The Heavenly Treasury
The Seraphic System
Chapter: 66
Disclaimer: I don't own High School Dxd or any other universe used in this story.
Pa/ t reon details below the chapter if you're interested in seeing some content in advance. I'll keep posting regardless. If you have any suggestions you would like to see added, I will try to incorporate what I can :)
(The Heavenly Treasury)
[Quest Generated]
[Quest]
What am I?
Description: You have evolved into a different and unknown race.
Objective: Reach 10% on the Divine Shard.
Reward: ?, Knowledge of Race.
[Accept/Decline]
I had to wonder if the tree actually knew about my system at this point. I didn't have to think about it much as I accepted immediately.
My gaze shifted to the Divine Shards progress.
[Divine Shard] {Progress: 6.2%}
[The Shard of God. The resurrected shard of his essence that has merged with the user. As the shard progresses the user will receive more abilities from his merged counterpart. Yahweh.]
It was safe to say my recent progress had been astronomical.
I was assuming that the newly gained progress was electing a Saint and acting… Godly? I knew good deeds were a good way to fast track my shards growth.
In Any case I wanted to learn about my new race since it was a significant development, it had been overlooked in the heat of the moment but I still didn't know what I was.
I also didn't know if I would be transformed into whatever race a God was once the shard completed or if I would just gain all of his godly powers.
So I was still an Angel in some form, though as to what I had apparently evolved into had left my classification as little more than a cryptic question mark.
I needed to gain 3.8% more progress.
That was going to take a while.
The recent events had kept me distracted, but there were still unresolved issues to address. That did remind me, I needed to visit my sub-dimension very soon.
I wanted to speak to the other and I had an Assassin I wanted to interrogate. I hadn't forgotten about the Assassin organisation out for my blood, they were a loose end that needed to be cut.
I'd prefer not to involve my Angels so I would have to slip away at some point. Maybe bringing Tiamat as a lookout would be a good idea, I wasn't against using her power for my own benefit.
My thoughts trailed to Asia Argento, the Holy Maiden who had been excommunicated due to a horny Devil. Such a strong healing sacred gear and a devoted worshipper. Even when she became a Devil she still prayed.
Letting someone like that get kicked to the curb didn't sit right with me.
I wanted to meet her, but I couldn't exactly just go strolling into Devil territory. It was both dangerous and I don't think Arch-Seraphs would be very happy.
It would overall be easier to send my new Saint over to get her. Then I could pop down for a visit in a secure location.
I guess this is why I selected a Saint, I'm sure he would have an easier time. I still wanted to meet her though. That's why I was going to task him with retrieving her and bringing her to a safe location.
I searched for the connection that had been formed. It was one-way, meaning I could send and he could only receive. Closing my eyes, I poured my intentions and desires.
It was a strange process and I didn't get it correct on the first try. I could feel his shock and embarrassment when I was able to truly connect before I felt determination.
Good, he had received it.
"Raivel." I called out, turning to the Angel happily sitting close by. "What do you want to do now? I need to return to the rest of Heaven since as you can imagine. It's a bit chaotic."
She giggled and regarded me with warm eyes.
"I think I'll stay here and guard the Tree of Knowledge," she said, "It's been my duty for many years, after all. Someone has to make sure nothing happens to it, I can't just abandon my post, can I?"
I mean, it was in the middle of Heaven but sure.
I nodded, her dedication bringing a small smile to my lips. "If that's your wish. The tree couldn't have a better guardian."
Her cheeks flushed at the compliment, but she quickly masked it by clasping her hands together and straightening her posture.
"Of course! Someone has to protect it. Plus I can't just abandon the duty that you gave me so long ago. I don't think I could even face the many of my closer siblings who probably mourn my death." She admitted.
I blinked. "No one knows that you're here?"
"Nope." She replied.
I sighed.
She hesitated for a moment, fidgeting slightly.
This was weird, considering my past encounters with her had shown me a completely different side of her personality.
Then, with a shy smile, she glanced up at me.
