Expulsion of Dimensional Lord! Magik, Not Illyana

Velasco cannot be killed right now because he still holds the authority of the dimension.

Combined with the power of the ancient gods, eliminating him is an incredibly difficult task.

The best course of action would be to first absorb all the energy in the Limbo Realm. Without energy, Limbo Hell cannot sustain Velasco, making resurrection impossible. The power of the ancient gods alone is not enough to prevent his death.

As the saying goes, "Distant water cannot quench immediate thirst."

However, the current issue is that Aaron wants to establish Limbo as an outpost while avoiding the attention of lords from other dimensions.

Otherwise, it could trigger a meeting of Hell Lords, leading to an overwhelming attack.

At his current strength, Aaron cannot challenge multiple Dimensional Lords, so he has to rely on strategy.

He considers using interdimensional exile to banish Velasco elsewhere, solving the problem gradually.

But the challenge now is finding a suitable exile location within a different space. Ideally, it should be somewhere he is familiar with, which means outside the dimension, in the real universe.

Finding such a space is no easy task.

Wait!

Perhaps the Pocket Space could work!

Aaron recalls the linked space within his body. He has never attempted to bring living beings into it before, but theoretically, since it is a distinct space indistinguishable from the external dimension, it should be possible to contain one or two living creatures.

Still, he's uncertain.

Although that space belongs solely to him, it was not created by him. He has not infused his consciousness into it, transforming it into a Dimensional Lord-like dimension, meaning he cannot control it with absolute precision.

He cannot reshape the space based on the physical rules governing ordinary dimensional lords.

"Let's test it first."

Aaron steps toward the restrained Velasco and attempts to absorb him into the Pocket Space.

But Velasco, sensing something, struggles violently in resistance.

Aaron frowns—if Velasco keeps resisting, the plan won't work.

So, he changes tactics. Summoning his magic, Aaron conjures a golden circular portal behind Velasco.

Through the portal, a special area brimming with golden energy is visible.

Aside from the energy, the space is utterly silent.

"Is this my Pocket Space?"

Aaron carefully observes. Though there isn't much to see, he envisions its potential. Given time and effort, this space could grow into something as vast as other dimensions—or even rival the real universe!

Velasco continues to struggle, but in his restrained state, resistance is futile.

Aaron kicks him straight into the Pocket Space.

Without entering himself, Aaron bombards Velasco from outside the portal.

Deprived of Limbo's energy, Velasco burns through his remaining reserves, resurrecting a few times before being reduced to mere survival strength.

With the task complete, Aaron turns his attention elsewhere.

"Ancient One, are you coming out now?"

At that moment, the Ancient One's soul form emerges.

She gazes curiously at the unfamiliar Otherworld.

"Is this a new dimension?"

Aaron nods.

He had sensed Ancient One's arrival earlier, but while battling Velasco, he had neither the time nor the need to acknowledge her presence.

As for exposing his strength?

That was never a concern.

His power grows at an extraordinary pace—who could truly grasp its limits?

Even Aaron himself doesn't know the full extent of his abilities when going all out.

Nor does he know how much stronger he'll become in the coming years.

"Are you planning to become a Dimensional Lord?"

After briefly surveying the new space, Ancient One turns her inquisitive gaze toward Aaron.

"If I do, will you stop me from entering the real universe?" Aaron asks with curiosity.

Becoming a Dimensional Lord would mean permanently leaving the real universe. If he ever wanted to return, he would likely face resistance from Kamar-Taj.

"Yes—but also no."

Ancient One nods solemnly. "But we can still cooperate, can't we?"

She doesn't mind if Aaron chooses to abandon his physical form and incarnate as a Dimensional Lord.

But she will not neglect her duties.

Kamar-Taj's mission is clear.

Regardless of whether a Dimensional Lord is chaotic, friendly, or neutral, none are permitted to enter the real universe.

Their existence is simply too overwhelming.

Even if they have no intention of causing destruction, merely traversing reality in their true forms could trigger unimaginable disasters.

However, they are allowed to project avatars.

Kamar-Taj isn't inflexible—they do not see all Dimensional Lord as enemies.

"Well, I thought our relationship would earn me a backdoor entry," Aaron jokes. "Guess not."

Ancient One remains serious.

"What are you planning next? The disappearance of a Dimensional Lord isn't unusual, but if Velasco vanishes, it will attract attention."

