The Seraphic System
Chapter: 103
Disclaimer: I don't own High School DxD or any other universe used in this story. However, all original characters, plotlines, and world-building elements created in this story are my own.
Pa/ t reon details below the chapter if you're interested in seeing some content in advance.
(The Satan's Surprise)
-{Serafall Leviathan}-
Serafall adjusted her position on the chair, her eyes glancing around idly at the coffee shop she was sitting in. She slowly went over the contents of what the upcoming meeting was for.
It had been oddly difficult to set up what was normally an easy meeting with Gabriel, who acted as the messenger for Heaven. And in turn, Michael who was leading Heaven.
Ajuka had been correct.
Something large was happening within the Heaven. Serafall needed to know what was happening.
The location was technically neutral ground, but its proximity to Devil territory wasn't accidental. A subtle reminder of where the power lay in these negotiations.
She'd been looking forward to this meeting, though "looking forward" might be too strong a phrase. Gabriel had always been... manageable. Kind to a fault, diplomatic and most importantly, predictable.
Heaven's desperation in recent years had made these conversations almost routine and they had become more frequent as Serafall worked to open Heaven up to the Three Faction Alliance she and her fellow Satans had been asking for. Despite their desperation, they had much to offer and their reputation was always good to have available. With most Gods being more open to dealing and trading with Heaven.
Which made them valuable.
That thought line came to a halt as the doors to the cafe she had selected for the meeting opened.
As per usual, Serafall felt her breath hitch slightly.
'Beautiful as always.' Serafall thought even as she kept her expression neutral.
Gabriel calmly walked through, drawing the lustful gazes of the few nearby. There was an almost luminous quality to the Archangel that had nothing to do with magic, it was as if light seemed to bend towards her.
As if she was deliberately suppressing something bright and warm beneath that composed exterior.
Serafall's eyes scanned over her and she found herself in a dire need to restrain her lust.
"Gabriel," Serafall said with a professional smile, gesturing to the chair across from her. "Please, sit. It's been far too long since we've had a proper conversation."
Gabriel nodded. "Leviathan."
No warmth, no pleasantries. Just an acknowledgement. Immediately, alarm bells rang in her mind at that cold attitude from the usually warm Angel.
Serafall blinked and keenly observed the Arch-Angel sitting across from her, before resuming with a smile. Something felt weird, it put Serafall on edge.
"It's good to finally speak once more," Serafall replied cheerfully, handing another olive branch for a pleasant response.
"Likewise." Gabriel's short response came, and broke that branch.
Undeterred, Serafall continued.
"That's good to hear, my sources say that Heaven's been quite busy lately. I hope everything is well?" Serafall asked smoothly.
"As well as can be." Gabriel smiled slightly.
"Oh? I heard there was quite a spectacle at the Vatican." She said lightly, resuming her line of communication. "I do hope you don't feel the need to hide such a thing."
"Indeed. It's been a productive few months, and a great many things have transpired, but you're correct. I don't feel the need to hide such a thing. It was dealt with.." Gabriel replied, stroking a stray strand of her perfect blonde hair. "Alas, a gathering of monsters will also make a display."
Serafall held a frown.
"I'm glad to hear that." She replied. "Perhaps that's why you're practically glowing," Serafall said with a teasing smile.
Gabriel's expression didn't change, but something flickered in her eyes. A slight heat rose to the cheeks.
As Gabriel finally took her seat, Serafall felt it.
A pressure in the air that hadn't been there before. Power, barely contained beneath Gabriel's composed exterior. Her smile faltered for just a moment before she recovered.
When did she get so strong?
A server approached with a tray. "Your usual wine, Lady Serafall?"
Gabriel raised an eyebrow. "I didn't realise that Cafes serve wine. The human world must be rapidly evolving."
Serafall replied with a grin. "They serve anything when you pay enough. Human society is very easy in that aspect. Though I don't suppose they have anything with a bit more... bite? The blood-red variety perhaps?"
"I'm fine." Gabriel politely declined.
Serafall was completely thrown off.
Normally she'd at least drink to be polite. Last time she had tried to get her drunk enough to get a few gropes in, which had nearly worked on the beautiful Arch-Angel.
"Ah, a shame. In any case, I appreciate you agreeing to meet on such short notice," Serafall continued, becoming slightly more serious.
"Well, you were rather insistent with your requests. It would have been difficult not to." Gabriel said, smiling.
Requests. What a pointed choice of word.
