The cavern trembled slightly as the projection vanished, and the group exchanged uncertain glances. Even with their victory, the ominous warning weighed heavily on them.

Flash, pacing nervously, blurted out, "Did that thing just say the true Architect? As if that wasn't the final boss already?!"

Batman, methodically placing the shard into a containment device on his belt, replied with his usual calm tone. "It's clear the Architect we fought wasn't the source of the void. It's a fragment—a herald, perhaps. The real threat lies deeper, far beyond what we've seen so far."

Wonder Woman, resolute, stepped forward. "Then we prepare. Whatever its true form, it won't catch us off guard again."

Kei, looking at Ignis, clenched her fist. "We've faced primordial dragons, cosmic storms, and beings that could unmake reality. This Architect of Oblivion won't be the first entity to regret underestimating us."

Return to the Watchtower

The team teleported back to the Watchtower, the Justice League's orbital headquarters. The atmosphere was tense as each hero processed the battle.

Superman, addressing the room, said, "The void energy isn't just a threat to Earth—it's targeting the multiverse. If the Architect grows stronger, it could unravel everything we know."

Green Lantern, leaning against the console, nodded. "I've seen what the void can do on other worlds during Corps missions. Entire civilizations consumed, their histories erased. It's unlike anything we've faced before."

Kei, her tone sharp, interjected. "Then we stop it here and now. Sitting around discussing it won't fix anything."

Lucifer, who had been silent until now, smirked from his seat. "Ah, so eager to dive headfirst into oblivion. Admirable, but predictable. This isn't something brute force can solve."

Ignis, her temper flaring, snapped back. "And what would you suggest? Negotiating with a force that doesn't even think like us?"

Lucifer, rising to his feet, his wings unfurling slightly, responded coolly. "No. But understanding it. The void isn't chaos—it's balance inverted. Its hunger is calculated, precise. If we truly want to defeat it, we need to think beyond swords and heat vision."

Batman, intrigued, turned toward Lucifer. "What do you mean by 'understanding it'?"

Lucifer, his golden eyes gleaming, replied, "There's a library in the lower planes. A place where the origins of all things, even the void, are written. If we want answers, we'll need to go there."

A Divided Team

The room fell silent as the weight of Lucifer's words settled.

Flash, ever the skeptic, crossed his arms. "You're saying we need to take a field trip to Hell? That sounds like a terrible idea."

Wonder Woman, contemplative, added, "If such a place exists, it could hold the key to stopping the void. But the lower planes are dangerous. It's not a decision to make lightly."

Kei, stepping forward, said firmly, "We don't have time to hesitate. If this library can help us, we go. Ignis and I will lead the charge."

Superman raised a hand. "Hold on. We don't rush into the unknown. If this is the only lead we have, we'll all go. Together."

Batman, already calculating, interjected. "Not everyone. Some of us need to stay here to guard against further void incursions. This is bigger than one team."

The New Plan

After much deliberation, the group agreed on a two-pronged approach.

Team Alpha: Kei, Ignis, Wonder Woman, Lucifer, and Flash would venture to the lower planes to locate the Library of Origins.Team Beta: Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, and Raven would remain in the Watchtower, focusing on containment and studying the void shards.

As they prepared, Lucifer approached Kei and Ignis.

Lucifer, his tone unusually serious, said, "The lower planes are not for the faint of heart. The Architect's influence may reach even there. Stay vigilant, and remember—nothing is ever as it seems."

Kei, glaring at him, replied, "We've faced worse."

Ignis, smirking, added, "And we've got plenty of fire to burn through anything in our way."

Lucifer chuckled. "Let's hope that fire doesn't burn you instead."

Entering the Lower Planes

Team Alpha stood at the gateway to the lower planes, a swirling vortex of crimson and black energy. Each member steeled themselves as they stepped through, the air growing heavier with every step.

The landscape on the other side was a twisted amalgamation of molten rivers, jagged obsidian mountains, and skies filled with perpetual storms. Souls flickered like wisps of flame, wandering aimlessly.

Flash, looking around uneasily, muttered, "Yeah, this is exactly as creepy as I imagined."

Lucifer, his wings glowing faintly, led the way. "Stay close. The denizens of this realm can sense fear... and power."

As they ventured deeper, a figure emerged from the shadows—a hulking demon with glowing red eyes and an aura of raw malice.

Demon: "You dare trespass in the depths of my dominion? State your purpose before I feast on your souls!"

Wonder Woman, stepping forward with her lasso at the ready, declared, "We seek the Library of Origins. Stand aside, or face the consequences."

The demon snarled but hesitated as Lucifer stepped forward, his presence commanding.

Lucifer, his voice cold, said, "This isn't your dominion, whelp. Stand down, or I'll remind you of your place."

The demon growled but backed away, vanishing into the shadows.

The Library's Guardians

Finally, they arrived at a massive, ancient structure carved into the side of a mountain—a fortress-like library glowing with an eerie, golden light.

Before they could approach, towering guardians emerged—golems of stone and flame, their eyes burning with intensity.

Kei, readying her frost blade, said, "Looks like they don't want visitors."

Ignis, flames erupting from her hands, grinned. "Good thing we didn't come to ask politely."

Lucifer, raising a hand, cautioned, "Wait. They're bound by ancient laws. If we can prove our worth, they may let us pass."

Flash, glancing nervously at the imposing figures, muttered, "Yeah, or they'll just crush us. No pressure."

As the guardians began to move, the group prepared for a battle unlike any they'd faced before.

To Be Continued...