Rebellion Against Heaven - Part 37

Chapter 37: The Humiliation of the Loser

The echo of Death's laughter still hung in the air as the ordinary heralds looked at each other, exchanging mischievous smiles. Daichi had been swallowed up by nothing, but his dishonor would not end there. Not for those who had witnessed his fall.

One of the heralds, a slender-figured being with eyes shining like embers, approached with a mocking smile.

"Well, well... Daichi, the great strategist. Who would have thought? he said sarcastically. I thought you were a master of torture, but it seems that the art of being humiliated is your true specialty.

The other heralds laughed cruelly.

"Let's not forget," said another, in a theatrical tone. Our "dear" Daichi was defeated by a simple bastard and a spoiled child. But, of course, it must have been a master plan of his... letting them win to surprise us later, right?

"Oh, sure, it was all part of the plan," another herald scoffed. A plan in which she ends up crying and without limbs.

Death, who was watching the scene with obvious amusement, snapped his fingers and the shadows began to show what had really happened.

Footage of the battle appeared floating in the air: Daichi, Haru, and Kenta facing off against Ryuusei and Aiko. The screams of rage and pain echoed like an echo of reality.

"Oh, look at this," said Death in an amused tone. It seems that our little bastard heralds not only won, but did it in style.

Common heralds crowded around the projection, watching with fascination.

"Look at that! One pointed out, laughing. Ryuusei dodges as if she were dancing. And Aiko... oh, wow! He blew Kenta's teeth out in one fell swoop.

"Incredible, really," another nodded. But best of all is the part where Daichi begs. Rewind that!

The shadows once again projected the exact moment when Daichi, completely shattered, screamed and begged for his life while Ryuusei, undeterred, snatched everything from him. The common heralds could not contain themselves and burst into laughter.

Death sighed with false melancholy.

"Ah, Daichi... I considered you someone special for a while. But honestly, Ryuusei and Aiko have something you never had.

"Dignity?" A herald asked, provoking laughter.

Death smiled and shook his head.

"No, intelligence. And merit. Ryuusei and Aiko did what you were never able to do: evolve.

The atmosphere was filled with murmurs. It was rare for Death to give praise, even if it was indirect.

In the end, Daichi was just one more obstacle. A little obstacle in the way of something bigger," Death went on, resting his cheek on his hand. Ryuusei and Aiko are... Interesting. Not like that poor wretch who is now condemned to oblivion.

Death's words sealed Daichi's fate once and for all. Not only had he been defeated, but his legacy would be reduced to a mockery. A joke among heralds.

Death snapped his fingers and the projection disappeared.

"Well, enough entertainment," he said with a yawn. Now, let's get back to our business. Someone deal the cards!

The heralds sat down again, but the laughter about Daichi continued. To them, he was nothing more than a funny story, an anecdote to be told on boring nights.

And for Death... just a pawn who was no longer good for anything.