"Ah, well. I must admit, Heaven has been rather... difficult to contact lately. And things have been strange as of late, so we decided that a small meeting was in order." Serafall replied calmly, her tone turning more playful. "We Satans aren't particularly overjoyed about the radio silence, you know. After we've been in contact for so long Gabriel-tan~"
"We've been busy," Gabriel replied simply. "In your words, things have been strange as of late."
Serafall waited for an elaboration that never came.
Where was the angel who would apologise for any inconvenience? Who would offer detailed explanations and reassurances?
"Of course," Serafall said, her tone becoming slightly more serious. "Those strange events at the Vatican certainly must keep you and others occupied. What holy artefact did you recover this time? The rumours are quite... creative."
There were no rumours.
"Is there any reason for this curiosity? You've never seemed to care much about holy artefacts." Gabriel joked lightly, her eyes not quite matching her tone.
"I apologise for our curiosity." Serafall laughed. "We are merely more open to information given how the supernatural world has been quite turbulent recently. Along with some troubles that Heaven seems to be facing, I'm merely trying to ascertain if everything is okay."
"Heaven is doing well and in a sense, we have reclaimed many Artefacts, we appreciate your interest in our stability." Gabriel politely replied.
So it wasn't an artefact.
"That's precisely why I felt this meeting was necessary," Serafall said, wondering how to word this. She hadn't expected the sheer level of resistance.
Gabriel's expression didn't change much. She was still her calm self from before. "Yeah?"
The dismissive tone grated Serafall's nerves. Heaven was supposed to be desperate. They were supposed to need Devil's support.
If so, why was she acting in this way?
"This all leads back to the chat we had before." Serafall continued.
"The alliance proposal?" Gabriel replied.
Serafall nodded.
"It's been in discussions for years now, but recent events have made it more relevant than ever. The attacks on both our territories, the emergence of new threats..." Serafall said, expecting Gabriel to ask about the attack on them.
"I think I remember such a discussion of a concept, what are you proposing?" Gabriel questioned.
Serafall blinked.
"Well," she recovered, "the Devil faction believes it's time to formalise our cooperation. Pool our resources, coordinate our defences. Other Factions have always stayed out of our, The Three Great Factions' affairs due to the worry that all three of us would unite. So why not solidify that worry of theirs?"
It was reasonable and a true statement by all means.
The two Heavenly Dragons had shown that.
Gabriel tilted her head and waited, making Serafall's eyebrow twitch almost unnoticeably.
"Of course, such an alliance would require certain... understandings."
Gabriel's perfect lips twitched.
"Such as?"
Gabriel's monotone responses were becoming unnerving. For once, the old and powerful Arch-Seraph was acting in her station and Serafall couldn't help but be slightly put off. She found herself missing the angel's usual verbose self.
"Well, such an agreement naturally comes with terms. From both sides. Territory agreements in the human world. Research access to certain sacred sites. Information sharing about high-level threats." Serafall paused meaningfully. "And naturally, we'd need to request Heaven's training methods for our younger devils. Perhaps even a tour of the Heavenly vaults?"
"What would the Devils be offering?" Gabriel asked after a moment.
Serafall paused.
"A great many offers…"
"Yeah?"
"Yes! Trading, Phoenix Tears, our protection…" Serafall listed.
"Phoenix tears? Do you mean you're going to provide us with Phoenix Tears or you're going to let us buy them?" Gabriel commented, looking mildly curious.
"Well, to purchase them, since they're widely coveted." Serafall's face had become blank.
"Doesn't that fall under trading?" Gabriel pointed out.
Serafall was slightly speechless. Outside of the Devil Faction, others were not allowed to purchase Phoenix Tears, so this was already a privilege.
"Ehm, yes-"
"So you're offering trading and protection?" Gabriel questioned, cutting her off.
"Among other things, including the potential for the angelic version of the evil pieces." Serafall brought out her trump card.
There was a pause.
"Which would require you to study Angel physiology and souls?" Gabriel questioned.
Serafall sighed. "I must admit I'm quite confused by this change in demeanour, did we not have a good talk last time we met? Perhaps we've offended your Faction in some sort of way?"
Gabriel tilted her head. "You're correct, things have changed. We have merely decided to go for a more inquisitive approach."
Serafall frowned heavily and didn't bother hiding it. "I don't believe our demands have been so bad. Surely Heaven understands the importance of transparency between allies? The Devil faction is offering unprecedented cooperation here. We could ask for so much more."
"Allies?" Gabriel tilted her head slightly.
Serafall felt her instincts screaming that something had fundamentally changed. This didn't feel like a meeting about future avenues, but Gabriel telling her that Heaven no longer needed what the Devils were offering.
