The pleas to Robert weren't from just one or two beings. Numerous dimensional powerhouses shared the same thought: If Mephisto could be eliminated, what was a small price to pay in return?
They hoped to see a rare upheaval in the Hell Dimension, perhaps the death of a top-tier lord.
Robert, bombarded with these telepathic transmissions, hesitated momentarily. He had yet to decide how to handle the situation.
One option was to accept Mephisto's surrender, forcing him to sever his link with Cynthia. That would resolve the issue swiftly, leaving Cynthia free of Mephisto's influence.
The other option was to kill Mephisto outright. While challenging, Robert believed that in his Super Saiyan God form, he could accomplish the feat. If Mephisto were expelled from his domain and left vulnerable to an onslaught from the other dimensional powerhouses, his demise was almost guaranteed.
Mephisto's death, however, would spark chaos. Other entities would scramble to seize his domain, his power, and his rules. The Hell Dimension's lords would inevitably join the fray, triggering a multidimensional conflict.
Robert considered this, his eyes gleaming with mischief. That could be interesting, he thought. While killing Mephisto was a hassle, letting others deal with the aftermath wasn't his problem. Plus, he might find opportunities to battle stronger opponents amid the chaos.
"No rush. I'll exhaust Mephisto's strength first," Robert decided, continuing to pressure the Hell lord. Simultaneously, he transmitted a message to the Ancient One. "Negotiate terms with those dimensional lords. See what they're offering for Mephisto's head."
"Understood. Leave it to me!" the Ancient One replied, her excitement evident. Negotiation was a specialty of Kamar-Taj, and this was a golden opportunity to extract substantial benefits from the situation.
"Saiyan! There's no need for this to continue! Unleash your third transformation, and I'll surrender. I'll sever my connection to Cynthia immediately. What do you say?" Mephisto pleaded, sensing the danger surrounding him.
Despite his pride, Mephisto was willing to concede. His schemes had failed miserably, and he now faced an opponent whose power dwarfed his own.
He hoped to end the humiliation quickly, even if it meant making concessions. After all, Robert had predicted this outcome from the start: Mephisto, outmatched and facing unbearable consequences, would be forced to break his own rules and surrender.
But Mephisto had underestimated the growing consensus among the dimensional powerhouses and Hell lords alike.
Robert smirked. "Don't be so hasty. It's not every day I get to fight someone of your caliber. Especially with such a perfect excuse to enjoy myself."
"Your strength far exceeds mine! Why waste time on me when there are stronger foes out there? I can even point you toward those who still covet Earth," Mephisto offered desperately.
Robert's eyebrows shot up. "Wow. Selling out your allies, huh? I didn't expect that from you."
As if to validate Robert's observation, even more voices chimed in telepathically, urging him to finish Mephisto. The other dimensions clearly viewed Mephisto as a liability, eager to see him fall.
Mephisto's tone didn't falter. "The strong have no permanent allies or enemies. Those fools aren't my family or friends. Exposing them is hardly betrayal. They'll deny nothing. Earth's allure is too tempting for them to ignore."
"You make a compelling argument," Robert mused, feigning consideration. "But here's the thing: I don't need your advice. I'll deal with them after I've dealt with you."
Desperation seeped into Mephisto's voice. "I'll give you back the ten dimensional lords!"
Robert sneered. "What do I want with them? That's your best offer? Pitiful."
His laughter struck a nerve. Mephisto felt a chilling premonition as he watched Robert's battle aura fade slightly.
"What's happening? Saiyan, what are you planning?"
Robert sighed, his tone shifting. "I've lost interest. Time to wrap this up."
"Wrap what up?!" Mephisto's voice cracked as his dread intensified. "What are you—"
"Boom!"
Robert's punch landed with staggering force, sending Mephisto hurtling out of his domain. The blow far surpassed anything Mephisto had endured thus far, leaving him momentarily incapacitated.
As his body flew beyond his territory's boundaries, Mephisto felt the empowering connection to his domain weaken. His aura diminished, and his strength faltered.
"No!" The truth hit him like a second blow: outside his domain, he was vulnerable.
Before Mephisto could regain his footing, his surroundings filled with hostile energy. Dimensional powerhouses emerged, their attacks converging on him. A torrent of mystical forces battered Mephisto, overwhelming his defenses.
The Hell Dimension's peculiar openness to outsiders allowed the invaders to arrive without resistance. Though they lacked the home-field advantage, they faced no restrictions, making it the perfect opportunity to strike.
"Boom!"
An explosion of energy rocked the area, nearly obliterating Mephisto's form. Only the Hell Dimension's core energy intervened, barely keeping him intact and healing his injuries.
"You're courting death! And you!" Mephisto's gaze snapped to the other Hell lords who stood idle. "How dare you side with outsiders against me?!"
One of the lords chuckled coldly. "'Us'? Don't pretend we're allies. Hell has no friends, Mephisto. Didn't you say so yourself?"
Mephisto's rage boiled over. "You think you can kill me? Push me further, and I'll take my domain with me in a self-destruction! None of you will survive!"
The threat carried weight. As Mephisto's anger surged, his domain trembled violently. Even Robert, observing from a distance, raised an eyebrow at the sudden instability.
The other powerhouses, however, were unmoved. To them, Mephisto's domain was a prize to be claimed, not destroyed.
"Kill him before he can act!"
The barrage of attacks intensified. Mephisto, barely regaining control of his body, couldn't withstand the relentless assault.
"Pfft!"
Blood sprayed as Mephisto's form finally gave out. His body exploded into a mist of blood and energy, scattering into the void.
The area, once brimming with life and activity, was now silent. The land—caught between Mephisto's domain and that of other Hell lords—had been utterly destroyed by the battle.
Now, even Mephisto had joined its desolation. His death marked a turning point, one that would ripple through the Hell Dimension and beyond.
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