Amon, the Host of the Nightmare, arrives at the Shadow Sect. The sect's guardian, Angry, prepares to fight but is stopped by Frey. Frey confronts Amon, who reveals he came only to speak with Frey and show him something. Amon pulls Frey into a simulation of a dead planet, revealing himself to be the Eleventh-ranked Archdemon and explaining that not all demons originate from Manus, the First Demon.
Amon emitted a soft chuckle. Meanwhile, Frey’s expression grew grim. "I am genuinely astonished that the whole world failed to comprehend something so evident…" "…No. Perhaps they did grasp it." "They simply abandoned the pursuit of the answer—because it lay beyond their understanding." Frey remained silent. Because Amon’s reasoning… was logical. If all demons originated from Manus—the ancient First Demon who had long since lost his power— Then where did Manus himself originate? Did he materialize from nothingness? Impossible. "Why…" Amon continued, "…were demons created in a manner that renders them inherently hostile to all life?" "We were designed to consume aura. To devour life essence. To obliterate every living entity in this world." "Why are we so formidable… to the extent that we alone can confront all other races?" He posed several questions consecutively— Before pausing briefly. Then providing the answers himself. "Because demons were fabricated." "Forged… for that precise objective." "To annihilate all existence in this world." His voice deepened. "…Under her directive." "You—" Frey interjected abruptly. His composure visibly fractured. "What are you even talking about?" His tone was heavy. Amon turned his gaze back to Frey, his expression now grave. "She is the architect of every demon's current form." "She is the source of this ingrained animosity." "The instigator of all this devastation." "Who?" Frey demanded, his patience evaporating. "Who are you referring to? Who is she?!" Amon merely offered a shrug. "I have no knowledge of that." "My understanding does not extend that far." "…What?" With a nonchalant flick of his hand... A different scene materialized. "I am not a typical demon." "I am certain you have already discerned this, one way or another." Around them— A figure emerged. Maskith, the eccentric scholar, engrossed in one of his experiments. "I was brought into existence by him… by Maskith." "When he sought to replicate her actions." "He endeavored to mimic her… and failed countless times." "And I—" "I was his solitary success." Amon’s smile contorted subtly. "And even that 'success' proved to be a deficiency." "Because he did not create me from nothingness." "He constructed me based upon my sibling—Crimson." "Which merely demonstrated the limitations of his capabilities… in contrast to her." "I overheard him speak of her frequently." "That is the origin of my insights." "In Helkmond… some speculate I was designed to serve as a conduit for Agaroth." "Enabling him to break free from Nameless's constraints." "However, that is not accurate." "I existed long before Agaroth and Nameless ever clashed." Amon's voice grew more intense. "I possess wisdom exceeding that of others." "And a forbidden power resides within me… that surpasses even them, Frey Starlight." "The conflict you are determined to wage has no conclusion." "No matter how many demons you vanquish… how many you eliminate…" "More will emerge." "Believe it or not—" "We are merely constructs that can be manufactured… reproduced… with absolute ease." "Without the slightest impediment." A short interlude of silence ensued. "Yield," Amon stated softly. "Accompany me to Hellmond." "Confront the King." "Accept whatever destiny he decrees for you." "That represents the most advantageous course of action you can pursue." He calmly closed his eyes after uttering these words. As for Frey— He remained motionless. Paralyzed for several moments... A maelstrom of thoughts churned within his mind. Externally— He betrayed no emotion. Maintaining his composure. But his intellect… Moved with unparalleled speed. 'Her…? Who is she? Who… birthed the demons? Maskith created Amon… but solely because he attempted to emulate her…' 'Is he speaking truth? Or deception?' 'What connection does Agaroth have to all of this?' 'Is Agaroth even a demon in the first place…?' 'I brought him into being… or at least, that is the accepted narrative.' Unconsciously— Frey lifted a hand to his face. The entire situation had become convoluted. Then, suddenly— His eyes widened. Enlightenment dawned. "You…" "The reason you are divulging all of this…" "…the reason you are imparting this knowledge to me…" Frey gritted his teeth. "This is your method… of extending compassion?" At that precise moment— Amon reopened his eyes. But this time… A distinctly altered quality resided within them. Palpable hostility. Overpowering intent to kill. "Precisely so, Frey Starlight." "Surrender peacefully and journey with me to Hellmond." "Or I shall annihilate you… and every vestige of life on this forsaken planet."
His declaration carried a substantial weight behind it—
As if the outcome of his victory was a foregone conclusion.
As if the battle had already reached its end.
That harbinger of death was immediately met with a forceful response.
Frey's entire being ignited—
Countless streams of dark, black-hole-like aura and a blazing inferno of soulfire erupted simultaneously.
"You're showing me leniency…"
"As though you possess superiority over me."
Frey began to advance deliberately.
"Then come forth."
"Obliterate me… and bring ruin to every soul on this planet, as you so boldly proclaimed."
"And in return for such an act…"
"I shall annihilate you with every ounce of my being."
"Once my reckoning with you is complete…"
"I will rip the answers you conceal directly from the depths of your soul."
Frey cast aside all other concerns for the moment.
His complete focus was now dedicated to the impending combat.
If there were indeed profound truths to be unearthed—
He resolved to uncover them only after his opponent had been vanquished.
That was his unwavering decision.
Meanwhile, Amon—
He too began his preparations for the engagement.
"I understand… so this is the path you have chosen."
He released a breath, transitioning into a combative posture.
"My hope was to circumvent this confrontation…"
"But it appears destiny compels me to engage it today."
"Your words are excessive."
Whoooosh—
A distinct ripping sound echoed through the air ...
And in a mere fraction of a second ...
Frey had materialized directly before Amon.
Gripping him firmly by the face—
He hoisted him upward with absolute ease—
Then propelled them forward at an astonishing velocity, dragging his captive along.
"Let us relocate the theater of this conflict."
"I harbor no desire to engage you within the presence of the Shadow Sect."
Under the immense force of Frey's power—
The fabric of space itself began to constrict.
Reality itself seemed to fracture.
With a single, decisive step—
They vanished entirely from the grounds of the Shadow Sect.
And instantly reappeared in a different locale across the world.
Amidst a tempest of crackling black lightning—
And a furiously burning vortex of azure flames.
This was the precise location ...Where Frey had once confronted the very embodiment of oblivion.
Thanatos.
Frey sent Amon hurtling away with a force approaching the speed of light.
The latter found himself utterly incapable of breaking free from the powerful grip.
Amon experienced a fleeting moment of surprise at Frey's sheer might—
