The Seraphic System
Chapter: 106
Pa/ t reon details below the chapter if you're interested in seeing some content in advance.
(The Hallowed Grail)
-{Zekram Bael}-
Zekram Bael sat in his private study, the ancient Devil's violet eyes scanning the reports laid before him with growing displeasure, not visible on his facial features but in the flares of his demonic power.
It hadn't taken long for multiple emergency reports to reach him. Within mere twenty minutes of the event happening all over the underworld. To the new Satan Faction and the Great King Faction alike.
The news had spread through the Underworld like wildfire, causing panic among the noble houses and chaos in the carefully maintained order he had helped establish over centuries.
Sacred Gears were being stolen. Not just one or two isolated incidents, but a systematic campaign that had stripped dozens of Devils of their most prized possessions.
The culprit remained unknown, but even among the general populace, the information had travelled quickly despite attempts to suppress it.
It was a catastrophe.
Sacred Gears could transform a low-level warrior into a formidable mid or high-level combatant with proper training, and even the weaker ones provided significant advantages. They had become the perfect peerage pieces, carefully cultivated and traded among the noble houses.
It had become a sign of status. For centuries, the Devils had been winning the race for Sacred Gears by a large margin.
Through careful manipulation, strategic alliances, and calculated interventions, they had secured more wielders than any other faction.
It was a slow, methodical process that required patience and political maneuvering, but the results had been undeniable. Now, in what seemed like a single coordinated strike, hundreds of years of careful work had been obliterated.
The Great King's expression darkened.
It was a big blow.
He imagined the four Satans were already embroiled in a meeting. Even with the Devil Faction divided, this couldn't be allowed.
Zekram idly thought about offering an olive branch before deciding against it. If the culprit was found, he would show support for the current Satans but for now it was best if he did his own investigation.
That left how this should be dealt with.
Noble houses across the Underworld were in uproar, their prized peerage pieces reduced to ordinary Devils overnight.
Rating Games would be disrupted, power balances shifted, and decades of careful planning thrown into chaos. The trump cards that made certain Devils perfect for competitive battles and warfare had simply vanished.
Zekram's mind turned to potential culprits.
A God being involved in this disturbance wasn't beyond the realm of possibility.
Those divine annoyances possessed bizzare abilities and operated by rules that even ancient Devils like him struggled to comprehend.
But would they bother? Despite their arrogance, Sirzechs and Ajuka were powerful enough to deter most divine interference. While Gods were tricky and unpredictable, they rarely picked fights without substantial reason.
The current Satans had proven themselves capable of standing toe-to-toe with most divine entities, existing in a realm of power that few could match. Only a handful of beings should possess both the capability and audacity to attempt something of this magnitude.
Zekram titled his head and briefly entertained the idea that Michael had finally gained access to the system the biblical God had left behind before dismissing the notion.
The Archangel, while formidable, would have figured out such matters long ago if they were within his reach. If it hadn't happened during the first few centuries after God's death, when Michael would undoubtedly have been trying every possible method to maintain Heaven's power, it wouldn't happen now.
Perhaps the Sacred Gear System was finally reaching its expiry date? As such, maybe they would even agree to let it fall into more trustworthy hands? For a price, of course.
Everything had a price after all.
Zekram hummed, not bothering to even acknowledge the servant who was awaiting his commands.
His thoughts drifted to a matter that could be tangentially connected.
He recalled the recent incident involving Venelana's daughter and her pawn who had lost his Sacred Gear, a Longinus-Class at that. The boy's situation had seemed isolated at the time, but now it took on a new significance.
Rias Gremory had also managed to procure an unknown figure that easily wiped out the peerage of a High-Class Devil, one of the best among the new generation on top of that. Perhaps they were connected? Some sort of organisation?
It was a stretch, he knew. But overlooking it would be a fault that he wasn't willing to make, especially cause it could doom his species if they weren't able to identify such a threat.
Zekram's fingers drummed against his desk as he weighed his options. Information was power, and right now, he possessed precious little of either regarding this crisis.
The perpetrator had managed to strike across multiple territories simultaneously, with their capabilities and identity being covered in a veil still.
The political ramifications were already becoming apparent.
Several noble houses had requested emergency sessions of the council, demanding answers and action. Some were calling for increased security measures, while others suggested retaliation against suspected enemies.
The chaos was exactly what any enemy of the Devils would want.
Rising from his chair, Zekram moved to the window overlooking his territory.
He turned back to his desk and activated a communication circle. Within moments, the image of one of his most trusted subordinates appeared.
"My lord," the Devil said, bowing respectfully.