Her expression turns grave.

Although Velasco's strength is comparable to an average Dimensional Lord, his position is highly significant.

Ordinary dimensional lords die all the time, often without anyone bothering to investigate.

The multiverse is vast—far too many dimensions exist to track them all.

Dimensional Lords frequently wage war against one another, with the strong devouring the weak to expand their dominions.

Rumors even speak of an Outer Dimensional demon who has destroyed at least a thousand dimensions.

The deaths of lesser dimensional lords are rarely worth remembering.

At most, their fall serves as a testament to the conqueror's power before the world moves on.

But Velasco is different.

Limbo is a special place.

If something happens here, many will take notice.

"I'm going to change Limbo's ruler," Aaron states.

"Him?"

Ancient One does not believe Aaron intends to replace Velasco himself—if that were the case, he would have simply killed Velasco outright.

After all, killing Velasco would automatically grant Aaron the throne.

But since he chose not to, it's clear he has another plan.

The most likely candidate for Limbo's throne?

Illyana—the girl who fought Aaron earlier.

She is unique, with many hidden depths.

"She's in bad shape," Ancient One observes.

Illyana remains in a demonic state, still lost in the effects of Velasco's magic.

When approached, she snarls like a beast, instinctively warning them to stay away.

"The ancient black magic Velasco wielded is too corrupting—her soul has been permanently damaged."

"I can sense the gaps in her soul, the demonic energy that cannot be expelled."

"The dark energy has irreversibly eroded her body as well."

"Pulling her back from the abyss is nearly impossible."

After examining her, Ancient One confirms her condition.

"No, I need her as she is," Aaron counters, stepping closer.

Even if he had the ability to restore Illyana's body and soul, he likely wouldn't.

A secret weapon is useful. Illyana, as she was before, is not.

Her mutant ability—teleportation—is valuable but not significant enough for Aaron to place her on the throne.

He is not a benevolent savior. He will not save her merely because she is a woman or because they have just met.

He needs a chess piece—a useful one. And in her current form, Illyana fits that role.

She could infiltrate the Dimensional Lord gatherings and provide him with a steady flow of intelligence.

"You can bring her back to her senses, can't you?" Aaron asks Ancient One, fully expecting an affirmative.

He has not yet mastered all of Kamar-Taj's magic, and most of his time has been dedicated to learning other arts.

Ancient One nods. "I can stabilize her, but are you sure she's strong enough to rule Limbo? Many demons will covet her throne."

"However, she has potential. If she had encountered white magic earlier, she might have become a formidable white magician."

Aaron shakes his head.

"Her abilities go far beyond that."

Aaron shook his head.

Illyana's experience had been horrific. Her soul had been cruelly distorted and fragmented into bloodstones.

This corruption caused her to easily slip into violent, demonic tendencies.

However, if she could master both white and black magic, she would be able to neutralize their opposing forces and gain even greater power.

Aaron flipped his hand, and a large number of crimson gemstones appeared in his palm.

These were the bloodstones Velasco had created from Illyana's soul.

If all five were gathered, they could be used to summon the Old Gods into this world.

"What is this? Such an evil aura! I can sense the presence of a soul," Ancient One remarked, her expression turning slightly grim.

Aaron said nothing. Instead, he extended his hand toward Illyana, allowing her to bite him.

Before she could close her mouth, he quickly stuffed a bloodstone inside.

The bloodstone was massive and radiated dark energy. Illyana, in her current state, seemed far too small to swallow it.

However, in her demonized form, her resilience was astonishing.

She devoured it effortlessly.

For a moment, she appeared dazed.

Ancient One observed in surprise. "Is this… her missing soul?"

"Yes. I need her to be whole again."

Aaron nodded, though he was still perplexed by Ancient One's uncertainty.

Logically, she should have known about the existence of the Secret Guest through the Time Stone.

Yet, she didn't seem to.

At that moment, Ancient One summoned white magic and began purging the dark energy lingering in Illyana's mind.

Her brows furrowed. "She is not from our universe. She must have come from a parallel one."

Aaron narrowed his eyes.

"With Velasco's strength, he shouldn't have been able to cross into another parallel universe. Unless… something unusual happened in Kamar-Taj of another reality," Ancient One speculated.

"But that shouldn't be possible. Could it be part of the Old Gods' plan?"

Considering Velasco's origins, she quickly reached a conclusion.