"But… you'll come visit me, won't you?" she asked, her voice taking on a softer, almost pleading tone.
Her eyes sparkled and the way she clasped her hands in front of her made her look almost childlike.
"Visit, huh?" I teased lightly, crossing my arms.
She nodded enthusiastically, leaning forward slightly. "Yes! I mean, I've been alone enough that I'm kind of used to it by now but having you there would make everything better."
"Sure." I smiled.
The smile that spread across her face was the happiest expression I had seen from her.
A thought entered my mind and I paused.
"Hey, Raivel?" I called.
She perked up.
"Yes, Father?" She replied confusedly.
"Are there any other Angels in this Forest that you've encountered?" I questioned.
Uriel had told me a while ago that many Angels had let themselves get lost in the Forest due to grief.
She blinked, frowning. "Other Angels? Only a few, and even then, only glimpses. Why do you ask?"
I hesitated. "I heard that many Angels wandered into the forest and lost themselves here."
Raivel's confusion deepened. "Lost themselves?"
"Oh, yes. The Garden has been sealed off from the general Angel population for quite a while." I informed her.
Raivel blinked.
"I see, I guess that would have been another clue that you were back if I had interacted with my sisters and brothers again." She mused, before perking up."I wasn't aware of that... I didn't even know the garden was sealed off until you told me."
Her words gave me pause. "Then, I'm guessing you've seen some people in the last few centuries?"
She nodded, "Yes, only a few. Thinking about it now they looked pretty out of it."
"So the ones you saw, they didn't speak to you?"
She shook her head. "No, Father. They didn't. I thought they were just passing through, like you had been."
I should probably go and find them. Letting them wander around, without any comfort after the Great War and God's death felt wrong.
It was so strange, on one hand they were very child-like and on the other I could imagine they had the capacity to be quite apathetic.
Her face turned downcast. "I guess it makes sense now, shutting off the Garden was the best choice. It's easy to let yourself get lost after suffering through the Great War. It's akin to being on the edge of sleeping and consciousness."
I frowned.
I decided to spend a bit more time with her before heading off to my next destination.
The Heavenly Treasury.
I had wanted to visit it since Uriel had told me about it.
The sheer amount of resources that Heaven must be possessed must be practically unmatched.
As the newly appointed King Of Heaven, I wanted to see what Heaven possessed. Uriel had told me that very few other Pantheons could match the sheer resources Heaven had.
That was to say, only one other. Being the Hindu Pantheon. I had only been there awhile but I got the impression that they weren't to be messed with. According to Shanu anyway.
I frowned slightly as I left the Garden of Eden. Spending time there had been relaxing, but I couldn't waste too much time anymore.
Raivel waved goodbye, as I left and re-entered the sixth Heaven via zapping light.
I didn't know the exact location of the Treasury. So I'd need to find someone to take me. Most of the Seraphs were busy once more which was why I hadn't gotten much time to speak to them.
Luckily, it didn't take me long to find an Angel that I had encountered before.
"Raphael," I greeted.
She turned around, her eyes lighting up as she registered it was me. "Father!"
"Perfect timing. I'm looking for the Heavenly Treasury. Can you take me there?" I grinned.
Her smile grew, and she nodded eagerly. "Of course! I'd be more than happy to show you the way."
She stepped closer, a bit closer than I'd expected but I didn't mind. I saw her give me a look from the corner of her eyes as I followed her. I did notice that she kept intentionally brushing against me. Her hand briefly touched my arm, her shoulder almost pressing against mine.
It wasn't blatant, but it happened often enough to draw my attention. I glanced at her curiously but didn't comment.
I assumed this was a subconscious reaction.
"The Treasury is on the Sixth Realm," she explained as we walked. "It's heavily guarded and rarely accessed by anyone outside the Seraphs. But as King, you'll have full access to everything within."
"Good to know," I said simply, my eyes scanning the surrounding structures.
The atmosphere shifted as we climbed higher through Heaven's realms.