"Heaven has always valued its independence," Gabriel continued, her voice remaining perfectly level. "We appreciate the Devil faction's... concern for our well-being, but we're quite capable of handling our own affairs."
Serafall's mind raced. Heaven's previous desperation had been their leverage.
Without it, the Devils lost most of their negotiating power. It didn't make sense. Even with Heaven not in a state of constant decline, the Devils were incredibly more powerful.
The Evil Pieces had allowed them to buff their ranks with both quality and quantity. In a matter of pure numbers, the Devils outmatched both the Grigori and Heavens. But Gabriel wasn't just refusing, she was radiating a confidence that suggested Heaven was operating from a position of strength equal to theirs, if not greater.
What changed?
Gabriel calmly reached for her wine glass and with a subtle gesture, the liquid shimmered and transformed into water. Then swirling it she took a light sip, wetting her lips.
Serafall's eyes flickered down.
"Gabriel. What is this about?" Serafall asked, becoming deathly serious. "It's not only Heaven, the Fallen have gone haywire as well. With no contact being made,"
"And then there are Heaven's actions which are equally as worrying. With Heaven's movements, it could almost be seen that you're mobilising for a war."
Gabriel knew the suggestion she was playing at.
"You needn't worry, you and the Fallen have much more in common than Heaven." Gabriel shot it down.
Serafall grimaced. "Then surely you recognise the benefits of formal cooperation? The protection it would offer? The equal exchange we could bring and the chance to boost your own forces."
That was her main selling point.
"Protection from what?" Gabriel asked, and there was something almost amused in her tone.
"From the forces that recently attacked your territory," Serafall said, her voice hardening slightly. "From the chaos that threatens all supernatural factions. From pantheons who remember old slights and wouldn't hesitate to capitalise on Heaven's... difficulties."
"We handled our attackers just fine," Gabriel replied simply. "And Pantheons would attempt to capitalise on our collective weakness if someone leaked the information that God is gone… which wouldn't be good for the Devils either."
The casual dismissal of what their intelligence suggested had been a massive assault on Heaven made Serafall's blood run cold.
"Nevertheless," Serafall pressed, desperation creeping into her voice, "the offer stands. The Devil faction is prepared to fast-track the alliance process, with terms favourable to all parties involved."
Gabriel studied her for a long moment and Serafall had the uncomfortable feeling of being evaluated by a predator.
"Heaven will consider your proposal," Gabriel said finally, rising from her chair. "We'll be in touch."
"Of course," Serafall managed, standing as well. "I look forward to your response."
Gabriel nodded once and turned toward the door. As she walked away,
Serafall felt the oppressive presence that had filled the room begin to fade, though the chill remained. It reminded her of the presence Sirzhecs would leave behind in the Council Hall after the meeting of all Houses.
What the hell just happened?
-{Kai}-
It had been a day since we had travelled down to Cocytus.
For now, Cocytus was empty.
We'd decided to leave the discussion about what to do with the facility for the upcoming meeting.
I focused back on the room.
Which was quiet except for the steady beep of machines. An old man lay in the bed, his breathing shallow.
His family surrounded him, holding his hands and whispering prayers.
They weren't able to see us due to a mental spell that Azrael was using.
It was only an hour ago that she had asked me to come with her on some of her duties.
Apparently, she wishes for me to come with her and use it as a learning opportunity in how to use the Holy Grail. Michael had naturally been resistant to the idea and then Azrael had become offended that Michael thought she couldn't protect me.
She then promised that she was only going to safe areas within our territory.
Still. It was good that Azrael wasn't as overbearing.
"Watch," Azrael said softly.
She moved to the bedside, invisible to the humans present. Her hand reached out, not touching the man's body but something slightly above it. I could see it with my enhanced perception, a faint luminescence that was his soul.
"The soul naturally begins to separate at the moment of death," she explained, her voice taking on a teaching tone that I found oddly endearing. "My and by extension my shade's job isn't to rip it away, but to guide it gently."
The man's breathing stopped. The machine flatlined. His family began to cry. Nurses rushed in and a doctor confirmed that the man was dead.
A soul rose from his body and began to get pulled somewhere, only for Azrael to pull it out.
She took it gently, then promptly handed it to me.
"Tell me, my Lord. Do you think this soul is worthy of heaven?" She questioned.
Knowing the test for what it was. I activated my Holy Grail. The two cups formed and golden power fizzled over my body. The soul floated into my hand and I peered into it just like Azrael taught me.
First, I felt his emotions that wound so deeply into the surface of the soul. An overwhelming fear of death and the unknown. But beneath that was peace and acceptance of his death.
