The Seraphic System Aftermath

The Seraphic System

Chapter: 97

Disclair: I don’t own High School Dxd or any other universe used in this story. However, all original characters, plotlines, and worldbuilding elents created in this story are my own.

Pa/ t reon details below the chapter if you're interested in seeing so content in advance.

(The Aftermath)

After ensuring he was settled and directing him to quarters where he could rest, I finally made my way toward the heavenly throne. I approached the pearly throne and sank back into its embrace.

Leaning into the seat, I allowed myself a mont to savour the feeling of the Heavenly System's presence.

I took a mont to reflect on what had transpired.

The Architect.

The being I had been anticipating for so long hadn't disappointed with his attempt to destroy Heaven. He was the first major figure who showed the divergence in this world.

The fact that the Architect was the child of Angra Mainyu made sense. From the faintest mories I possessed of canon, that God was incredibly intelligent and dangerous. Another high-ranking mber of the Khaos Brigade and creator of Azi Dahaka, along with being part of another group I vaguely recall.

The attack had been massive. The fact that Heaven had repelled it without too many losses was proof of Heaven's remarkable growth.

I pushed away the sorrow that instantly shot through my bones.

Not all had been saved.

Uriel...

Uriel’s absence was becoming more noticeable by the minute and I had no plans of letting it remain that way. I did have an idea, though I wasn't certain it would work. That didn’t an I wouldn’t be searching for a way to revive him imdiately.

That would have to wait for now.

I shook my head, holding my anger at bay.

It wouldn't go without being repaid.

My eyes opened and multiple screens appeared around , the front gates of Heaven coming into focus.

Outside the flooring was stained dark with liquid resembling mixed colours, burned corpses and severed limbs ford an uncleared nightmare. Ashen clouds lingered in the front space, crackling with energy every few seconds in the aftermath of a massive battle.

My eyes shifted to my biggest concern, Heaven's barriers.

Heaven's primary defence, the reason it lacked offensive asures, had seemingly vanished for an entire hour through so strange ans.

They were back and as powerful as ever.

The troubling question remained. How had they been disabled? Had the Domain temporarily disabled the barriers? The effect wasn't perfect or permanent, which offered slight relief.

An option appeared in my vision, provided helpfully by the Heavenly System.

[Dinsion Scan]

I tilted my head curiously.

My finger rose and I selected the option, watching as the Heavenly System imdiately began its work. A scan initiated across Heaven's front gates, energy sweeping through the area to analyse what remained after the battle.

A new screen appeared, identical to the one projecting Heaven's boundaries but now showing colours that pervaded the white expanse, making it difficult to see beyond the staggering amount of energy present.

The scan stread across my vision as the system catalogued every trace of foreign energy lingering in the aftermath. Multiple energy signatures appeared, each one tagged and colour-coded for identification.

Golden traces of angelic power scattered everywhere, and an even larger concentration filled the sky, where my Arch-Seraphim had fought.

But mixed within were far more concerning signatures. Crimson streaks of demonic energy crisscrossed the battlefield. Dark purple traces that felt wrong just to observe. And draconic energy I'd sensed earlier, appearing as writhing black lines.

Then an alert flashed across my vision, highlighted in urgent red text:

[Alert: high concentration of Demonic energy detected]

[Alert: high concentration of Draconic energy detected]

Demonic energy…

I shifted the system's view to show the encampnts that had been erected near the gates.

A massive encampnt had been set up by the titanic gates of Heaven. It was a place that had acted as a headquarters during the battle, a place where Angels could be switched out and healed with a rapid response ti.

The healing tents stood fifteen feet high with peaked white canvas roofs supported by tal poles. Wide entrances had rolled-back flaps tied with silver cord, each bearing a silver emblem. The tents holding the deceased bore golden embroidery and finer construction.

My heart clenched at the casualties.

They'd be revived, though not all bodies would be recovered.

My teeth clenched. At least my new God-class magic reserves would let start resurrections, though I couldn't revive those without bodies or those too powerful.

I watched my angels work.

The encampnt showed surprising organisation. Main roads cut through in a grid pattern, dividing clear districts. Canvas tents stretched in every direction. The scale was massive. Roads packed with Angels moving between posts. Senior officers at intersections directed traffic. Signs marked routes to different districts.

In my sweep of the encampnt, I found Asia. She was in one of the smaller healing tents, kneeling beside a young angel whose face was pale with blood loss. Her healing magic flickered weakly around her hands, the green light looking like a candle in the wind.

She was about to collapse.

I frowned.

