Lord Shadow

Azief sighed

" If I am not here, if I am not related to Katarina….then  Boris would have died. His dream of absolute power would turn into ashes. And the power struggles that followed would plunge the entire Republic into chaos"

Azief gaze shifted around the Senate room, his mind etching the faces and roles of those who had participated in the memory, as well as those who had remained on the periphery. 

With a final deep breath, he opened his eyes and found himself still present in his own room, the memory now nothing more than another recollection locked away in his mind.

A long, heavy sigh escaped Azief lips, a testament to the complex emotions swirling within him. 

Boris had never been his favourite person, but he had tolerated him for the sake of his sister, Katarina. 

The ties of love had compelled Azief to involve himself in this affair, navigating treacherous paths and enduring the consequences that came with it.

"Katarina," he muttered softly, her name carrying a weight of affection. 

The things he do for love. 

As Azief gaze traversed his study room, he couldn't help but notice a distinct presence that had materialized during his contemplation of the memory. 

What was once a solitary space now housing another figure, bathed in a mesmerizing display of swirling lightning. 

It Will the Speedster, his body adorned with a myriad of colours that danced in harmony with the crackling energy.

Though initially startling, Azief felt a sense of relief knowing that Will had mastered control over his lightning, preventing any destructive consequences for the space and time within the study.

Will greeted Azief with a warm smile

"Glad to see you in one piece" he said looking at him. 

Azief only laughed at this. 

As Will took his seat without needing an invitation, a sense of ease and familiarity permeated the room. 

Their casual manner with each other would undoubtedly shock the world if they were witnesses to such an interaction.

  In the eyes of most, Death Monarch Azief was an unapproachable and solemn deity, a figure standing above the masses. 

Many individuals dared not even sit in his presence, and the mere act of meeting his gaze struck fear into the hearts of countless souls. 

Even world leaders would accord him the utmost reverence, rarely allowing themselves to be so casual, save for the few who knew Azief personally.

However, Will held a special place in Azief life. 

He was not just a friend, but his sworn brother. 

In their world, where others would find it impossible to be casual when conversing with the Death Monarch, Will possessed that privilege. 

Their bond allowed for a comfort and informality that transcended the barriers erected by Azief reputation.

As Will settled into his seat, the vibrant lightning that had enveloped him gradually dimmed, revealing his unassuming form. 

With a nonchalant gesture, as if brushing away imaginary sparks, he murmured, "Ah, that's better," playfully dusting off residual traces of electricity from his shoulders. 

Azief could only shake his head in amusement

"What did you find out?" Azief ask almost immediately. 

Will smiles and get right to the point

"You were right. It was Sasha plan" Azief listening to this ponder for a second. Then he sighed for a second 

Then he chuckles for a second. And then he spoke

"I should have known it. But this is good. And that person deserve a few years of vacation, don't you think?' Azief hearing the news heaved a sigh of relief. And he nodded with a gentle smile

"Do you suspect Sasha to do something behind your back?" Will have always believed that Sasha and his sworn brother is always in step with each other

Sasha has always been his sworn brother most trusted subordinate. Sasha is the knife in his hand. It has always been so since Sasha became a member of Pandemonium

He himself is friend with Sasha. He would hate to see these two people to have a falling out. 

Azief then shook his head.

"I know why Sasha did it. I know she would report it to me. But, I was just anxious and I could not ask anyone else to ask this question. So, I sent you."

Will only smiles and nodded

"I know that you have your own difficulties" then he added 

"Sasha is very different from the Sasha we met a decade ago. Before, she had that edge shining for the whole to see. Now, she is all cloak and dagger. Sometimes even I felt the creeps when I am with her. " 

Azief only laugh at this.

Then Will changes the subject. 

Will had always maintained a unique status within the world. 

Despite his sworn brotherhood with the Death Monarch, he existed as a free agent, unaffiliated with any particular world power. 

While some may have regarded him as a representative of Pandemonium due to his association with Azief, Will himself did not align himself with any specific faction or organization. 

He revelled in his independence, operating as a kind of freelance entity.

