus replied with a hint of amusement, "The thing here, sire, is the storm is diminutive, which covers the half away on the bridge of Bethlehem."

Lucifer couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of the situation. "What?" He shook his head in disbelief.

Jophiel, equally surprised, exclaimed, "Really?"

Lucifer, still amused, responded, "I've never thought that even the weather is as unpredictable as humans." He let out a sigh of exasperation. "Oh Father… is this really your so-called perfect creation?"

"Why don't we tell the conductor to roll on, in order to get past this weird storm?" suggested Jophiel, her concern evident.

Lucifer considered her proposal and responded, "The archangel is right, but I doubt the conductor will disagree on that."

Leviathan chimed in with a solution, "We have Asmodeus."

The Arch Demons had an ace up their sleeve in the form of Asmodeus, whose powers of persuasion could potentially convince the conductor to brave the unusual weather.

As Diane strolled inside the train, she happened to notice a man in a black suit outside, planting something suspicious on the bottom of the train. Concerned, she made a move to exit the train and investigate. However, before she could do so, a deafening explosion rocked the area, and the train lurched forward, accelerating at an alarming speed. Panic and fear swept through the passengers, manifesting in frantic screams.

The conductor desperately attempted to apply the brakes, but to no avail—the train continued hurtling forward uncontrollably. In response to the chaos unfolding before them, the three Arch Demons, Beelzebub, Leviathan, and Asmodeus, decided to exit the train in an effort to halt its runaway journey.

However, as they stepped outside, they were met with an onslaught of violent winds and raging storm conditions that made it impossible to maintain their footing. Eventually, they were forced to retreat back inside the train.

"I swear!" Beelzebub exclaimed, frustration evident in his voice. "This has Levistus's fingerprints all over it."

"We couldn't handle the train due to the strong breeze, which nearly swept us away," Beelzebub reported, frustration in his voice.

Asmodeus, growing impatient, suggested, "Why don't we unleash our true power? I'm ready for it."

Lucifer, however, maintained his composure and responded, "Calm down, my brothers. We need to devise a plan to stop this train and continue moving forward."

Inside the train, passengers continued to panic and scream, much to Lucifer's annoyance. He couldn't contain his frustration any longer. "Oh, bloody Hell!" he exclaimed. "Would you all stop wailing and panicking?!"

Jophiel, observing the scene, stepped in and remarked, "That's not going to work, Lucifer." 

Lucifer turned to Jophiel and said, "Let me calm them down and put them to sleep."

Jophiel extended her arms, creating an ethereal blue aura that enveloped the entire train. People inside started to doze off, and she gently placed each of them within a protective, floating barrier to ensure their safety in case of any further incidents. Lucifer couldn't help but be impressed by Jophiel's power, and he applauded her, joined by the Arch Demons.

Jophiel, surprised by the applause, responded modestly, "Really?"

Leviathan checked the last carriage of the train and found Diane attempting to fix the rail controller.

Leviathan remarked, "So are you a mechanic now?"

Diane defended herself, saying, "I'm just trying to help."

Leviathan sighed and inspected the controller. "I appreciate that, but it's no use. It's completely broken."

Diane looked concerned. "Then how do we stop this?"

Suddenly, the train jolted violently as it crossed a bridge, causing Leviathan to brace himself.

As the train hurtled forward towards the broken bridge, Lucifer seized the conductor's seat, determined to regain control. Beelzebub and Asmodeus remained outside, closely monitoring the train's movements.

Suddenly, a mysterious beam of energy materialized and struck both the train and the arch demons. They were momentarily incapacitated.

In the nick of time, as the train approached the edge of the crumbling bridge, Lucifer urgently commanded Beelzebub to use his Bug Seraphim form to lift the train to safety.

"Beelzebub, anytime now!" Lucifer shouted, his voice filled with urgency.

"On pursuit, your highness!" Beelzebub replied, determined to rescue the train and its passengers from the impending disaster.

Before the train reached the bridge, Lucifer, Beelzebub, and Asmodeus had managed to stabilize the situation temporarily. Inside the passenger cars, Jophiel's trance kept the passengers peacefully asleep, unaware of the impending danger.