I should check on everyone. I needed to check on Jeanne specifically, she had been pretty hurt when I had last seen her.

I rose from the throne and with a zap of light, the first realm materialised around gradually. I appeared at the edge of the massive encampnt, my feet touching the smooth ground just outside the main periter.

I only managed to take a single step forward before my presence was noticed.

The effect was imdiate. Angels throughout the camp noticed my presence, their movents becoming more energetic as word spread quickly through their ranks.

I could see heads turning in my direction. I smiled for a brief mont. And I was t with beaming faces. I walked through the main road, nodding to the angels I passed.

Their posture straightened despite their exhaustion, and many offered respectful bows. The atmosphere shifted from weary determination to sothing more hopeful.

Then I found myself crowded by overprotective Angels.

For a brief mont, I felt anxious, I was surrounded by Angels that were far older than . Then it vanished easily.

A young angel near the front stepped forward hesitantly. "Father!”

The shout drew the collective gaze. Her voice broke the spell. Suddenly angels were moving toward from all directions, not rushing, but drawn by the simple need to be near their returned leader.

"We've been worried sick," said an older angel with silver hair, his voice steady but relieved. "When you didn't return imdiately after the battle..."

“Are you hurt?” Another asked in rapid succession.

"I’ve barely slept," another added with a pout.

Another Angel, a higher rank one was slightly more composed. “We heard you had been taken and forced into a one-on-one fight with the Architect.”

I gave them an apologetic smile. “Sorry for worrying you. I was forced into a portal that led to the Architect’s secret pocket dinsion. You needn’t worry about it, I was able to prevail.”

It was ant to lighten the mood…Yet. It really didn't help. I found myself being embraced from all directions as hundreds of hands suddenly tried to support like I was so frail old man.

"Are you alright, Father?"

“If you do command it, I shall lead a legion to search him down if he had been able to escape.” The higher-ranking Angel said eagerly.

“There’ll be no need for that,” I said with a feeling of warmth. “He won’t be causing problems any longer.”

“So it’s over?” Another one of my Angels asked.

“The attack from the Architect is, but I’m afraid there are larger threats behind him.” I broached the subject hesitantly.

I wasn’t sure what Michael had announced.

“The Khaos Brigade?” One questioned.

I tilted my head.

“Big Brother Uriel told us.” Another Angel said.

That made wince. I had to keep my face composed and the genuine twist of pain in my chest obscured. Still, they could sense sothing was amiss.

I didn’t allow them to dwell on it.

“Yes. Though I don’t think they’ll make a move in the imdiate future.” My eyes beca cold. “And I don’t intend to allow them to do so.”

All my Angels gained a fire in their eyes.

“Elder Sister Raphael said that you captured a prisoner.” One of them said, another higher-ranking Angel judging by his clothing.

“Would you like us to handle the negotiation for information, Father?” Another Angel said, a sweet smile on her face.

Yeah, sohow I didn’t believe any negotiation would be taking place.

“That won’t be necessary,” I replied quickly. “I’ll take care of it.”

I decided to quickly change the discussion.

“That leaves the question though, how is the aftermath going?” I questioned. “I’ve been stuck sleeping in my room since I arrived back in Heaven.”

A burly angel with a scar across his cheek nodded grimly. "The cleanup has been... extensive, my Lord. We've been working around the clock. Raphael is coordinating with the elven mage Freiren.”

I could see the exhaustion on all their faces now that I was closer. Dark circles under the eyes, shoulders that drooped despite their attempt to stand straight.

“Perhaps you all need a rest…”

“We’re fine.” They all bead.

Yeah…

They definitely weren’t, but they were being oddly stubborn.

Sensing that they wouldn’t listen, I decided to drop the matter.

"How are the wounded?" I asked, and imdiately several angels began speaking at once.

“It’s slow but it’s been going well, those who were saved have mostly been stabilised to the point they can be slowly healed.” An Angel said happily.

I held up my hands gently. "You've all done well. Better than I could have hoped for,"

A small angel near the back called out, "Father, are you hurt? You look tired."

The simple concern in her voice made sothing in my chest tighten.

"I'm fine," I assured them. "Just a bit sore from the battle.”

“Why aren’t you resting?” She asked.

“Why aren't you resting?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

She flushed.

-{Raphael}-

Raphael rubbed her temples as she walked through the corridors.

She was exhausted ntally.

It had been non-stop since the Architect had attacked. She had forced everyone who had fought to take a rest. Raphael herself hadn’t felt like she was worthy of a break, considering she had been relegated to rely coordinating.

