Chapter 4.1: Suspicious and Malicious

Lucifer responded, "Looking forward to that."

Just then, Beelzebub approached with news, saying, "My lord, we've found something."

Lucifer decided, "Spare it for tomorrow."

Diane was curious and asked, "What's going on?" Lucifer simply smiled mysteriously at her, leaving her wondering about the developments.

As the morning sun shone brightly, they made their way back to Lyam's house. Ennemond was relieved to see Jophiel in good health. Lyam headed to the field first, and the rest followed, with the car's engine coming to a stop as they arrived at their destination.

As they arrived at the field, Jophiel couldn't help but be amazed by the beauty of the area, with attractive scenery filled with flowers everywhere. She walked through the field, touching the petals and humming to herself. The birds chirped all around, joining in her song. Jophiel chuckled and smiled widely as one little bird perched on her shoulder, chirping along with her humming.

Jophiel suddenly stopped and began to sing:

"May the Beauty of God within me,

Beauty of God: Absolute Charisma."

She continued her song, and the birds gathered, flying around the field in formation, dancing along with Jophiel's beautiful melody.

Jophiel continued to sing passionately:

"I know you say that there's no-one for you,

But here is one, here is one... here is one."

The birds joined her in a mesmerizing dance in the sky.

As she finished singing, the little bird playfully tickled her, and the entire field began to glow with a bright light. Jophiel looked around in wonder, taking in the overwhelming beauty of her surroundings.

"It's aesthetic, isn't it?" Jophiel said to the little bird, captivated by the enchanting scene.

The little bird responded to Jophiel through cheerful chirping, and she ran joyfully through the field, leaving a trail of lights that waved in her wake. The beauty of the scene left the Arch Demons, as well as Lucifer, deeply impressed by the enchanting display of nature's wonders.

Lyam's sudden erratic behavior left everyone startled and alarmed. He screamed and thrashed around restlessly, exclaiming that he had placed traps everywhere as he had predicted. He expressed his fear of the queen of demons and seemed to have lost his sanity.

Ennemond was taken aback by Lyam's uncharacteristic behavior. Just as he was about to approach Lyam, Lyam suddenly lunged at him with a knife, attempting to stab him. In a swift move, Lucifer intervened, throwing a chain around Lyam to immobilize him. Lyam continued to struggle, his voice filled with agitation.

Jophiel, witnessing the chaotic scene, returned and asked what had happened. Lucifer responded, "This is not Lyam," indicating that something had drastically changed in Lyam's demeanor or identity. 

Jophiel gasped in shock as she saw the pentagram on Lyam's forehead glowing bright red. The ominous sign indicated that something truly unsettling had taken control of him.

Beelzebub inquired, "What are we going to do with him, my lord?"

Lucifer considered the situation and then gave orders, "For now, Jophiel, take Ennemond away from here. He's been put at risk by this individual. And Diane, please escort them."

As they took Ennemond away from Lyam, Lucifer and the others transported Lyam to a remote forest where they could perform their actions without anyone witnessing them. Lyam continued to struggle, and his eyes turned black while his body grew in size, transforming into a devil with four wings.

Lucifer and the Arch-Demons acted swiftly, pulling out the chain, while Amenadiel attempted to press Lyam's mind in order to undo the spell that had taken control of him. However, the overwhelming power of the pentagram's aura proved to be too much. Amenadiel's hands were burnt in the process, causing him great pain.

Lyam, now fully transformed, extended both his hands and wings widely. With a powerful surge of strength, he shattered the chain into pieces and slammed his fist into the ground, causing the earth to tremble and trees to fall due to the impact. Lucifer found himself almost buried under branches, but Beelzebub came to his aid, helping him out and allowing Lucifer to ride on Beelzebub's Bug Seraphim form. 

As Lyam continued to transform and wandered around, his transformation completed, and he let out a thunderous roar that echoed throughout the forest. Lucifer's reaction, laughter in particular, piqued the curiosity of the other Arch-Demons, leaving them puzzled.

"Where are the others?" Lucifer asked.

"Behind you, my lord," replied Asmodeus.

