"Iguva is the undisputed king of all demi-humans, ever since he ascended to the throne our empire expanded to consume most of the continent," Rayn spoke, his dejected tone clearly mixed in his speech as he hugged his wife as tightly as he could.
"Before then most demi-humans were weak and scattered in tribes that could not be called an empire in true sense."
'Why do they keep insisting on calling themselves demi-humans,' It maddened him to no end that they would humanize themselves so much despite being creatures of evil.
With a gesture Cedric let Rayn continue.
"Even us, the champions were weak before Iguva blessed us. Before the great king, we were lucky to surpass Level 40 in a low class..."
'Useful information, this Iguva is the catalyst of demonic power...' Cedric scratched the bottom of his helmet as he listened closely.
"While his power was not bestowed on everyone, chosen champions like me, Tormentor, Gaya, my darling Lucious, and various others received a blessing of power, all of us were shot up to 100 Levels of Low class, and far into Medium class, some lucky ones like Gaya were propelled close to 100 Levels in Medium class. Granting them powers beyond wildest dreams."
"How did he grant you such power?" Cedric was confused, a demon capable of ascending lesser demons.
Either Satan himself or some kind of Antichrist. Either way, Iguva had to die, demons seemed to be only slightly stronger than humans depending on their race.
But with a being capable of granting power enough to obliterate whole human armies with ease, that changed the entire thing.
Rayn seemed to hesitate to reveal the skill or ritual Iguva used, fortunately, his wife was still there, and his embrace wasn't enough to protect her.
"Don't hesitate with me, fallen." With a yank he pulled Lucious in the air, hanging her by her hair.
"Please don't hurt her! Iguva used Apex skill [Ascension]! That's all I know!" Rayn panicked as he looked at Lucious, her barely conscious body not offering struggle as her hair was gripped by Cedric's gauntlet.
Alarming information, Iguva had access to the same skill Cedric had, [Ascension]. It changed everything. Until now he had not heard or seen anyone else use Apex skill.
"For a Fallen Angel, you seem to have genuine care for this one?" Cedric mocked the man as he dropped Lucious, letting her hit the floor like a sack of potatoes which prompted Rayn to scramble to catch her.
While he indeed was acting cruelly towards two fallen, it was necessary. Any sign of weakness and Rayn would have lied.
He focused on skill [Ascension].
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Cedric's eyes almost fell out as he stared at the skill, this raised more questions.
Who was Iguva, he now knew he was the biggest threat to humanity, a true Antichrist.
"I and my wife can be useful for you!" Rayn pleaded as he saw Cedric losing interest, he knew that this freakishly powerful man could end both his and his Darling's life.
If he had to sell out Iguva and the entire Harpy race he would do it for Lucious.
Whatever this man was, he... no IT was something far beyond comprehension, and if anyone stood a chance it would be lord Iguva.
He was sure that his revealing basic information would not matter when lord Iguva got involved.
While Iguva would certainly punish him if he were to pretend to serve this creature, it did not matter.
'As long as Lucious survives...' Rayn glanced at his wife, she finally regained some lucidity.
He was pulled out of his stupor as Cedric spoke again.
"I hate to leave demons or fallen angels alive, traitors of God like you are unforgivable existence. But God indeed shows forgiveness to those willing to turn towards the light."
Cedric, instead of his usual tone showed a hint of respect.
Not because of anything the filthy traitors of God did, but because of God's infinite kindness.
Cedric was granted [Heresy Purge], a skill that would allow him to purge anything deemed heretical, and he was certain he would be able to cleanse a fallen Angel and turn them into their pure forms.
Ignoring the confused look of Rayn, Cedric approached and with activation of [Heresy Purge], Rayn's mind went blank, his thoughts became only pain.
Rayn's screams echoed through the city as his whole being was rewritten.
Lucious looked in horror, unable to even speak as she saw her husband's body being enveloped in holy light.
Cedric looked with amusement, [God's Eye] closely watching the fallen being purged. Its whole being was erased for moments.
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With the mental command of 'Yes', the skill began to work.
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So much weaker, and yet it was to be expected, they were purged of their sins and so they were forced to shed the rotten part of their souls.
While Rayn was processing the pain, Cedric activated [Heresy Purge] on Lucious, her shock evident as she let out a guttering scream.
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What confused him was that both had him as their Patron Deity, there was no god other than one true God.
As they were cleansed their impure horns were removed, and wings became as white as fresh snow.
Their voices grew more monotone as usual Archangels but emotion could still be sensed in their voices. Cedric was not sure if they still had free will, but it did not matter. They were to serve God's will as was their original purpose.
Both Lucious and Rayn knelt before Cedric, their broken wings repaired, and bodies returned to a perfect state. "We hear your will and obey, [Creator]!"
While these two were only as powerful as [Guardian Angel] at the current time, they were still turned towards God's Light and considered Archangels, and so they had their place in his Plan.
"What... did you do? Sir Cedric?!" Aurelia finally spoke, finally gathering enough courage after witnessing Cedric's treatment of demi-humans.
"I cleansed the fallen... God truly is merciful to forgive such traitors." Cedric gave praises to God as the filth of two fallen angels was cleansed, returning them to their pure selves.