The Creator's Judgment: A New Dawn (Updated)

Seconds later, two colossal entities emerged from the gates, their expressions filled with shock and fear.

Demon King (DK): "Who are you, and how could you absorb Chaos? Even I failed at that. You're playing with power far beyond your comprehension."

Supreme Goddess (SG): "And who are you to disrespect the Supreme Goddess, little creature?"

Their words only fueled my anger further. No longer holding back, I released my full aura and bloodline suppression upon them. Both collapsed face-first into the ground with a thunderous boom.

Sora: "You fools have just sealed your fate. How dare you disrespect me? Did you truly believe the day would come when creations of mine would dare defy me? All your powers were granted by my Will. You are nothing—not even worthy of growing into such strength. Do you think yourselves gods?"

I increased the pressure, forcing them deeper into the earth.

Sora: "Do you believe titles can be claimed by weaklings like you? You are failures—incapable of fulfilling the very purpose for which you were created. Your incompetence has led this world to ruin."

Sora: "I, Sora, hereby strip you of your power and positions. From this day forward, I appoint Meliodas as the new Demon King of the demon clan and Elizabeth as the new Queen of the divine clan. All your powers will be transferred to them. As for your souls, you will serve as shadows for the rest of eternity to atone for your mistakes."

With those words, I stripped their powers, transferring them to Meliodas and Elizabeth. These two, under my guidance, would lead their respective races far better than these fools ever did. I then transformed the disgraced DK and SG into shadows, binding them within their original bodies before banishing them to my shadow realm.

Closing the gates, I turned to the stunned faces of Meliodas, Elizabeth, and Matrona. Smirking, I said:

Sora: "What? Never seen a boss fire an employee before?"

My comment snapped them out of their daze. Both Meliodas and Elizabeth immediately knelt before me.

Meliodas & Elizabeth: "It is an honor to stand in the presence of the Creator. We thank you for removing our curses and stopping our parents. We vow to live up to the expectations of our positions and maintain balance and peace in this world."

Sora: "Rise. There's no need to kneel. As for my help, you deserve it, so don't thank me. In fact, I hope you can forgive me for what you've endured. Though I wasn't here personally, this was a failure of my Will, and I take responsibility for this world."

They remained kneeling.

Meliodas: "My lord, it wasn't your fault. We do not hold you responsible for our parents' shortcomings."

Sora: "Very well. If you truly forgive me, rise and call me by name from now on. You owe me that much. Besides…" I added warmly, "…whether you like it or not, I consider you both family. Given that you're descendants of these two fools, that makes me something of a grandfather to you."

Their eyes widened in surprise. They exchanged glances, and Elizabeth burst into tears, running toward Meliodas for a hug. Watching the tender moment, I smiled. Matrona leaned her head on my shoulder, and I wrapped my arm around her hip, savoring the warmth of the scene.

[Some Time Later]

Matrona and I sat on a bench in the garden of my newly constructed house atop the hill. We waited for Meliodas and Elizabeth to finish consulting each other and changing into fresh clothes instead of their ruined ones.

Sora: "So, what do you think of the two?"

Matrona: "They're good kids—and strong warriors. They'll make excellent king and queen."

Sora: "I agree. Elizabeth's warm heart and Meliodas's strong leadership will serve them well in the years to come."

Matrona seemed lost in thought, prompting me to ask:

Sora: "What's wrong?"

Matrona: "I was thinking about someone. Seeing Elizabeth reminded me of her. She had a warm heart too and wasn't suited for the battlefield. You met her—she was one of the giants with me. Her name is Diana. I wonder how she's doing…"

Sora: "She's fine. She's currently resting in the Forest of White Dreams. We'll retrieve her once these two are ready."

Matrona: "Really? Thank you so much. I've worried about her for years and kept trying to find her, but Merlin insisted she'd be safe and that we shouldn't interfere with the world."

Just then, Meliodas stepped outside, holding Elizabeth's hand.

Meliodas: "Are you two talking about Diana? I know her—she was part of my order and a dear friend. I planned to reunite the team to help the king and restore everyone's lives instead of living as outlaws."

Elizabeth: "Yes, we need to save my father and sisters. Though we aren't related by blood, I still consider them family."

Sora: "Well, as it happens, I have business with each member of your team. So, we'll be traveling together."

I stood, taking Matrona's hand, and opened a portal in front of us.

Sora: "Is everyone ready? Let's go meet Diane."