However, Lucifer soon realized the gravity of the situation when he noticed Lyam's four wings, which were characteristic of Lilith's power. Lucifer contemplated using the golden spear he held to end the threat in one shot. But before he could make a move, Amenadiel intervened and stopped him, warning of the devastating consequences.

Amenadiel cautioned Lucifer against using the spear, explaining that it contained a divine retribution capable of causing immense destruction, even more than Azrael's blade. He emphasized that using the spear would not only eliminate the threat but also kill Lyam.

Lucifer lowered the golden spear, his mind racing as he formulated a plan to stop Lyam without causing harm to him. He turned to the Arch-Demons and issued his orders with determination.

"Arch Demons," declared Lucifer, "we need to perform a sealing ritual. I'll be the decoy."

Beelzebub, displaying concern for their leader's safety, sought confirmation. "Are you certain?!" he asked.

With determination in his voice, Lucifer responded, "There's only one way to find out."

Beelzebub swiftly lowered Lucifer to the ground, while the Arch Demons took their designated positions, readying themselves for the sealing ritual. Lucifer shared a last-minute instruction with his comrades.

"When we catch him, do your pressing-forehead thingy," Lucifer reminded them.

Amenadiel chuckled in acknowledgment, his laughter hinting at the confidence he had in their plan. As Lucifer revealed the small urn, Lyam's behavior took a sudden turn. He recognized the urn and appeared to crave it.

Lucifer's suspicions were confirmed, and Lyam's transformation intensified with a roar.

Lucifer swiftly ran through the forest, luring Lyam in a chase. As they distanced themselves from the others, Lucifer executed a clever maneuver. He took a backward path, leading Lyam deeper into the woods. However, when he reversed his course and ran back towards his comrades, Lyam gave chase, his wings propelling him forward with great speed.

Just as Lyam was about to catch Lucifer, they reached the area marked by the pentagram created by the Arch Demons. The pentagram began to glow as Lucifer passed through it, and when Lyam tried to step onto it, he found himself unable to move despite his struggles. Asmodeus manipulated Lyam's limbs, restraining him.

"Lust of Sin: Ruin of Seduction," Asmodeus invoked his power.

Amenadiel seized the opportunity and pressed his hand to Lyam's forehead, sending him into a deep sleep. While Lyam lay dormant, Lucifer opened the urn, and Asmodeus placed it on Lyam's body, allowing the hollow to enter him.

Lucifer decided to take another daring step in their plan. He instructed the Arch Demons to transfer both Lyam's and Lilith's powers to him.

"I'm just borrowing Lilith's power so that I can return home and confront her," Lucifer explained.

Leviathan expressed disbelief, but Lucifer made his intentions clear.

"Arch Demons, transfer the hollow to me along with Lyam's," Lucifer ordered firmly.

He lay down beside Lyam as the Arch Demons began to perform the ritual once more. The process was intense, and the hollows within Lyam and his demonic presence began to scatter and scream, crying out, "Rex adest! Rex adest!" ("The king is here! The king is here!")

A tense silence hung over the scene as Lucifer and the Arch-Demons lay on the ground. The hollows continued to follow the commands of the Arch-Demons, merging into Lucifer and forming a pentagram that connected to Lyam's demonic presence. Suddenly, the hollows transformed into shadowy figures, and their essence began to merge with Lucifer's body while still connected to Lyam. A sword emerged from the shadows and impaled Lyam, causing the ritual to become corrupted.

Lucifer jolted awake, gasping for breath, as the chaotic scene unfolded. Jophiel and Diane had arrived at the scene, clearly bewildered by what they had just witnessed.

"What ungodly are you doing?!" Lucifer exclaimed, his voice filled with exasperation.

Jophiel, trying to make sense of the situation, responded, "Oh! I thought they were taking you back to Hell."

Lucifer touched his head in frustration, muttering, "Bloody Hell." Beelzebub, Asmodeus, and Leviathan shared their own disgruntled comments about women.

Jophiel, still puzzled, turned to Amenadiel for an explanation. However, Amenadiel avoided her gaze, his expression unreadable. Jophiel's curiosity was evident as she smiled hysterically and asked Amenadiel to clarify the situation.