"I have a task for you," Zekram said, his voice carrying the weight of someone who has witnessed time seep away like sand. "There are several individuals who have been affected by these Sacred Gear thefts. I want you to acquire one of them. Discretely."
The subordinate's eyes narrowed slightly. "Acquire, my lord?"
"Bring them for study. I want to examine their bodies, understand exactly what has been done to them. The method of extraction, any residual traces, anything that might provide insight into who or what is responsible for this fiasco."
"I am assuming you wish for me to take them through dubious means, my lord?"
Zekram's expression didn't change. "Use whatever means you deem necessary. This threat supersedes individual concerns. The stability of the Underworld itself may depend on understanding what we're dealing with."
His loyal subordinate nodded grimly. "It will be done, my lord."
As the communication ended, the circle fizzled out and Zekram settled back into his chair.
How tedious.
The Devils didn't need this right now, especially with the rumours of more trouble on the horizon. The so-called 'Khaos Brigade'
A major criminal alliance made up of many beings who normally wouldn't have anything to do with each other. Its diversity would have been admirable if not for its nefarious goals.
From small crime families, human magicians to Evil Gods, powerful dragons and generational talents, all filled their ranks. It was only one step away from imploding on itself, perhaps because of the being rumoured to lead it.
Still, the organisation was hidden, even to his own network of information.
Zekram didn't want to see the death of Devil race in his time, but the world seemed to wish otherwise.
-{Kai}-
"So you did it?" Michael asked, staring at me and the Heavenly System intently. The powerful haze of holy power had yet to vanish.
"I took half of the devils' Sacred Gears, yes," I confirmed.
Michael's lips quirked. "Would this have anything to do with what was revealed at the meeting?"
"Perhaps."
"You needn't worry about us," Michael replied, his tone gentle but firm. "We've weathered such threats for a long time now. It's simply the way of things. The moment word spreads that Heaven isn't what it once was, the vultures will circle. That's how most of the old pantheons fell in the end."
"Mhm. Not anymore. Honestly I'm barely containing myself as is. If Uriel couldn't be revived I'd be burning every Pantheon who even had a single member involved with the attack." I responded flatly. "And my advance towards the Devils wouldn't be nearly as kind."
Michael smiled faintly.
"So, am I to assume you have a reason for not taking all of them. Perhaps keeping the rest for leverage?" Michael easily deduced my reasoning.
I sent him a surprise glance, to which he merely nodded.
"You've taken most of the strongest presumably and while taking all of them would be beneficial, holding a leash on your enemies could prove a good deterrent." Michael continued thoughtfully.
"I have," I confirmed. "I'm not sure what my future stance with the Devils would be, but it certainly won't be this. I'd rather keep something to hold over them since they still have insanely powerful leaders, each one capable of causing significant damage to us."
"Then if they attempt to use them against us, I assume it won't be a problem to retrieve them?" Michael questioned.
"That was my thought, we could just take them but there's no guarantee we would find users for them." I replied, gauging Michael.
It was a much larger version of what I had done a few months ago.
"Though there were a few names that caught my interest. It seems there are some anomalies." I said with a frown.
Michael blinked. "Anomalies?"
"Like Regulus Nemea. It's not bound to anyone, yet it's not within Heaven's system. It's as if the Sacred Gear itself has been corrupted somehow." I said more curious than worried.
I had my suspicions, pieced together from limited but crucial knowledge. Whatever was blocking me couldn't be done to most Sacred Gears. A unique occurrence.
Something that prevented me from simply pulling it back into the system.
Michael didn't look surprised. Just genuinely annoyed.
"The Sacred Gears have gone unchecked for too long," he sighed. "I'd be more shocked if someone hadn't tampered with them by now. Would you like me to retrieve it personally?"
"No, it's fine for now. I don't even know where the current user is." I waved it off. "It's just fascinating that a Sacred Gear could resist at all. Though I suspect it's less about the Gear itself and more about how far the system has degraded. Given time, I could probably find a way to retrieve it regardless."
"I do remember such a thing being talked about in theory, but it hadn't happened back during the previous reign." Michael replied thoughtfully.
"Interesting." My eyes went to the only other half-human, half-devil I'd found.
The user of Nereid Kyrie. I vaguely remembered her situation and couldn't deny my interest.
It was showing a large compatibility rating, and it was hard to find someone so compatible with a Gear. I could try forcefully removing it from her, but her Demonic Energy was way too potent for it to be a smooth and successful extraction.
It was better to leave it for now. I know her situation and without a certain perverted Dragon there to help, she would be easy to win over.
A thought to consider later.
"I wonder how you feel about this?" I asked, suddenly focusing on Michael.
