Once the princes had departed, Overlord turned back toward the Sovereigns. His expression grew sharp and solemn, the faint pride from moments earlier replaced by focused calculation.
"As with the Second Layer," he began, "my scout larvae have already infiltrated the Third Layer of Hell."
The Sovereigns immediately grew alert.
"There is news," Overlord continued, his tone heavy. "As you all know, most of the Third Layer is a gargantuan city divided into sectors. Theoretically, this should make conquest easier. Structured territory, clear divisions, predictable control points."
He paused.
"But the Devil Lords are prepared."
The weight of those words settled over the group.
"They have learned," Overlord said. "They know that standing alone leads to annihilation. They also know that gathering together is no longer viable—not after what happened in the City of Unkept Promises."