Amenadiel explained the situation to Jophiel, who gradually caught up with what had happened. She watched as Lucifer and the others tried to revive the ritual, but it became clear that Lilith's aura had dissipated due to Jophiel's sword, which had killed it. As a result, Lyam's demonic appearance began to shrink, and he started to return to his human form.

Jophiel approached Lyam, expressing her concern, "Mr. Lyam!" Lyam groaned in pain, tears streaming down his face. Diane, equally distressed, commented on the unfortunate situation.

Diane spotted Lucifer standing up, and without hesitation, she rushed over to him and embraced him tightly. Lucifer was taken aback by the sudden hug but didn't resist. Diane expressed her relief, saying, "I'm glad you're okay!" The Arch-Demons exchanged looks of curiosity, and Jophiel spread her wings.

"I'm going to take Lyam back to his home," Jophiel announced.

Lucifer nodded and offered, "We'll go with you."

In the Terrestrial Kingdom of Heaven, Barachiel and Sariel were engaged in rigorous training with Camael, one of the powerful angels. Their training involved using various divine abilities and skills.

Sariel demonstrated his prowess first, invoking his divine ability with determination, "Command of God: Light constructs of Morality." Countless light spears materialized around him, and he shot them at Camael like a barrage of arrows, displaying incredible precision and control without showing any signs of exhaustion.

Barachiel followed suit, summoning the power of "Lightning of God: Electricity Manipulation." He stamped his hands on the ground, causing voltaic energy to surge and crackle around Camael's standing position.

As both angels simultaneously unleashed their attacks, Camael calmly held out her hand, causing an abrupt halt to the assault. Barachiel and Sariel went on high alert, ready to respond to any counterattack.

Camael revealed her own divine ability, stating, "Fortitude of God: Repel of Projection," demonstrating her immense strength and mastery over divine power. The training continued, with each angel pushing their limits to enhance their abilities under Camael's guidance.

Camael's hand released a powerful wave of projection, struggling for a moment against the combined onslaught of Sariel and Barachiel's attacks. However, her determination and mastery over her abilities eventually allowed her to disperse their assaults, emerging victorious in the training session.

Sariel and Barachiel, though defeated, couldn't help but admire Camael's exceptional virtue and strength. They recognized her as an exemplary mentor and role model in their celestial pursuits. Other angels present during the training applauded the impressive display of divine power and skill, acknowledging Camael's remarkable abilities. 

"Sariel, your virtue is elegant, and you have improved greatly," Camael praised.

"As well as you, Barachiel," Camael added with a nod of approval.

Sariel and Barachiel exchanged grateful glances. "We pledge our gratitude for your kind words, Archangel Camael," Sariel responded.

"We're looking forward to the next sessions," Barachiel chimed in, determination shining in his eyes, "as we're determined to become even stronger warriors in service of God."

Camael smiled warmly. "I'm glad to hear that. Keep up your hard work. It's your determination and persistence that will make you successful noble warriors of God."

Barachiel and Sariel nodded with determination and responded, "Thank you, Archangel Camael. We'll do our best."

As Uriel appeared, both Barachiel and Sariel excused themselves and departed. Uriel addressed Camael, expressing her intention to visit Jophiel.

Camael responded, "That sounds like a great idea! I'm also looking forward to seeing her dream house."

They shared a laugh, and Uriel added, "Can't wait to see that clumsy archangel again."

Camael chuckled, and they began discussing their visit to Jophiel's home.

Diane, holding the black talisman, suddenly sensed a presence behind her. She slowly turned around to find a high-ranking devil standing there, his presence imposing and dark. She maintained her composure and said, "Well, what do we have here? Are you lost, demon?"

The devil grinned wickedly and replied, "Lost, no. But I was certainly hoping to find something interesting, and it seems I have." His eyes gleamed with malevolence as he eyed the talisman in Diane's hand.

Diane assessed the situation, realizing that she might be in for a challenging encounter. 

Diane narrowed her eyes and said, "Well, well, well, if it isn't Lilith's lapdog, Astaroth. What brings you here?"

