To think I would one day see them again with my own eyes... in this world no less.
Angel stood on the obsidian platform overlooking the vast, cloud-swirled sky. Below him lay Augustus Village, peaceful and unaware of the power gathering above.
"Now that you're all here," Angel declared, raising his hand, "read this information panel!"
With a flick of his fingers, translucent panels shimmered into existence before each of the assembled figures—his Apostles.
The Apostles blinked in confusion as the panels displayed the truth of their current existence.
> [World: Gaia - Mana-Based Ecosystem | Combat Energy: Mana | Status: Low-Level Civilization | Host: Angel]
"We're in a different world!?" the Apostles exclaimed in unison, their voices echoing with surprise and awe.
"Correct," Angel said with a grin. "Carefully study the basics of this world. Once you're done, I'll assign your tasks."
As the Apostles absorbed the information in silence, Angel quietly watched. They were the Espada—his chosen elites—and each one possessed strength that once echoed through galaxies.
Manasa, a pale-skinned woman with glowing runes etched across her robes, hummed in thought. "So this world uses mana rather than chi… fascinating."
As expected of my greatest scientist. She's already thinking about how to exploit it, Angel thought proudly.
"Now that you've all grasped the basics, I'll begin assigning roles," Angel said. He pointed toward a burly man with bronzed skin and a blacksmith's apron, glowing embers still radiating from his calloused hands.
"Hephaestus. My trusted artisan and architect."
"Yes! I am ready, my Lord!" Hephaestus bellowed, straightening with pride.
"You will oversee the development of the village I currently rule."
"What village?"
Angel smirked and pointed downward.
"The one directly beneath us."
Hephaestus stepped forward and gazed at the settlement below. "Oh-ho! You can count on me, my Lord! I'll turn it into a fortress worthy of a god!"
"Next, the training of warriors."
"You can leave that to us, my Lord!" shouted the Asura Brothers in unison—Ryuji and Bruce, two battle-hardened martial artists whose bodies radiated overwhelming physical discipline.
They might not be as powerful as the others, but when it comes to martial arts… there's no one better.
"Then it's settled. The Asura Brothers will train the warriors of the village."
Angel yawned and stretched. "As for the rest of you—do whatever you want. I need sleep."
"Sleep well, our Lord!" the Apostles chimed as Angel drifted toward his golden bed, fading into his astral form to observe from beyond.
---
Hephaestus' Perspective
If I'm going to improve the village, I'll need the best architects in this world. Hephaestus rubbed his chin. According to the data, dwarves are known for their craftsmanship. They live in high mountains rich in minerals and rare stone.
"System," he called aloud, "locate the nearest mountain range."
> [System: Nearest location is the RockDragon's Mountain—40 kilometers northeast.]
"Perfect. That will be my destination."
Without delay, Hephaestus vanished in a pillar of flame, heading toward the RockDragon's domain to seek out the legendary dwarves and gather the materials he needed.
---
Angel's Domain - Sky Platform
"Hey, Bruce," Ryuji said, narrowing his eyes as he gazed downward.
"What is it, Ryuji?"
"Do you sense it? That kid... he has the potential to awaken the Golden Physique."
Bruce followed his brother's gaze and nodded solemnly. "Yeah. It's rare to find someone like that in a backwater village."
"I'm going. I can't let that talent go to waste," Ryuji declared, leaping off the floating platform without hesitation.
"Wait—dammit, Ryuji!" Bruce cursed and jumped after him.
---
Augustus Village - Afternoon
A powerful gust of wind tore through the village square, scattering leaves and knocking over stalls. Villagers screamed in surprise as two figures descended like meteors, landing with force in the heart of the square.
"W-Where did that wind come from!?"
"Greetings, villagers!" Ryuji shouted. "I am Ryuji Asura, apostle of Angel-sama!"
"And I am Bruce Asura, fellow apostle," Bruce added, his arms folded as he surveyed the shocked crowd.
The village chief, an elderly man with a long beard and humble robes, stepped forward. "Dear apostles, what brings divine envoys to our modest home?"
"We are here to train your children as warriors," Ryuji declared. "Angel-sama is concerned for your safety. He has told us not to let you rely on him entirely."
"He will protect you, yes—but he will not shield you from every blade and claw," Bruce continued. "You must learn to stand on your own feet."
Ryuji raised his voice. "Training will be given to all youths aged fifteen to twenty. It will last two years. Those who succeed shall become instructors for the next generation!"
"When does the training begin?" the chief asked.
"One week from now," Ryuji replied. "It will take place in the Demonic Forest."
The crowd gasped.
"The Demonic Forest!?"
"That's tyranny!"
"You can't send our children into that cursed land!"
Bruce stepped forward. "That forest is dangerous—yes. But it is also the ideal training ground. It will sharpen their senses and mold them into true warriors."
Ryuji nodded. "We've stationed elite soldiers in the forest to protect the trainees until they can fight on their own."
"Trust us. We are not doing this lightly," Bruce added.
The villagers murmured among themselves. Then the parents, one by one, stepped forward with resolve.
"O great apostles! Train our children well!"
"We want to become strong!" the teens shouted, determination in their eyes.
"Good!" Ryuji grinned and turned to the village chief. "Write their names. Every candidate must sign and leave a fingerprint."
"Yes, Apostle-sama!"
As the names were being written down, the sound of armored hooves echoed from the village's edge.
"Hm?" Ryuji and Bruce turned in unison.
A column of knights entered the village, led by three figures in ornate armor.
"So this is the village where the new god resides," said the lead knight, Alexander Everett, his cold blue eyes scanning the surroundings.
"The Luminos Church won't be pleased," Beatrice, a calm but sharp-eyed knight, murmured.
"Shut up, commoner," Carlos Arden spat with disdain.
As they reached the gathering, Alexander raised his hand. "Do not be alarmed! We have come only to pay tribute to your god, as per our commander's orders."
Ryuji stepped forward. "I am Ryuji Asura, apostle of Angel-sama. Name yourselves."
"Alexander Everett, Knight Captain of the 5th Order," he replied with a knight's bow.
"Carlos Arden of the 8th Order," Carlos said with an exaggerated yawn.
"Beatrice, Knight Captain of the 6th Order," the woman added with quiet confidence.
"Then may Angel-sama accept your tributes."
---
From his astral plane of sleep, Angel watched with amusement.
Let's see how this plays out.