Slowly, I went deeper, following Azrael's guidance to look beyond the final moments. Memories unfolded like pages in a book, starting from the most recent and working backwards.
The man had spent his last years volunteering for small tasks to bypass the time and pain he felt at his wife's death.
I could see him ladling soup, his arthritic hands steady despite the pain or the smaller things that most wouldn't see as anything special. Helping a lady pick up some groceries she dropped, giving a thankful nod to others while driving.
He'd listen to the stories of those who came for food, offering what comfort he could with quiet words and genuine compassion.
Further back, I saw a middle-aged man wrestling with addiction.
Bottles hidden around his apartment, lies told to worried family members, the slow spiral into darkness. But then, a moment of clarity. A decision to get help. Years of struggle, relapses and recoveries, but always trying to climb back up.
Then I saw a teenager who was being bullied, unable to tell anyone because no one asked if he was okay. I could only watch as he switched schools and still felt isolated in that monotonous life.
At the end, I saw a small child walking at the sea shore on his father's shoulders. His gaze searching for any ice cream vendor but all of them being shut.
From there, his soul itself doesn't remember.
"He is worthy," I said, feeling slightly overwhelmed as I stepped back.
Azrael sent me a blinding smile.
Then, an unexpected shy expression formed. "W-would you like to try again?"
"I would," I replied attentively.
This was doing wonders for my comprehension with soul manipulation and it was interesting seeing the role of Death in action.
She gently took my arm, leaning into me for just a moment. Before shifting into another room, this time with nobody else in sight. A lone pale-looking woman was lying on the bed. Once more in a hospital.
She looked kind.
But my soul sight showed her soul was beginning to shift strangely.
"Would you like to try?" She asked, slightly playfully.
"I would love to," I replied with a grin.
I stepped forward, then held my hand out and waited. Once again, the soul popped up and almost tried to escape. I caught it, a tingly warmth spreading through my extended hand.
While Azrael practically had stars in her eyes as she watched me.
Is she worthy?
I peered into the soul over the course of the next few minutes and repeated the process.
It was a harder choice but I found myself confirming that, yes. She deserved it. She wasn't a fervent believer but she did believe in the core values. And she had lived a decent life.
"She is worthy."
Azrael repeated the process but in moments compared to my embarrassingly long time.
"I agree." She agreed with a smile.
She took the soul and stored it.
A thought occurred to me.
"Are you able to do this for everyone?" I asked her.
She looked at me curiously. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, do you ever do this for Angels or supernatural beings that perhaps worship Heaven?" I asked.
Azrael frowned. "No. That's not within the job. The supernatural is a much darker and dangerous world."
"Does the church count in that?" I asked, genuinely curious.
"That is… different. It would be a disservice if I didn't." Azrael replied. "I do try to help my siblings when I can naturally, but their souls are linked to their bodies. They are different from humans and slip away in a blink when destroyed."
She could seemingly sense what I was getting at by her response.
"I… apologise I can't do any more," Azrael said.
"Don't apologise. The fact you're doing so much is amazing." I said honestly.
She blushed deeply.
"Tell me," I asked as we went to another location. "Are there any other important Angels like you?"
"W-what?" She stammered.
"I mean, I feel like an Angel like you going unnoticed is crazy. Heaven should have known. I can't say I've focused too much on anything outside of Heaven. So it's left me wondering, are there any other Arch-Angels I need to look out for?" I questioned. "Perhaps the Angel of Life?"
"Uh, no. I'm a bit of a special case. I'm afraid everyone else is truly dead." She replied slowly, a slight wobble in her voice. "Or they've joined our enemies."
I could hear the pain in her voice, the old grief that still haunted her.
It was understandable. I doubted she had processed the grief properly and she had been away from Heaven for so long. Making it even harder.
I reached out and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring up painful memories."
She leaned into my touch slightly. "It's alright. I just… feel like it only happened a short time ago. The curse of being unaging."
"Well, you're not alone anymore," I said firmly. "Heaven is growing stronger, and you have family again."
Her smile was positively beaming and she quickly switched the topic as our location changed, her power flowing through me gently.
We teleported into a much darker place this time, not a hospital.
A run-down apartment at first glance, with a man on the ground. A needle in his arm and a dead girl next to him, her neck bruised.
Azrael seemed contemplative.
I went about getting hold of his soul before it vanished to wherever it went.
I glimpsed into the soul again, taking a few minutes to see into it.
It was twisted, black with malice and the heaviness of evil. Images flashed through my perception showing people hurt, his girlfriend terrorised and a lifetime of deliberately evil acts.
I found myself humming thoughtfully.
