"So? How about it? Do you recognize me now?" Azrivel asked with a smirk.
Theon was trying his best to keep his composure. Yes. He knew who this person was. There was only one person in both realms arrogant enough to introduce himself as the being who will destroy humanity, one who carries the will of the fallen god.
He had many predictions in this war, for all sorts of ways things could go wrong.
If Zeroth showed up? He just has to disorient him for a little bit. Zeroth's mind was linked to most of the monsters in this battlefield, swaying them, guiding them. Just have to use that very connection to put him under an illusion with Veryn's abilities. It will only last for around 5 seconds, but that's enough time to deal a decisive blow.
Incase someone else shows up? If I can't defeat them, then the only choice left is to bargain. Future knowledge, secret treasures and information. There were plenty of ways to entice the opponent into making a deal and stay out of this battle.
Whether through strength or wit, he had plenty of aces up his sleeve. The situation is not completely hopeless. Even if somehow, it turns hopeless, the only choice left is to fight with everything he has. It was better to die fighting and doing your best rather than running away and wallowing in self-pity and regret.
With that mindset Theon pushed down all of his anxiety, self-doubt and insecurity. What caught him by surprise was not the demon king's arrival. That's why disregarding all else, he asked this question.
"How do you know Adrian?"
Various conclusions were already drawing in his mind. But there was still too little information to draw a final conclusion.
Demon king grinned.
"I can practically see your mind working to come up with an answer. I expected you to at least have a theory by now. Guess I expected too much."
"How disappointing, he would've already figured it out".
"Maybe it's too much for you. After all, You're barely half of him, just what he left behind".
While speaking in a condescending tone, Azrivel sharply observed for any change in Theon's expression. But he somehow managed to keep his composure.
He had to keep his composure. There's no way to defeat this monster using brute force. And Theon had a distinct feeling, he's on the verge of hearing something important. Adrian's death contained many mysteries even the man himself was not aware of.
Demon king wouldn't lie in a situation like this. He is too prideful. There was no need to trick an enemy who was weaker than him. Azrivel and Adrian have never met in this world. He was sure of it. What then?
Is Azrivel another transmigrator?
Could Adrian actually be a reincarnator, originally from this world?
Damn it. Theres not enough information. Let's provoke him a bit.
"Adrian died a year ago during that duel. And you only became the demon king recently. It's impossible for you to know him. I was under the impression that the almighty demon king would not resort to mere tricks. Guess all the legends about you were wrong." Theon asked while looking at Azrivel dead in the eyes.
Azrivel narrowed his eyes with a chilling expression.
"To call me a liar right to my face, you're even more arrogant than him. But he had the strength to back up his claims, unlike mere trash like you".
That's it. Get lost in the conversation and start blabbering your secrets. Theon though eargerly.
"He achieved heights non can attain in this world. Even gods themselves were Wary of his strength. Those shitty avatars could barely keep up with him. He was the only person in this world that could defeat me. And you, mere thrash wearing same face as him is an insult to the very legacy he should've left behind"
Azrivel gave a disgusted look. With a single exhale, the white flames flickered and vanished, as if snuffed out by an unseen force. He started radiating pressure all around. Theon's feet started trembling, struggling to keep standing. It was getting hard to breathe.
But rather than worrying, Theon gave a smirk.
"Known each other for decades"
"Only one who could defeat him"
"Avatars unable to keep up with him" The same avatars who were only recently got chosen.
Theon has already reached a conclusion. No matter how improbable it was, this theory would explain everything. Timeline of events, knowledge Azrivel possess, his claims and the events leading to Adrians's death. As he delved deeper into these realizations, only one explanation he could draw.
Theon forced himself to look Azrivel in the eye. He grinned and asked,
"Azrivel, are you a regressor?"
The pressure came to a halt. Azrivel narrowed his eyes. Something dark flickered in his eyes. He snorted in annoyance.
"You really are a reckless fool. It's a miracle you survived until this long without him. Under normal circumstances, I would've ground you into a paste and fed you to the hounds. But today I'm in a good mood."
"And since you managed figure it out, I will give you a reward."
"I will answer any question of yours, only one though"
Anything? Theon asked with a little doubt, which further annoyed Azrivel.
"Don't push me mortal, I'm this close to blowing up this entire little city"
Theon raised both his hands in a surrendering gesture.
"Sorry about that. Sometimes I tend to go a little overboard. All right, then tell me this."
"What is the real reason behind Adrian's death? I'm not talking about that dual bull shit."
"Thalia finding out about the Transmigration, that dagger with the ability to kill just Adrian, coercing us into a duel, sudden friction in my family, how my parents suddenly turned against me and all those rumors that spread through the kingdom, completely turning other nobles and most of the citizens against me."
"Someone pulled strings from behind with a perfect plan to completely destroy us. Someone who knows Adrian very well. Someone who knows what Adrian will do in the future."
Silence lingered for a while. And then Azrivel spoke. For the first time since their conversation began, he looked truly angry, and it was not directed at me.
"I suppose you have the right to know. You are also one of the victims."
Azrivel snapped his fingers and scenery around changed.
It formed the scenery of a familiar place. The capital of Varenthion empire, Varenthis. It looked regal just as it was now. And people could be seen moving busily across streets. But there was a little difference. The citizens, … They weren't just humans. There were other races too.
Humans, elves, were wolves and most importantly, demons. Demons were interacting with humans as it were natural. It looked so natural that no one would ever believe that two races were involved in a gruesome war.
Citizens were gathered in front of the castle. They were shouting happily and celebrating. Addressing them were 4 people.
A young man with silver color hair and golden eyes. He was dressed in a ceremonial outfit with a crown on his head. Theon was able to recognize who that was.
"Arden Aurelius Varenthion", the prince of the empire and his Deceased friend. Person Beside him was not hard to recognize. It was Adrian. He was dressed in a white formal outfit with a blue cape behind him. He had blond hair with piercing crimson eyes. A unique characteristic of the Ignisborn clan.
At the other end stood Azrivel. He didn't look much different than he was now except for his expression. He was grinning, looking genuinely happy.
Between the two of them stood a woman who looked similar to Arden. Same silver hair and golden eyes. She had a peaceful and naïve look on her face. Although they have only met a few times, Theon could easily realize who this was. Unlike the scenery around him, this woman had a cold look when they met, and she gave off a dangerous feeling. The few moments the actually did conversed, she would put on a fake smile. And she was awfully knowledgeable. I never would've trusted her. But she somehow managed to capture Adrian's attention with cunningness.
"You want to know who orchestrated it? It was Someone who knew him better than anyone else."
"Someone who knew exactly how to break him."
"Her name was "Reyna Aurelia Varenthion".
"She's the one who orchestrated Adrian's downfall."
"She was the original regressor"
"She was the avatar chosen by the goddess of time"
"She was also…. Adrian's lover"