The heroes climbed into Albert's black, bulletproof mini tank truck six wheels, four in the back, two in the front. It rolled over debris like it was nothing.
"Apologies for the driving," Albert said. "No traffic laws left to follow." Luke smirked. "Sometimes I miss those dumb laws." Thomas shook his head. "I don't miss the road rage."
Albert nodded. "Before Light's system, road rage took lives. All it took was one person refusing to pause and think." Ice leaned forward. "Albert… where's Light?"
Albert's eyes stayed on the ruined road. "Resting. He and I were beaten badly by Lucifer's new ally Azael." Thomas's eyes narrowed. "Azael?"
"Yes," Albert said. "A strong foe. We had no chance." Luke's voice was sharp. "So that's why you need us?" Albert paused. "Yes. You heroes… you're the last hope."
The truck fell silent. Thomas, Sophie, Ice, Luke, Riot, and Stuart all felt the weight of that truth. They remembered the betrayals. The losses. The journey.
Albert continued. "Light sent me to find you. To bring you to him." Ice's voice was cold. "If this is a trick, we won't hesitate." Albert nodded. "Understood."
They arrived at the lone mansion in the ruins. An electric gate opened with a code. Albert parked in the underground garage.
"Follow me," he said.
They entered a small elevator two floors and the basement only. When the doors opened, they stepped into a mansion that was once modern, now fractured. Huge windows. Elegant design. But broken tiles, shattered walls, and bloodstains told the real story.
Luke scanned the damage. "Where's Light?" Albert led them to the study. Inside, Light stood bandaged, bruised, leaning on a cane. He raised a glass of scotch.
"Welcome, heroes." No one spoke. Luke exploded forward, tackled Light, and pressed his sword to his throat. "You've got five words to convince me not to kill you."
At the same time, Ice drew his blade on Albert. "Don't move." Albert froze. Thomas and Sophie were stunned but they understood. Light had played a role in everything.
Riot and Stuart watched, wide-eyed. Light, calm under pressure, said, "Well, Luke… I can help." "How?" Luke growled. "I know things you don't." Light replied.
Luke stared into his eyes, then pulled back. "One wrong move…" "Understandable," Light said, rising slowly. Ice sheathed his sword. Albert exhaled.
Light turned to the group. "Where do I begin?" Ice stepped forward. "Start with Azael." Light nodded. "Azael is the spirit of rebellion. He fights for a cause that suits the founder. He's fast too fast. Strong. I fear he's second only to Lucifer."
Thomas clenched his fists. "We'll see about that." Luke asked, "What's their next move?" "I don't know," Light admitted. "But Azael came a few days ago before you arrived. He was on a mission of extinction. I've fallen from my father's grace. I'm neutral now."
Thomas snapped. "Neutral!? You call yourself neutral in a war you helped create?"
His voice cracked with fury. "You started this mess. And now you want no part of it? News flash none of us asked for this. This life is hell. The fighting. The trust. The deaths…"
He looked down, the weight of Edwin's betrayal and lost allies crushing him. "This war isn't about you, Light." Thomas raised his eyes burning with truth.
"So right now… you decide." His gaze was a lion's. Light was the gazelle.
"Whose side are you on?"