The moon hung high in the sky, its pale light casting eerie shadows across the ruined landscape. The once-proud church, now a smoldering wreck, was a testament to the destruction Lucien had wrought with his careful, patient planning. He stood at the edge of the battlefield, watching the demons move about, picking over the remnants of the Church's forces like scavengers. His heart remained cold, unfeeling, his mind already turning to the next phase of his plan.
The demons believed they were in control, but Lucien knew better. Every action, every command given, was part of a much larger game—a game where his enemies were the pawns, not him.
"Lord Lucien," a voice called out, and Lucien didn't need to turn around to know who it was. It was Althar, one of the demon generals who had been the most vocal in pushing for an alliance. Althar's pride was as boundless as his strength, and it made him the perfect tool for Lucien's design.
"I see you've... handled the Church," Althar said, his tone a mix of respect and curiosity. He had come to admire Lucien's intelligence, even if he didn't fully understand the depths of it.
Lucien allowed a brief, satisfied smile. "I've done more than that, Althar. I've planted the seeds of their destruction."
Althar tilted his head, his eyes narrowing. "What do you mean?"
Lucien's smile widened as he turned to face the demon. "The Church's destruction is merely the beginning. Their leaders will fall, yes, but the true enemy—their power—lies elsewhere. The real war isn't about defeating their soldiers or razing their churches. It's about breaking their will to fight."
Althar looked intrigued, but also skeptical. "And how do you intend to do that? The Church has deep roots. You think mere manipulation will bring them to their knees?"
Lucien chuckled softly. "It's not manipulation, Althar. It's understanding. Understanding what they fear, what they hold most dear. Once you have that knowledge, you can control everything."
He turned away, his eyes sweeping over the scorched remnants of the church. "The Church believes it is righteous, that its leaders are untouchable. But their strength lies in their faith. They will fight to the death for that belief. However... what happens when that faith is shattered? What happens when their holy leaders are revealed as nothing more than corrupt hypocrites?"
Althar's eyes widened in realization. "You plan to expose them?"
Lucien nodded, his gaze distant. "Not just expose them. I will make them doubt their very purpose. I will turn their own beliefs against them."
Althar stepped forward, eager to understand more. "And what will we do when that happens?"
Lucien turned to face him fully, his expression colder than the night air. "When their faith crumbles, the demons will move in. But they will follow me. Not because they fear me, but because I will show them how to claim what is theirs. The human kingdoms, the Church—everything. We will rule."
Althar's expression softened, a slow grin spreading across his face. "I see now. You're not just using us. You're making us stronger."
Lucien's smile was tight, almost predatory. "Yes, Althar. And once we've shattered their world, we will build a new one—one where they no longer have any power. The demons will not follow the weak. But the strong? They will kneel before me."
As he spoke, Lucien felt the familiar heat of his power beginning to pulse inside him. It was still contained, still hidden beneath the surface, but it was there, waiting for the right moment to break free. The time was not yet right. The demons needed to believe they were in control for a little while longer. They would follow him willingly, because they didn't yet realize how much they depended on him.
"Go," Lucien commanded, his voice sharp. "Prepare the next phase. The time is coming when we will make our move."
Althar bowed deeply, his loyalty now complete. "It shall be done, my lord."
Lucien watched him leave, his thoughts already shifting to the next phase of his plan. The demons were useful, yes, but they were not the true enemy. The real enemy was the Church—and their fragile faith.
---
End of Chapter 3