Though he wholeheartedly supported Azief and stood by his side when needed, Will was often engaged in his own ventures and pursuits. 

He possessed a spirit of exploration and a desire to forge his own path, unbound by the constraints of worldly powers. 

His actions were guided by personal motivations, shaped by his own unique experiences and perspectives.

As a result, Will's involvement in Azief affairs is driven primarily by their deep bond as sworn brothers and the trust they shared. 

While Azief usually has his own adventure and sometimes in the past couple of years sought to navigate the intricate landscape of power and politics, Will ventured offworld, delving into his own endeavours, seizing opportunities that aligned with his personal interests.

This dynamic between them allowed for a harmonious balance, with Azief and Will complementing each other's strengths while pursuing their own individual paths. 

Will's understanding of Azief ran deep, knowing that beneath Azief stoic facade, he was never truly cut out to be a politician. 

It was never his aspiration, as he had once confided in Will about his simple dream. 

"But the years had changed. And so, we are changed" 

Reflecting on their journey, Will couldn't help but feel a sense of melancholy for the loss of innocence that time had wrought upon them both.

The shared experience of traveling to the future had bound them inextricably. 

Will vividly remembered the moment they had raced each other, the sheer force tearing at the delicate balance of time and space, propelling them forward into a bleak future. 

Since that day, both Will and Azief had dedicated themselves to finding a solution to prevent the grim future they had witnessed from becoming a reality.

However, the weight of responsibility now pressed heavily upon Azief shoulders. 

As he stepped into the realm of world politics, becoming one of the decision-makers, he found himself burdened with an unforeseen level of reliance from the world. 

The fate of nations seemed to hinge upon his every move, and the consequences of his actions held the potential to create unintended tragedy on a global scale. 

The world looked to him, not necessarily for action, but rather for the restraint and careful consideration he could bring.

With each passing day, Pandemonium grew stronger, mirroring Azief own ascent in power.

  Will couldn't help but wonder if Azief was growing weary, carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. 

This thought lingered in his mind, unaware of just how accurate his musings were.

Azief had previously expressed his weariness to Hikigaya, confessing the fatigue that accompanied the constant need to think and deliberate on matters of global significance. 

The demands of being a global decision-maker had taken its toll, leaving him yearning for respite from the never-ending stream of weighty responsibilities.

"I could see it in his eyes" and then he chuckles to himself "Though some people swear that there is only coldness in that eyes and see nothing else" he thought to himself 

Despite not embodying the typical traits of a politician, Azief leadership propelled Pandemonium to thrive and prosper. 

His innate charisma, unwavering strength, and his ability to delegate responsibilities played a significant role in making Pandemonium the preeminent world power among the Seven Great Powers. 

It was a testament to the trust he instilled in those he delegated power to.

Azief discerning judgment in selecting capable individuals to entrust with authority ensured that those who held positions of responsibility within Pandemonium were driven by a deep sense of loyalty. 

The weight of being entrusted by the Death Monarch himself was not something they took lightly. 

The formidable reputation and power Azief wielded served as a constant reminder to them that the consequences of neglecting their duties could be dire. 

The threat of facing Azief wrath and the possibility of impending death served as a powerful motivator, inspiring them to give their utmost effort and dedication.

Nothing like the threat of impending death that motivates a person more. 

Will let out a sigh, his gaze fixed upon Azief. 

He could sense the weight of Azief thoughts as he grappled with complex matters once again. 

The burden of his responsibilities and the constant deliberation he undertook were evident in his expression. 

Looking at Azief he could tell that he is thinking about some complicated stuff again. 

"What are you doing right now, Azief? Moping? Or commiserating again?"

"Boris" Azief mutters. 

Will's laughter reverberated through the room, echoing Azief mention of Boris. 

In that single word, Will discerned the weight of Azief thoughts, understanding the problem that consumed his mind. 

Despite his frequent travels across parallel worlds and other dimensions, Will maintained a connection to Earth, checking in periodically to stay informed

And of course, out of the many problems on Earth, he also heard about the so-called "Boris Problem" that had captured the world's attention.

Or to be more accurate, Europe problem

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