Azrael apparently didn't even need to glance for but a moment to discern my reaction.
She gave me a curious look, perhaps wondering why I didn't find it repulsive. But quickly moved on.
"This one is bad. How could he be a believer?" I questioned.
"Belief doesn't care about evil or good," Azrael replied simply.
"Some souls are too corrupted for salvation. Depending on how evil they are, you can either let them drift into the aether to dissolve naturally, or..." She paused meaningfully. "Use them."
"Use them?" I asked, catching onto her meaning.
She examined the soul more thoroughly, her expression growing cold. "This one chose evil at every opportunity. Even destroyed the life of someone so devoted to him. Would you like me to show you?"
"Go ahead, I'm curious now," I said with a smirk.
She smiled happily.
Instead of answering directly, Azrael began tracing symbols in the air with spiritual energy.
The corrupted soul writhed as she worked, but couldn't escape her grip. She whispered words in a language I didn't recognise and slowly the soul began to change shape.
The transformation was fascinating to watch.
The twisted human soul compressed and reshaped itself, becoming something else entirely. When the ritual was complete, a shade floated before us.
So that's how they were made…
"Shades…" I said, looking at Azrael in a new light. "You use evil souls and put them to work, collecting souls for Heaven."
"I do, I always felt it was fitting," Azrael replied.
It was a few more hours before I found myself back in Heaven. My time with Azrael was well-spent on learning soul manipulation and seeing what she did.
To say her role was perhaps equal to what Michael's had been wouldn't be an understatement.
I looked up.
Michael was waiting for us. The moment he saw us materialise, his entire body sagged with relief.
I nearly rolled my eyes at his drama.
"Father! Thank, uh, well, you, you're safe." He exclaimed.
"Stop being dramatic Michael," Azrael said back petulantly. "I wouldn't put him in any danger, you know that!"
"You were in the mortal realm without a full escort," he replied, ignoring Azrael.
Azrael sighed.
"It's fine. Azrael took good care of me and there were no problems." I replied and finally he seemed to calm down.
"Well, if you're sure." He replied.
Azrael turned to me. "Thank you for spending time with me, it means a lot… I had fun."
"I enjoyed it too, I learnt a lot."
She beamed and vanished in a burst.
"Ah Father, now that I have you alone. There's something I wanted to show you. If you have time." Michael said, almost shyly.
"Is it that thing in Raphael's office you've been trying to be super secret about?"
Michael's face turned bright red, but he nodded. "How did you...?"
"Michael, you're about as subtle as I imagine Ares is trying to get a girlfriend. What is it?" I said, curious.
"Does Ares have trouble getting women?" Michael questioned.
"I imagine so, there's a word we have for Ares that you might understand better," I said, leaning in.
Michael leaned in, his eyes shining.
"What is it?" He asked.
"Maidenless."
Michael had a realisation. "Ah, I see. I did think he was rather unsightly with his personality."
I smiled viciously at the innocent Angel.
"Now, what is it you've been hiding from me?"
Michael grinned and started walking down the hall toward Raphael's laboratory.
"Actually, let me check on the Holy Order first," I said, changing direction. "I haven't checked in with all of them properly with all this chaos."
I had been busy with my own matters and making sure Heaven was well defended.
Michael nodded. "Of course, Father. They've been making good progress with their training."
We walked toward the section of Heaven where I'd housed the Holy Order for proper training. Apparently, my predecessor had been hands-off with the entirety of the Church. Including the Holy Order.
But with the powerful blessings they received, I was making sure they become a powerful force.
I spotted Asia first, sitting quietly by herself.
When she saw me approaching, she quickly stood and bowed deeply. She looked at me with large emerald eyes filled with worship. While she had grown less naive it seemed her Faith in me had only grown stronger.
"My Lord," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Asia." I smiled. "I'm glad to see you, how are you? Last time we spoke you seemed rather tired."
"I-I'm amazing my Lord! I don't believe I've ever been happier." Asia said, giving me a sweet smile.
"Oh? I'm glad Heaven could provide at least that much. I heard you provided large-scale healing for the front lines." I replied softly.
Asia practically beamed.
"Y-yes, though I could only do so much. Being able to help Angels was more than I could have hoped to do in my life and seeing them fight was amazing. I imagined they would be strong but the way they fought was so controlled…" she frowned. "I just wish no one got hurt."
I wholeheartedly desired for the same. If my desire for power had waned, this battle had made it explode to new heights.
I would reach the level of God, if only to realise this childish desire.
"I suppose that's your motivation to get even stronger," I said lightly. Not knowing if I was saying this to myself.
