Luka was glaring at the deformed angel, while both Ilias and Micaela remained confused at the situation. Promestein and the Grand Noah queen prepared for a possible upcoming fight, although they started to doubt who would they be facing. The disguised seraph didn't look hostile, but there was still a doubt about whether she could actually attack Ilias or Promestein. The air was tense, and the different warriors were looking at each other in confusion for several minutes before Gnosis's mechanical voice reverberated through the sky.

"Current cross world deviation of the hero at 60%. Barely acceptable. The hero's death would increase chaosization rate by 40%. Avoiding the hero's death is preferable. Death of other party members will increase chaosization rate by 5%. Elimination possible." She then looked down at the hero. "Hero Luka. Do not get in the way of the punishment. The life of the seraph is not of your concern."

"No. I refuse." Luka was trembling in anger. Even if he barely had known Micaela, something deep down told him that she had to stay alive. She had been one of the person closest to her mother, and could feel something else from her...

"Wait!" The seraph stepped forward and looked at her nephew. "You don't realize the consequences of what you're about to do."

"You're right, I don't know what will happen if I fight her now, but I know what will happen if I don't… And I hate it."

We're ready this time. Whatever happens next, we're ready.

"But…"

Their conversation was suddenly interrupted by the sound of a gatling barrage bouncing on a shield. The hellish noise lasted for several seconds before dying down. At the end, Promestein was sweating heavily as she turned toward the group.

"You're welcome."

"That answers our question." The Grand Noah queen put a hand on her ear. "Mephisto, would you kindly get this started?"

A salvo of projectiles rose from different points in the mountain toward the mechanical seraph. She managed to evade most of them and even used her magic shield to reflect a few, but several of them hit her. At first, they barely scratched her reflective armor, but as more and more connected, the seraph ended thrown around like a straw in a gust of wind.

"Damages sustained. Error. Multiple unidentified targets. Must resume eliminating Micaela. Heavy damages sustained. Vital functions at risk. Abort, abort, abortabortabort…"

The seraph disappeared from the sky. Like a wave of relief caused by her departure, the fire from below calmed down instantly. A few boasts and other rejoicings could be heard through the mountains. Micaela remained dumbfounded at the situation, while Ilias was staring at the point where Gnosis had disappeared, still trying to process over what just happened.

"Well that was… anticlimactic." She looked at Luka. "I don't think the version of me in the world where Gnosis comes from will be very pleased with this development."

Luka made a dismissive gesture. "She better stay out of there. But considering how stubborn she's likely to be…"

"How do you know she's stubborn?" The realization suddenly hit the small goddess. "Hey, I'm neither stubborn nor petty!"

"But you can be a whole lot, don't you?"

Everybody turned toward the new voice to see Mephisto finally reaching the top. She dusted herself clean when she arrived. "Pardon me, I should have stood down there but I thought my support would more than likely be needed very soon." She winced as she cracked her neck. "Furthermore, a little exercise can't hurt those old bones."

Micaela pointed warily at the newcomer. "You… Mephisto? What are you doing here?"

The yoma chuckled. "I only manage Luka's party in his absence to ensure he receives and adequate support when he needs. Since he wanted Gnosis down, I put a plan into motion to put Gnosis down." Her expression soured slightly. "I hope that leaving them escape won't prove a mistake. We now have the attention of both monsters and angels."

Micaela shook her head and frowned as she gauged the situation. Although she could detect the deleterious scent of several powerful monsters over her nephew, there was no sign that he was under anyone's direct influence. "I appreciate your support, but I think you all have a LOT of explaining to do."

Luka nodded repeatedly, slightly terrified under the seraph's harsh gaze.

Isn't she supposed to be less powerful than Gnosis? Why is my aunt terrifying me more than the other abomination?!

Mephisto slightly raised her wand. "May I suggest inviting you at the Pocket Castle? I already made the preparations to get sure we wouldn't be disturbed while we discuss what is currently happening over a nice cup of tea."

Micaela glared at Mephisto, wondering if the devious yoma wasn't either preparing to spring her trap on her or mocking her.

"Before you take your decision, I shall inform you that I am contractually obligated to support Luka."

Micaela sighed. "You wouldn't joke with that. Lead the way."

"This. Is. Insane."

The first seraph looked at the small assembly with awed eyes. Luka had told her everything that happened from the very beginning with the support of Ilias, Promestein or Mephisto to fill in the possible blanks or correct any mistake the hero made in his speech. Alma Elma, Alicetromeria and Micaela-chan were also there, both witness and proofs of what happened in the past.

"I swear, I didn't tell a single lie." Luka raised his hands defensively.

