Back to Aeternus.
He has started the protocol to build a stronghold within the plane. This protocol is basically the creation of another abyss altar here. This abyss altar will form a direct connection between this plane and the abyss altar back in the abyss which will create a permanent channel between the two planes. The process is slow and has to be destroyed before it is finished or else it will become potentially impossible to destroy after its creation.
If the altar is allowed to form, then demons will be able to enter the mortal realm directly from the abyss altar. Then there is the fortress that surrounds the altar which gives it its name as a stronghold. A fortress is usually built around this altar to make defending it easy. It is what numerous mid-rank demons are currently building. The demons are already getting ready to defend the altar before it is even completed.
Meanwhile, Aeternus himself is getting ready for evolution. Someone with a kind heart dropped off demon nobles to him. The gift of demon nobles is very valuable but it was given to him free of charge. Now, Aeternus is not someone that receives handouts from others. But there's nothing wrong with it if it is a gift from himself. It will also strengthen him so that he can play his role in eliminating the gods. The best predators of gods have always been demons.
The demon nobles were brought to him bound and helpless like fresh meat to be chopped. He had hoped to recruit some of them to his house. The 8 prime demon nobles among them are very good candidates as subordinates. The fact that they tried to capture him for the demon lord is old news. He is an accepting and forgiving demon. He is willing to bring them into the light but a pesky contract stopped him from accepting them into the house of chaos.
Though they are bound and helpless, the contract forbids them from helping him in any way even if it is to save their lives. So he killed all of them. The other option is to kill the ones he needs for Evolution while leaving the rest alive until he has killed the other party of the contract, the demon lord. But they might still be in communication with the demon lord and he doesn't want a traitor around telling her of his situation.
"Better to do this before the god's liberation army comes." He said to himself.
There's no need to wait to evolve. He has everything he could need including 2,000 divinity which he got from the divine fruits that a plant spirit dropped off. Evolution will make him stronger and more prepared for whatever the gods will throw at him. Their army is a few days away. It is best if he is completely prepared for them so that he will be able to defend the stronghold.
Only he and Xander are here to defend the stronghold. He made the others leave with their legions to destroy the churches. They are doing a good job of it from what he has heard.
He sank into a deep sleep as he activated his mark of sin for Evolution.
( CHAOS ENERGY HAS REACHED THE LIMIT OF NATURAL EVOLUTION. )
( WOULD YOU LIKE TO FACE THE TRIAL OF ABYSS NOW? )
( REFUSAL TO UNDERGO THE TRIAL WILL PREVENT CHAOS ENERGY FROM REACHING THE DIVINE STAGE AND IT WOULD AFFECT YOUR POTENTIAL FOR EVOLUTION )
He received this same message when he was just a mid-rank demon trying to evolve into a high-rank demon. Back then he couldn't accept the trial because he was terribly injured in body and soul. Now he can, so he did.
He felt his mind begin to fall as if being pulled by something. His consciousness darkened for an unknown amount of time. He found himself in total darkness when his consciousness returned. Something had woken him up, it felt like an itch.
A voice spoke to him in the demon tongue. "Who are you?"
Each word slammed into his mind like a hammer. But all he feels is a slight itch. The hammer struck his mind and felt really soft.
'So that's what woke me up.'
To others, the force of the words will be the most painful thing they have ever felt, but to him, it felt like an itch. He looked to figure out who spoke to him but he saw nothing. He can't see himself either. So maybe he is blind or there's nothing to see but total darkness here.
The voice asked him again, "Who are you?"
He asked in return, "Who are you to question me?"
Not just anyone can ask him for his identity. Besides, you can't just answer a question because it was asked.
The voice Introduced itself, "I am the will of the abyss. Who are you?"
"I am Khaos Aeternus, the Eternal Chaos."
It asked in that same heavy and compelling voice. "What are you?"
"I am a demon of chaotic envy?"
"Why are you here?"
He replied. "You should know that."
"Why are you here?" It asked again.
"I am here for the abyss trial."
He decided to answer since the will of the abyss seemed intent on grilling him for answers that should be obvious.
"What is a king?"
"A demon with the Authority of a king."
It asked, "Do you deserve to be king?"
Aeternus replied, "It doesn't matter what I deserve. I am strong enough to be king therefore I am to be king."
"An immaculate answer, but I shall not take your word for it. Demons lie. I know that and you know that too. But it doesn't matter. I'll see for myself if you have what it takes to be king."
Aeternus shrugged and said, "Suit yourself."
"I plan to do just that. You be tried and tested. Your worth will be determined and if it is found wanting, then you will join the ranks of false kings. Mind you, false kings are imposters and what happens to imposters?"
He replied immediately, "Imposters are killed."