The universal focus on the Beast Domain didn't mean they left other avenues untouched.
Hephaestus was always under maximum security, and Soul World and the Beast Domain both took a portion of Heaven's Army's deployable forces.
There was only one benefit to the destruction that had taken place thus far.
With less land to protect, the thinly spread armies could be distributed better. There weren't nearly as many holes in the general defense scheme of each Sector.
At least, not unintentional ones.
"What do you think you're doing?! Are you trying to help our homeland fall faster?!"
Luciel's angered voice boomed through the conference room.
"We have more than enough forces stationed in Hephaestus and the periphery Sectors. Why should we bring so many experts into the Divine Realm that is already secure with geographical advantages?! Aren't you just trying to weaken our forces even more?!"
"Calm down. Isn't it obvious why we have to station our people here? If Luxurion is compromised, what will happen to the army? We are rightfully the division that deserves extensive protection."
The one who spoke was a man named David Joyce. With no particular influence backing him, it was unknown how he made it to the top of the logistical sector, but his position was generally solid.
Notes of mockery and sarcasm, barely noticeable, laced his tone as he addressed Luciel.
"You are overestimating them. They only took the Giant Domain because we were unprepared. Since they're using a frontal assault on the Beast Domain, we can just fight them with force. Why should we be scared?"
"Ha!"
Luciel couldn't contain himself. How could someone say something so preposterous with a straight face?!
"If a full-force assault is what we need, then we should send you directly to the frontlines. What's the point of being warmongering if you can't even back up your claims? Come, show us what you can do!"
"Haha, do not joke around. I am not a frontline soldier, but the backing they rely on to move. In this place, I can be put to greatest use. Don't you know that as well?"
Luciel curled his lips.
This was a man clear of his position, yet with no problem being a tool for others. In fact, he even took pride in it!
"Is everyone in agreement with his views?"
He glanced at the faces of each of the 30 men and women who were present. Of them, some looked away in shame, some stared at him confidently, and some merely shook their heads.
Regardless of their standing, none of them were willing to oppose that man's ruling.
"I understand," Luciel sneered.
"You asked what would happen to the army of Luxurion was compromised, right? I guess we'll find out sooner than expected."
He slammed his fist on the table and stormed out, unwilling to interact with those people any longer.
They watched him leave with a variety of expressions, most showing condemnation.
That man who was once respected by all, how did he reach such a low in just a year and a half? It was embarrassing to watch.
Luciel didn't care for their opinions in the slightest.
He walked through the halls of the Sky Castle with a ruthless and unchanging expression. His eyes didn't move from their position, but his awareness took in everything around him.
For every proper member their group had, there was a corrupt counterpart ruining every effort made.
It was a situation that deteriorated far too quickly.
It took five minutes for Luciel to reach his personal office, where he sat down in his chair and sighed.
His unwelcoming expression faded, replaced by a pair of furrowed brows.
'It's worse than expected. Did something happen?'
They'd been phasing him out subtly for a while now, but they'd never blatantly disrespected him like this.
David wasn't just proposing to move a large number of Supremes and Executioners into the Divine Realm to "protect" them, he had decided on a wide variety of radical changes in the army's deployment that would, without a doubt, leave room for countless ways for the Nox to usurp them.
This kind of planning wasn't meant to save the universe anymore, but to build an ivory tower where the highest level could live in ignorance as if they were still at the top of the world once the universe died.
Luciel wasn't even "sir" anymore, just an average member of the council.
They did not address him or treat him with respect, and his suggestions, regardless of their value, would be rejected verbatim.
'He was right. This cannot go on.'
Luciel was calm. His mood was never as extreme as others assumed of him.
He had to make them think that way.
If they understood he was moving against them in the dark, they would make sure he lost all power in this place, and that absolutely couldn't be allowed.
He stood up, approaching a nearby wall.
He placed his palm on its surface and infused his mana, allowing Luxurion to read his unique mana signature.
The wall vanished, making way for him to enter a long corridor before rematerializing behind him.
Luciel walked the corridor until he reached the small room at its end.
"How much time is remaining?" He asked into the air.
"The preparation time for an operation of this scale is extensive. We will need at least five years to be completely stable."
A response came as a figure of blue light appeared before him.
"Five years is too long. At this rate, we will not even last three."
"If it could be shortened, it would have been shortened. At most, it can be done a year early, but no more than that."
Luciel frowned. If that was the case…
"Sacrifices need to be made."
He obviously didn't want to do it, but there was no other choice. If they wanted to regain momentum somehow, they absolutely needed this plan to succeed.
"Send news to the rest. Slowly retreat to the Divine Realm. We will begin our offensive soon."
"You are…"
"Do not say it. They will understand. If they do not understand, they are free to make their own choices."
The blue figure nodded silently and did as they were told. A message was transmitted through completely untraceable frequencies that even Demigods wouldn't detect easily, reaching a decent number of people in time.
Luciel collapsed into a nearby chair, his head in his hands.
"Tell me, what choice would you make?"
"Would you like an emotional answer, or my base instinct?"
"You know."
"I would make the same choice. However, you are still too kind."
"Hmm…"
A frown formed on Luciel's face, but he was somewhat thankful that they didn't tell him the rest.
He knew what it was.
The most effective move to gain back the momentum, he understood it well.
"Tell me one more thing."
"What would you like to know?"
"Who is the ruler here?"
"…"
The blue entity was silent for a second before responding on protocol.
"According to the traditions of the Heavenly Clan, full control over Sky Castle Luxurion has been granted to The First Angel, Luciel."
The room was silent.
Both parties were already aware of this information.
So the reason Luciel asked at all…
"Brother, you were right," he sighed.
"Sometimes, it really is easier to just be the demon."