Michael perked up at my shift in attention.
"Heaven was building a relationship with the Devils, right? Before I came back." I clarified. "Are you opposed to this stance and action of mine?"
Understanding flashed through his eyes and he frowned softly.
"That was along the lines of what was happening," he said carefully. "Though it could be more accurately described as me trying to hold out, the evil pieces completely changed everything. The Devils' slow breeding suddenly didn't matter when they had an artifact that could resurrect and reincarnate others into Devils."
Michael's face grew gradually colder.
"An alliance was what we decided on, much to Uriel's chagrin." He chuckled.
"It was the only way to keep heaven from falling into ruin. They are powerful, despite my dislike and the final nail was when they suggested a heavenly version of the evil pieces, it seemed like our only option." Michael's voice grew apathetic. "But the Devils are still heaven's enemies."
Michael became colder.
"We would have been forced to give up so much there'd be no turning back. Now that you're back, we don't need such a bleak future." He said, a weight settling in his tone.
I smirked. "Damn right."
Michael paused before giving me a smirk of his own, which looked adorably innocent in comparison.
I rose from the throne, straightening after hours of deliberation.
"Well, I'd say it's been a productive day," I said to Michael.
"Indeed it has." Michael smiled. "Do you plan to assign the Sacred Gears you've… let's say liberated?"
"I've put them in stasis. While I could let a few flow back to humans, I'd rather my Angels have them." I replied seriously. "Actually, it reminds me of a group of humans I forgot to deal with."
I reached into the Sacred Gear System again, feeling its familiar pulse against my consciousness.
I'd let certain Hero Faction members keep their Sacred Gears.
A calculated decision.
Potential recruits for Heaven, and it could take years for a new wielder to manifest anyway. Even Michael's compatibility with Annihilation Maker had been a rare anomaly.
But I was done letting Heaven's enemies believe they had any claim over what rightfully belonged to us.
With a single thought, I pulled.
Dimensional Lost tore free from its wielder and streaked back into the system in a beam of light and holy energy.
Returned to where it belonged.
Michael watched with open fascination, something ancient stirring beneath his composed exterior.
I rose to my feet once the transfer settled. "I'll sort through the Angels later to find a compatible user. For now, I need to meet with Spenta Mainyu."
Sifting through thousands of Angels would take time, but Heaven's ranks were deep. There had to be at least one or two suitable candidates.
"You're meeting with him now?" Michael asked, falling into step beside me.
"I've put it off long enough." I nodded toward the passage ahead.
We ascended to the upper realms through the massive swirling gate.
-{Michael}-
Michael had to restrain himself.
The urge to let his emotions pour forth, to show Father just how much this meant to him, was almost overwhelming. But he held back. Father didn't need to be burdened with his awe and admiration.
His hand trembled slightly.
It felt like confirmation. Another small proof that Father had truly returned. A strike against that deep-rooted fear that this was all some elaborate dream. Irrational, perhaps. But the thought lingered no matter how many times he tried to banish it.
And beneath the relief, there was something else.
Satisfaction.
The Devils of this generation were far removed from those original traitors who had marched on Heaven's gates. He knew that. Most of them had never raised a hand against his kind directly.
But they were still enemies of Heaven. Still beings who tested his patience at every turn, who pushed and prodded at boundaries just to see what they could get away with.
Michael had endured. He had proposed the alliance himself, argued for it even when Uriel and Metatron had voiced their displeasure. Heaven's survival demanded pragmatism.
That didn't mean he had liked it.
He held no resentment. That would be beneath him.
But dislike? That he allowed himself.
If he'd had the power to act without consequence, he would have marched on the Underworld himself. Razed it to ash. Destroyed every Devil who had ever dared tarnish Father's legacy.
That's why this move naturally brought him great delight. He had made sure not to push for it, preferring Father to grow in power before he returned to the world.
But if Father himself deemed it necessary, he could only watch on with a broad smile at the lack of mercy for the Devils.
Michael knew that his Father had changed and in truth he was relieved. Father's mercy had caused 'Him' unneeded pain and an unjust death that none of the Angels could forget.
Which was why their goal to remove all threats in existence in Father's new world hadn't made them fall.
The Sentinel was only the start, with Fathers return Raphael's confidence and ability to create had soared. It was akin to her purpose for doing it returning, which in turn had made her more bold, and way more liberal in her usage of Heaven's resources.
Michael was already looking to use Father's gift to make a potential army with the Sentinel. An army that could be called disposable but would still put the fear of his Father into their enemies.
A slight smirk formed and his eyes gazed feverishly at his Lord's back.