It was clear we were entering a restricted zone even on the sixth Heaven. We passed through multiple barriers and I had to admit I was impressed by the sheer defences I was appraising.
Were those holy turrets?
"Did you know?" She suddenly asked.
I focused back on Raphael.
I paused. "What do you mean?"
"When I was looking for you with the scanner, did you know?" She didn't sound upset, more contemplative.
"Kind of, but not fully. I also did not wish to reveal myself at that point."
She nodded, sending me a happy smile. "I'm glad you did. We've all missed you a lot. Even if you are your own person."
"So I've heard." I replied lightly. "I hope you gave everyone the message?"
She nodded. "We all understand, we don't really have any expectations. We just wanted you back in any form that may be."
Progress!
"Being reborn as a God was bound to have issues." She noted.
I wanted to facepalm.
Raphael finally stopped before a large set of doors, their surface engraved with symbols glowing faintly.
She turned to me, her smile unwavering.
"This is the gate that leads to the entrance of the Heavenly Treasury," she said softly, placing her hand on the door. "We hold the largest amount of treasures in the entire mythological world. Forbidden techniques, magical ores, artefacts. Only a few have been here within the past centuries a select amount of times."
I raised an eyebrow. "How do we access it?"
Her cheeks flushed slightly, but her smile didn't falter. "Just press your hand against the gate and inject your power, the Heavenly system will grant you access."
I pressed my hand against the gate.
A sliver of my angelic mana was forcibly extracted.
The runes pulsed with light before the massive structure slowly creaked open.
"After you," Raphael said, a bright ecstatic smile on her face as she gestured for me to step inside.
There was a small path leading to a massive structure. Inside the gate everything looked… different. It wasn't nearly as imposing, with a small white path leading through multiple tree's.
A massive door stood at the end of the pathway. The journey to the Heavenly Treasury was short and silent as I took everything in. When we arrived at the massive doors, golden inlays glimmered. Protective sigils and seals covered every inch of the frame.
The entire place radiated a surprising amount of holy power.
Raphael stepped aside, watching as I approached the locks.
I stepped forward hesitantly, the sheer amount of defences making me hesitate. It only solidified that the Abrahamic God had been a serious threat.
The seals seemed to recognize me immediately, glowing faintly in response to my presence.
I raised a hand, and with a pulse of angelic mana, the enchantments began to unravel. Layer by layer, the protections dissolved and the doors creaked as they slowly swung open.
The sight before us was breathtaking.
A massive chamber stretched endlessly, illuminated by the glow of the sheer amount of gems and materials catching the light. Piles of glittering minerals and gemstones formed shimmering mountains.
While enchanted weapons and armor hung suspended in the air, their auras radiating power. Magical artifacts and ancient tomes were meticulously arranged on pedestals, each emanating a sense of mystery and history.
Rivers of golden light seemed to flow through the room, weaving between the treasures like liquid sunlight.
Seriously…
Did God plunder entire worlds? Those myths about him wiping out entire Pantheons… were they actually true? The sheer amount of wealth I was seeing made my hands shake with excitement.
"Impressive isn't it?" Raphael spoke up. "We are glad you are back, if word got out you were dead to the other gods or any other Factions besides the Devils and Fallen. I have no doubt that we would have been invaded dozens of times."
"Why didn't the Fallen or Devils invade?" I asked, still looking at the insane amount of treasure.
"It would upset the balance too much, the Fallen didn't truly want to destroy us." Raphael said, "What they wanted was to rule Heaven."
That was a big reveal…
I had always thought the Fallen were leaning towards being on the Devils side more than the Angels.
"What about the Devils?" I questioned.
"They could try, but even if Satan Ajuka devised a way to breach Heaven, the losses they'd sustain before even setting foot here would be catastrophic," Raphael explained with pride. "And that's without factoring in the forces of Heaven or the multiple layers of barriers protecting this realm. Those alone are formidable enough to deter most, and that's just the outer defenses. The Vault itself is safeguarded by even greater protections."
Her tone was analytical and I briefly turned my attention to her.