Astaroth smirked, his devilish charm oozing from his every move. "I'm here on business, my dear. Lilith wants something, and I'm just the demon for the job."

Diane crossed her arms, clearly unimpressed. "And what does the Queen of Hell want now?"

Astaroth leaned in closer, his breath cold and sinister. "Oh, it's nothing too complicated, really. She just wants you to hand over that talisman you're holding."

Diane chuckled. "Is that so? And why would I do that?"

Astaroth's grin widened. "Because, my dear, it would be such a shame if something were to happen to your precious Lucifer while he's so vulnerable."

Diane's expression turned serious. She knew she had to tread carefully with Astaroth if she wanted to protect Lucifer and thwart Lilith's plans.

Her smirk grew wider. "Tell her to wait. Our king is planning something," she said, her words laced with a veiled threat.

Astaroth nodded in response. His eyes flicked to the talisman in Diane's hand, clearly intrigued by its presence.

"It appears that the human named Lyam has failed in his tasks," Diane continued, her voice taking on a more ominous tone.

Astaroth contemplated Diane's words. "Perhaps execution will be his punishment for his failures," he mused, testing the waters.

Diane's dagger suddenly pointed directly at Astaroth, the blade glinting dangerously in the light. "Touch him, and I would love nothing more than to rid the world of your presence," she hissed, her eyes filled with unwavering determination.

Astaroth, realizing the gravity of the situation, unfolded his dark wings, preparing to take his leave. "Easy, Lilith's clone," he sneered as he backed away.

"I'm going back to tell the queen of the devils about your message," Astaroth declared before swiftly spreading his wings and vanishing into the shadows.

Diane watched him disappear, her grip on the talisman tightening.

Diane's suspicion over the mysterious talisman grew as she attempted to destroy it but found it to be nearly indestructible. Her thoughts raced as she considered the implications.

"Beelzebub also found a talisman that night," she mused, her brow furrowing in deep thought. "But not like this..."

As she tried to make sense of the situation, a chilling realization crept over her. "This is not from Lilith," she muttered under her breath. "If I'm not mistaken..."

Her train of thought was abruptly interrupted when Amenadiel called out to her with urgency. "Diane!" he yelled, causing her to snap to attention.

"What is it?" Diane replied, hastily concealing the enigmatic talisman in her pocket.

Amenadiel's expression was grave as he informed her, "The Archangel called for you." 

The room was filled with tension as Lyam's anguished screams echoed off the walls. His possession by the malevolent pentagram was a dire situation, and the urgency was palpable.

Jophiel pointed toward the pentagram, her expression a mix of concern and determination. "Can you undo this?" she asked, her voice shaking.

Diane, aware of the gravity of the situation, took charge. "Hold him tight," she ordered. The Arch Demons immediately obeyed, clamping down on Lyam's thrashing form to keep him in place.

Diane, in an act that displayed both courage and desperation, bit into her own left hand, drawing blood. She retrieved a dagger that had been hidden under the table. Her gaze flicked to Lucifer briefly as she remarked, "Luckily you didn't throw this."

With grim resolve, Diane approached the possessed Lyam. "Open your mouth," she instructed him. Lyam, though clearly in agony, complied by slowly parting his lips.

Diane began to pour her own blood into Lyam's mouth. Beelzebub held Lyam's head firmly in place, while Asmodeus and Leviathan secured his hands and feet. Diane's voice was firm as she spoke, "Endure the pain momentarily if you can."

The room was filled with tension as they desperately attempted to break the dark possession that held Lyam in its grasp.

Diane carefully pierced and sliced Lyam's forehead, causing the pentagram to blink rapidly. Lyam let out a piercing scream, overwhelmed by the excruciating pain coursing through him, and he desperately struggled against his restraints.

Amenadiel and Jophiel were alarmed by Diane's actions. Amenadiel urgently inquired, "Diane, what are you doing?"

Lucifer intervened, his tone calm but authoritative. "Ease up on me, angels," he advised. "This is how we undo an archdemon's possession."