In truth, even if I had been at the peak of God-class it wouldn't have changed much. This attack was too massive.
Multiple Major Gods from multiple Pantheons along with a Dragon that stood at the greatest of heights a being could achieve.
This was a world of Gods and Dragons.
I'd need to talk to Tiamat more about it. I knew she was one of the five Dragon King, and yet I found that something was almost missing from her.
Maybe I can help her go beyond that.
Asia nodded rapidly. "While it was scary seeing such an army of monsters along with gods after living such a sheltered life. I realised what I'm competing against now!"
"Big dreams, I like it," I replied. "I don't think you're alone. Heaven will make a return and it'll be stronger than ever before."
Asia looked at me in awe.
"I agree. Heaven will once more take its place on top with your return, Father." Michael commented. I'm sure young Asia here will be a big part in that transformation."
Asia preened.
Elizabeth was nearby, practising some form of combat technique with focused precision.
"My Lord." She greeted me, looking over me intently.
"Elizabeth." I greeted her back. "I heard you fought against Cao Cao?"
Another prisoner I had yet to get around to.
She grinned. "I did."
Her gauntlet lit up, the smooth emerald gem coming to life.
"She did a fine job. I must say it's been such a long time since I have been a part of such a large-scale battle. I was rather disappointed we did not get to fight in the true battle above." Draig's proud voice boomed.
"That makes one of us." Elizabeth groaned, looking at the gauntlet like it was crazy. "Did you see how many Gods were up there? I can't even believe you got involved, my Lord."
"I couldn't let everyone fight my battles," I replied and stopped myself from shrugging.
Michael sighed, about to say something before I hushed him.
"You should be more eager to grow stronger, if even your God desires to grow and despite having reached one of the highest realms of power," Draig spoke.
Elizabeth huffed.
"Just because I don't want to throw myself in danger to grow, doesn't make me unambitious." She paused, looking back at me. "No offence to you my Lord."
Why would I be offended?
I don't throw myself into danger… much.
"And what a battle it was." Nyxera came to stand next to me. "My Lord."
"Nyxera." I nodded.
Medusa smiled, looking at me intently.
"How is the egg I left?" I questioned.
"It seems to be growing larger. I suspect it'll be hatching soon." She replied easily. "How about you? I hear you've been running around quite a bit, are you sure you're okay?"
That got a worried look out of Asia and a frown from Grizella.
"I'm fine," I reassured her. "I'm just making sure Heaven is ready. The battle has introduced more threats even with the Architect defeated and under my control."
"The organisation that they're a part of right?" Nyxera asked.
"Yes," I replied. "A few of the gods escaped through a temporary death or slippery means. I doubt this will be the last of it."
They nodded.
Michael was passive. This was a discussion that was taking place at the meeting that had been set up.
A small spar that had been happening in the distance stopped, both Jeanne and Vasco appearing before me.
"My God," Vasco said, immediately kneeling as he always did upon seeing me.
"Vasco, there's no need to kneel," I said with amusement.
It was bad enough that everyone was referring to me as their Lord.
Vasco rose.
I turned my attention to Jeanne.
She looked much better than when I'd last seen her. The healing had worked well, and there was colour back on her cheeks. Without hesitation, I stepped forward and wrapped her in a gentle hug.
Jeanne's face turned bright red as she stiffened slightly in surprise. "M-My Lord?"
"I'm glad you've healed properly," I said, pulling back to look at her. "You had me worried for a moment there."
"Ah- I apologise-"
"Don't apologise," I said, still hugging her.
Jeanne was surprisingly huggable like that.
"Though, I have to say. Rushing out like that was slightly brazen. Perhaps you could have waited for orders." I laughed.
Jeanne looked down. "I just couldn't bear seeing anyone hurt."
"You needn't worry, Father did the exact same thing." Michael chuckled.
Jeanne brightened.
"I... I promise to do better as your defender," she said earnestly, her blush deepening. "I won't let myself get injured so carelessly again. I should have been protecting you better during the battle."
"You did fine, Jeanne. The enemy was stronger than any of us anticipated. And Ares was dealt with accordingly." I replied soothingly.
"Still, as one of your Holy Knights, I should have been able to handle more. I need to train harder." Jeanne tried.
Vasco nodded approvingly. "We all do. That battle showed us the level of opposition we're truly facing."
"I guess I can't argue against that." I grinned. "I'll do my best to grow as well."
I decided to take some time with the Holy Order, spending a little while with them before heading out.
As we left, just outside the area where the Holy Order resided. I noticed Frieren sitting quietly nearby, observing the sky hung above Heaven with her usual distant expression.