"I see, I'm guessing even if they somehow managed with the two insanely powerful super Devils they would be open to attack from the many Pantheons they've insulted." I concluded.
She paused and gave me another bright smile. "Yes!"
"As for why they don't reveal it, that's because of the three Factions." She said,
"Three Factions? I'm guessing outsiders are cautious because they fear retaliation from the Three Factions. Even without God, that's still a massive force to contend with," I said, piecing it together. The logic was sound enough.
Raphael's face lit up even more, and for a moment, I thought she might burst from sheer enthusiasm.
"Exactly! Even now, just the belief that you're alive acts as a deterrent. In the past, when the various Pantheons were establishing themselves and testing boundaries, you made an unforgettable example. The Egyptian Pantheon pushed too far with their probing, and you nearly destroyed them in response." Raphael explained. "You were always incredibly powerful."
"Thank you for telling me that, it helps me shed light on the current political and physical state Heaven is in." I replied, my mind racing.
I stepped into the massive chamber, my boots echoing faintly against the pristine floor.
Raphael followed closely, her excitement almost tangible as she glanced at my expressions.
I inspected the weapons.
A certain sword caught my attention.
'Appraisal.'
[Ascalon] (Holy Sword)
Ascalon is a legendary Holy Sword that originally belonged to Saint George, renowned for slaying a dragon. It is a powerful weapon infused with holy power energy, designed to combat dragons and other supernatural beings.
{Materials and Construction}
Heavenly Silver Core The blade of Ascalon is forged from Heavenly Silver, a divine metal known for its extraordinary ability to channel holy energy. It is lightweight yet unbreakable, ensuring both speed and durability in combat.
Sanctified Gold Alloy The hilt and guard are crafted from Sanctified Gold Alloy, a rare material blessed by Heaven itself. This alloy provides the wielder with protection from the sword's own holy power.
{Holy Attributes and Abilities}
Dragon Slayer Enhancement Ascalon is specifically enchanted to harm and weaken dragons. Its blade radiates holy energy that disrupts a dragon's natural defenses, making it one of the most effective weapons against them.
Holy Aura Emission When wielded, Ascalon generates an aura of pure light. This aura can burn unholy beings and heal minor wounds for those aligned with Heaven.
Energy Channeling The sword is capable of channeling the user's energy, allowing for the enhancement of its strikes.
{Activation Mechanism}
Holy Resonance The blade resonates with its wielder's intent, adjusting its power output based on their will and alignment. This ensures that the sword is only as destructive as necessary.
Divine Blessing Maintenance Ascalon's holy power is sustained by an intricate series of enchantments laid upon it by Heaven. These enchantments ensure that its power never diminishes, regardless of time or use.
Ascalon.
This sword was seriously stacked, what was even more surprising was that it wasn't even the strongest weapon here. Many other weapons in different shapes and sizes radiated auras on par with Ascalon.
My eyes flickered over to the section with Armour. The Armour glistened as if newly forged and magical artifacts on pedestals seemed to demand attention.
I used appraisal on many of them and the results shocked me… seriously. God was making powerful holy relics like this… no wonder everyone considered him to be a sufficient deterrent.
I had seen other relics created by Gods from other Factions, like Zeus' bolt. They were incredibly powerful but the fact was most of them were extremely rare within the Pantheon. Created by beings dedicated solely to forging.
Whereas Yahweh had created everything by himself. While running his Faction and being a master of many different things. To think he created so many as well…
I knew how he had created the Ores at least and how he had so many rare ones, energy transmutation. Still the amount of energy would have had to be equal to its worth.
I looked over at one particular set of Armour.
'Appraisal.'
[Armor of the Saints] (Holy Armor)
The Armor of the Saints is a divine relic created by Archangel Uriel under the guidance of Yahweh for his chosen Saint, a testament to the power and faith of those who have served the Heavenly Realm. Forged in Heaven. It was designed to be worn by Heaven's Saint during the Great War against the Devils and Fallen Angels.