"I know Lucifina well enough to know she would have raised you well enough for that, and furthermore…" She pointed toward Alma Elma and Alicetromeria, then toward the remainder of the assembly, then finally toward Luka himself. "There's no way you would have gotten so powerful, so well equipped, and surrounded with so many strange companions if something wasn't off. And then…" She pointed at Micaela-chan. "There's no doubt this is another version of me... Although I'm not sure why you're me yet, you're so...different." She sighed heavily while looking at the cup of tea she was served, as if hoping drinking the beverage would give her the clarity to get whole answer. "But still, I have difficulties accepting it." She sipped her drink and recognized the typical, slightly bitter taste of Yamatai tea. Checking on Tamamo would definitively be a thing to do in the near future. "However, now that you told me your story, I would like the how and why of it. Let's start with the possibility to restart your adventure."

Luka awkwardly scratched the back of his head while grimacing. "I have no idea how they can. I only know that I accepted Reaper's offer, and that she's working with the White Rabbit who is apparently space time made flesh. As to why me in particular…" He shrugged awkwardly.

"I read about those in ancient books. We never managed to find out if those stories about administrators of death and spacetime actually existed... And not only you tell me that you saw them, they offer you... services that are beyond what's known to be possible. Fine. I'll accept it for now, although I will question them should the opportunity present itself. Next…" She pointed at Luka. "You told me that last time, you arrived too late and that I was killed by Gnosis. This time, you arrived earlier, but you said you still followed the same path. How?"

"If I may…" Promestein rose a hand, attracting everyone's gaze. "I did several calculations on how it was actually possible." She pulled out several sheets of paper filled with calculus and formulas. "Even taking into account the additional encounters and the few unfortunate events that plagued us, the total time spent fighting and travelling decreased a great deal, as random encounters were less frequent and dispatched within three seconds. Furthermore, since there is no need for acquiring equipment and funds, no time is lost by the hero in shopping. By the end of the day, all this did make for a lot of time. It's also possible Luka forgot something, but… we all checked every nook and cranny of the region, I checked back with everyone that used to live there, and I can confirm he left no stone unturned so far."

Micaela nodded, acknowledging the possibility. "Next. You." She pointed at Ilias, who whimpered and got up to hide behind Luka. The seraph sighed. "I am not going to kill you. At least by consideration for Luka, but mostly because that would be downright murder given your current predicament. And I don't want to be the seraph who killed Ilias when... that succubus could hold back. But I would appreciate if you told me more about what happened to you since the Great disaster."

Ilias's voice was filled with fear and tears. "We told you, I am not the Ilias from this dimension... I have no idea what happened to her, and why I ended here."

"Then what happened in your world after the Great Disaster and now?"

"The Great Disaster never happened and I… Did some terrible things."

Micaela leaned back on her chair, crossed her arms and frowned. "The Recreation plan with Alipheese the 8th?"

Ilias gulped loudly and nodded frenetically. Even Luka was on the starting block, ready to sprint away should Micaela change her mind about leaving Ilias alive.

"I should have left with Lucifina the moment you brought that psychopath in Heaven."

"We already heard about that one." Luka took a look over his shoulder, and Ilias made herself smaller again while trying to hide herself in her wings. "Her actions were horrible, but with how weak she became, harming her further would only be unnecessary cruelty, and I want to give her a second chance."

Micaela nodded, apparently accepting the explanation. "If you are fine with it, I will not push that point any further. Although I would suggest keeping an eye on her should she start going back to her old tricks. With the hindsight I got over time, I think it's a miracle she didn't nuke the world earlier. Last question then." She gazed at her younger looking self. "How did you come to this world? Only Ilias would have had the power to create other seraph, and only in the Hall of Creation."

Micaela-chan soberly answered. "I was created."

The older seraph raised an eyebrow. "…How?"

"I… cannot remember."

Luka tried thinking the situation over. He browsed through his memories to remember how Micaela-chan and Lucifina-chan came to be. He remembered going through Snow Heaven with Alice, going to the shrine, seeing Eden and fighting her then he explored the Hall of Creation a bit later, and when he eventually had reached the deepest room...

Blank.

He remembered exploring Ilias temple afterward, always with Alice, but there were no signs of the seraphs. The next time he would see them would be when Zion attacked the group at Mithra Castle. He didn't remember how the two little seraph came to be and why Eden joined him. He remembered that it happened, but not exactly how.

Everybody looked at each other in confusion. Mephisto spawned a huge book in her hands and started browsing desperately. "Everything about the inhabitants of the Castle is inside. We should find it here."

Luka panicked briefly. "Wait. EVERYTHING?"