With that, he followed the being that held his utmost undying loyalty.
'His' was the only shadow in which he didn't need to shine.
-{Kai}-
I had postponed this meeting long enough,
The journey to the sixth realm of Heaven took only a few minutes with Michael following. We entered the massive palace and made our way to the area he was located within.
Spenta Mainyu had been put in a heavily guarded area in the Palace of the Sixth Heaven. Raphael had personally set angelic wards that would act as alarms if he tried to leave the area.
We found the Zoroastrian God standing with his back to the entrance, hands clasped behind him, observing the expanse of Heaven through a window.
A small contained aura of Divine energy wafted off the powerful God.
"Lord Yahweh… or is Lord Kaiel now? Lady Raphael did say you had changed your preferred name" Spenta Mainyu said, turning. "I had been wondering if I would be able to converse with you. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance once more."
"Lord Spenta," I said, deciding to return the polite addressing. "Apologies for the wait, I had many things to attend to."
I didn't make a habit of acting like… well, the ruler of Heaven but I wouldn't let anyone know I had practised in secret.
It seemed to be working.
My eyes flickered over the God in front of me.
Spenta Mainyu stood tall and lean, black hair framing a face dominated by striking purple eyes. Simple white robes draped loosely over his broad frame, understated for a being of his stature.
The God smiled warmly, though his gaze flickered toward Michael.
"Lord Michael," he greeted with a slight incline of his head. "It's good to see you as well."
Michael merely nodded with a smile of his own.
"I must thank you for coming personally," Spenta Mainyu said, turning back to me and bowing his head. "I can't imagine the problem such a gathering of Gods has given you, though it seems Heaven is as strong as ever."
"Indeed." I said, not revealing anything. I moved to the center of the room, my presence shifting the very air around us. "There are a few things I wish to speak of in regards to that. Especially a rather concerning entity you may know of."
"Angra Mainyu." The name fell from Spenta Mainyu's lips with no small amount of complexity. "Yes, I imagine his recent... activities have caused concern for your Faction."
"Concern." I stared flatly. "That's one way to put it."
Spenta Mainyu's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. "Lord Kaiel, I must apologize. Deeply. The actions of my opposite have brought dishonor to our pantheon and endangered the balance we have worked so long to maintain. I know best of all, considering I was held as a prisoner and used as a glorified battery."
"He's certainly a problem, considering his son gathered up Heaven's former enemies for a big attack with his influence." I said, keeping my tone amused even if my words were serious.
Spenta didn't seem to be shocked, which was to be expected considering how we had found him.
"I presume it's with this group he's joined?" He questioned and grimaced at my nod of affirmation.
"That's what allowed him to gain the advantage on me. Even a single God can change the tides of a battle. He brought multiple," Spenta said with a resigned voice. "He is Destruction when I am Creation. Chaos when I am Order. He's always been incredibly problematic to deal with. I can only offer my apologies for not being able to foresee this event."
I studied him carefully.
"I don't blame you, especially considering you were a prisoner." I replied seriously. "This force has been able to gather under everyone's nose it seems. But considering he is a part of your faction and it's been his design that saw such a major attack, I have been left in an unfortunate position."
Mindmaven was active right now. I wasn't taking chances with a powerful God, and nowadays it didn't cause me headaches like before. Just a subtle annoying throb when active.
Spenta Mainyu was silent for a long moment before he nodded in understanding. "I see."
"Do you object?" I questioned curiously.
"No. It is reasonable. Many others would have pushed for much more, especially with me being at the core of your domain." He sighed and paused. "What concessions and reward would Heaven desire for its part in my escape along with the problems a member of my Pantheon has caused?"
"It can be discussed at a later date. It's best you assess and stabilise whatever situation you may enter when returning to your pantheon once more." I offered easily. "I'll need to see what you can comfortably provide."
He relaxed and looked at me with something akin to admiration. "I thank you for your kindness."
"It's no problem. That isn't the only reason I came to speak with you of course. I mainly came here to get a better view on what happened." I continued, ignoring the annoying throbbing in my head.
Spenta let out a breath.
"Admittedly, it was an oversight on my part. It started when I had gone to check on Angra Mainyu, who was still imprisoned at that point. Which led to me finding myself face to face with a powerful Dragon along with Angra Mainyu." Spenta admitted with a heavy frown.
An ambush?
Yeah, even if Angra had ambushed him alone, I imagined Spenta could put up a strong resistance. Fighting on home turf would always prove to be a heavy advantage.
Heaven had repelled multiple Gods and a powerful Dragon with minimal deaths due to that.
"Was it Azi Dahaka?" I questioned carefully.