The exhaustion wasn't physical, she could handle that. It was the ntal drain, the constant awareness that fifty thousand angels depended on her decisions.

It had been so long since she had such a responsibility.

At least things were stable now.

The angels in the city had wanted to fight, of course.

She'd had to forbid it. Rusty fighters would've been liabilities, not assets. Better to have them man the walls and keep Heaven's essential functions running.

There were many Angels within Heaven that had been hesitant to join the Heavenly Army, but they had quickly joined by the way. Mostly training before joining to not hold anyone back.

Heaven had roughly two hundred and ten thousand Angels in total. Including those in the army and not in the army.

It wasn't comparable to Heaven’s golden age and even among those that lay within the crypts or had been lost to the many wars that had been inflicted on Heaven.

The battle had brought her and all of her siblings a lot of unwanted mories.

Raphael pushed those thoughts aside. She opened the lab door, walking inside only to stop dead.

A new sight that hadn’t been within before made her pause. A massive cannon sat in the middle of her workspace, clearly not of angelic make.

It imdiately drew her fascination.

She walked up to its golden surface.

A simple note was attached: "Thank you for your hard work - Kaiel."

The tiredness vanished instantly. She found herself grinning like a child with a new toy.

Foreign construction. Unknown materials.

Completely different design principles from anything Heaven produced. Her fingers itched to take it apart, to understand how it worked, what made it tick.

She sent up a quick prayer of thanks, already moving toward her tools.

-{Kai}-

Picking up on Raphael’s prayer I grinned, feeling a sense of satisfaction.

I had decided to give Raphael the cannon to study both as a reward, the Arch-Angel had a passion for studying and creating artefacts.

With all of her hard work, I knew this would cheer her up and judging by the happy prayer the Heavenly System had transmitted. I could say my assumption was correct.

I walked through the encampnt.

After a while of rely spending so ti with my Angel. I began making my way around the encampnt.

I found Asia exactly where I'd seen her through the system, in one of the smaller healing tents, still kneeling beside a pale angel. The Angel would be fine since it seed more like exhaustion than any life-threatening damage.

She looked up as I entered, her tired eyes widening.

"My Lord," she said, attempting to stand but swaying slightly.

I moved quickly to her side and wrapped her in a gentle hug, feeling how she trembled with exhaustion. "Asia."

"Mm-yes, my Lord?"

"I think you need so sleep," I said flatly.

An angel working nearby looked up. "My Lord, we've been trying to get her to stop for hours, but she wouldn't listen. She insisted on helping everyone first."

I looked down at the sweet girl who was definitely an angel in human form.

I smiled, though it was tinged with concern. "That sounds exactly like the Asia I know."

She tried to resist, saying she needed to help more people, but I simply hugged her gently. Was I abusing my holy power by flooding the area with it? Yes, judging by the way her body was starting to slacken.

I could understand why she felt the need to, but she was trying to keep up with Angels. Beings who didn't need sleep, except when they were magically and physically drained. Which ant sleeping would be a chance to recover properly.

As I held her, I felt her body go limp as exhaustion finally claid her. She'd fallen asleep standing up.

"Take her sowhere comfortable to rest," I ordered the nearby angels. "Make sure she's not disturbed."

"Yes, Father," they replied, carefully lifting Asia and carrying her toward the sleeping quarters.

That left my next objective.

I made my way through the encampnt to the tent where Jeanne was being treated.

The sight inside made pause. So many of my angels were hurt, lying on cots with various injuries. Pieces of Golden Fleece cloth were draped over the most seriously wounded, their restorative properties clearly working.

Jeanne's armour had been stripped away, revealing the extent of her injuries. Even with the healing, I could see the massive bruises and partially healed cuts covering her arms and torso.

Ares had done a real number on her.

Her eyes opened as I approached. "My Lord."

"Jeanne, how are you feeling?" I asked. "You weren't looking well the last ti I saw you."

"Much better," she said, managing a smile. "I think I might have been sowhat hasty with my decision to take on a God."

The admission was so bashfully honest that I couldn't help but feel amused. "Well, you were certainly brave about it. Besides, thanks to you, Ares will receive his judgnt. Perhaps even multiple judgnts," I added with a small smile.

"I apologise for being taken out of the fight so quickly," Jeanne sighed, her face falling.

I raised an eyebrow.

"Don't apologise. The fact that you fought for Heaven was enough. You gave us much-needed ti to focus on the other gods," I assured her firmly. "Besides, trust , the battle only escalated from there. Everyone except perhaps Azrael was exhausted and beaten by the end."

She frowned.

"Were there more Gods attacking?"