"Everything useful, such as estimated power levels, skills mastered, and place of recruitment. Not the personnal stuff." She kept flipping through the pages. "Incredibly practical, I must admit." After a while, she finally reached what she wanted.

"There." Everybody regrouped around her as she pointed to the page. Micaela-chan's profile was clearly visible. There were several data about her skills and her power level, but her place of recruitment was covered in question marks.

"This is a first. That never happened before." Mephisto flipped a few more pages. Angels were described as inhabiting the yet unexplored Snow Continent, and none of the other residents she checked shared the issue. Maybe she should check everything as soon as she got the time...

Luka shook his head to clear his min. He still had difficulty dealing with the most recent revelation. "Wait, the Pocket Castle has a registry? Since when? And how did you know?"

"Since forever, and knowing the creator, the opposite would have surprised me."

"You know the creator of this place?"

"We all do. Three guesses as to whom it is, first two don't count."

Ilias sighed. "Of course. That damn fox. Who else?"

"Ufufufu…"

Mephisto closed the book violently, frustrated with the lack of information. "Well, I apologize, but Micaela-chan's origin is going to remain an enigma for the ages."

Micaela looked up. "About Tamamo, I wish to go to Yamatai to see her. If there's one person that could help us sort this mess, that's her. I will go as soon as possible."

"I don't think it's a good idea." Everybody looked at the succubus queen, who had expressed herself for the first time sine the beginning of the reunion. "There are currently angels and a bunch of succubi regularly travelling around. And I can say without a doubt you would make a very juicy target for the latter group." She licked her lips, which unnerved everyone at the table.

Luka massaged his temples. "Actually, she has a point. If you act or get noticed, everybody will attack you, and if you're alone… You have less chance to survive. Why don't you come with us? We share the same goal, and we'll end in Yamatai soon enough." He started sweating heavily, as if contradicting the seraph would bring a most final death.

Micaela pondered the situation before conceding. "Fine. Your reasoning is sound. I shall stay with you then."

"On the matter of our invaders, I interrogated Morrigan and Chrome about the doll of Alipheese the 6th that attacked you at sea. The former confirms that it is not a weapon of the Monster Lord, and the latter says that the level of craft in it is top notch. She told me that only Kagetsumugi would be able to accomplish such a feat in doll crafting. The Artiste family don't have the ressources at hand."

Ilias hiccupped in surprise. "That abomination is still alive?"

"Ah! But that is because it's merely a title Black Alice created for the head of the puppeteer clan! Ufufufu…"

"Good grief, it's pretty safe to assume she's on Black Alice's side then." Mephisto looked at Luka. "What is your decision?"

Luka got up and solemnly declared. "My stance does not change. I will defend this world. Any and every being, whether they are human, monster, angel, apoptosis, or undefined who happens to get in my way or attack this world's inhabitants will be confronted and destroyed. However, we have to ensure my adventures follow the true history as close as possible. As such, we will first and foremost follow the road we did before. And we will annihilate those that try blocking us."

Micaela looked at him with wide eyes. "I do start to recognize Lucifina in you. Although I cannot say it's for the best though." Luka froze up. Did he offend her?

"Well in that case…" Mephisto got up. "This meeting is adjourned. Before Luka resumes his adventure, I should tell you that the Grand Noah queen expressed a wish to take a break from the action, and take some time to focus on developing her spy network with my support in the Natalia region."

Luka raised an eyebrow. "Spies… In an allied region?"

The yoma shrugged. "Call them observers if you prefer. We just need to keep an eye out on possible movements. Didn't you say anything about Luddite Village?"

Micaela looked down, her head in her hands. "I will not join you yet. I didn't fight, but I really need to take a rest from…that. Oh, and Luka? I want to see something, could you come a bit closer?"

Everybody else left the room, except for the duo. When her nephew got close to her, Micaela's smile turned sickly sweet and her aura started flaring, freezing the hero in place again.

"I have no doubt you're a good, responsible boy, but should you get a little too personal once more with people that your mother would personally disapprove of while I am here, you will find out how surgical the Sword of Heaven can be in her strikes. Am I clear?"

Luka nodded, terrified. Micaela opened her eyes back. "I'm glad it's clear. See you!" The seraph got up and left the room, still smiling.

"We should really do something about this village…"

Sonya had joined the group after the visit in Mt Amos. The priestess had initially chosen to stay at the castle as she feared that her weaker skills would only hold the group back, which drew a few nervous chuckles from the party members aware of her true nature. However, Luka convinced her that she was as valuable as anyone else and that it would be an occasion to train, which she happily accepted. Right afterward, the party was back on the road and was making its way to the temple when they entered Luddite Village. Nobody knew what to do with this place. It was a backward village that even Ilias dispraised, as its inhabitants were oppressing their own under the pretense veil of religion, and then it was going to be destroyed by the Lilith Sisters very soon.

