Lucifer looked at Sigurd's serious expression and knew that if this Asgardian decided to take action, he could potentially destabilize the universe. Why would he even bother killing the Olympian gods?
"Relax, my friend, no need to be so serious," Lucifer said, interceding. "She doesn't know you, so she asked a stupid question based on her limited knowledge. From her perspective, she isn't entirely wrong."
Lucifer then turned to Hippolyta.
"Zeus is strong, but he isn't qualified to interfere in this matter. You'll understand why when you meet our target. After all, his first objective will be your world."
Hippolyta became more serious upon hearing this.
"What do you mean, my world? Isn't this also Earth? Wait, you just told him 'Earth-666.' Does that mean I am not on my own Earth?"
Lucifer laughed. "So you've figured it out. To be honest, your world is progressing much more slowly; it's still in its ancient era. But I prefer the 21st century. And yes, his primary target will be your world. He wants something deeply hidden there. So, congratulations, your so-called gods will have the honor of facing him first."
Sigurd, listening intently, finally understood why he had appeared directly on Themyscira. Hippolyta was his entry point into this conflict. It seemed the local powers-that-be didn't want him interfering too early.
He turned to Lucifer.
"So, what's the plan? And what about her? Will you send her back, or is she staying?"
Hippolyta looked at the two men who seemed so cavalier about the lives of others.
"Can't you at least warn my people? Let them prepare for this enemy!"
Lucifer shook his head.
"For now, you stay here. Don't worry about your people. The moment anyone comes for them, we will know. So, relax."
Sigurd looked at his surroundings and waved a hand, his Asgardian armor shifting into modern attire—wearing ancient plate mail would definitely draw attention. He then glanced at Hippolyta. Her armored dress was striking, but it was equally out of place.
"Do you want to change into contemporary clothing?" he asked. "It might be less conspicuous than a woman in ancient armor walking around with a sword."
Hippolyta heard his words and nodded. Sigurd gestured again, and a wave of magic manipulated the very fabric of her attire, transforming it into a stylish dress fit for the patrons of the upscale pub.
Sigurd's attention drifted to the alcohol on the counter. Without bothering to ask Lucifer, he walked over, sniffed a glass, and found the scent lacking. He simply took an empty glass, returned to the couch, and summoned his own fine vintage from Asgard to enjoy.
"Oh, good. Finally, some proper alcohol," a female voice purred.
Sigurd turned to see a female demon in human form.
"And which little demon are you? Lilith, or someone else?"
The woman studied him, sensing his immense power but remaining cautious.
"Maze, meet Sigurd Borson. And this is Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons. They are our guests and will be staying for a few weeks," Lucifer interjected smoothly.
In a distant void, a tyrannical figure was devouring cosmic energy from an equally massive, lifeless body, reveling in the surge of power.
Sudden footsteps disturbed his feast. He turned toward the sound.
"Desaad, you had better have a compelling reason for interrupting me."
Desaad bowed respectfully.
"My Lord, Steppenwolf has located the planet with the Anti-Life Equation."
"Oh? So that failure has finally proven useful. Good. Very good." Darkseid's laughter was a low, tyrannical rumble. He glanced at the cosmic energy still flowing from the dead celestial. "You are truly my lucky charm, Lord of Chaos. Even in death, you deliver me what I desire. Tell Steppenwolf to conquer the planet and leave no living being alive."
Desaad hesitated, a flicker of unease that Darkseid immediately noticed.
"Speak. What is the problem?"
"My Lord, the planet is protected by many gods. Even the Guardians of the Green Lantern Corps have a presence there."
Darkseid processed this.
"Instruct him to hold his position. He is not to initiate war. This time, I will lead the conquest personally. As for these so-called gods… they will merely add to my strength. It will take time to fully absorb this cosmic energy; tell him to wait. And prepare our elite army. I do not intend to let this opportunity slip."
He looked back at the corpse of the Lord of Chaos.
"Even so-called higher beings are nothing more than weaklings to be slaughtered."
Back on Earth-666, Sigurd watched Lucifer, who was thoroughly enjoying himself, singing alongside a young performer.
"Even this mortal life looks comfortable. I could get used to it. The 21st century is a long-gone era in my world, but that's no matter. For now, I'll just enjoy the flow."
Just as the atmosphere settled into one of casual revelry, a loud noise shattered the moment. Sigurd's attention snapped to two men pointing guns directly at Lucifer.
Mazikeen, who had been behind the bar, vaulted over the counter with a knife in hand. She disarmed the first assailant with swift efficiency, but as she moved to subdue the second, the remaining criminal, seeing his partner captured, bolted for the door—only to feel a sharp impact in his chest. He looked down to find a knife buried deep.
Lucifer glanced down at the new hole in his expensive suit, then at the singer, who had wisely hidden behind the piano, unharmed.
Sigurd walked over to Lucifer, examined the bullet hole, and then looked toward the shooters.
"Lucifer, it seems you're not immune to trivial troubles. Even ants have started to take the Great Devil lightly."
Lucifer didn't bother with a retort, his focus shifting to delivering a very personal, infernal lesson to the shooters. But before he could take a step, police officers stormed the bar.
"Everyone, don't move! Keep your hands where I can see them!" a female detective commanded.
Hearing her voice, Lucifer immediately abandoned his vengeful stride and instead sauntered back to the couch to sit down, perfectly content to let the police handle the situation.
Sigurd didn't even glance at the officers. He simply retrieved his bottle of Asgardian liquor and settled in to enjoy the show.