{Materials and Construction}
Heavenly Silver Core:
The core structure of the armor is forged from Heavenly Silver, a material known for its unmatched affinity with holy energy.
Sanctified Gold Plating:
The outer layer is coated with Sanctified Gold, blessed by an Arch-Seraph themself. This gives the armor its brilliant glow.
Ethereal Cloth Lining:
Inside, the armor is lined with Ethereal Cloth, a fabric imbued with light magic. This ensures comfort for the wearer and enhances mobility without compromising durability.
{Defensive Mechanisms}
Divine Protection:
The armor generates a constant barrier of holy energy around the wearer, reducing damage from both physical and magical attacks, particularly those infused with unholy or demonic energy. [The Armour will need to be recharged if it uses all of the stored holy energy to repel strong attacks]
Dragonbane Blessing:
Specifically enchanted to counteract the power of dragons, the armor nullifies draconic flames and amplifies holy attacks against such creatures.
{Activation Sequence}
Empowerment of Faith:
The armor responds to the wearer's faith and willpower. A stronger connection to God increases its defensive capabilities and unlocks its full potential.
Light of Judgement:
When activated, the armor releases a burst of holy light that blinds enemies and purifies the surrounding area.
Harmony with Holy Weapons:
The armor synchronizes with sacred artifacts, such as Ascalon or Durandal, amplifying their effectiveness in battle.
{Special Attributes}
Holy Resonance:
The armor harmonizes with the wearer's holy energy, ensuring they do not exhaust themselves even in prolonged battles.
Auto-Recovery:
Minor damages to the armor are automatically repaired using holy energy, ensuring its longevity in combat.
Auto-fitting
This set of Armour can reduce and increase its size to match the wearer.
Oh?
So there was Armour specifically made for the Saint? I suppose there would be a weapon too.
I hadn't found them yet due to the number of weapons and sets of armour I was looking through.
"What happens if someone tries to take one of these without permission?" I asked aloud, making Raphael perk up from where she had been watching me.
Raphael smiled faintly. "We don't have much protection for that, since it's highly unlikely an intruder would be able to breach the Heavenly Treasury. When I say unlikely I mean, it would take a combined force with a powerful backing to breach Heaven."
I nodded, taking her words in stride. Moving further, my gaze wandered to the rivers of golden light weaving through the chamber like veins of energy.
They didn't appear to serve any practical purpose but added a certain beauty to the space.
"Why didn't you use any of these to empower the church?" I idly questioned.
Raphael frowned. "Truthfully, we weren't sure if they would be 'Lost' as a few relics had somehow disappeared. So we kept them here for the time being, ready in case a war broke out."
I nodded. That made sense.
Raphael spoke next. "So, what are you looking for, Father? Is there something specific you'd like to see?"
I paused, my eyes narrowing slightly as I thought over her question.
There was a moment of silence between us before I finally responded.
"You mentioned something about forbidden techniques?" I asked casually, turning to face her.
Raphael blinked in surprise, then quickly nodded. "Yes, we have a section dedicated to that. It's… heavily restricted, of course. I've never been there, nor has Michael."
"Seriously?" I couldn't help but question.
If I was in their place I would be raiding the forbidden techniques to gain any sort of advantage.
"Yes, while you have given us permission to use them if we truly wished. We knew that you didn't want us to. So we didn't." She replied, puffing up proudly. "There is a different section for powerful techniques and how to further connect to our Heavenly Domains that we did use though."
Interesting, I would have to check that out.
"Mind showing me the forbidden techniques?"
She hesitated only briefly before smiling again. "Of course, Father. Follow me."
She led me deeper into the chamber, past towering piles of gold and gemstones and through a narrower corridor lined with ancient sigils carved into the walls.
Raphael stopped before another set of doors, these smaller than the entrance to the Treasury but no less impressive in design. They were covered in symbols of warning.
"This is where the forbidden techniques are kept," she said softly. "Only the Arch-Seraphs can even access this room due to their knowledge."
"I have to wonder, why are these techniques forbidden?" I questioned.