Ilias sighed. "This… is Morton's fork at its finest. Saying anything to the villagers would be useless. They're dug too deep into their own twisted beliefs to be convinced of changing their way, and it will be impossible to convince them of the necessity to evacuate. Even I would just be called an impostor and get stoned. And forcing them to move would just create a new disturbance from the dissatisfaction. Last, we have no idea how those wretched succubi would react."

"So we're just going to let it slide and continue on our merry way? Ignoring what's happening gleefully?"

"It is out of necessity and not passiveness that we do so." Promestein checked the crude buildings. "Even if we wanted to do anything, acting right now, when the angel world is more than likely on high alert, would result in amplifying the disaster." She turned toward the remainder of the group. "The Lilith Sisters didn't hesitate to wreck this place apart as they were aware that the destruction of this village wouldn't worsen the chaosization spread. The angels are also likely aware."

Luka checked around the village. "Mephisto talked about deploying spies in the region, if we keep an intervention team or two around… We might be able to do something."

Ilias shivered. She found herself particularly unnerved by the behavior of those that pretended to praise her name. "Anyway, let's not waste any time and find that priest. The faster we're done with this, the better."

The party soon regrouped with the priest, then with the San Ilia king in a cavern. Each time the pope told them a bit more about his true intention, the different members of the group remained indifferent. The pope was starting to get suspicious about the escort, but fortunately several groups of mechanical or chimeric monsters passed by to create a distraction.

Eventually, they reached the final room where the pope had to do his maintenance and where Hild was asleep in a tube. While Luka knew there were no hidden threats in the laboratory, this place creeped him out. Learning about it didn't alleviate any of his fears, as Promestein reminded him that they had access to some of his genetic material and registered his signature for a reason.

"Sonya, could you keep Luka away from the console?"

Promestein made her way to the main terminal while the pope proceeded with his maintenance. Sonya held back Luka which annoyed him, but when he looked at her face, he could see that she was terrified by what was about to come from Promestein's mind. Furthermore, her body was turned toward the entrance, saying silently that she just wanted to get out of there as fast as possible.

The angel scientist plugged a small device into the console and started typing on the keyboard. "I want to see something. Last time I noticed several data were missing because Hild was already activated. I think I can get some new information on her creator if I access her directly before startup. Aaaaand, there!" Promestein dramatically pushed a button. Every light in the laboratory turned turned off for a second, then several red lights started spinning, and an ominous, robotic voice echoed.

"WARNING! NETWORK INTRUSION DETECTED IN STASIS CHAMBER! IMMEDIATE ELIMINATION OF INTRUDERS REQUIRED! STARTING WEAPON!"

The tube opened up. Hild sat up and instantly got whacked by the massive book Promestein was carrying. "Oops. Not as planned."

"Huurgh." The mecha pope stumbled for a second. "Resynchronization complete. My fighting abilities are optimal." He then proceeded to produce a multi missile launcher from his back.

Luka was already slashing at a few of the biomechanical monsters that were trying to get it. "They're not strong but they're numerous! We must keep them at the entrance or we'll be surrounded!"

Everyone joined the fray. Sonya helped Luka by bludgeoning her way through the horde, while the three other members were shooting arrows, bullets, and various magical projectiles in the horde, only stopping from time to time to finish one monster that managed to pass through. It was not a technical, gracious ballet between combattants trying to outplay their opponent. It was a one sided grind that lasted for several minutes. Monsters kept pouring in, climbing over their unconscious fellows to reach the group, before getting almost invariably pulverized before they could strike a single time. The pile of bodies ended up so high that the group had to fall back a little further in the room, as monsters used the body pile as a ramp to jump behind them. Even then, the guardians ended up being merely a warming up to the group who was simply too powerful for them. The biggest issue came afterward, from the need to move enough bodies to be able to step out of the room.

"Well that was… something." The group came out of the laboratory covered in gunk, blood and various dirty fluids. Ilias's wings in particular, were soaked with various unidentifiable products. It was making her look like an eldritch abomination that would have been at its place in the laboratory they just exited. "We go back to the Castle and take the shower before the next quest. It is non-negotiable."

"Actually…" Luka scratched his neck, accidentally dislodging some of the gunk lodged there. "That might be a good idea to wait. We're going in Chrome's haunted mansion next."

"Alright." Ilias shrugged, making a small quantity of blood splatter around her. When she turned around, a tube that was lying on top of her head fell off, but she didn't seem to notice as she showed an uncanny smile. "Let's deal with a necromancer then!"