"Frieren."
She turned to look at me, her expression neutral but attentive. "Lord Kai."
"We haven't spoken much since the invasion."
"You've been busy." She hummed. "I heard you went to Cocytus, I would have liked to join."
"Heard that, did you?" I chuckled. "Perhaps you can come with me next time. I'd like your opinion on how it could be improved."
She smiled faintly. "I would like that."
"And also, once more thank you for your work. I am lucky to have you here. Sealing a God isn't easy, nor a common skill. It'll prove invaluable in the future." I said.
I know she was a part of Heaven, but that didn't stop me from feeling grateful. Michael himself had said the old Heaven would have been destroyed even if they had survived it.
She was a part of Heaven's strength.
Until I could reclaim and surpass 'His' full power.
A small, genuine smile crossed her face. "It is a place worth protecting."
We spoke a little more before I left, mostly due to Michael's downright pouting stare.
For such a monster in battle, he was just adorable sometimes.
What would the hundreds of thousands of his dead enemies think of this display?
"Alright, now let's see this mysterious project of yours."
Michael brightened.
We made our way toward Raphael's laboratory, Michael's excitement barely contained as we walked through Heaven's halls. Whatever he'd been working on, it clearly meant a lot to him.
"So," I said as we approached the lab, "are you going to give me any hints about what I'm walking into?"
Michael's grin widened. "You'll have to see for yourself, Father. It took a lot of work but I hope it'll make you feel more at ease."
Oh?
A weapon?
We were greeted at the laboratory entrance by Raphael, who looked up from her work with an amused expression. "Ah, it's time?"
Michael looked like an excited puppy. "Yes!"
Raphael gestured toward the far end of her laboratory. "Then by all means, let's unveil our little project."
The same massive armoured sentinel dominated the space, easily twenty feet tall. The face was a smooth, featureless mask with glowing blue eye slits.
"The hard work of all the Arch-Seraphs," Michael commented, his voice becoming serious and grandiose. "We knew you were so worried about the threats to Heaven… We felt terrible that we could only watch and let you reclaim your power."
I wanted to interject but decided to listen.
"So we thought to help you, mixing the gift you blessed me with, Uriel's smithing, and Raphael's artefact-making abilities. We built Heaven's first God-class sentinel." Michael announced.
"…"
I stared at the construct for a long moment before finding my voice. "You built a god-class sentinel?"
"It wasn't simple but with the right materials it was doable," Raphael replied with casual pride. "The Annihilation Maker provided the foundation, but we incorporated several of our own innovations."
"It took significant resources," Michael added, sounding hesitant. "But the capabilities are worth it."
I briefly sent him a smile.
For some reason, they were still hesitant to use the resources of Heaven, but if this was the result then perhaps I needed to push them more.
I looked over the Sentinel, wondering what I could add.
Raphael began listing the sentinel's features with obvious satisfaction. "Holy fire projection systems integrated throughout the frame. Complete metal manipulation abilities. Extreme physical strength is enhanced by its mass. And perhaps most cleverly, Graviaery stones embedded in its core allow it to adjust its effective weight for different terrain. It's also able to create barriers and such things."
"There are many other features but that's the base of it. We had it in mind to be a guardian. It's essentially a Sacred Gear of its own, just missing the powerful soul, constantly evolving and indestructible part." Michael replied dutifully.
"While I can't say it's as impressive as a Sacred Gear in general, it is still very powerful and a work of art if I do say so myself," Raphael replied excitedly.
"You just casually created a god-class weapon?" I asked, genuinely impressed. "How did you even give it abilities?"
That was a question I had long wanted answered.
How did you go about giving a being the ability to do something they previously couldn't?
"Angelic script and a medium. While angelic script is a lesser version of what you used to use, it's still powerful and operates on holy energy." Raphael instantly replied. "Most forms of energy can develop their own, as it's just a way of telling magic what to do. With that mixed with rare ores that allow for magical transformation, we have been able to fit a great many weapons into the guardian."
I was blown away.
"How is it powered?" I questioned.
"Well, that is the trickier part," Michael replied. "It's permanently taken away a chunk of my angelic power… but it's worth it for the gain of the sheer capabilities it has. And the heavenly empowerment offsets the cost."
So there was a cost…
That made sense.
The God-class couldn't be underestimated. Anyone a part of it was dangerous. It reminded me of the perks I had found after scanning my perks list for the first time in a while.
The perks I had learnt every God-class being naturally obtained.
"It won't affect my ability to fight!" Michael snapped me out of my thoughts, looking concerned at my reaction. "I assure you the cost was small compared to the outcome. The materials help a lot."