"I'm not sure." The God admitted. "The Dragon was in a humanoid form and didn't bother transforming. I didn't stand much of a chance alone."
Great! Potentially another Dragon is out for Heaven. Hopefully they don't have a hate boner out for us.
I nodded slowly and didn't ask further.
"That leaves the matter of what you intend to do when you're released."
His eyes observed me carefully, as if trying to pick me apart.
"I intend to immediately return and inspect the damage done. Angra Mainyu never boasted about defeating Ahura Mazda, so I can only assume they either haven't tried or failed. In either case I must take up my duties once more."
"Do you think the stability of your faction is secure?" I asked next and he seemed to realise where my line of questioning was leading to.
It was a weird question. Even the weaker factions like the vampires existed. Not getting absorbed into larger Factions. Officially there were a lot more Factions then I had originally realised, with many Pantheons deciding to recede into sub-dimensions and cut themselves off from the outside world.
"I am not sure… we have our own home that is heavily fortified and Lord Ahura is powerful in his own right. We aren't like the much larger and more involved Pantheons, but we have survived for ages." Spenta replied uncertainly.
"And do you think Lord Ahura would object to a potential mutual pact with Heaven?" I questioned, watching him curiously.
He paused and his eyes showed a slight surprise, before an intrigue filled them.
"I can't be sure… the idea is rather unique and rarely if ever seen." Spenta replied slowly.
"Is that so? And why is that?" I asked, allowing my allure to come out in full force. Which admittedly did little to him but made my words seem more magnetic. "Is that not what some Pantheons are? And it seems to be working well for Gods that are evil. I don't see any reason why an alliance between pantheons" I pushed him towards the idea.
It was a genuine question as well. Why did all Gods seemingly put each other at odds? It's what made this alliance of Gods so powerful.
"I concede you have a point. I was merely surprised. The reason it doesn't work for most Gods is pride and the inability to coexist with beings outside their pantheons." Spenta calmly explained.
"May I ask why you are interested in this avenue? Heaven seems to be incredibly fortified."
"I want to open Heaven up for trading once more. I don't believe the Zoroastrians partook when it was open before and I believe it to be a mutually beneficial arrangement that just might be crucial in our resistance to these new forces seeking to seed nothing but chaos around the world." I replied truthfully, revealing my desire to him.
Spenta merely titled his head in answer. "I don't believe you've ever shown such a desire before, though perhaps that's due to your old trade agreements. And then again I've only encountered you a number of times."
From there, we drifted into a conversation and I was able to learn more about the admittedly likeable Zoroastrian God and his Pantheon.
"I'll consider your proposals carefully," Spenta said with a respectful bow. "When I return to assess our situation, I'll discuss these matters with Lord Ahura."
"Take your time," I replied. "Heaven isn't going anywhere."
As we prepared to leave, I turned to Michael. "I have something to attend to. You can return to your duties."
Michael nodded without question. "Of course, my Lord."
With that, I moved onto another task that was long overdue.
I made my way through the realms of Heaven until I reached Eden.
The garden remained as pristine as ever, untouched by time or conflict.
As always the air itself seemed to hum with peaceful energy, and for a moment I simply stood there, appreciating the tranquility.
I went deeper into the forest.
Then I opened my inventory and summoned Heracles.
His massive form materialized and hit the ground with a heavy thump, muscle and bone solid once again. The Divine Hero laid still for several seconds before his eyes slowly opened.
Hercules blinked up at me, confusion crossing his features.
"…"
"Hey." I greeted him, as if this was a completely normal situation.
"I'm alive?" He questioned.
"Yep."
"Where am I?" He asked, gently turning his neck to look around but not getting up yet.
"Eden."
His eyes widened slightly but other than that he didn't move. "It's beautiful."
"Indeed."
Heracles assessed me. "You've grown immeasurably stronger, I'm assuming I was somehow imprisoned for some time?"
"I did." I nodded.
Hercules sighed. "How long? A hundred years? Maybe even a thousand?"
"Less than a year." I smiled.
Hercules stared up at me.
"What?"
"Hasn't been all that long since your nap." I replied with a shrug.
"But how have you grown so much?" Hercules questioned, genuinely baffled.
"A bit of gym training here and there, and a healthy diet." I replied easily.
Heracles' brows furrowed. "You feel like a God… just what did you do? Such things take hundreds of years at the very least."
"A lot has happened." I answered unhelpfully.
His body slumped, and for a moment he stayed quiet. "Haah, I suppose that whole ordeal has been settled. I won't be getting my family back in any case." Hercules lamented, his eyes resigned.
