Chapter 606: Underworld Territory Problem [1]

As the platforms rose into the colossal structure, Damian was greeted by the sight of a grand auditorium that seemed to have been carved out of the heart of an ancient world.

The ceiling stretched high above, supported by enormous pillars, while the walls disappeared into the surrounding darkness. The dim lighting would have made the chamber difficult to navigate for ordinary creatures, but it posed no inconvenience to the demons gathered within.

At the centre of the auditorium stood a broad circular platform with a podium, behind which Duke Astaroth was already waiting.

Seven private boxes surrounded the central platform, each designed to accommodate one of the Seven Sins and their respective entourages. Every box had a lavish single seater couch positioned at the front, reserved for the Prince, while several less extravagant but equally comfortable couches stood behind it for advisers, guards, and other subordinates.

Beyond the seven boxes, rows of seats rose in ascending tiers around the auditorium, providing space for the Dukes, demon nobles, and other influential figures who had gathered to witness the proceedings.

The sheer number of attendees made it clear that the Council of Princes was far more than a private meeting between seven rulers.

As Damian’s platform reached its designated position, he stepped off with his entourage and entered the box assigned to him. Shin and Malachi followed closely, while William moved toward the seats reserved for the Prince’s officials.

Rin and Biron settled onto Damian’s shoulders, both looking around with varying degrees of interest as the remaining platforms arrived and the other Princes entered their respective boxes.

"Welcome everyone to the council of princes.... A hundred year event where we all gather and discuss the state of the universe and how it affects us." Astaroth began.

His voice carried throughout the auditorium without requiring any visible effort, reaching even those seated in the highest rows. He stood behind the podium with the composure of someone accustomed to addressing powerful beings who could destroy entire worlds.

"Please have a seat."

The Princes settled into their designated couches, and their entourages arranged themselves behind them. Yet despite Astaroth’s formal welcome, the attention of the entire auditorium remained fixed on one particular corner.

Sol had taken his place in his box as though attending the Council were the most ordinary thing in the world. His golden lion rested beside him, while Leo laid beside his couch with a stern expression.

The Prince of Pride showed no sign of discomfort beneath the countless gazes directed at him, nor did he seem interested in acknowledging the shock his arrival had caused. His casual indifference only made the situation more unsettling.

Some nobles whispered among themselves, while others stared openly, still struggling to accept that Sol had willingly entered the Imperial Capital.

Astaroth, however, paid little attention to the commotion. Whether he was deliberately ignoring Sol’s presence or simply considered the matter irrelevant to the proceedings, he continued without interruption.

"In this years Council we have two topics we need to cover and we will start with what I believe is the most important." Astaroth continued in a leveled tone.

Crimson arrays suddenly illuminated the floor beneath him. Their intricate patterns spread outward from the central platform, forming overlapping circles and elaborate symbols that pulsed with restrained energy.

A moment later, crimson light rose from the arrays and gathered above the podium, creating a massive holographic map of the universe. Countless galaxies appeared across its surface, connected to an enormous cosmic structure resembling the World Tree. Star systems and galaxies rested among its leaves, branches, and roots, illustrating the countless worlds sustained by its existence.

Yet the most striking feature of the display was the division of colour. Some territories glowed crimson, while others shone gold, creating a stark visual representation of the struggle between the two great powers.

"Red indicates planets and star systems under our control while gold represents the heavens and as you can see. In the past century the territory controlled by the heavens have grown from fifty-five percent to a whooping seventy percent. Which one of you is aware of the reason behind this shift?"

Several nobles exchanged uneasy looks as they studied the map, while others remained conspicuously silent. The figures were known to the highest authorities, but seeing the decline presented so plainly before the entire council made it impossible to hide behind excuses.

"Maybe if we stop accepting weak princes amongst our ranks, this wouldn’t be a problem." Kazier sneered, directing a pointed glare toward Damian.

A few nobles shifted in their seats, anticipating a confrontation. Damian, however, showed no immediate interest in responding.

Astaroth glanced toward the red haired Prince, his expression conveying little more than impatience. He lowered his gaze to the documents resting on the podium and began flipping through several pages. The quiet sound of paper turning carried far through the auditorium.

Astaroth eventually stopped at a particular page and looked up. "From what we have here you have lost 15% percent of your territories in the past century. Should we attribute this to your lack of strength?" he asked.

Kazier visibly flinched. For a brief moment, his expression froze, as though he had not fully understood what Astaroth had said. Then laughter erupted from several sections of the auditorium. Some of the nobles laughed openly, while others struggled to contain themselves behind their hands.

Even a few officials who had initially appeared too nervous to react exchanged incredulous looks. Nobody had expected Astaroth to confront Kazier so directly, especially given that they were both dragons.

Damian grinned and rested his chin against his palm, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle. Rin and Biron leaned forward from his shoulders and stuck their tongues out at Kazier, making no effort to conceal their mockery.

Kazier’s murderous glare immediately shifted toward Damian, his jaw tightening as he struggled to contain his anger. Yet with the entire auditorium watching, retaliating would only make him look even more foolish. He had attempted to humiliate the newest Prince, only to have his own failures exposed before the entire council.

"Now, I’ll give you the reasons why we have lost so much territories." Astaroth continued as though nothing unusual had happened.

The laughter gradually faded, and the attention of the gathered demons returned to the holographic map.

"The first is laziness... Most of you are Gods now and that’s why you believe you do not need the power of faith anymore. As long as you have one planet with devotees followers that still remember your name, you will not fade out of existence, so you don’t really care much what happens to the planets under you watch."

Astaroth paused long enough for his words to settle over the auditorium before continuing. "But do not forget, in the battle between gods, there is no skill more useful that the call of the devotees. Many battles have been won simply because one has more devotees he could leech off on at a critical moment. Man needs God as God needs man.... Should your forget that, you are bound to be forgotten as discarded just like the mortals your forgot and discarded."

The atmosphere in the auditorium changed. Damian felt it almost immediately, the subtle shift in the air as the expressions of the Princes grew colder.

"The second reason is infighting." Astaroth continued, bringing the discussion back to the holographic display. "Instead of seeking out planets ruled by the heavens, most of you would rather fight your brothers for what is theirs. An example is earth #3351... The planet the newest prince amongst us was born into."

At the mention of Earth, Damian’s expression became more attentive. The hologram shifted, and one particular planet illuminated in crimson before expanding rapidly until its surface and surrounding star system became visible.

"Rather go after planets owned by the commandments and supreme being. The princes of wrath and greed decided to create a foothold there, resulting in a bloody war that left a prince injured, their forces and resources depleted while the heavens just swooped in and took over the planet after all the chaos."

Astaroth’s gaze shifted toward Kazier, and the accusation written across his face was impossible to miss. The auditorium fell quiet once more as the nobles followed his attention. Kazier stared back at Astaroth in open disbelief, his expression suggesting that he had never expected the discussion to turn so directly against him.

The same Prince who had attempted to undermine Damian moments earlier now found himself at the centre of an example illustrating precisely why the Underworld had lost so much territory. His jaw tightened, but he remained silent, perhaps aware that any attempt to defend himself would only invite further scrutiny.

On Damian’s shoulder, Rin chuckled quietly. "He’s wondering why Astaroth is coming at him... Poor dragon."

Biron looked unimpressed by Kazier’s predicament. "Well... Everything Astaroth has said is true. It’s his fault for not being able to take it."

Astaroth returned his attention to the gathered Princes, resting both hands on the podium as the holographic map continued rotating above him.

"Before I continue, does any one have anything to add to this?" he asked in a dull voice.