Despite Mephisto's attempts to offer various conditions, Lucifer and the other Hell lords showed no intention of helping him. They decisively left, even looking forward to Mephisto's next battle with Robert. If Mephisto truly fell to Robert, wouldn't they stand to reap the spoils yet again?
Robert, though unaware of their exact thoughts, could guess their intentions. The departure of Lucifer and the others confirmed that this matter would now be resolved solely between him and Mephisto.
"Sayian, there's no need for us to keep fighting, is there?" Mephisto reappeared in his domain, attempting to reason with Robert.
Though Mephisto could merge with his domain and hide, he chose not to. He knew that even if he hid, it wouldn't stop Robert from attacking. If Mephisto remained in hiding, Robert could simply destroy his domain entirely.
"Don't rush. Didn't you just gain something new? I'm curious to see if your strength has improved," Robert said with a faint smile. "The last fight was rather unsatisfying. I wonder if you can give me a real challenge this time?"
"My strength hasn't improved at all!" Mephisto quickly clarified. "Your attacks, combined with those of the dimensional powerhouses, caused me significant damage. While the later battles in my domain provided some recovery, it was barely enough to offset my losses…"
"If you don't believe me, I can swear on the rules themselves to confirm that my strength hasn't increased!"
Mephisto released his aura as he spoke. Even with the various enhancements of his domain, his power was unimpressive, certainly not on par with Lucifer or the mysterious Hell lord. In fact, it was nearly identical to what he had displayed in his previous fight with Robert.
This disappointed Robert. He had hoped Mephisto's recent gains would make him a more formidable opponent. However, it seemed he would have to turn his attention to Lucifer or the mysterious Hell lord for a satisfying challenge.
"I'll sign a contract right now to sever all ties with Cynthia. From now on, she and I will have no connection. I will not manipulate, influence, or harm her in any way. All I ask is that you stop pursuing this matter," Mephisto pleaded.
His tone and demeanor were utterly submissive, but he wasn't ashamed. He knew that if he fought Robert again, his hard-won recovery would be undone, and his standing among the Hell lords would drop even further.
Mephisto had already missed the chance to capitalize on the earlier power gains his peers had achieved due to his injuries. Another defeat would permanently relegate him to the back ranks.
He calculated that it was better to concede to Robert now. Mephisto was well-versed in swallowing his pride when necessary. He didn't even consider whether Robert would unleash a third transformation—his priority was simply to send Robert away as quickly as possible.
"Buzz!"
Mephisto crafted a magical contract containing all his promises. Robert, in turn, agreed only to temporarily cease his pursuit of Mephisto. Even if Robert later returned to the Hell Dimension to deal with him, it wouldn't violate the contract.
Mephisto was content with this arrangement. As long as he avoided further provocations against Earth's dimension or Robert's allies, he assumed Robert would likely leave him alone.
"Ancient One, please review this." Robert summoned the Ancient One to inspect the contract. Though Mephisto seemed to be cornered, there was always the chance he might act recklessly, risking everything in a desperate gamble.
The Ancient One appeared with Doom and carefully scrutinized the contract. After ensuring its terms were secure and Mephisto's obligations to sever ties with Cynthia were unbreakable, she nodded in approval.
Robert signed the contract, then retrieved the sealed container holding Cynthia. Upon her release, Mephisto dutifully severed his connection to her without any resistance or tricks.
While some Hell lords were tempted to interfere, they were unable to penetrate Mephisto's domain, which was still sealed against outside intrusion.
"Mother!" Doom cried out as Cynthia was freed, rushing to embrace her. The two hugged tightly—one a human, the other now a demon.
Though Cynthia was free from Mephisto's control, she remained a demon of the Hell Dimension. However, she could still assume her original human form and live quietly on Earth, especially under the protection of Kamar-Taj.
"Human emotions are truly remarkable," Mephisto remarked, watching the reunion. "To transcend blood ties and accept a demon as one's mother—it seems that energy alignment and power source are not the ultimate determinants of identity."
"Is there a point to your philosophizing?" The Ancient One replied coldly. "Since when does someone's energy source determine who they are?"
"True. After all, Supreme Sorcerer, your powers don't solely come from the Vishanti's White Magic Dimension," Mephisto said with a sly grin, his words pointed.
"Whether Hell lords recognize the Hell Dimension or not is none of our concern. Just remember: if you ever target Earth's dimension again, it will be the last mistake you make," Robert interjected, uninterested in Mephisto's musings. He cast a final glance at Mephisto before leaving with Doom, the Ancient One, and Cynthia.
"Ah, such a loss!" Mephisto sighed heavily once they were gone, his face full of frustration. "I thought having Cynthia under my control would ensure my advantage. Who could have predicted that Saiyan's sealing technique could isolate her so completely?"
"It's more than just a sealing technique—it felt like she was sent to another dimension… no, another universe entirely!"
Mephisto brooded over the consequences of his failure, his frustration compounded by the success of his rivals, who had gained immense power from the recent conflict.
Once a first-tier Hell lord, Mephisto now worried he was falling behind. His rivals had seized substantial energy and rules from the dimensional powerhouses, solidifying their standing. The Hell Dimension's consciousness, having gained immensely from the battle, would undoubtedly reward its loyal lords with even greater power.
"Wait, I still have ten dimensional lords!" Mephisto suddenly remembered the captives he had managed to preserve. With a wave of his hand, he summoned the ten lords who had not perished in the chaos.
"Ten novice dimensional lords… they can't compare to the others, but they should still offer me some growth," Mephisto muttered, his eyes gleaming with calculation. "Should I study their energies and rules for my own understanding, or offer them to the Hell Dimension's consciousness for rewards?"
Before making a decision, Mephisto carefully inspected the dimensional lords. Given his losses, he couldn't risk further mistakes.
"Buzz!"
To his annoyance, Mephisto discovered traces of magical tampering on several of the lords, likely the work of the Ancient One.
"Clever, aren't you, Ancient One?" Mephisto sneered. "If I weren't bound by this truce, I'd love to return the favor."
For now, Mephisto had no choice but to bide his time, cautiously studying the dimensional lords in hopes of regaining his edge.
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