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Heaven

"Compared to the outer universe, hell is too confining. Demons are born in hell and trapped there, fighting each other in darkness endlessly... I've despised this life for a long time," Hus said, "but I couldn't escape it until now, when I witnessed the power of the Light."

"You think the Holy Light can change your demonic nature?" Forseti wasn't entirely convinced. Despite Hus having a yellow hue, the blood of demons still flowed in his veins.

Hus nodded solemnly. "Yes. In ancient times, Jehovah used heavenly power to purify some demons, and I'm placing my hope in that. But I've heard nothing of God's whereabouts since my birth."

"I once believed my dream was impossible, that I would forever be tethered to hell like other demons, rejected by all realms except hell. Then the Holy Light emerged, and I believe it can accomplish what God's presence could."

His resolve solidified. "I won't be a demon anymore, Forseti. Use your Holy Light on me!"

Forseti considered for a moment. "Alright, we can try."

Hus possessed great power and lacked the same malevolence as other demons. If he could join the Silver Hand, it would be a boon.

Norbert Kyle interjected, "Thank you, Forseti. Without you, the Ghost Riders might never have escaped hell. We're returning to heaven now, hoping to finally see God."

"How are you returning?" Forseti inquired.

Norbert Kyle explained, "Heaven is an independent realm, but God has established several portals on Earth that lead to heaven."

"Best of luck to you," Forseti nodded.

Norbert Kyle added, "If you're interested, you can come see for yourself."

Forseti hesitated briefly but was genuinely curious about the ancient and mysterious paradise. After a moment, he agreed, "Alright."

Everyone rested in Hearthglen first. Blackheart didn't want to linger in an environment so saturated with Holy Light and departed quickly.

After resting, Forseti and the Ghost Riders prepared to journey to heaven. The nearest entrance to heaven on Earth, near the South Pole, was located somewhere in South America, their destination.

During their stay in Hearthglen, the Ghost Riders, who had been isolated from the world, heard many news stories from the 19th century and were astounded by the changes occurring.

However, as they traveled towards the entrance to paradise in South America, the Ghost Rider did not witness these changes firsthand. Until now, the majority of novelties were concentrated in the great empire where the sun never set, unrelated to South America.

Forseti exercised caution regarding altering history, concerned it might disrupt the timeline. However, with the establishment of the Silver Hand, his reservations gradually waned.

Most human members of the Silver Hand had participated in liberation movements worldwide. For example, this year, ten South American countries achieved independence from colonial powers, with the influence of the Silver Hand evident.

A Paladin even had dealings with Bolivar.

Forseti wasn't sure if these actions altered the timeline, but he no longer dwelled on it. Changing timelines wasn't so straightforward, after all.

He and the Ghost Riders arrived at the entrance to paradise in South America, an unassuming, steep mountain.

Upon reaching their destination, Norbert Kyle led many Ghost Riders to kneel in a circle and began chanting an incantation in ancient, low tones that echoed throughout the mountain.

Forseti looked up and saw clouds rapidly gathering over the mountain as the Ghost Riders' voices reverberated. Suddenly, a golden staircase descended from the clouds, extending swiftly to meet the Ghost Riders in the center.

The staircase gleamed brilliantly, and two handsome angels stood atop it. Upon spotting the Ghost Riders, they were visibly taken aback. "Ghost Riders?"

"Yes," Norbert Kyle responded, looking at the two angels. "We've returned from hell and seek an audience with the Master."

The two angels exchanged glances, clearly uncertain.

Although the Ghost Riders' appearance hadn't changed much, the spirits of vengeance were noticeably tinged with demonic attributes, a blend of heavenly and hellish power.

Just as the angels hesitated on whether to permit entry to heaven, a senior angel descended from the golden staircase. Frowning, he scrutinized the Ghost Riders below, then turned to address Forseti, "Forseti?"

"Daniel!"

The senior angel was Daniel. Upon seeing Forseti, he appeared surprised and descended from the golden staircase. "You've emerged from hell? What of Malachi?"

"Yes, after numerous twists and turns, I escaped from hell with the Ghost Riders. As for Malachi... he tragically perished in battle against Kazan, who was also vanquished," Forseti replied.

He sensed that explaining Malachi's resurrection to Heaven would be challenging. Without proof, it was better to keep such matters minimal.

Daniel fell silent for a moment before sighing, "You shouldn't have pursued them into hell..."

Forseti said nothing.

After a pause, Daniel inquired, "What of these Ghost Riders?"

"Kyle will explain," Forseti gestured.

Norbert Kyle recounted the events to Daniel and earnestly declared, "We wish to return to heaven... 'Ghost Rider' is not our true name. We've been estranged from God for too long.Body was only a vessel; our souls remain in the custody of the Most High."

Wistfully, he added, "But realistically, there are too many of us. Unless Lord Randkiel grants permission, I can't allow all of us entry into heaven. For now, let's go in with me to meet Lord Randkiel and seek his decision."

"Alright," Norbert Kyle nodded hesitantly before asking, "What of God?"

Daniel shook his head sadly, "God still hasn't revealed Himself. Lord Randkiel has been kneeling in prayer for over two millennia, and there's been no sign."

Norbert Kyle fell silent, and the fiery aura of the Ghost Riders seemed to dim suddenly.

"Forseti, would you like to join us in heaven?" Daniel asked.

"Absolutely."

"Let's ascend," Daniel beckoned.

Forseti and Norbert Kyle ascended the golden staircase, which shimmered briefly before disappearing into the clouds, transporting them to another realm.

The next moment, Forseti stepped onto solid ground alongside Daniel, finding himself in heaven—the realm of God, the golden holy city.

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