"Is that why you were helping the former Hero Faction?" I questioned curiously.
Hercules looked at me and didn't answer for a while, seemingly wondering what my goal was.
"Yes. It was." Was the simple reply he gave me.
"What do you intend to do now?" I asked, focusing on the slightly bleary God.
"I'm going to guess whatever fate you deem for me." Hercules chuckled, rubbing his eyes.
His body still had bruises, considering he had just exited a battle from his perspective.
"So…" he said, his eyes sharpening. "Why did you revive me? Capturing a God isn't an easy feat and I imagine there are less than pleasant ways you could make use of me, without my cooperation."
"Heaven was attacked recently, by those nasty associates of the Hero Faction."
"I see. It must have been quite the attack if they were brazen enough to try it on Heaven." Hercules responded. "If you're looking for information, I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you."
"I suspected as such." I replied easily.
Hercules finally sat up, rolling his shoulders and coming to sit.
"So I, once more, must ask what you want from me? Or perhaps what your Father may want from me considering we are in Heaven." Hercules corrected, looking around in almost wonder.
"I want you to become an ally of Heaven." I admitted.
Hercules sent me a strange look.
"You've tried it out with the bad guys, why not have a change of pace? Since the Greeks seemingly care so little, I don't mind poaching another God of theirs."
My goal was to make Heaven strong, this added to that goal. And I had a feeling I could persuade him rather easily.
"So that's why you woke me up. And what does Lord Yahweh think of this? I'm sure he doesn't need more servants of his own. This would be me joining you would it not?"
"I'm sure he wouldn't mind." I smiled.
I wasn't going to give it away unless he was loyal.
Hercules stared at me for a moment before shaking his head. "I'm afraid I have to decline."
"Yeah?" I asked.
Hercules nodded somberly.
"Not even for the resurrection of your family?" I asked curiously.
Hercules paused, then a divine energy surfaced to the forefront of his skin. He hadn't fully recovered in the slightest, so I paid it no mind.
"I'd prefer you not play around with such frivolous claims." Hercules said in a deathly calm voice.
"I'm not."
Hercules gained a complicated look, seemingly taking several factors in. I knew my status as an "Angel" was probably helping.
"How can I trust you?" Hercules asked.
"How can I trust you?" I shrugged. "What if you try to run away after I perform this wish of yours."
Hercules' lips thinned.
"I would never if you can truly grant me this. Gods with the ability to perform such resurrections are rare and I was told it only got harder to do so with time." Hercules said seriously.
"In that case you accept?" I asked intently.
"If you can deliver, I will forsake the Greeks and forever be in your debt." Hercules replied, but I could tell there wasn't a lot of hope in his voice.
"In that case, I'm going to drop you off back into your pantheon's domain. Retrieve the corpse of your wife and children. I'll pick you up soon." I commanded.
Hercules merely nodded.
That was another problem turned into a benefit, which only left one more immediate worry.
-Scene Break-
I opened the door, walking inside Raphael's lab.
I'd left Jeanne to be taken care of Raphael in an attempt to quickly fix the strange anomaly we had found in her.
Honestly, I was annoyed. I probably shouldn't be considering how much I was trying to deal with but not noticing it had irked me. Even using my chakra eyes now I couldn't see the actual intake of energy in her aura
{Jeanne D'Arc]
{Title: Holy Knight, Saint}
{Race: Blessed Spirit with a vessel}
{Power level: 31,430}
I immediately locked onto my three archangels, who stood around her bed in quiet discussion.
Raphael held a glowing diagnostic circle, her brows furrowed in concentration.
Gabriel was frowning deeply.
While Azrael stood perfectly still, watching everything unfold with those cold, calculating eyes of hers.
Jeanne was the first to notice my presence, her slight frown turning into a shy smile. Which prompted my Arch-Angels to also notice my presence. They all turned upon my arrival, brightening up considerably.
"How is she?" I asked, stepping closer to them.
Raphael answered. "The item seems to be some sort of lesser grail. Leeching her magic and turning it into life force for a purpose we haven't discovered yet."
"What about the corruption?" I questioned.
The part I was most worried about.
"It's taken the form of some weird type of sludge that's seemingly inactive for now." Azrael said. "It's shown no signs of movement so I wouldn't worry about it. Considering we plan to remove this item immediately."
I let a relieved smile cross my face. "Good, let's not waste any time. I want Jeanne to be able to use her blessing to its fullest. Have you found a way to remove it?"
"Yes." Azrael answered. "It won't be too hard, more so uncomfortable for Jeanne. Her biology is interesting but makes it easier considering she's essentially a divine spirit."