"There were," I confird.

"I can't say I've ever been in a battle so massive and strangely constructed," Jeanne said after settling back. "It felt more like two separate battles."

I grinned, leaning against the bed where she lay. The bed was surprisingly comfortable and plush, sothing I would expect nobility to sleep on.

She tilted her head in an adorable display of confusion. "So, I'm assuming we won?"

The question struck harder than expected, and I felt my expression falter. "We did, though it ca at a cost."

Jeanne tensed imdiately, her warrior instincts picking up on my tone.

"I'm afraid Uriel died in battle," I said, feeling a genuine stab of pain as the words left my mouth.

The colour drained from Jeanne's face. Her hands gripped the edges of her cot so tightly her knuckles went white. "No... Uriel? But he's... he was..." She couldn't finish the sentence, her voice breaking.

I hated this. I had grown massively in my ti within Heaven, first as a mysterious Angel and then as the King of Heaven. But that didn't prepare for things like this.

Heaven needed to beco stronger. I needed to beco stronger.

"Did anyone else die?" she asked in a whisper.

I nodded solemnly. "Many angels died as well."

She sat up despite her injuries, wincing. "You can bring them back though?"

I looked at her with mixed emotions. "Those who have been retrieved, yes. But there were so whose bodies couldn't be recovered, and as for Uriel... he's too strong to be revived right now with just my resurrection skill."

The admission felt heavy.

“I'm used to battle... I'm used to losing people. But it doesn't hurt any less, especially with how many new friends I've made in Heaven." Jeanne admitted.

I understood how she felt.

"It won't go unpunished," I could only promise.

With the sadness of this situation ca an anger I was familiar with. For now, I kept a tight lid on it. I didn’t want my Angels seeing the darkness that had plagued since being reborn co to the surface.

I spent several more minutes with her, carefully checking over her wounds. The bruising was extensive, with dark purple marks across her ribs and contrasting with her unblemished skin, and a nasty cut along her shoulder that was still healing.

All the while she looked at with a strange adoring gaze along with no small amount of underlying sadness.

“Are you okay?” She questioned. “You look like you’re in pain.”

That led to a small explanation of what had happened at the end of the battle… It was safe to say she was just as reactive as my Seraphs had been.

Her eyes widened.

“Didn’t Lord Michael or Lady Gabriel stop you?!” She blurted out.

“No… the battle beca a lot larger at the end. The Architect was quite prepared. Many Egyptian and Aztec Gods with past grudges began joining the fray.” I explained seriously.

“You went alone with the enemy's leader?” She asked, aghast.

“Yeah… it wasn't by choice but I needed to be done,” I said darkly.

“Did you beat him?” She asked.

“I did,” I replied firmly.

She smiled softly.

I looked at her for a mont, entranced.

Then I stroked her hair which earned a blush.

"Rest," I told her finally. "Let the healing continue its work."

She nodded and I could only frown as she tried to hide her sadness.

Jeanne was Uriel’s apprentice. Which probably didn’t help. The fact that she was even managing to try to act so unbothered was probably because Uriel would be revived.

As I stepped outside the tent, I was greeted by Remiel, one of my Seraphim. Her expression was carefully controlled, but I could see the weight of recent events in her eyes.

"My Lord," she said with a respectful bow.

“Remiel,” I said, slightly surprised. Before , a smile adorned my face. “It’s good to see you:”

Remiel bead.

“I’m glad to see you too, Father,” Remiel said, looking relieved.

We began walking to the location where all the dead angels were.

I asked grimly, "What was the death count?"

Remiel frowned, choosing her words carefully. "The numbers, considering the scale of the attack, can be considered relatively low. The enemies relied heavily on quantity over quality, and while they were deadly, most of our siblings have lived longer than many Gods. Compared to other supernatural battles in recorded history, our losses were... manageable."

I could tell Remiel was trying to stay positive, but I needed the real numbers. "But how many died?"

Remiel sighed.

"Out of the tens of thousands of angels systematically deployed into the battle below, over five thousand have fallen."

My fist found itself balled into a fist.

It was a good ratio for a battle of this magnitude, especially a supernatural one. But it still didn't an I wanted it to happen. At least most of them could be revived.

That left a question I almost didn't want to ask.

"How many couldn't be recovered?" I asked after a mont.

Remiel's mood shifted noticeably. "One hundred and three. Our siblings put everything into imdiately withdrawing any fallen or injured angels. It was difficult because of the sheer number of monsters, especially with them being empowered by that Domain overlapping Heaven's boundaries."

"I see."

