Edwin flew through the night like a shadow with wings gliding over the ruins of the city, cutting down anything that moved. Human or demon, it didn't matter. He didn't discriminate. He was no longer a man with a conscience. He was a force. A dark one. As dark as Azael. As cold as the Lord of Flies. And now? He could rival them both.
But Edwin wasn't chasing power for its own sake. He was loyal. A servant to Lucifer. If that meant staying in the hierarchy, he had no problem with it. He trusted the plan.
He landed on a rooftop, staring out over the broken skyline. Smoke curled from shattered towers. The wind whispered through hollow streets. Edwin thought to himself, Damn… Lucifer's gonna be pissed I didn't bring Thomas's body.
Then a voice deep, sinister, and smooth slipped into his mind.
"Don't worry, my child. There are more important things to do."
Edwin spun around, wings flared. No one was there.
"Come home, my son. I have things to tell you."
Edwin's voice was no longer his own. It was deeper now. Hollow.
"Who is that?"
"It's me, Lucifer."
Edwin froze. "How are you speaking to me? Are you here?"
"No. But you've unlocked your form. That's how I'm speaking to you. Only the chosen few who reach a certain level of strength can hear me like this. You're special now. Come home. We have things to discuss."
Edwin bowed his head, ashamed. "I failed to retrieve Thomas."
"Don't worry. We'll have another chance. I know exactly what happened. You faced an experienced foe. That Steve… he's a handful."
"You know him?"
"We have history. But don't dwell on failure. Come home. I have something for you."
Edwin didn't hesitate. "Yes, my Lord."
He flew toward New Heaven City, cutting through the clouds like a blade. When he reached Lucifer's dark castle, the doors opened before he could knock. Of course they did. Lucifer always knew.
That's what makes him powerful, Edwin thought. His hindsight. He sees the future before it happens. I don't know how but I need to learn.
Inside the throne room, Lucifer sat tall, eyes blank and white. No pupils. Just light. Then he blinked, and they returned to normal.
"Edwin," Lucifer said calmly, "meet Azael."
Edwin turned. A figure stood behind him tall, built like a statue, wings like obsidian blades, horns curling from his brow. He looked human, but he wasn't. He was something else.
"Hello, Edwin," Azael said. "Nice to meet you."
Edwin nodded. "An honor."
Lucifer stood slowly, his voice smooth as silk. "Me and Azael have known each other for some time. And I was just telling him that I admire how my true protégé, Edwin, is stronger in mind and body than Light ever was."
Azael smiled. "I've heard good things. I wanted to meet the future legend myself."
Edwin bowed. "Thank you."
Lucifer stepped forward. "From this day forward, I'm awarding you the status of Prince."
Edwin dropped to one knee. "My Lord… I'm not worthy."
"That's why I'm giving it to you," Lucifer said. "No matter how much you accomplish, you stay humble. I admire that. From now on, you are royalty, part of the most prestigious family in the history of the world. Nations rose and fell. Empires crumble. But our cause never falters."
Azael nodded in agreement. Lucifer's voice grew colder, more resolute.
"Me and Azael have discussed this. It's time for you to reach your full potential."
Edwin looked up, eyes burning. "Yes, my Lord. I'm ready."
Lucifer smiled. "Good. We begin immediately."
And as Edwin stood, wings spread wide, he thought to himself
"This is what I've been training for. I will change the world for the better."