The throne accepted him without resistance, molding itself subtly to his presence rather than forcing him to conform. Jax leaned back, one arm resting casually against the armrest, posture relaxed in a way that very clearly communicated that he was confident and relaxed.
For a brief moment, no one spoke. Then Sona inclined her head, silver hair cascading like moonlight spilling over silk.
"When we summoned you, we had a-lot of expectations, but youâve gone and exceeded all of them quite spectacularly," The Dark Elven Goddess said calmly, her voice smooth and precise.
"I especially love your plan to create a capital where all of the Demon Species can live in relative harmony, and also consolidate power. Seeing the way youâve gone about it has been amazing,"
Jax raised a brow, "High praise coming from you,"
"You deserve it, youâve stabilized the Kingdom that was honestly on the brink of collapse due to the constant attacks from the Heroes, and made a clear defined goal for everyone to work towards. I also appreciate your efforts of introducing yourself to every clan," Sona continued.
Her amethyst eyes sharpened slightly, "Most would have failed to accomplish what youâve done with years of time, meanwhile youâve done all of this so quickly,"
Skadi let out a low chuckle, crossing her arms, "Hah. And thatâs not even mentioning the Hero."
Jaxâs gaze flicked toward her.
"You didnât just defeat one," Lilith continued, "You
broke
her and crushed that pathetic heroes momentum, shattering his myth and left the Holy Church scrambling. Plus, nice job breaking that girl, it was quite fun seeing it from up here,"
"You were watching us? Pervert," Jax muttered.
"Of course, as the Goddess of Lust, I need to be aware of all the lustful things my Demon King is doing, isnât that fair," Lilith said, a slight teasing smile on her lips.
Skadi ignored her and leaned forward, elbows on her knees, "The battlefield still sings about what youâve done, and you did it without wasting time, very efficient,"
Jax smirked faintly, "I take it this is the part where you tell me how impressed you are."
Lilith laughed softly, "Oh, Iâve been impressed since you decided to build a
harem
instead of a court."
Sona shot her a sideways look, "That is not, "
"It is
absolutely
relevant," Lilith cut in, waving a hand dismissively. "Power consolidates around desire as much as fear or loyalty. Heâs doing what Demon Kings should be doing, binding strength to himself through bonds that
matter
."
She leaned forward, voice dropping into something intimate and approving, "Plus, with how strong he is, imagine his children, we should be finding more members to add to his Harem, not ignoring it,"
Jax didnât deny it.
Sona sighed quietly, but there was no real irritation in it. She folded her hands atop her lap, expression returning to composed seriousness.
"Which brings us to why you were summoned," she said.
The light in the Divine Realm shifted subtly.
"Your pace," Sona continued, "is impressive. But it is no longer sufficient."
Jaxâs expression sharpened, amusement draining away just a fraction, "Meaning?"
"The Holy Church has already convened an emergency conclave," Sona said. "As have all the other major forces across the world that are aligned with the Holy Church,"
Lilith clicked her tongue, "Theyâre panicking. After you killed that Divine Aspect, their panic was kicked into overdrive,"
Jax nodded, remembering his crazy meeting with the Goddess Kayle that happened not long ago. He could tell that part of her reasoning for that was panic due to not wanting him to crush her followers.
Sona nodded, "The defeat of the Hero, and the capture of another hero has massively accelerated their contingency plans,"
She lifted a hand, and the air before them shimmered. A projection formed: sigils, chains of light, ritual circles layered atop one another in disturbing complexity.
"They are preparing augmentation rites," Sona said.
Jax leaned forward slightly, "So theyâre planning to juice the Heroes."
"Yes," Sona said plainly. "At great cost, though we havenât been able to find out exactly what the cost is,"
Lilith snorted, "They donât care how many resources it takes."
"Correct," Sona said, "The Church has concluded that Terra is already on the brink of falling into demonic dominion. In their eyes, extreme measures are now
justified
."
Skadiâs grin faded, replaced by something colder. "Theyâre going to break their own toys."
"And still throw them at you," Sona finished.
The projection faded.
Silence returned, but this time it was heavy.
Jax exhaled slowly. "How long?"
"Weeks," Sona replied. "Possibly less."
Lilith crossed her legs again, tail flicking, "Which means if you continue at your current pace, youâll be reacting instead of dictating."
Jax nodded once, "So you want me to accelerate."
"Yes," Sona said. "On multiple fronts."
She met his gaze directly. "Your introduction to the clans must be completed sooner. The Demon Kingdom must visibly unify under you, not as a concept, but as a
reality
."
Skadi leaned forward again, "And you need more teeth."
Lilith smiled knowingly. "More wives?"
Skadi rolled her eyes. "More power."
"Both work," Lilith replied cheerfully.
Jax huffed a quiet laugh, "I was already planning to push things after dealing with Ashanti."
Sonaâs brow lifted slightly. "You intend to involve her?"
"With how much talent she has, itâd be quite a waste to do nothing with her surely?" Jax asked, and the Three Goddesses nodded after a short thought.
"Also, I think once youâve consolidated all your power. You need to get on the Offensive. Once the military is ready, itâs time for payback, go out and crush all those who attacked us," Skadi said, smashing her fists together as she imagined Jax crushing those who attacked her people.
Jax leaned back again, eyes glowing faintly gold, "The Church is reacting because theyâre scared."
"Yes," Sona agreed.
"So," Jax continued, voice even, "Iâll give them something worth being afraid of."
The Divine Realm pulsed faintly, as if acknowledging the truth of his words.
Lilith laughed softly, "Looks like things are finally getting interesting."
Skadi cracked her knuckles. "About damn time."
"Now, good luck Jax," Sona said and snapped her fingers, and suddenly, Jax was back in Ashantiâs sanctuary, seeing it was almost Sundown, waiting for her to arrive for them to head out.