They couldn’t be recovered. They were dead. Angels I probably hadn’t even been able to get around having a proper conversation with them in my haste to strengthen Heaven.

It was a normal occurrence for the other Factions but I had never enjoyed playing fair.

I kept my aura contained and my face attempting to stay blank.

Many would burn for this.

We walked to the tents where the dead were kept. I looked over my fallen angels briefly, their peaceful faces a stark contrast to the violence that had claid them.

Remiel remained beside throughout.

"How long have I been asleep?"

"A day, Father. When Gabriel and Azrael found you, you were exhausted beyond asure. They imdiately brought you back to your room." Remiel replied imdiately.

"What's happened since then?" I asked seriously, slowly gazing across the Angels who had died.

"Raphael has been coordinating the aftermath efforts, organising the wounded, debriefing survivors, and working to calm everyone down after the battle. She has also been managing supply distribution, overseeing the cleanup of the battlefield.”

I was silent for a mont, digesting the information as I thought about my next steps. "How is everyone faring?"

"As well as can be expected. Many of our siblings have experience with battles like this, though Gabriel usually handles the emotional support afterwards."

Guilt twisted in my chest at that reminder.

"You needn't worry. Your presence here has already started making its effects known," Remiel smiled. "You may not realise it, but you hold a deep connection with all of us."

I felt a smile inadvertently slipping in and covering my lips..

Perhaps this would work to calm my heart and bring so joy back into Heaven.

I opened my inventory, and gold began pouring out from seemingly nowhere around .

Remiel's eyes widened, and it didn’t take her long to figure out what I was planning. "Father, are you sure? You must be exhausted."

I activated my resurrection skill, feeling my recovering angelic reserves plumt again as green energy ford around . The obscene amount of gold I'd stored vanished as I poured all my reserves into the magic.

Suddenly, thousands of angels began waking up in the death tents.

Remiel imdiately sprang into action, commanding the situation as confused but joyful angels erged.

I had to stop myself from collapsing, imdiately leaving to not distract Remiel.

I stepped outside, feeling drained again but satisfied.

My heart lifted at seeing so many of the angels revived. The gold helped but my new God-class reserves would work wonderfully in reviving my Angels. Especially the many more gold coins that lay within the Heavenly Crypts.

"Kai," ca a familiar voice.

Frieren appeared beside .

I sat down heavily, looking up at her arrival.

"Hey."

She raised an eyebrow. "Judging by the commotion, I'm guessing you've revived so of the deceased angels?"

"I did.” I breathed. “Not sure how many, but it's a good start."

“I must admit having such an absurd spell is baffling.” Frieren idly responded.

I shrugged.

Being able to download skills from characters that existed in literally different realities would do that.

“I suppose it cos with being the reborn God King of Heaven.” She mused, then paused. "Are you sure it's wise to push yourself?" she asked, sitting next to .

I shrugged once more. "It's worth it. Enough Angels have died. You haven’t seen the Heavenly Crypts. There are beyond thousands that would probably double or even triple Heaven’s population if revived.”

I sighed “And that’s only the Angels who were able to be recovered.”

She smiled. “I find your care for Angels admirable. I know of many that wouldn’t mind using Angels as disposable golems.”

My lips tightened.

“I can’t say I made any of them. Except my twelve Angels technically. But they are all mine.” I said, the last part firmly.

I needed to find a way to empower them. My aspirations for Heaven were only getting larger after this ordeal.

“I find it equally baffling that you have a spell that can create a living being with a considerable amount of power.” She said next. “I wonder how this cooldown you told about works.”

I watched the renewed energy from the Angels around us as they rushed to greet their newly resurrected siblings walking out of the tents. Even Frieren allowed a small smile to show on her usually apathetic face.

She observed for a mont. "So, what's the plan?"

I tilted my head.

"The plan to get back at this Khaos Brigade," she elaborated. “The organisation behind the Architect that I assud you defeated.”

“Sealed,” I said idly.

“Sealed?”

“Yes, though I can’t say it was because of my own efforts. I used his own sealing spell against him.” I replied.

Frieren’s eyes shone. “May I study this seal at so point?”

“Of course,” I smirked lazily. "As for the plan. I guess I'll start with Ares. The Architect is sealed and I don't want to tamper with that for now." I replied thoughtfully.

It was annoying, but I couldn’t kill Ares. Which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. While the Olympians were stopping from outright erasing him, I’d be getting my revenge.

Perhaps a battery for stronger barriers or sothing a bit more aggressive. I don't quite know for sure, but getting limbs cut off must hurt. Especially small ones.