The Old Gods.

Though they had long been banished from the real universe by the God-Eater and forced to reside in the endless dimensions, their ambitions to return had never faded.

Some parallel universes had already fallen under their influence.

For beings of their magnitude, abducting someone from another universe would not be difficult.

Hearing this, Aaron finally understood why Ancient One had been unaware.

The Old Gods had crafted the bloodstones in this universe to avoid interference from Illyana's original universe.

But they had not accounted for one thing—Aaron.

He had arrived in Limbo and disrupted Velasco's plans.

If the Old Gods realized this, would they erupt in rage and seek vengeance?

She found herself in the depths of her memories—the place she longed for yet feared to recall.

She once had a family.

A family that was part of a great league.

But they carried a genetic curse. Some called it a devil's malediction, while others deemed it a god's blessing.

Her lineage possessed abilities that existed only in myths.

Illyana had often wondered what power she would awaken. She had even pondered the true origin of their gifts.

Then, one day, a demon came and shattered her peaceful life.

A terrifying, red-skinned creature with only one remaining left hand seized her.

Illyana struggled, desperate to return home, to seek protection from her family.

But she failed.

Guided by a sinister force, she was dragged into a place called Hell.

From that moment on, she believed herself to be cursed—not merely by demons, but as a child of the devil himself.

Time passed.

Her body changed.

She became a demon.

The creature who had captured her told her so.

"You are the child of the devil. A born demon."

Under his command, she began learning powerful and forbidden magic.

At first, she resisted the teachings of black magic.

But the demon forced her to embrace it.

"Magic will make you stronger. It will help you see your true self," he had told her.

Eventually, Illyana learned his true identity.

He was Velasco—lord of the Border of Hell.

A mighty dimensional lord, renowned and feared.

Illyana feared him too.

Yet, she came to believe his words.

She was no longer human.

She was a demon.

Until the day an unexpected visitor arrived at the Border of Hell.

A white magician.

A man wielding unfathomable abilities.

He had come to challenge Velasco.

Though Illyana had long accepted her demonic nature, a buried fragment of humanity whispered that she must stop this man.

If she failed, the consequences would be unthinkable.

But then…

She lost control.

In her final recollection, she saw Velasco dying—again and again—at the hands of the white magician.

Illyana's eyes snapped open.

She was awake.

Looking up, she saw the white magician from her dreams.

Beside him stood a strange, bald woman.

Was this still a dream?

Illyana glanced down at herself.

Her demonic body was gone.

She had returned to human form.

In the distance, Velasco was trapped inside a strange space, muttering nonsensically.

He looked insane.

Yes—he was insane.

The once-invincible Dimensional Lord had been utterly defeated.

His mind had shattered, leaving him a hollow shell capable only of mindless ramblings.

And she…

She had become a prisoner of the man who had defeated him.

Panic surged through Illyana.

She had no idea what fate awaited her.

After all, she was still just a girl.

Though she had learned to wield power and suppress demons, her years in Hell had made her distrustful of strangers.

And this man had defeated Velasco!

But the disaster she feared never came.

Instead, the strange man smiled at her.

It was a warm smile—like sunlight, touching upon distant memories.

"Illyana," he said gently, "do you wish to become my disciple? To take your place as the new Queen of the Limnbo?"

What?

Queen?

Illyana's mind reeled.

What was he talking about?

Was he really offering to take her as his apprentice?

Ancient One withdrew her hand, shaking her head.

"When I awakened her, I also unlocked her memories. But it seems she has yet to fully accept them. She is still uncertain about her true identity."

"It will take time."

Aaron nodded.

"There's no rush. As long as Velasco's aura hasn't completely faded, the other Dimensional Lords won't dare to intrude."

"And the Old Gods… they're probably still trying to figure out what happened to Velasco."

Aaron knew how the Dimensional Lord thought.

Even though Velasco wasn't among the most powerful dimensional lords, he was still formidable within his own domain.

Even if figures like Faith suspected something was wrong, they wouldn't act rashly.

And Aaron was right.

Some Dimensional Lords had already noticed the changes in Limbo.

But none dared to intervene.

Meanwhile, the Old Gods had begun to take notice.

Deep within the endless dimensions—

In a place known as The Flickering Field—

One of the most feared Old Gods stirred.

A being who embodied the essence of black magic itself.

Chton.