Concern etched on her face, Jophiel asked, "You're not taking his soul, right?"

Lucifer reassured her, "Trust me, Jophiel."

Lyam's screams continued to intensify, causing Jophiel to react swiftly. "Granpabi, stand next to Amenadiel," she ordered, her voice urgent. "Amenadiel, cover him."

Amenadiel promptly complied with the instructions, positioning himself to shield Lyam.

Diane shouted, "Sicut clone Lamia, praecepi tibi cavum erumpere hoc corpus, et redire quo tu es!" (As the clone of Lilith, I command you to vacate this body and return to where you belong!)    

The hollows suddenly emerged from Lyam's body, causing chaos within his house. They began to move toward the door and windows, but Beelzebub's demon bugs blocked their path, shattering them and filling the house. As they attempted to escape, they witnessed Diane undoing the pentagram, and their intent to attack her was clear. However, Lucifer stepped in front of them, his eyes glowing red, and the hollows quickly retreated, clearly terrified of Lucifer's menacing presence.

The hollows chanted, "Rex iratus est! Rex iratus est! Rex iratus est! Rex iratus est! Rex iratus est!" (The king is angry!) in a frenzied manner. Lucifer responded in a demonic tone, commanding them, "Annue regi tuo!" This caused the hollows to immediately lower themselves and bow before Lucifer, submitting to his authority.

Jophiel watched the unfolding events with a mix of awe and concern. Lucifer then addressed his Arch Demons, instructing them to commence the ritual once more. Diane protested, saying, "But I'm not done." To this, Lucifer replied, "I'll take half of Lilith's arch demon strength, and yours too."

The circle of Arch Demons and Diane completed the ritual, and the hollows transformed into shadowy figures, merging into Lucifer and Diane, respectively, while still connected to Lyam. As the ritual concluded, the pentagram on Lyam's forehead vanished. Jophiel quickly summoned a dove and used its power to heal Lyam.

With Lyam saved, Lucifer let out a deep exhale, and the Arch Demons and Diane knelt before him. Jophiel observed the scene, and Lucifer unfurled his demonic wings, followed by the Arch Demons and Diane.

Beelzebub cheered, "The king is back!"

The other Arch Demons joined in, shouting, "The king is back!"

Lyam, still recovering, tried to process the situation, his mind racing with questions about what had just transpired.

Amenadiel, noticing Jophiel's discomfort, watched her in silence. Lucifer, seeing this, approached her, but Jophiel quickly avoided him and left with Ennemond, who also seemed frightened by Lucifer's appearance.

Lucifer called out, "Archangel?"

Amenadiel intervened, saying, "Not now, Lucifer."

Confused, Lucifer asked, "What do you mean?"

Amenadiel explained, "Look at yourself."

Lucifer turned to a mirror and saw his devilish appearance. He sighed, realizing that his appearance was likely the cause of Jophiel's discomfort.

Lucifer muttered, "Oh, it's not even new, but..." as he watched Jophiel and Ennemond exit the room.

Two days had passed since the incident, and Lyam's body had fully recovered, returning to its previous state. Amenadiel, Beelzebub, and Leviathan were busy helping Ennemond load sacks onto Lyam's newly repaired delivery truck.

Meanwhile, Jophiel had retreated to the field of blooming flowers, where she found a quiet spot beneath a tree. She gazed out at the picturesque scenery, her thoughts wandering.

Diane, seemingly appearing out of nowhere, broke the tranquility. Startled, Jophiel turned to her with a surprised expression.

"Hello, Diane," Jophiel greeted, her initial shock giving way to a more relaxed demeanor.

Diane observed Jophiel closely and remarked, "Seems like you're avoiding him."

Jophiel hesitated before responding, "It's not like that..."

She sighed, struggling to put her feelings into words. "It's just... it's really weird. I've seen his demonic face before, during the war, but this time... I've felt like I'm not used to it."

The breeze gently rustled the flowers around them as they exchanged thoughts and concerns.

Diane's laughter filled the air as she teased Jophiel about her reaction to Lucifer's demonic form.