"I was able to capture one of the Gods as well, Tezcatlipoca," Frieren revealed.

I looked at her in slight surprise.

"You know how to seal?" I questioned.

"To a degree," she nodded. "It wasn't easy."

"That's good," I said, my face growing serious. "It'll make gaining information easier. And I can think of a few uses for them," I whispered darkly. "Where is everyone else?"

"The majority are resting within your sub-dinsion. The battle was large and left most of us exhausted." Frieren answered.

I nodded, thinking I should speak with them soon as well. Our conversation began to fade as exhaustion crept back in. Before I knew it, I was lying back on the stone, my eyelids growing heavy.

When I next stirred, I found thousands of angels had quietly arranged themselves around while I slept, creating a makeshift camp with at its centre.

They lay curled up like sleeping kittens, peaceful expressions on their faces as they rested near their returned Father.

That was how I found myself falling asleep surrounded by the fearso armies of Heaven.

-Scene Break-

Zaps of light sparked around , teleporting back up to the Heavenly Throne.

I went to sit on the throne to continue looking through Heaven state only to pause, looking at the slightly panicked gothic Angel that stood waiting by the throne.

There was a brief mont of silence as Azrael stared at incomprehensibly.

“Father… or should I address you as Gabriel does?” Azrael began.

“Either is fine,” I replied comfortably, sitting on my throne.

She nodded, looking awfully intimidated for soone who was far more powerful and skilled than I was.

“Is Michael or Gabriel awake?” I asked curiously.

“No, they must have been exhausted. Normally my siblings could wake up at even a shift of soone moving within the air.” Azrael admits. “It’s just the two of us.”

“I felt it when you resurrected so many of my siblings. Which was what awoke .” She explained softly.

“Oh? I’m assuming you wish to speak alone?” I questioned, knowing the answer.

After all, I imagine there was a lot to talk about.

Her gaze was firmly on my face, before it wavered slightly.

“I do.” She breathed, her gaze flickered down. “I imagine you have a great many questions, I have been briefed on your situation.”

“So you know that I am not the God from the past,” I asked sharply.

She flinched. “N-no of course not, I’m sorry if I gave that impression.”

I looked at the Angel in puzzlent.

“No, I was rely making sure,” I replied, a smile blooming on my face. “I must admit it’s been rather overwhelming.”

She ca forward with a smile, before it dimd.

Azrael’s head lowered and she kneeled. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?” I asked in bewildernt.

“Abandoning Heaven when it needed most.” She replied, tears beginning to stream from her eyes.

“I got so close to my duties that I shut everything out. I left my Shades to guide the souls belonging to Heaven. While I looked for a way to revive you.” She said sorrowfully. “It doesn’t excuse my absence. If you wish for to repay with my life-“

I was next to her gothic Angel, wrapping her into a hug as I felt that connection I had with all my Angels.

“What is it with you Angels wanting death as a punishnt?” I sighed amusedly.

Seriously, Yahweh didn’t seem the type to be so cruel. In fact, he was kind to the point it killed him from what I knew.

She froze.

“I admit, I was surprised to see you alive,” I admitted. “Michael and Gabriel had told of you, perhaps the strongest Angel in existence.”

“W-well, that title goes to Michael.” She admitted slowly.

I looked at her and found her face reddening at a rapid rate.

“In any case, I don’t bla you. It’s actually comforting to know the length you’ll go to see back if I et an unfortunate end in the future.” I replied honestly.

It seriously was. The loyalty I felt from here was insane.

“Absolutely not.” She said, her voice becoming thunderous. For a second I t the true Angel beneath her surface act. “That will not be happening again.”

Ah.

Another Gabriel.

Wonderful.

“Of course,” I replied soothingly, as if talking to a child.

She deflated, her shoulders sagging with a weight.

"How can you ever forgive ?" she whispered, gently leaning into for comfort. "After everything I've done..."

"You ca to Heaven imdiately when you realised we were being attacked, didn't you?" I said, deciding to go for a logical move.

It was more of an assumption, but her body language told I was right. Sure enough, she nodded against my shoulder.

"That alone shows who you really are," I said softly, stroking her dark hair slowly. "Though I'll admit, I wish you'd found your way here a few months sooner."

She pulled back slightly, her lips pursed in that way that ant she was trying not to cry. "I was so scared... and so ashad. I thought you'd never want to see again and I had to take care of other certain… matters.”

"Hey," I said gently, tilting her chin up so she'd et my eyes. "You're here now. You chose to co ho when it mattered most. That's what counts."