"I am?" Jeanne murmured, before looking at me. "I-I mean, yes. I am."
I blinked.
Gabriel smiled comfortingly. "You'll be fine, our elder sister, while looking mean. Is a big softie underneath. Especially to those under Kaiel."
Azrael sent her a sharp look.
"I trust you." Jeanne said easily. "I am merely nervous to have it removed. Knowing my Lord's blessing has been wasted all this time is… disappointing."
Gabriel instantly began comforting her and I decided to get this show on the road.
"Let's begin," I said, moving to give them room to work.
Azrael nodded seriously and stepped forward, placing both hands over Jeanne's chest.
A golden glow of a spell escaped Gabriel's hands and Jeanne's body relaxed.
A simple spell that I recognised, one that was created solely for removing stress. Holy light was similar to divine power with a heavy leaning towards the concept of good. Even surrounding someone with holy light could make one relax, unless they were a creature of dark.
A dark white bioluminescent glow of soul magic began swirling around her fingers as she accessed Jeanne's soul directly. The extraction process started immediately.
My soul sight activated and I watched with keen interest.
Soul magic was probably one of the strongest forms of magic. It was soul magic that gifted every Angel with their ability for holy and angelic magic.
Gabriel positioned herself at Jeanne's side, green healing magic flowing from her palms to monitor Jeanne's condition throughout.
Jeanne's contorting into discomfort as the soul magic took hold.
I watched as tendrils gently cut off a messily attached cup of energy. Azrael pulled steadily, her brow only slightly furrowed with effort as the cup resisted removal.
After several tense minutes, Azrael suddenly pulled her hands back sharply.
"Done," she said.
It was almost anti-climatic with how quickly the issue had been resolved.
A small bronze cup appeared, hovering between her palms. Red-black sludge coated its surface, sparking with malevolent energy every few seconds.
I observed the bronze cup.
[The Lesser Grail]
Description: A twisted bronze chalice roughly the size of a human fist, its surface scarred with deep black veins that pulse with malevolent energy.
This item absorbs any energy it's surrounded with and turns it into life force. At a sufficiently gathered life force a being of corruption will be created to destroy everything around it.
What the hell was this? And why did Jeanne have it?
The fact she had this meant the legendary summoning token wasn't as full proof as I thought. While it certainly was still invaluable for bringing me close allies as proven.
To have something so dangerous within her…
Should I check on Frieren next? She had been mostly training with the Holy Order. Or was this connected to the Fate universe?
Jeanne breathed an audible sigh of relief and a beaming smile quickly came to spread across her features.
Raphael immediately stepped forward, generating a dome of holy energy around the corrupted grail. Additional containment spells layered over the barrier, trapping the artifact completely.
In that moment Jeanne gasped and lurched, her body beginning to glow with light. Her power surged, growing tremendously as her blessing was finally freed from the grail's influence.
"How do you feel?" Gabriel asked gently, drawing my attention to her caring demeanor.
"I feel incredible, thank you." Jeanne said gratefully.
Gabriel pulled the Saint into a warm embrace.
I smiled, pleased with the successful procedure.
Jeanne's gaze found mine, her eyes shining with devotion and thankfulness.
"I hope I can serve you better now that your blessing flows freely through me, my Lord," Jeanne said, her voice filled with reverence.
I turned to Raphael, who examined the corrupted Lesser Grail.
"How is it?" I questioned.
"It's certainly a work of art, life force isn't just something you come across. Being able to create it, even if the returns on this are incredibly minimal, is amazing. The fact it has traits of a Sacred Gear with the ability to become non-physical is a strong ability in its own right." Raphael commented. "Though, I can see the corruption holding onto its framework. I don't think basic angelic purification spells will work…"
"Any theories on how to remove it?" I asked Raphael.
Gabriel stepped up. "Could I perhaps help?"
Raphael paused.
"Have you tested your ring?"
Gabriel flushed. "Not all of its abilities but I've been trying."
Azrael smirked.
"Try it," I encouraged. "The ring was designed for exactly this kind of situation. It's capable of pushing back darkness and I suspect corruption."
Gabriel nodded and positioned herself in front of the containment field. She raised her hand, the ring beginning to glow with soft white light. The ring gleamed prettily on her hand and I saw both my other Arch-Angels eying it. One with curiosity and the other with something I couldn't identify.
"Is there anything I should be doing?" Gabriel asked me softly.
"I'm not quite sure, I never tried it before giving it to you." I admitted, which drew a smile from her.
"I suppose I'll have to try to use it like holy power." Gabriel replied, before focusing.
I observed Gabriel, her lip lightly bit in concentration and shook my head, smiling lightly.
