617

The Devil's Plan

Defeated in battle with Ghost Rider in San Vangaza, Wind Demon chose to betray Blackheart and escape alone without hesitation. Traitors are often more hated than enemies, and upon their reunion, Wind Demon naturally feared retaliation.

Having just barely survived the encounter with the Demon Hunter while still weak, Wind Demon realized escape might not be an option.

Backing away in horror, Wind Demon found himself cornered by Blackheart, who grabbed his neck and sneered, "Did you think my death absolved you of betrayal?"

"I apologize, Your Highness... No, Master!" Wind Demon quickly replied. "Master, I have been loyal to you from the beginning. What happened in battle was an accident!"

"Can loyalty include accidents?" Evil, pitch-black energy surged in Blackheart's palm, swiftly enveloping Wind Demon's body.

Though skilled at surviving, Wind Demon knew his former master possessed means to exact punishment.

"Then let's see if accidents can end your life!" Dark energy boiled suddenly, threatening to obliterate Wind Demon's existence like water sucked into a vacuum.

"No, Master! Please!" Wind Demon begged in terror. "I know a secret—a shocking revelation about Mephisto!"

At the mention of Mephisto, Blackheart and Doom, watching with cold eyes, both froze.

"What secret?" Doom inquired first.

Wind Demon hurriedly explained, "Mephisto intends to come to Earth!"

Blackheart scoffed, "That's no secret; Mephisto has always had avatars on Earth."

"It's not just any avatar, vulnerable and fragile," Wind Demon continued, "but a powerful new clone capable of unleashing Hell's power on Earth."

Blackheart frowned, considering the implications. "What does he plan to achieve?"

Wind Demon elaborated, "Mephisto has chosen a human woman to bear his child. This child, with human blood, avoids Earth's sanctions. At the same time, it carries Mephisto's blood—a suitable vessel for his new avatar."

"Soon, Mephisto will initiate his plan to descend upon Earth through this child, becoming a true Lord of Hell on Earth."

Blackheart fell silent, deep in thought. "How do you know all this?"

"I... After escaping San Vangaza, Mephisto approached me and... compelled me to serve him," Wind Demon hesitated, then admitted reluctantly, "against my will."

"Compelled?"

Wind Demon nodded fervently. "Yes, against my will, completely."

Blackheart remained silent.

If Wind Demon spoke true, his situation was dire. Should Mephisto arrive on Earth as a Lord of Hell, demonic offspring would likely be his first target.

Doom shared these concerns. Despite his failed attempts to thwart Mephisto, he had certainly left an impression.

Now reunited with Blackheart, a tacit agreement was reached almost instantly as both demanded, "Where is this child?"

Wind Demon disclosed, "In... the custody of Ghost Rider."

"Ghost Rider!" Blackheart's face darkened, then he composed himself. "Good timing, old scores and new will be settled together. Doom, will you assist me?"

"Indeed, Mephisto is our common enemy," Doom affirmed.

Wind Demon hesitated again. "Ghost Rider has a formidable ally—the Demon Hunter I mentioned earlier. He's even more terrifying than Ghost Rider himself and has unique abilities against demons."

"Demon Hunter?" Doom was intrigued. "I look forward to meeting him."

...

"We must take Danny to the church sanctuary on Prophecy Day to prevent disaster," Father Moru, driving the car, told Nadya and her son.

Curious, Danny asked, "Prophecy Day... Who prophesied?"

Moru glanced at him. "Jesus."

"What?" Nadya, taken aback, asked incredulously.

"After facing the Devil, is the existence of God still surprising?" Moru replied calmly. "This is what the elders told me. No one witnessed Jesus deliver the prophecy."

He turned to Johnny Blaze, who rode his motorcycle alongside. "Once we reach the church, I can help lift Ghost Rider's curse... but you must decide for yourself."

Johnny nodded silently.

They sped along the highway until Punisher suddenly frowned. His motorcycle braked sharply, screeching to a near stop, the noise echoing loudly.

"What's wrong, Frank?" Moru and Johnny halted quickly.

"The Devil is approaching," Punisher declared solemnly, dismounting his motorcycle and drawing two golden swords.

Johnny also frowned. "Indeed, I sense a demonic presence."

"Prepare for battle, against more than one demon," Hellfire erupted around him, transforming him into the Ghost Rider.

Moru drew a gun, eyeing Nadya and Danny anxiously in the backseat. "Stay put and don't move."

Nadya nodded, holding her son tightly.

Three figures emerged from the darkness, heading straight for Ghost Rider and Punisher: Blackheart clad in black, Wind Demon resembling a shawl-draped vagabond, and Victor Doom in a dark green cloak and metal mask, Ph.D.

"Ghost Rider, we meet again," Blackheart smiled faintly, then turned to Punisher. "Are you the Demon Hunter Wind Demon spoke of?"

"You're courting death, demon!" Punisher retorted coldly, tightening his grip on the golden sword.

Blackheart's smile dimmed slightly.

He sensed the danger emanating from Punisher—this man was more perilous than Ghost Rider. The Punisher had clearly anticipated his arrival early, akin to a tiger stalking its prey. He was indeed a true demon hunter.

"Dr. Doom, I leave the Demon Hunter to you," Blackheart said.

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