It was safe to say I had learnt how to console my rather dramatic and overprotective Angels.

A tear finally escaped down her cheek. "I missed you so much. I'm sorry it took so long to be brave enough to co back."

“I felt your presence a while ago. I-I was just too nervous to face you and I had other matters to attend to, along with not really knowing if it was you.” She admitted, her face turning sour. “Which I’m now wanting to hit myself over.”

I chuckled.

“That reminds . I have two Seraphim with , they joined in my quest. Aziraphel and Jophiel.” Azrael suddenly announced.

One Super-class Arch-Seraph and two Seraphim certainly would add to Heaven’s power.

“It’s good to have you now,” I comnted. “I’m sure the ending of that battle would have been completely different without you.”

Azrael’s face soured. “Yes, that nuisance of a Dragon. While I’m sure Michael and the other Dragon could have won. I can’t say I didn’t enjoy putting it in its place.”

She looked at , still in my arms with a serious look.

“The Architect was part of the Khaos Brigade right?” She said, surprising with her knowledge.

“Yes, did Michael tell you?” I asked.

“No.” She shook her head. “Michael captured the Architect’s assistant.”

“That makes another of the captured bunch we managed to obtain,” I comnted.

“Another?” Azrael questioned.

“Yes, Frieren, an Elf that is a part of Heaven.” I clarified. “Managed to capture the Aztec God. Tezcatlipoca. While I managed to capture Ares.”

“An Aztec God and a Greek God?” She frowned deeply. “That’s troubling.”

“Have you heard of them?” I questioned seriously.

“It seems this Khaos Brigade has its roots growing far. Admittedly I've heard small tales of a group that might match that, but I was focused on other things.” Azrael sighed with regret.

“Do you interact with other Gods often?”

“No, I kept myself and the Seraphim with hidden on purpose,” Azrael said thoughtfully.

I nodded and changed the subject

“What did you do with the Architect’s assistant?” I asked, wondering where they had put him.

Azrael gave a cold smile.

“He’s been dealt with, his information was limited,” Azrael replied.

Ah.

Oh well.

“What did you manage to glean?” I asked.

“Just a few locations, my Shades are currently scouring the place,” Azrael replied. Get full chapters from n0velfire

“Your Shades?”

Her eyes lit up.

“Ah, they are constructs akin to the reapers of the Greek Death God. But they are non-physical. They act on my behalf to collect souls.” She easily explained.

“I see, that was the being that found ?” I questioned curiously.

“Yes. One of many.” Azrael replied enthusiastically.

“How many do you have?” I found myself asking.

She smiled.

“Around one hundred thousand.” She said innocently.

“…”

“That’s a lot…”

“Yeah… but they can’t do anything beyond collecting souls and finding things.” She replied. “They take quite a few souls to make.”

“You use souls?” I asked in surprise.

“Only the souls of the wicked. The souls that would go into the deepest Depths of Hell.” She replied blankly. “It’s the least they can do for being worthless.”

I found myself agreeing.

“So souls are good for creation?” I asked.

I was curious about why souls were used as energy. There must be sothing special.

“They are, souls possess a Primordial spark so to speak. Akin to Faith energy that Gods covet so much. Not much is known, but the older you get the more powerful that soul becos. Like fruits.” She said excitedly. “In a sense anyway. You… or well, the you before gave the ability to use them instead of letting them go to a… old enemy.”

That last part caught my full attention.

“The demons?”

“Indeed.” Was all she said.

We continued speaking for what turned out to be an hour before I decided I had other matters to attend to.

By the end, Azrael was looking at with a dazzling smile and bright eyes. She looked as if a weight had been removed from her and a facial expression that didn’t match the gothic look she was going for was firmly set in place.

“Is it okay if I stay with you?” She asked hesitantly.

I blinked.

“Sure.” I smiled.

It would be good to have soone guard for the next task I have in mind.

My next course of action.

Checking on the church and speaking with Pope Hadrian.

-{Percy Jackson}-

Percy grinned wolfishly as he arrived back at Camp Half-Blood.

It had been so long.

He felt like a different person.

Well, not in terms of personality but his sheer knowledge of the world that had taken over his life had expanded beyond belief. His training at Atlantis had been productive.

Atlantis had been interesting, but he couldn’t say that it felt as holy as camp half-blood did.

He shook his head, adjusting his sword.

Being back at camp made his thoughts trail unwittingly to what had happened at the end of the divine quest. Turns out Kai knew Hestia… like, personally. His friend being an Angel had apparently been one of the more ta things about the chaotic life of Kai.

