[center][h2][color=royalblue]King Rufus[/color][/h2][/center][hr]

Deep within the depths of Hell, a king sat impatient upon his sofa. He'd been mulling over whether or not he should respond to the letter resting atop his arm rest, and ultimately decided that the rewards out weighed the potential costs of losing all the note worthy demons that actually made a difference in the battles. He knew that Eos and Deva were having thoughts to similar to his own, and didn't doubt that they'd be answering the letters themselves sooner or later.

[color=royalblue]"Too bad I'm not invited. Would have been fun..."[/color] Rufus muttered to himself with a weary shake of his head. There'd been enough dawdling. Now was the time for action. The King of Hell rose and swept his arm across the grand hall that was his throne room, countless ripples tearing their way open into the empty space to display the forms of the [s]player characters[/s] most accomplished demons in his army. They in turn could see him, and if they wished could walk through the portal and arrive in the throne room before him.

His eyes narrowed before closing the one to Victoire, knowing the hell hound stealing succubus was busy breaking in a new servant from the Machina's ranks. Coincidentally, the portal Rufus opened blocked Sliske's view of the rampaging Angels in the camp.

[color=royalblue]"Attention, my oh so loyal and not the least bit treacherous subjects, I bring word of the next matter that requires your attention. Rejoice, for each Demon that answers my call stands to make tremendous personal gains from a being more generous then I, on top of aiding the faction, if they are successful."[/color] Rufus raised up the letter for all to see. [color=royalblue]"If you accept, then the contents of this letter will detail your mission. This is not a conflict for territory, but a test of skill between the factions. Ahem, the letter reads in a rather condescending tone, so bear with it."[/color]

[hr][color=silver][i][center][hider=BGM][youtube]v=eluA3avoiG8[/youtube][/hider]

Greetings, Esteemed Rulers of the Nexus.

I believe you know what this missive is about, after your most recent "assessment session". Nevertheless, I'll explain in in case of your brains not being able to piece it together.

It's about time to put your developments to test. Fear not, however, for I was the one chose to do this evaluation. If you pass, I'll give you a "special gift" but if you fail... Well, you already know it, don't you?

The process will be simple enough. A game, if you want to call it that way. Send your forces to my laboratory, whoever is the first to overcome all the "challenges" I have set, will come out the victor. Just don't think that it'll be easy, because there's nothing I love more than a fresh batch of guinea pigs ready to be worked with.

With my most courteous feelings;

Hohenheim, The Alchemist of Genesis.[/center][/i][/color][hr]

The King of Hell let the air hang silent with a scowl on his face, no doubt letting those disapproving of Rufus' reign have their laugh at his expense. When he was satisfied he raised a silver disk which was included with the letter. 

[color=royalblue]"This letter was sent to the other leaders who are no doubt having similar conversations with their subordinates. If all those participating would step through their portal, I will transport them to the sight of the challenge using this device, as even I do not know where it is to take place. From there, it is believed Hohenheim will elaborate on the challenge itself, so keep your wits about you and don't be stupid."[/color]

[color=royalblue]"For this task, you will have no outside support from me, and that is the same with the others. Any cannon fodder is what you bring yourself, and don't expect retreat to be an option here either. It's succeed, or wind up on a slab facing devil knows what kind of horrors Hohenheim can whip up, so decide things carefully."[/color]

[color=royalblue]"I won't keep these portals open indefinitely, but if you need to grab any armaments, then now is the time to prepare yourself before coming forward.[/color]
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