Edwin soared through the morning sky, landing at the edge of New Heaven, a town with a population of one. A towering black castle loomed over the ruins.
He passed through the iron gates and entered the grand hall. Along the walls, paintings stretched from floor to ceiling depictions of human history.
One showed a caveman discovering fire in a dark cave . In the shadows, a hooded figure watched.
A painting of what looks like ancient Egypt with slaves building the pyramids, and a high royal figure standing watching with an entourage of decorated figures and soldiers. In the shadows the hooded figure stood again.
Another showed a Roman orator on a podium, the crowd cheering. In the corner, a robed figure lingered, unseen.
A third showed a man printing the first book , the birth of mass knowledge. Behind him, in the shadows of the house, another hooded man watched.
Edwin stared. "Who are you?" A voice echoed behind him. "Young Prince! Glad you're in good shape."
Edwin turned. "Hello, Azazel. Everything went as planned?" Azael smirked. "Yes. I gave your old friend Light a beating."
"You didn't kill him?" Azazel replied "No. He looked like a lost dog in the rain. Pathetic." "You should've finished him." Edwin Said.
"He's no threat. Let him live out his days gloating about his fifteen minutes of fame." Edwin nodded. "What do you think the Supreme wants?"
"No idea. Let's find out." Azazel said.
They entered the elegant, vast ballroom, crowned by a chandelier of obsidian glass. At the far end sat Lucifer, regal and cold, with his demon queen beside him.
Azael bowed. "Supreme. What is the honor of your call?"
Edwin knelt. "My Lord."
Lucifer spoke in a calm, chilling tone. "It's time for the next phase. Azazel, I need you to find the strays of legions left behind by fallen princes. Recruit them. If they refuse… remind them it's not a request."
Azazel bowed. "Your wish is my command."
Lucifer nodded. Azazel turned and left. Lucifer then looked at Edwin. The air grew heavier. Edwin's nerves tightened.
"We've taken care of your enemy," Lucifer said. Edwin's eyes widened. "The cowboy?"
Lucifer smiled faintly. "He was stronger than I remembered. But it didn't change the outcome." "Thank you, my Lord." Edwin replied.
"You're growing stronger, Edwin. Rapidly." Lucifer said "Thanks to your training, Master." Edwin replied.
"No," Lucifer said. "It's because you're human." Edwin blinked. "But I thought being human held me back."
Lucifer stood. "You still don't see the big picture."
"I want to understand, Master." Lucifer gestured toward the hallway. "Have you seen the paintings?"
"I glanced at them." Edwin said.
Lucifer stepped closer. "I know humans better than they know themselves. I know how to trigger their emotions. I can make them happy. I can make them care. I can control them through feeling."
Edwin listened, stoic.
"All of this," Lucifer said, "is necessary to create a perfect civilization." He placed a hand on Edwin's shoulder.
"A perfect world, my son."
Edwin looked into Lucifer's eyes and saw only darkness. No soul. Just an abyss.
"What is your plan for humanity?" Edwin asked.
Lucifer smiled. "Extermination? No. I need humans. They open doors to greatness. They carry souls. You, Edwin, are a perfect blend of genetics and energy. Every human is born with gifts. It just takes the right teacher to unlock them."
Edwin nodded slowly. "I am with you, teacher."
Lucifer's voice was soft. "I know you are, my son."