The group emerged from the temporal facility, the once-chaotic surroundings eerily silent. The air felt heavier, like a storm had passed but left something unsettling in its wake.

Kei sheathed her frost blade, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "We stopped him for now, but it's not over. We need to figure out where he went."

Moon Knight brushed the dust from his armor. "If he's working with someone—or something—bigger, we need intel fast. Ares and the others need to know what we're dealing with."

Raven floated beside them, her eyes glowing faintly. "The distortion he caused leaves a trail. I can try to follow it, but it's risky. If we're not careful, we could destabilize time further."

Ignis, flames dim but steady, stepped forward. "Risky's kind of our thing. Lead the way, Goth Queen."

Raven raised an eyebrow at the nickname but didn't argue. She extended her hands, her dark energy weaving into the air like threads. The ground beneath them shimmered, revealing faint, glowing footprints leading away from the facility.

"This way," Raven said.

The Trail of Echoes

The trail led the group to the outskirts of Gotham, where a massive, abandoned cathedral loomed against the night sky. Its shattered stained-glass windows glinted ominously, casting fragmented rainbows across the cracked stonework.

Kei slowed her pace, her hand instinctively gripping her sword. "I don't like this. It's too quiet."

Ignis smirked, her flames crackling softly. "What's the worst that could happen? Giant bats? Demon priests?"

As if on cue, the cathedral doors creaked open, revealing a figure standing in the shadows. His silhouette was imposing, his red eyes glowing like embers.

"Ares," Moon Knight muttered, stepping forward cautiously.

But as the figure emerged into the light, it wasn't Ares.

It was Lucifer.

Clad in a tailored black suit that seemed to absorb the light around him, Lucifer exuded a magnetic, almost unsettling charm. He smiled, his sharp features betraying nothing of his intentions.

"Well, well," Lucifer drawled, his voice smooth as silk. "What a delightful gathering of heroes. And who might you two be?" His gaze lingered on Kei and Ignis, appraising them like a collector admiring rare artifacts.

"None of your business," Ignis snapped, flames flaring brighter.

Kei placed a hand on her shoulder, her voice calm but firm. "We're not here to fight. Unless you give us a reason to."

Lucifer chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Relax, darling. If I wanted to fight, you'd know. No, I'm here because I have information—information you desperately need."

Raven stepped forward, her dark energy rippling. "We don't trust you, Lucifer. What's your angle?"

Lucifer's smile widened. "Oh, Raven. Always so suspicious. My angle, as you put it, is survival. Nullus threatens everything, including me. And I'm not about to let some overgrown lizard erase my playground."

Moon Knight narrowed his eyes. "Then talk. What do you know?"

Lucifer gestured grandly, the shadows around him swirling like a living thing. "The Time Freezer was merely the first act. Nullus has agents across dimensions, weakening the barriers between worlds. If you want to stop him, you'll need to gather more than just your little band of misfits."

"Where do we start?" Kei asked, her tone steady.

Lucifer's expression darkened. "The Council of Eternity. They're the only ones with the knowledge—and power—to combat something like Nullus. But reaching them won't be easy. They exist outside time, hidden in the Void Nexus."

Ignis crossed her arms. "Let me guess. You know how to get there, but it's gonna cost us."

Lucifer smirked. "Oh, I do enjoy a quick mind. Yes, I can guide you to the Nexus. But in return, I'll need... a favor."

Kei's eyes narrowed. "What kind of favor?"

Lucifer's smile was razor-sharp. "Nothing too complicated. Just a promise that, when this is all over, you'll owe me one."

The group exchanged uneasy glances.

"We don't have time for this," Moon Knight muttered.

Raven's voice was calm but firm. "If he's lying, we'll deal with him later. For now, we don't have a choice."

Kei sighed, stepping forward. "Fine. You've got a deal. Take us to the Nexus."

Lucifer clapped his hands, his smile triumphant. "Marvelous. Follow me, then. And try to keep up—I hate waiting."