Raphael looked thoughtful.
"I'm not too sure but it has something to do with how volatile the techniques can be and how one slip up while learning them can potentially kill even an Arch-Seraph from the backlash. They are also incredibly destructive and powerful." She explained.
I'd have to be careful, it was natural that I wanted to see the techniques and even learn the techniques that God himself forbade. I would tread with caution and respect his judgement regarding the danger they posed.
The doors to the forbidden room opened and I raised an eyebrow.
-{Dulio Gesualdo}-
Dulio sat in contemplation, his elbows resting on his knees as he stared at the ground. His hands were clasped tightly together.
He exhaled through his nose. Trying to relax his thoughts with meditation.
It wasn't the first time he'd sat like this, trying to process everything that had happened since yesterday. It was helping him think through the sheer shock.
Being elected as a Saint was a blessing, one he was sure he didn't deserve. Even now, he could feel the sheer amount of power flowing through his veins at the seven blessings he had been bestowed. Handpicked by his Lord and master.
The thought was enough to make his mind simply return to shock. He could remember yesterday with startling clarity. It had just happened out of nowhere, the Saint bells had rung and suddenly he was floating in front of hundreds of bewildered believers.
The scene that had transpired above the Vatican had caused many to convert fully. While the Church could have erased their mind they had opted against it.
At first, he didn't understand what was happening. But when the light of Heaven had descended upon him, wrapping him in a mass of holy power that seemed too overwhelming for a mere mortal, the air shifted.
Believers had fallen to their knees, weeping and crying out praises.
The debacle had made the church that was slowly starting to ease up go into full chaos once more.
Dulio frowned, his hands tightening. He recalled the events that had happened a few hours prior. The man he had spoken to. At the time, he truly hadn't connected the dots. The thought had never even touched his mind and probably wouldn't have if not for becoming the Saint.
He remembered the questioning. The questioning of his Lord, though he hadn't known it. The figure had seemed kind which was why he didn't pay the questions too much attention, he was one of the Church's most powerful figures.
He had passed some sort of test that day, even if he didn't realize it then. It all made sense now, but it was no less overwhelming.
The massive realization that the man he had spoken to, the one who had tested him, was truly their Lord.
it still left his mind frazzled. He felt humbled but also unsure. Why had he been chosen? What made him worthy of such an honor?
Dulio had never been the kind of person who sought recognition. He had fought for his lord's legacy and simply tried to reduce the corruption spreading within the church, because it was the right thing to do.
A long sigh escaped him as he leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms like a sulking child.
"Wait a second," he muttered, a slight pout forming on his lips. "What... What was I wearing when I met Him?"
His eyes widened as he replayed the memory in his head. The realization struck him like a divine lightning bolt.
"No, no, no," he groaned, dragging his hands down his face dramatically.
He was pretty sure he had been wearing his old, scuffed combat boots and a plain white tunic that had seen better days.
There might have been a coffee stain on it too, now that he thought about it. And his hair… He hadn't decided to combe it that day! He could practically feel the strands sticking up in random directions like a baby bird.
"I met the Lord Himself looking like I just rolled out of bed after sparring with Griselda," he moaned, throwing his head back against the chair. "Why didn't I at least try to look presentable? What if He thought I was a slob?!"
He made sure to feel for the presence that had been with him since becoming the Saint, he knew it was his Lord but it hadn't moved or given any sort of indication since he became the Saint.
So he wasn't quite sure what to do.
Dulio admittedly thought that someone like Griselda or Vasco would be much better for this role. They were better with the more political aspects that the Church had adopted in the past few centuries.
The church had been thrown into chaos. The announcement that Dulio had ascended had spread like wildfire. His status had been elevated by multiple levels.
Yet he knew not what he could do to calm everyone down.
He rose from the bench abruptly, pacing the room.
His boots clicked softly against the polished floor, the sound filling the otherwise quiet chamber. His hands clenched and unclenched at his sides. The pacing wasn't helping, but staying seated had made him feel like he was suffocating.