"Is that it?!" she chuckled. "You've seen plenty of devils, especially me and the Arch Demons, and now you're saying you're not used to it?"

Jophiel couldn't help but smile at Diane's playful banter. "It seems Lucifer's plan is really working," Diane continued. "I think I might have a chance."

Jophiel's smile grew somewhat enigmatic as she replied, "Only Lucifer's."

Diane raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Jophiel's response. "Um, forget about it," Jophiel added with another smile, leaving Diane to wonder about her cryptic words.

Jophiel's voice carried a soft, melodious tune as she sang to the flower, her words filled with a quiet yearning:

"Flower, gleam and glow,

Let your powers shine.

Make me comfortable,

As I want the fact, acceptable."

She sighed, her voice fading into the gentle rustling of the field, her thoughts perhaps mirroring the sentiments of her song. 

Jophiel's curiosity lingered as she gazed at Diane, her expression reflecting the question that had been on her mind. With a thoughtful tone, she inquired, "I have a question, Diane." Diane, turning her attention to Jophiel, raised an eyebrow inquisitively. "What is it?" she asked, her interest piqued.

"Why did Lyam get possessed when you devils are supposed to see it, am I right?" Jophiel queried, her words filled with a mix of curiosity and a desire for understanding. 

Diane considered the question for a moment before responding, her expression thoughtful. "Well, Jophiel, possession by a demon or an archdemon is not something that can be easily seen or detected, especially by humans or angels who don't possess the ability to sense such malevolent forces. It often happens subtly and insidiously, until it's too late. In Lyam's case, it likely started with something seemingly harmless, and it escalated from there."

She paused before adding, "But it's not a common occurrence, and not all humans are susceptible to such possession. It depends on various factors, including their own vulnerabilities and the desires of the demons involved." 

As the thunder roared and the rain poured down, Diane and Jophiel found themselves caught in the sudden downpour. Diane expressed her surprise at the unexpected rain, and Jophiel agreed that it was best to head back.

Amidst the peaceful aftermath of the recent events, a joyous atmosphere enveloped Lyam's house as a party was in full swing. Jophiel and Diane, both slightly bewildered, arrived together. Jophiel approached Amenadiel, seeking answers to the festivities.

"What's going on here, Amenadiel?" Jophiel inquired with genuine curiosity.

Amenadiel smiled warmly and explained, "Lyam's body has fully recovered, and he decided to throw a little celebration. We helped him, including Ennemond, with his deliveries and even enhanced your flower display in front of his house and on the field."

Jophiel considered this information, her brow furrowing as she pondered further. "But how did he see it? He wasn't in his right frame of mind when I entertained the flowers. I believe he was possessed at the time..."

Amenadiel, with a knowing expression, clarified, "Lyam confided in us that he secretly visited the field last night while we were asleep."

Jophiel nodded, now understanding the situation. She then asked about Lucifer's whereabouts, to which Amenadiel responded, "He's in the kitchen."

Intrigued, Jophiel made her way toward the kitchen to find Lucifer.

Jophiel entered the kitchen and was met with a surprising sight. There stood Lucifer, seemingly in his element, expertly handling the cooking as he prepared a meal. As she observed him, a subtle smile formed on her face, her eyes never leaving him.

Lucifer, engrossed in his culinary task, suddenly realized her presence. Swiftly, he ignited the cooking pan he held, expertly controlling the flames to instantly heat it to perfection. Jophiel couldn't help but be impressed by his skill.

"Hey, archangel!" Lucifer greeted her with a warm smile, his eyes reflecting a glint of amusement.

Jophiel returned the greeting, her voice filled with genuine affection. "Hey," she replied, her admiration evident.

Not wanting to keep her waiting, Lucifer rushed to finish his cooking, eager to spend more time with Jophiel.

Lucifer paused for a moment in his cooking, his back still turned to Jophiel. He could sense her words carried a hint of hesitation and sincerity. As she cleared her throat, he turned around to face her, his expression a mixture of curiosity and understanding.

"No, it's okay, take your time," he replied, his voice gentle and reassuring. He could sense that she needed to voice her thoughts and feelings, and he was prepared to listen.