Imperator's Atrium

Imperator's Atrium, Decadia Continent, Heaven World

***

A combination of Greystone and tiled with exquisite marble constructed the Imperator's Atrium as it emphasized the beauty of one of Heaven's continents, Decadia. Decadia was one of the strongest military Continents of Heaven World, adjacent to its capital Continent - Manuheim.

The Imperator's Atrium was the center for angel warriors. Its backyard was sprawled acres of training ground for aspiring angel warriors and second and third-ranking angels. The front yard, like most other grandiose structures, manicured a precarious landscape of flowers, palms, and fountains.

Viriel sauntered inside the Atrium, his face plastered with worry. His depressed feelings were compensated by the strong but harmonious scent of flowers and oil that heaved the atmosphere. But even so, this meeting might be the end of his career as an angel warrior.

The angel walked past towering statues of fallen heroes from the first Realm Wars of Heaven and Hell. He could still feel their intimidating presence even though they were already composed of carved marble and stone.

The long hall seemed to be shortened as the pressure built up with every step he made. He went through a large wooden door connected to a vast circular theater with carved columns that reached the high ceilings and served as the venue for whatever proceeding the Angels would partake.

The Atrium seemed to be quiet that time of day as Angels would crowd the training grounds, the senior ones molding the neophytes, and neophytes struggled hard to become the best warriors they could be. Viriel could only hear his steel boots clanking against the marble floor.

A circular marble table was placed in the center with several chairs designed with elongated backs. A singular hanging chandelier made of crystals could be seen right above it and mysteriously illuminated the whole place.

Viriel lowered himself on one chair and across the table was Nethaniel. It was one of the 3rd rank angel's duties to provide reports about their observation on respective areas of responsibility. The direction obliged these angels to come to this chamber once every 30 days.

The proceeding not only consisted of reports that Viriel has to deliver but it was also a performance evaluation, ensuring every Angel was undisputedly committed to their responsibility.

"Viriel, start your report!" Nethaniel said after they bowed to each other.

"Am I the last one?" Viriel started.

"Yes, you are. Is there a problem?" Nethaniel asked, perturbed by his question.

It was suspicious for him to assume that the First Rank angel had Viriel to be the last to report as this would follow a forceful arrest. Viriel would fight for what is right and do the best he could to escape.

The thought of Azakiel might have divulged his illegal activities, conniving with a Demon, made Viriel uneasy. Nonetheless, his report must be delivered.

"Palpines and its neighboring countries had no major catastrophes in particular. One storm hits the capital city but only a few casualties," Viriel explained, "crime rate lower than last month and all incidences fell according to historical records…"

The report went on with specific details on every significant incident that costs the lives of human beings. Included in their reports were technological developments and advancements invented by humans to anticipate any global-sized threat.

From population growth rate to natural death rates were even discussed. All seemed to be normal and Viriel concluded that no Kragus' footprint had landed his area of responsibility, the Eastern Tropical country of Palpines.

The Earth god's discovery never left his lips and it would remain a secret as instructed. His existence might create more unrest between the other gods and the Country Monarchs. Nebirus decided to reveal himself at the most opportune time.

Nethanial listened to the reports, scrutinizing them one by one while he records them. The reporting usually took an hour-long and longer if there were inexplicable incidents that happened. Brought about by unnaturally caused catastrophes, a sudden rise of deaths and destruction, might connect to Kragus' involvement.

The angels have been vigilant with Kragus' movements but the Heavenly supreme was against apprehending the Hell God. Fourth-degree violation of the Heaven Laws would fall upon defiant Angels, as established upon their laws.

"No signs of Kragus in your area of responsibility?" Nethaniel clarified. His expression was dubious.

"None so far, Nethaniel," Viriel replied.

"Reports from other 3rd ranks that there were suspicious activities in the Mid Continents, specifically in Cheena. Do you have any information that you can bring to light?" The First Rank angel was persistent.

"What do you mean, Nethaniel? I can't provide anything solid in connection with Cheena's area of responsibility. You should ask Azakiel?" The 3rd rank angel was cautious. "Do you want me to survey the said area?"

"Really? Maybe you have forgotten about the 2nd degree, of Article 6045.?

"I haven't forgotten, Nethaniel. Article 6045 of the Heavenly laws was based on hiding vital observations that would contribute to the progress of instructed missions. Punishable by stripping once authority to ranks and excommunicated in all major Capital continents." Viriel summarized.