Lucifer sat in the conductor's seat, trying to figure out a way to regain full control of the train. He knew that they had to find a solution quickly to avoid disaster.

Meanwhile, Beelzebub and Asmodeus watched the surroundings closely, scanning for any signs of the mysterious force that had been disrupting their progress. The landscape outside the windows was a blur as the train sped forward, making it challenging for them to identify any potential threats.

The tension inside and outside the train was palpable as they raced against time to reach the bridge safely.

As the train continued its high-speed journey, Lucifer couldn't help but feel a growing sense of unease. He knew that their current situation was far from ideal, and the looming uncertainty of what lay ahead weighed heavily on his mind.

Beelzebub and Asmodeus, with their keen demon senses, remained vigilant. Their eyes darted around, searching for any unusual disturbances in the surroundings. The train's windows rattled as they passed through the rapidly changing landscape, making it difficult to spot any anomalies.

Lucifer, now sitting at the control panel, began to assess the damage. The controls had been fried by the mysterious energy beam, rendering them useless. He cursed under his breath, frustrated by their inability to regain complete control.

Outside the train, the scenery raced by, a blur of colors and shapes. They were running out of time as the train hurtled toward the bridge. With each passing moment, the tension inside the cabin grew thicker, and the arch demons knew they needed a plan, and fast.

Suddenly, a strange sensation washed over them, a feeling of being watched from afar. Beelzebub and Asmodeus exchanged uneasy glances, their demonic instincts on high alert. They couldn't shake the unsettling feeling that they were not alone, that something or someone was observing their every move.

With the bridge approaching rapidly, their options were running out. Lucifer clenched his fists, determined to find a solution and ensure the safety of those aboard the train.

The train's wheels clattered against the tracks, and the deafening sound of the rushing wind filled the cabin. Inside, Jophiel, Ennemond, and Diane remained in their magically induced slumber, blissfully unaware of the chaos unfolding around them.

Lucifer continued to grapple with the unresponsive control panel. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he tried to figure out a way to regain control of the speeding train. It was a desperate race against time as they hurtled toward the damaged bridge.

Beelzebub and Asmodeus remained vigilant, scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger. The feeling of being watched grew stronger, like an ominous presence lurking just beyond their perception. They exchanged wordless communication, their instincts telling them that something was amiss.

Outside, the landscape had turned into a blur of colors and shapes, the world passing by in a chaotic whirlwind. The hurricane-like storm continued to rage, further complicating their situation. With the bridge now in sight, the arch demons knew they had to act fast.

Lucifer's mind raced, searching for a solution. Desperation gnawed at him, but he couldn't afford to give in to panic. He had faced countless challenges in his existence as the Demon Lord, but this one felt different. The safety of the archangel, Ennemond, and even Diane now rested on his shoulders.

As the edge of the damaged bridge drew nearer, a surge of determination washed over Lucifer. He glanced at Beelzebub and Asmodeus, their eyes reflecting the same resolve. With a final, desperate attempt, he reached out to the source of his remaining power, hoping to find the strength they needed to avert disaster.

And then, in a burst of dark energy, the arch demons sprang into action, ready to defy the odds and face whatever challenges lay ahead. The speeding train, the storm, and the mysterious presence would not deter them from their mission to protect those they cared for.

As the train teetered on the brink of disaster, Beelzebub's transformation into the Bug Seraphim had momentarily provided hope. He had lifted the train, attempting to carry it safely across the broken bridge. But then, as if from nowhere, a mysterious beam had lanced out and struck Beelzebub, causing him to lose consciousness.

The train slipped from Beelzebub's grasp, hurtling toward the churning ocean below. Panic rippled through Lucifer as he realized they were about to plummet into the icy waters. He had no time to react as the world spun around him.

But just as the train was about to make its fateful descent, salvation appeared in an unexpected form. Asmodeus, driven by his unwavering loyalty to Lucifer and their mission, dove headlong toward the falling train. His body moved with preternatural speed as he closed the gap between himself and the plummeting locomotive.