The revelation of the contract between Doom and Mephisto confirmed to all observers that the plot to capture dimensional lords had indeed been orchestrated by Mephisto, a lord of the Hell Dimension.
While this revelation alone wasn't enough to cause Mephisto significant harm, it was the potential conflict between Robert and Mephisto that truly excited the dimensional onlookers. A major battle could destabilize the Hell Dimension, offering opportunities to other powerhouses.
"Well, since you've brought me the ten dimensional lords, I will naturally fulfill my side of the contract and provide the information you seek," Mephisto said after a brief pause, addressing Doom.
With a faint hum, intricate magical energies radiated from Mephisto, and ghostly figures began to materialize in the space around them, filling the grand hall.
Though these figures didn't exude overwhelming power—appearing only as mid-to-low-level supernatural entities—Doom's expression shifted dramatically. His eyes widened with disbelief before turning to joy, and he rushed toward one particular figure: Cynthia.
"These are the sorcerers who used the magic you inquired about," Mephisto's calm voice echoed, though his words carried a sinister undertone. An invisible force stopped Doom in his tracks.
"Unfortunately, they are no longer the people they once were. They have been transformed by my power and the Hell Dimension's essence. They are now part of this dimension," Mephisto said with satisfaction. "In essence, they've become what you humans call demons—formless, insidious beings capable of possessing mortals."
Doom froze. He couldn't tell if this was another one of Mephisto's ploys, but he could feel the infernal energy emanating from the souls before him. They were undeniably demons, deeply bound to the Hell Dimension.
"I've fulfilled my end of the deal," Mephisto said with a smug smile. "I've brought these sorcerers to you. As such, our contract is complete, and I will gladly take custody of the dimensional lords as agreed."
The contract's mystical energies began to stir, validating Mephisto's claim. The agreement was bound by true magical rules that even Mephisto couldn't alter once signed. If he failed to fulfill the terms, he would suffer severe consequences.
But Mephisto had delivered the sorcerers, completing the contract. The energy sealing the agreement dissipated, and both parties felt a subtle sense of relief from the release of its constraints.
Doom's relief was short-lived, his hope fading as he turned to the Ancient One. "Master, is what he said true?"
The Ancient One sighed. "It's true. Their souls have fused with the Hell Dimension. There's no way to restore them to their original state as pure souls or humans."
"Exactly!" Mephisto interjected with a laugh. "So there's no need for hostility between us. In a way, we're practically family, aren't we? Cynthia still remembers everything, and from a certain perspective, she's still your mother—as long as you accept her as a demon."
Doom turned to Cynthia, but she avoided his gaze, deepening the ache in his heart.
"Why not let her stay in Kamar-Taj?" Mephisto continued, his voice mocking. "Surely one more demon won't harm its reputation. Or, if you're worried about appearances, she could remain in my domain. You're welcome to visit her anytime. I'm very fond of these human notions of familial bonds."
Mephisto was delighted. Even if he had lost some ground by being exposed, gaining leverage over Doom through Cynthia more than made up for it. Over time, Mephisto hoped to manipulate Doom's boundaries until he could use him for even greater schemes.
Suddenly, a surge of green energy flooded the hall. Before anyone could react, Cynthia's form dissolved into a stream of light that flew into a small bottle, which vanished into Robert's grasp.
"What are you doing?!" Doom initially thought Mephisto was behind this, but he froze when he realized Robert had acted. Confused, he turned to Robert, searching for answers.
The Ancient One spoke first. "Robert's sealing techniques are impeccable. Cynthia is safe. Mephisto can no longer influence her."
Robert smirked at Mephisto. "Listening to you talk was unbearable. I've always hated your scheming ways. You love contracts, don't you? Let me offer you a new deal."
He raised his fist. "First, I'll beat you into submission. Then you'll sign a contract relinquishing all control over Cynthia. Sound good?"
Mephisto's composure wavered, his voice trembling as he retorted, "Even if I relinquish control, she remains a demon! You can't change that!"
"Exactly!" Robert said, his tone light but mocking. "But as you so eloquently put it, Kamar-Taj can accommodate a demon, so long as she's free from your control."
With that, Robert signaled the Ancient One, who swiftly teleported herself and Doom out of the hall.
"Don't you dare!" Mephisto's furious roar echoed across his domain, but before he could act, Robert was in front of him, his fist aimed at Mephisto's face.
Boom!
Mephisto managed to block the punch at the last moment, but the sheer force sent tremors through his body and cracked his throne beneath him.
"Impressive," Robert said, his smirk widening. "You blocked a sneak attack. Let's see how you handle me when I'm serious."
With that, Robert's energy flared, his form transforming into Super Saiyan 2. The explosive power coursed through him, amplifying the force of his next punch.
Crack!
The throne shattered, and Mephisto was sent sprawling to the ground. An explosion rocked the palace, though it withstood the assault better than most due to its reinforced design.
"Well-built palace. I won't have to hold back," Robert said, his tone cheerful but his aura radiating menace.
Mephisto, shaken, shouted, "Wait! Saiyan! We don't have to fight! I'll relinquish control of Cynthia! I'll sign a contract!"
Robert raised an eyebrow. "You're too hasty. I said I'd beat you first, then we'd negotiate."
"If you attack me or my domain further, I won't agree to any deal!" Mephisto tried to sound authoritative, but his trembling voice betrayed his fear.
"Oh?" Robert replied casually. "That's fine. I'll just kill you instead. I've never killed a Hell Dimension lord of your caliber before. I wonder if you'll last long enough for me to try a new transformation."
Mephisto's confidence crumbled further as Robert stepped forward, his fist glowing with unrestrained power.
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