"I'm impressed. Most angel warriors of high ranks forget among a thousand articles per degree. You are well-studied." Viriel mused.

Viriel just smiled. Nethaniel did not know that the former had studied all articles of all degrees pertaining to the violations he just made and will make in the future to find loopholes and be ready for his punishment.

"Are you going to assign me in Cheena?" Viriel asked, relieved.

"No. Not yet. I may have to in the future." The first rank angel responded but his voice fainted.

Viriel had no idea if Azakiel had spilled the beans but he knew Nethaniel was suspicious. He knew that the first-rank Imperator would not make a move unless backed up with solid evidence. He must tread carefully, his movements must be more clandestine than ever, and his conversations and negotiations with portal transports should be very discreet.

Otherwise, he would face bitter and shameful punishment. A Death penalty would be better. But, for when the time comes, he should be ready to face him.

Viriel's reports were done; all were carefully discussed and he was about to leave. He sighed in relief upon expecting a verbal bloodbath would ensue.

"Wait!" Nethaniel called as Viriel started to stand up.

Viriel lowered again to his chair and looked at Nethaniel. His heart hammered hard against his chest.

"I have heard some reports that you were not in your post, lately." Nethaniel gauged. It must be his telepathic abilities that could locate other angels on Earth or somebody told him a bit of information about his side mission.

"What do you mean, Nethaniel?" Viriel responded cautiously.

Viriel surveyed exits, corners, and guards if ever the worst would come. He should fight, as he assessed for his purpose of defiance for the balance and the salvation of countless lives, not only to humans but in Heaven too - a greater cause for martyrs.

"Just do not forget your responsibilities and obligations, Viriel." The First rank angel stammered. "I do not want you and me to have problems in the future," His taunts were deep.

"I assure you, Nethaniel. My actions and intentions are for the eternal peace and balance of the three worlds," Viriel said then he asked, "I would like to respectfully ask about the plans of our Heavenly Supreme as Kragus's presence on Earth posed a grave threat?"

"It is not our place to question him! Just do what you are told, Viriel. And everything would fall in its right place." Nethaniel said irritably.

"How would we avenge our comrades who died at his hands?" Viriel asked, fuming with slight anger.

"Enough!" Nethaniel shouted while he slammed his open palm to the marble table. A bright aura engulfed his being and it made the air heavy. Viriel felt the tremendous energy sourced from anger, and tremendously, came from the strongest amongst the warriors. The Angel of destruction was known to have little patience.

Viriel turned around and walked away. He knew the risks and for now, the best course of action was to assist Dreygo in any way he could. Eliminate the Demon Lords and conjure the forbidden spells. Tension rose in the atmosphere.

It was unwise to argue with Nethaniel. All Manuheim army would rise against him and the chance of escape was thin and unimaginable.

Viriel opened large marble doors in front of him towards the Atrium's external grounds. He needed fresh air, to breathe, revitalize and think. The fresh air invaded his lungs had soothed his bicker.

He found souls of small children playing around, rolling, and jumping on the well-trimmed grass. One of them splashed water from the fountain constructed at the center of the external grounds. Their laughter had a way of distressing.

He breathed in heavily and he smelled the fragrance of various flowers strewn along the grounds, beautifully arranged along the cobble-stoned pathway. He settled himself on a stone bench a few meters from the fountain. Light from sunrays flickered against his eyesight as it fingered through the towering pine trees.

Suddenly, a soft voice grew stronger in his hearing. "Viriel, Viriel. Come forth. There is information that you need to know about Azakiel."

He ceased moving and concentrated on the voice. He recognized it It was the voice of Elaine.

"Azakiel connived with the Zi Lok leader." A prayer from a prophetess was stronger compared to mere humans. Her voice was like Elaine was sitting beside him.

Viriel was shocked by the information and then he realized that it made sense. Azakiel tried to preserve his life. Azakiel's area of responsibility was rumored to be the ground zero where Kragus and his minions landed.

The predicament was more difficult with an angel among the ranks of Demons. Azakiel could anytime attack Dreygo and Elaine and then could instantly kill them and every violation he had done would backfire on him.

"Azakiel, you traitor!" Viriel grumbled under his breath.

'I must see him before it's too late,' Viriel assessed.