We watched idly as it took her a few tries before a white glow was covering the room, the black sludge hissing and slowly beginning to burn away. It was a slow process and rather anti-climatic, as the sludge burnt out.
Raphael began a long scanning process and she looked at Gabriel with a proud nod.
"The corruption is gone, that ring is quite powerful. You must be rather proud to wield such an honour." Raphael said teasingly.
Azrael merely observed.
Gabriel flushed slightly and looked away.
I walked up to the floating cup.
The small plain bronze cup hovered innocently.
An idea formed in my head, one that ignited to spread across my mind.
-{Percy Jackson}-
Percy sat on the sand, waves lapping at his bare feet with his eyes closed.
The ocean always made this easier for Percy. Water was his element, his connection to the divine. If any God was going to hear him, it should happen here.
With special training, his power had grown immeasurably.
Percy sighed. He had been trying to think of a way to contact Kai. It had been after he decided he wanted his Angel friend to help him once more that he realised he had no way of contacting him.
Which led him to his next thought.
Kai was in Heaven right?
God was in Heaven.
Gods listened to prayers.
Annabeth had been the one to suggest it, recounting her own experience which had been a shock.
It may be stupid and unwise but the Biblical God was meant to be better than the asshole's above the Greek right?
Percy resigned himself and put his hands together awkwardly. The prayer position felt weird to him.
He had been sacked with another shitty quest and he felt like his chances of survival would soar if Kai helped out. Even if he felt like a dick for potentially pulling him into it.
"Hey, God," Percy said quietly, his voice barely audible over the surf. "I know you're probably busy with, you know, running Heaven and all that. But I could really use some help getting in touch with one of your angels."
Naturally.. there was no answer.
"Another quest just dropped on me. Big surprise, right?" He laughed, but there wasn't much humor in it. "Apparently there's some big things going on and I know it's selfish, but I could do it with Kai's help. Even if I just get to kinda hang out for a few hours and he can't join."
Percy opened his eyes and stared out at the horizon. He paused, waiting for some kind of sign.
A voice in his head, maybe. Or one of those glowing light shows Kai used to do. But there was nothing except the steady rhythm of waves and the cry of seagulls overhead.
As expected, nothing came.
Probably busy.
His mind drifted thinking about how Kai was a literal Angel.
He hadn't seemed Angelic at first, but then when he really thought about it, the angelic thing actually made sense now. He had helped Percy without needing to. Delivered the bolt to Zeus himself.
Percy smiled despite himself. Pretty angelic behavior, when you think about it
He stood up, brushing sand off his jeans. The prayer was over.
He hadn't expected that to work, especially in Greek territory.
Percy sighed and turned to head back up the beach.
That was probably stupid. Gods didn't answer prayers. Not even to other Gods, much less a foreign Demi-God who wasn't even of their pantheon. Seriously, couldn't God have his Angels check his messages once in a while?
Would it kill them to have mobile phones or something?
Perhaps it was for the best, Percy did feel shitty enough for trying.
A Quest involving a bunch of uppity hunters who had the premium membership in the man-hating cult. And he was tasked with finding their equally deranged Goddess who was likely to smite him for helping out. Percy would be pretty annoyed if someone tried to drag him into that.
He took three steps toward the parking lot before a familiar voice stopped him in his tracks.
"Hey Percy. Been a while."
-{?}-
Fire.
It erupted through his veins immediately.
Molten magma coursed through his veins like liquid lightning, every nerve ending alive with searing heat. But it wasn't painful.
It was power, raw and overwhelming, flooding every cell of his being. Energy wrapped around him like a cocoon, pulling him back from whatever dark void he'd been drifting in without any thought.
Something was drawing him upward, a force he couldn't resist even if he wanted to. His consciousness fought its way through layers of fog and shadow, each moment bringing more clarity, more strength.
Then his body regained feeling.
Breath escaped him and there was a confusion that covered his mind.
Then the memories hit.
The battle.
That massive dragon trying once again to tear Father away from them.
The fiery suppressed anger he'd felt, the desperation as he threw everything he had at the beast.
The moment when everything went white, then black.
His eyes snapped open, and there he was. His Father looked down at him with that familiar expression of quiet concern mixed with relief.
"Hey sleepyhead."
Uriel inhaled, his fists clenching before he relaxed completely.
A dazed smile formed on his face.
He had succeeded.
Heaven was safe.
-END-
if you wish to read up to sixteen chapters in advance among my stories and other things please visit pa/t reon * / Snipez818, the app is charging a lot more for some reason so I suggest using the website.
I appreciate all the support!