There was also another problem that had been brought to his attention.
The Devils were wary, and they were making probes towards the church. That along with other mysterious events transpiring. Dulio didn't only have to worry about what was happening within the Church, but outside of it as well.
He inhaled and exhaled, his thoughts coming to an end. Dulio went to leave the room he had chosen to take a brief reprieve inside only to still as the presence inside him shifted.
His breath caught as excitement burst in his heart.
An image appeared, a blonde haired nun with kind green eyes. He felt the desire and order from his Lord.
He nodded to save the ex-communicated Holy nun Asia Argento.
With that, his brooding came to an end and he immediately bowed. Before getting up and leaving the room with urgency.
He walked through the halls quickly, his mind calm.
His destination was a secluded part of the Vatican that was solely purposed to gather and share important intelligence. The Church had been slow to adapt to the modern age but it had gotten there.
Information was important and incredibly valuable.
This was both true in the human world and supernatural world.
As he reached the intelligence wing, the Exorcists stationed outside immediately stepped aside, bowing their heads in deference.
Dulio paused to give them a warm smile before pushing open the heavy doors. Priests and agents of the Church glanced up from their work, some pausing mid-conversation as they noticed his presence.
His presence would have usually caused this anyway due to his high-ranking and power but now there was a different level to the gaze he was sent by each of them.
"Saint Dulio," Father Alessandro greeted warmly, rising from his desk with a bow. "How may we help you?"
He paused at the deference and suppressed a wince.
"I need immediate intelligence on Asia Argento," Dulio said without preamble."She's an excommunicated nun."
Alessandro blinked but nodded quickly. "Of course, Saint Dulio. One moment." He turned, moving briskly to a locked filing cabinet.
After retrieving a key, he unlocked it and pulled out a thin folder. Dulio stepped forward as Alessandro opened the file, his eyes scanning the contents.
"Her last known location was Kuoh Town," Alessandro said, pointing to a highlighted section. "It's under the control of the Gremory and Sitri Clans. That territory is heavily monitored by Devils, especially the Satans and any intrusion will undoubtedly draw attention."
"Thank you, Father Alessandro." He thanked the man he had known for most of his life sincerely.
Alessandro merely chuckled in return. "I'm sure you've got quite the busy schedule so I won't bother you with idle chatter, I would like to have a chat over some tea some time though."
Dulio beamed at the much older man. "I'll try to make time."
He left the intelligence department and moved quickly.
Perhaps it was because it was the first mission he had received from his Lord or maybe because it was simply the first true order from the Lord that had been dead for so long but he felt like it needed to be done immediately.
He couldn't keep his Lord waiting.
"Dulio."
Turning, he saw Griselda Quarta approaching, her robes swishing around her as she walked with purpose.
She stopped in front of him, her expression both curious and concerned.
Griselda had long silver hair tied back along with light-blue eyes. Widely, she was considered the most beautiful woman within the church. With many Exorcists actively attempting to court her yet Dulio simply reacted with a blinking of his eyes. Unaffected in the slightest.
"Griselda," he acknowledged.
She smiled, before giving him a small bow that made him bashfully smile.
"What's going on?" she asked calmly. "I don't think I've ever seen you move with such urgency."
Left unsaid was the recent events that had transpired which evidently was causing her to look worried.
"The Lord has tasked me with rescuing Asia Argento. She's in Kuoh Town." He replied, smiling back.
Griselda's eyes widened, her composure breaking for perhaps the first time he had met her. She quickly composed herself.
"That's Devil territory. The Gremory and Sitri Clans won't take kindly to someone like you showing up unannounced." She replied quickly.
"I'm aware," Dulio said, his voice calm but resolute. "But the mission isn't negotiable. I'll tread carefully, but Asia's safety comes first."
She nodded. "Do you need any backup in case things go awry?"
Dulio shook his head. "I think it's best if I go in alone. The both of us would be cause for a lot of concern."
Griselda studied him for a moment before nodding. "There's a safehouse close to the outskirts of Kuoh. It's still under the Church's influence. I'll make sure it's prepared for her arrival."