I raised my hand. "I'm not worried, though I do wish you wouldn't sacrifice parts of your power. I'm glad the angelic empowerment covered it."
"I do apologise for using so many resources, naturally making such a thing wasn't costless. Especially to minimise the sacrifice of Michael's power." Raphael apologised next.
I rolled my eyes.
"Don't apologise for using resources on this," I said, studying the sentinel's construction. "This is remarkable work. We might even be able to enhance it further with that corpse from Dulio's encounter."
The strategic implications were immediately clear to me.
This wasn't just another powerful ally, it was a disposable asset with no emotional attachments. I could deploy it without worrying about the political ramifications of sending my Archangels into dangerous situations.
"Ah! That's a wonderful idea. The thought of taking an enemy's artefact and transforming…" Raphael looked mildly sinister for a moment. "Is perfect."
"What do you think?" Michael asked eagerly.
"I'm impressed you didn't attempt something like this sooner," I replied. "Though I suppose resource allocation was different before and losing any power probably wasn't preferable."
"Well, having you around has certainly renewed our determination to push boundaries," Michael grinned. "The sentinel is currently under my command, but we designed it to respond to your authority as well."
I stepped forward and addressed the construct directly. "Activate."
The sentinel's eyes flared to life and it moved with surprising fluidity for something so massive.
Each step was perfectly controlled.
'Appraisal.'
They've been building this under my nose?!
-{Percy Jackson}-
"Percy-"
"Nope."
"Please, my boy-"
"As that Hunter would put it, 'Nay.'"
Percy crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair, wearing his most stubborn expression.
Chiron sighed, his tail swishing in that way it did when he was preparing for a lengthy conversation.
"Percy, I understand your reluctance, but for some reason, the quest has been issued to you. While it was originally given to Zoë Nightshade, the prophecy has gained a second version directed toward you specifically."
"That's fantastic. Really. But I'm not exactly in the market for life-threatening adventures right now." Percy gestured around the Big House. "I was actually enjoying the whole 'not being hunted by monsters' thing."
"It wouldn't be as difficult as your previous quests. You've had a massive gain in power since-"
"Chiron, every time someone tells me a quest won't be that hard, I end up fighting something with way too many teeth." Percy held up his fingers to count.
The centaur's expression grew more serious. "Percy, you must understand that I would be healthier not getting involved in the business of gods either. But this is simply the way things are for a young hero like yourself."
"Can't the Gods do it?" Percy grouched. "I already did that thing with the other thing."
"You mean saving the Greeks from war by retrieving the King Of Olympus' weapon from a war God?" Chiron asked. "With a powerful Angel as your ally?"
"Yeah, man."
"Percy, this is serious." Chiron sighed. "This second quest is unprecedented. I must admit I am surprised. The Goddess Artemis hasn't been seen in too long and with this quest something is amiss."
"Right… so can't the king of sparkles go use his sparkle wand to go help her?" Percy asked.
Chiron looked up with genuine fear.
"Percy!" Chiron hissed.
"Yeah?" Percy asked.
"Don't." Was all he said.
"Fine."
"Look. The prophecy is clear. And there are lives at stake. I know as much as you. I don't take pleasure in this. I don't want this. But fate is fate." Chiron said seriously. "This world is dangerous and its consequences die. I don't want to leave my fate up to a child, but it's that way for a reason."
Percy remembered Kai's words.
The supernatural world is a dark and mysterious place.
"Something is happening, it's big and the Greeks aren't going to escape it. We are a part of those Greeks, my boy. For now, all I can say is with the power you've gained so quickly and with such talent. You have a good chance." Chiron said, looking at him empathetically.
Percy felt his resolve beginning to waver despite his protests. The weight of responsibility was settling on his shoulders again, that familiar burden he'd grown to know too well.
Fucking fine.
"Fine. I'm sure Annabeth will demand to come, so that makes two people gathering already. I just need someone else." Percy replied.
Chiron sagged in relief. "Thank you, my boy. I'll help in any way I can."
Percy nodded even as his mind had already begun wandering to other possibilities.
He knew enough by now to know quests meant something serious was happening. It's why they didn't get stupid quests like going to the shop to buy Demeter a box of cereal.
He hadn't thought much of Artemis, since she was a goddess. They probably got themselves lost every now and then. But with this quest, he couldn't help but be worried.
Percy needed a trusted ally, one who was powerful enough to back him up… one was already in mind but could he gather the courage to bother him for a selfish request?
Perhaps a certain Angel willing to piss off the Gods so eagerly would help?
-END-
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