Hestia had taken him down to Atlantis, bypassing the laws set that stopped Poseidon from helping his son.

Turns out nothing was stopping another God from doing so. Once down there, he had only t the man who was his Father briefly. Before a residence was set up for him and one of his other sons had taken up his training…

It had been strange.

Atlantis was quite literally a city underwater.

It had been an abrupt adjustnt and he had found himself missing ho. But there was a reason he had agreed to it when Kai and Hestia had spoken about what to do with him.

He huffed.

As if he were even half as chaotic as Kai!

Well… maybe a bit.

But Percy had known he needed to grow strong.

He had learnt Kai was mostly right even if he was a bit cynical sotis. So when he said chaotic tis were ahead, Percy had been a good friend and nodded his head.

So a year had been arranged.

A single year where he would be able to be trained.

And training it had been.

It was perhaps the most gruelling experience he had ever endured. It didn't help that he couldn't resist talking trash to pass the ti, resulting in beatings disguised as training.

Despite that, his water control had beco downright frightening and his power had risen exponentially. His physical abilities had shot up during the tis when he had been forced to resist highly pressurised water.

Then he had been tasked with controlling said water, which wasn't easy. In doing so, he had gained an understanding of water that had made him quite formidable, along with his rising magical energy.

Even Triton had been fairly impressed... though it didn't stop him from continually beating his ass.

His older brother had mostly been amused.

Coming around to talk trash and then beat him into the ground every month.

His training had been overseen by one of his subordinates who technically wasn’t a part of Atlantis as to be careful with the laws regarding helping Demi-God children.

Percy shook his head, clearing his thoughts. He stepped into camp.

"Percy!"

The voice hit him before he even fully processed who it belonged to.

Annabeth ca sprinting across the campgrounds, her blonde curls bouncing as she practically launched herself at him. He barely had ti to brace himself before she collided with him in a bone-crushing hug.

"Annabeth!" He laughed, spinning her around once before setting her down. "Looks like I’m not the only one who’s gotten stronger." He comnted, feeling her firm grip.

"Look who's talking, Seaweed Brain," she said, stepping back to examine him with those calculating grey eyes. "You look... different.“

He grinned. “I’d hope so.”

“Did your training go well?” Annabeth questioned imdiately, stepping forward.

“Extrely well. I can’t say it was enjoyable but the benefits have been rewarding.” Perry replied. “Then again, a year of getting beaten up by your godly older brother will do that.”

“Oh?” Her eyes glead. “Which one was it?”

“Ah, Triton.” He said, pausing at the focus that flickered in on him before vanishing. “He occasionally ca round, my actual training was led by so sort of octopus dude. A lot stronger than he looked.”

She giggled.

“That’s such a you thing to say. So tell , did you get to et your dad?” She questioned.

“Ah, well. Not for long. I couldn’t interact with him lest we break the rules.” He admitted quietly.

Annabeth’s smile dimd slightly.

“Anyways, enough of . What have you been doing?” Percy asked.

“Oh, not much unfortunately…” Annabeth said thoughtfully.

“Really?”

Annabeth hesitated.

“Well, I went with my family to a church…”

Percy humd. “I thought you didn’t like your family?”

“It’s complicated.” She huffed. “It got attacked by a bunch of monsters.”

They walked into the main area of the lively camp, all the while talking about what they had been up to. Right until Chiron caught their attention.

The Centaur left one of the large buildings, his face abnormally grim. The Centaur’s face was practically etched with worry and a solemn expression.

“Chiron?” Percy called.

Chiron paused, his eyes wide.

“Percy,” Chiron said, inclining his head. “It’s good to see you, my boy.”

“Welco back to camp.” He said, trying to smile and yet failing miserably.

“What’s wrong?” Percy asked seriously.

Chiron’s tail swished anxiously.

He hesitated.

“There’s been a developnt.” He shook his head. “The fates are truly cruel to do this just as you returned as well.”

Percy felt a growing dread.

“What happened?” Annabeth asked.

He took a breath.

“A Night ago.” Chiron began. “Lady Artemis vanished while on a solo hunt. She had been looking into a serious matter according to her lieutenant, Zoe Nighshade. Who managed to send a brief ssage through an Iris ssage. Before she too vanished…”

Annabeth looked shocked.

“Vanished?”

A Major Goddess didn’t just vanish.

-{Kai}-

I held out my hand, and Azrael grabbed it as we went to teleport down to the church.

Suddenly, a foreboding sensation filled , making pause.

What?

I shook my head and continued with Azrael.

-END-

Bit of a slower chapter but it’ll pick back up.

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