"Thank you." He replied sincerely.
Having such help from the church never failed to make him happy.
"Please Inform them to keep a low profile. I don't want any unnecessary attention drawn to the operation."
Griselda hesitated for a moment. "You'll need someone to teleport you near Kuoh. The Vatican's direct transport circles will need charging to reach that far."
"I'll handle it," Dulio replied, already turning away. "Thank you, Griselda."
"Good Luck, Saint Dulio." She replied, a hint of teasing in her tone.
He sent her a pout before walking away with his head held high.
Dulio laughed a bit when he was out of view as he headed to the transportation chamber within the Vatican.
In the transport chamber, Sister Clara was waiting, her hands folded in reverent prayer as she stood beside the glowing teleportation circle.
She looked up as Dulio entered, her eyes widening slightly before she dropped into a respectful bow.
"Saint Dulio," she greeted softly. "The circle has been prepared. You'll arrive just outside Kuoh's borders. We simply need to charge it up."
"Thank you, Sister Clara," Dulio said, his voice steady. He stepped into the circle, the light reflecting off his white robes.
"Uh, Saint Dulio. The circle isn't charged." She reiterated.
Dulio decided this was as good a chance as ever to test out the massive boost his magic reserves had received. He felt the mana that had become multiple times denser flow through him easily.
He channeled it into the circle and within moments the circle lit up.
Clara blinked.
"I shall be back." He announced.
Clara nodded.
The circle's glow intensified as the air hummed with holy energy.
Dulio closed his eyes, offering a brief prayer of his own.
A flash of light enveloped him.
-{Avael}-
Avael panted, sweat dripping down her brow as she faced off against the towering figure before her.
Tiamat, the Chaos Karma Dragon, stood unmoved. She had her arms crossed, watching the Angel with a calm, almost bored expression.
Behind Avael, her five siblings lay slumped against the rocky terrain that was a part of the rapidly growing sub-dimension that they chose to train in, chests rising and falling heavily, completely spent from their earlier rounds with the dragon.
"Come on," Tiamat taunted, her voice smooth and sharp. "You're not done yet, are you?"
Avael gritted her teeth, summoning her power. Holy light flared to life around her, wrapping her in a soft, radiant glow. Holy Aura.
The energy pulsed against her skin, her movements growing sharper, faster. With a flick of her wrist, she shot a beam of concentrated light directly at Tiamat's chest.
Holy Ray.
The beam cut through the air, fast and true. Tiamat didn't move. The attack struck her squarely — and fizzled out against her scales, barely leaving a scorch mark.
Avael barely had time to register the failure before Tiamat blurred.
Fast.
Avael's eyes widened as the dragoness appeared right in front of her. A powerful backhand slammed into her side, sending her skidding across the training ground, carving a trench in the earth.
Gasping, Avael forced herself to her feet, white wings flaring behind her. She raised her hands, forming a glowing magic circle beneath Tiamat. Light erupted upward, a massive column of holy energy engulfing the dragon.
Holy Smite.
The ground trembled under the force of the attack, light spilling into the sky. For a moment, Avael dared to think that maybe she had actually done something.
Tiamat laughed, and Avael frowned.
The holy light dispersed, revealing Tiamat unharmed, a smirk curling her lips. "Is this all you can do? I thought you would be motivated with the message from your 'Father.'"
She gritted her teeth.
That was right.
They had received a message from Father that the situation in Heaven had changed and that he intended to introduce some of the Angels to the sub-dimension.
He had also said he intends to give them a permanent way out of the sub-dimension into Heaven. So they wouldn't be restricted here anymore.
In truth, she didn't mind. As long as she could stay close to him was all that mattered. Though she was excited about meeting more of her kind.
She couldn't focus on that much more as Tiamat quickly launched herself back at Avael.
"Don't get distracted." She laughed, swinging a fist that bent the air around its frame.
Avael could only helplessly try her best against the stronger Dragon King.
-END-
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