The Demon King braced himself for impact, his hands stretched out in a defensive stance, eyes narrowing as the incoming force neared.
"Urgh!" he grunted as a rope coiled tightly around his right leg, yanking him out of harm's way just in time. The ground cracked and burned where he had once stood, the shockwave rattling his bones.
"Did I take too long?" asked a calm, commanding voice.
The Demon King twisted midair to find the Celestial King standing there, having been the one to save him at the last possible moment. His robes fluttered slightly, golden energy still flickering in his hands from the technique he had used to pull the Demon King aside.
"I have my complaints," the Demon King said through gritted teeth, steadying himself on his feet, "but your return was timely enough."
"And our plans?" he asked, concern flickering behind his crimson eyes.
The Celestial King's expression hardened. "Foiled," he said grimly. "Grey—he's betrayed us. We're on our own from now on."
