Chapter 10
Without Yahweh by his side, Lucifer naturally investigated how the scars on Yahweh's arm came about.
The dark forces contained within it were remarkably similar to his, yet subtly different, composed of extreme hatred and other terrible things. Lucifer particularly disliked the idea of this stuff clinging to Yahweh. However, the stubborn scars could only be absorbed subtly; he couldn’t get rid of the source of Yahweh's pain all at once.
Tossing a book about curses aside, Lucifer walked to the window of the palace, gazing at the view of the ninth level of hell. A thought appeared in his mind: 'Yahweh is an archangel. Only the top-ranked King-level demons or the Seven Deadly Sins can hurt him.'
Who could it be?
Finding the answer was simple. He just needed to ask these guys.
The Devil King smiled slightly, showing no signs of abusing his power. The entire nine levels of Hell were under his rule. Whether they were demons or fallen angels, they were all his subjects. As a king wanting to ask a question, he didn’t need to exert too much effort.
When the meeting was convened, the King-level demons were either confused or excited, thinking that the Holy War might start earlier than expected.
After all, based on past situations, only the Holy War would call for a gathering of Hell's upper echelons!
Inside Satan's black palace, a thick darkness and pressure greeted them as they stepped into the main hall. Even Baal, the strongest among the hell demons, felt an internal shock under this subtle pressure. The former Archangel Lucifer, although immensely powerful, never made him feel fear deep within.
Only Lucifer, who had abandoned all light and virtues, was the Satan they truly acknowledged.
Baal's wild thoughts were soon dashed.
The meeting wasn't about the Holy War.
Today was purely because Lucifer, the Devil, was bored. He had called them over for afternoon tea and perhaps to chat about whether there were any new archangels born in heaven lately.
Baal, with his forehead hitting the table, felt utterly disinterested.
After Lucifer's transformation to darkness, he seemed even less proper than ordinary demons. His inherent frivolity made Baal seriously question the educational standards of heaven. Who claimed Lucifer was the purest white angel of heaven? Why, upon falling, had he become so unyieldingly dark!
A few demons, who had risen from bed to attend this meeting, stared resentfully at their leader, Satan. However, after seeing Satan's charm, their dissatisfaction faded away. After all, no one in hell could match Lucifer's beauty. Even if there was, they wouldn't have Lucifer's unrestrained demeanor of defiance.
This was Lucifer, who would rather defy divine spirits than kneel to the Messiah!
"I heard that heaven has one more archangel," Lucifer said, disregarding the look of desire in their eyes. No matter how much they watched, they could only admire, “There are now five archangels in total. Two were promoted from the rank of seraphim and aren't worth paying attention to, but the newly-born archangel should be a natural first-grade rank, equal to you all here."
Baal puckered his lips, "Seems like I heard such news...”
The demon dragon Behemoth supported his forehead, not wanting to watch Baal's foolishness. "Baal, did you even bother to read the information I gave you a few days ago?"
Baal blinked his eyes, seemingly not having read it all.
"Anyway, it's just the usual heaven stuff. The arrival of another archangel wouldn't change the situation much."
The King-level demons and the Seven Deadly Sins all rolled their eyes at Baal's stubborn demeanor.
Beelzebub, who was in charge of intelligence among the Seven Deadly Sins, said, "It seems that the new archangel appeared in heaven, causing a commotion, but then there's been no news. Michael and the others may have blocked the news, not wanting us to know too much in advance."
Lucifer's heart stirred, "Which day did the commotion occur?"
Beelzebub mentioned a date, and indeed, it was the day Lucifer escorted Yahweh back to heaven.
Lucifer was surprised to learn that Yahweh's identity in heaven remained a secret. Ironically, it was his own escort mission that forced Yahweh to reveal himself in heaven earlier than planned.
The meeting was over, and the high-ranking demon yawned, ready to excuse himself and catch up on some sleep. Lucifer had long given up on these demons who only lived for earthly pleasures, pranks, and activities associated with idle life. Dismissed with a wave of his hand, they hurried away. He hadn't been able to find out from the demons who had injured Yahweh. However, several of the Seven Deadly Sins noticed his unusual concern and sensed something was off.
Leviathan had intended to leave, but seeing his companions still seated, he also sat down cross-legged.
Confronting the gazes of the five sins, Lucifer asked in a languid tone, "What are you all looking at? Don't you want to leave?"
As Samael opened his mouth to speak, his words sent a jolt through all the other Seven Deadly Sins.
"Your Majesty, is your lover an archangel?"
Beelzebub grimaced, silently speculating which heavenly acquaintance was attempting to seduce Satan. Asmodeus looked on with heartache and reproach. "Your Majesty, why would you choose a traitor?" In Asmodeus' mind, Michael, Metatron, and Gabriel's decision to not fall along with them equated to betrayal!
Lucifer glanced over at the emotional Asmodeus. Samael had been suspicious of the newly born archangel, but Asmodeus had redirected that suspicion to the other three seraphs.
Belial was also led astray by Asmodeus' thoughts.
Compared to the newly born archangel or the seraphim-turned-archangels with added wings, it was indeed more probable that Lucifer would take a liking to a former companion.
Belial nervously asked, "Your Majesty, is it really like this—"
Leviathan interrupted Belial's words, bluntly saying, "Your Majesty, can Hell bring another archangel down? I want Michael! If he comes to Hell, I can bully him!"
The Seven Deadly Sins collectively held their breath.
That's right!
The archangel that Satan had his eyes on would naturally become part of their side. Not to mention, as a lover.
Lucifer's lips curved into a smile, his face resembling the most extravagant blossoming flower. In an instant, he stole the breath of countless years. "Leviathan, if I had my sights set on Michael, he wouldn't remain in Heaven as their archangel leader."
The expressions of the Seven Deadly Sins were a mix of emotions, both joy, and worry.
They were joyful that Lucifer wouldn't be swayed away by a archangel, but worried about who Lucifer might abduct to bring to Hell.
Perhaps the reason for the next Holy War would be Hell stealing a seraph from Heaven?
-----
Above Hell, there was Heaven.
Michael, who was almost branded as "Satan's lover," felt a chill down his spine and suspiciously glanced around. "Gabriel, I have a terrible premonition."
The beautiful angel, Gabriel, smiled and asked, "Your premonition?"
Michael nodded seriously.
Gabriel pointedly mocked, "Is it like in the Holy War when Lucifer was about to appear, and you would run to the other side of the battlefield?"
Gabriel, who often faced the brunt of criticism, had held resentment for many years.
Michael laughed dryly and looked up at the sky. "I can't help it. Lucifer always wants to beat me up, and I can't defeat him."
Gabriel was left speechless, choking on her words.
Metatron passed by them. His gentle voice hinted at helplessness. "Let's go. Our Lord is summoning us. We must not keep him waiting."
Michael quickly caught up, enthusiastically looping his arm around the impeccably mannered Metatron's shoulder. "Meta, don't be so stiff! We've set off early, there's no way we'll be late. I'm just wondering what kind of seraph companion we're going to meet this time." His lively, chattering voice was too infectious for Metatron to stay irritated.
The first and second Archangels of Heaven were indeed very different from each other.
Gabriel stepped on Michael's feet as they moved towards the teleportation circle. The runes lit up and led them to the ninth crystal heaven, the most mysterious place across the three realms.
Inside the cathedral, the archangel who had been incubating in the small holy pool of the Heavenly Stars was moved to the ninth heaven.
The reason was a slight complication.
God looked down at the holy pool where an angel was peeking out its little head. In an ethereal voice, God asked, "Haniel, what are you doing?"
The prematurely born archangel gave God a pure and innocent smile.
"My God!"
The little angel emerged from the holy pool, his body naked, with golden hair scattered all around him. His pair of azure eyes were beautiful, as unique and precious as a one-of-a-kind gemstone. Moreover, he possessed a youthful and beautiful face that bore a strong resemblance to Lucifer. To any demon familiar with Satan, it would be as clear as day.
Or rather, he looked like what Satan used to be – the shining morning star, Lucifer.
"Luci—"
"My God, what are you saying?"
"You need to put on some clothes."
After creating the Angel of Charm, Haniel, God averted His gaze. His expression beneath the halo was neither sad nor happy, entirely unflappable.
This was not Lucifer.
Lucifer never had such a smile, not ever.
At the entrance of the cathedral, archangels walked in one after another. Upon noticing Haniel's presence, they cast astonished glances at the barefoot, white-robed little angel. Golden hair, blue pupils... Such hair and eye color, along with the appearance itself, would be remembered instantly by them, no matter how long ago it was!
It's His Highness!
The four seraphs fell silent.
Only the youngest, Uriel, who gained wings the fastest, was puzzled and unsure – who was this little angel? Why did he resemble Satan from Hell?
With God not speaking and his companions eerily silent, Michael bravely took the initiative and asked, "My God, is this the second Lucifer?"
God replied lightly, "No, he is the angel of charm, Haniel."
Michael felt utterly hopeless about life.
Regardless of his future life in Heaven, or when Satan finds out about this little angel...
My God, instead of creating a replacement, why not just bring Lucifer back?
-----
Author's note:
Adorable infant Haniel.
Poor Haniel, under fire from all directions from the moment of his birth←＿←, let's not forget that the angel of charm is also a guide to love, haha.
Mini Theater:
After Haniel's appearance:
The Seven Deadly Sins: ...So His Highness has a thing for children, huh?
Demons: Wait, is this the child His Highness left behind in Heaven?
Angels: ...
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