Yo!
I'm back with the next chapter of Shadow Light. This is a very fun chapter to write. Apologies for the delay, Uni stuff came up.
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Without further ado, let's get started.
Enjoy the chapter.
Shadow Light
Chapter 52
Chorus & Discord
Meanwhile
In Heaven
The heavens trembled as the resonance of the bells of the Seventh Heaven swelled to an ear-splitting crescendo, echoing across the celestial expanse with divine authority. The light spilling from the golden gates of the seventh heaven, previously a faint glimmer, now surged into a radiant flood that illuminated every corner of Heaven. The Eternal Flame of Covenant burned brighter, casting shimmering reflections on the faces of the archangels gathered in solemn prayer. The weight of anticipation pressed down on them, thick and tangible, yet it was accompanied by a warmth that soothed their trembling forms.
Gabriel, her silver eyes brimming with tears, clasped her hands tightly together as her luminous wings folded closer to her back. Her lips moved in whispered prayers, the ancient Hebrew flowing from her like a hymn. Beside her, Michael's emerald gaze was fixed on the golden gates, his hands tight in prayer as emotions he rarely revealed warred within him. Raphael and Uriel knelt in solemn reverence, their wings dipped low, the divine light washing over them like an embrace.
Then, as though the very fabric of the heavens had been pierced, the light coalesced into a form. It began as an indistinct silhouette, shifting and swirling within the radiant brilliance, but soon the figure took shape. A towering presence, robed in shimmering white and gold. His features were majestic yet serene, his every movement resonating with a quiet power that spoke of infinite wisdom and boundless love.
From the Dimensional Gap, the presence descended with unparalleled grace, His divine aura bridging the ethereal void and the sacred confines of the Seventh Heaven. The very fabric of the celestial realm seemed to ripple in reverence as God, their Creator, stepped forth, His light blending seamlessly with the resplendent gates of the highest Heaven. His voice resonated across Heaven as He pronounced, "Thy prayers have reached Me. Rejoice, for Naruto Uzumaki, the one who beareth My light, hath taken his sacred vows. His union is blessed by the divine, and his heart shall serve as an anchor for balance."
As the proclamation echoed, the golden gates of the Seventh Heaven shimmered, and God stepped through, His form radiating the brilliance of countless stars. The presence of God filled the chamber, and the Seraphs could do nothing but bow lower, tears of joy streaming from their eyes. The warmth of His light enveloped them, suffusing their very beings with a sense of completeness they had not felt since His departure.
"Rise, My faithful children,"God's voice echoed, deep and resonant, carrying the weight of eternity.
Gabriel's head lifted first, her silver eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Father," she whispered, her voice trembling. "You hast returned to us…"
God's gaze softened as He extended a hand toward her. "Gabriel, thou hast been steadfast in thine compassion, guiding the faithful with thine gentle heart. In Mine absence, thou did nurture hope where despair sought to take root. Thy devotion has not gone unnoticed."
Gabriel's tears spilled over, her hands pressed to her chest as her heart swelled with overwhelming gratitude and love. "I did only what I could, Father. Your will was my guiding light."
He turned to Michael, whose emerald eyes burned with fierce devotion. "Michael, My mighty sword, thou hast carried the burden of leadership with unwavering resolve. Thy vigilance preserved order amidst chaos, and thy strength shielded the faithful from harm. Thou art a true guardian of the balance I entrusted thee."
Michael's head dipped, his voice low but steady. "All I have done is but a reflection of your will, Father. Your strength sustains me."
"Raphael,"God continued, His gaze shifting to the serene archangel, "thou has been the balm to many wounds, both of body and spirit. Thy healing touch and thy wisdom have been a testament to the care I wished for My creation. Thou art a reminder of the grace I imbued in all."
Raphael's serene composure cracked, emotion flickering across his face as he bowed deeply. "It is my greatest joy to serve your will, Father."
Finally, His gaze fell upon Uriel, whose sharp eyes glistened with emotion. "Uriel, My flame in the darkness, thou hast never faltered in thy duty to illuminate truth and justice. Thy fire hath burned away falsehoods and shown the righteous path to those who were lost. Thy steadfastness hath been a beacon to many."
Uriel's voice was thick with emotion as he replied, "Father, your light has always guided me, even in the darkest of times. I have done nothing but strive to honor Thee."
God's radiant presence seemed to swell, the warmth of His love spreading outward. "Thou hast all done well in Mine absence, My children. Though the world hath wavered, thou hast kept the faith alive, and for that, I am well pleased."
The Seraphs felt a surge of joy so profound it was almost overwhelming. For so long, they had labored in the shadow of His absence, carrying the burden of their responsibilities while yearning for His return. To hear His praise, to feel His love once more, was more than they had dared to hope for.
But then, God's tone shifted, becoming both solemn and reassuring. "Yet, thou must know, Mine time has long passed to walk among creation again. The world hath changed, and so too must I. Thy prayers have not fallen on deaf ears. They have been answered."
The Seraphs exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of anticipation and confusion. Gabriel dared to ask, her voice trembling, "Father, what do you mean?"
God's gaze turned distant for a moment, as though He were looking beyond the confines of Heaven itself. When He spoke, His voice carried an unshakable certainty. "A successor has been chosen. One who carries My light and walk the path of balance. He shall do things in his own way, for though we are of the same essence, he is not Me. Thou shall not compare him to Me, for his journey is his own, and he shall forge his path with wisdom and compassion."
Michael's breath caught, the realization dawning on him. "Naruto Uzumaki…"
God inclined His head slightly. "Indeed. He has carried a great burden and has done so with humility and strength. He is worthy of the mantle, and I have no doubt he shall fulfill it in ways that shall astonish even the highest heavens."
The Seraphs fell silent, their emotions a swirling storm of awe, joy, and reverence. God's presence seemed to embrace them, as though He sought to ease their worries.
"Be at peace, My children,"He said, His voice like a gentle caress. "Though I am not yet among thee, My light shall guide thee through him. Trust in My successor, for he is the answer to thine prayers, and through him, the faith shall flourish anew."
As the golden light began to recede, God's parting words lingered in the air, a promise etched into their very souls. "Thy faith hath been thine strength, and it shall be rewarded. Take heart, for all shall be well."
And with that, the radiance dimmed, leaving the chamber bathed in a serene glow. The Seraphs remained kneeling, their hearts overflowing with love and renewed purpose. Gabriel's tears flowed freely as she whispered a prayer of gratitude. Michael's fists clenched, not in anger, but in determination to uphold the faith. Raphael and Uriel shared a glance, their resolve mirrored in their expressions.
"He believes in us," Gabriel said softly, her voice trembling with joy. "And He believes in him."
Michael's voice was firm, filled with conviction. "Then we shall honor His will. Naruto Uzumaki shall have our support, for he is His chosen successor.
With that proclamation, the chamber continued to hum with divine resonance, the lingering warmth of God's presence woven into every fiber of Heaven. The Eternal Flame of Covenant burned brighter than ever, its holy fire dancing in a mesmerizing rhythm, reflecting the unshaken faith of those who had awaited this moment for eons.
But the sheer magnitude of the revelation had left some overwhelmed.
Uriel and Raphael had remained composed in the presence of their Father, their devotion unwavering, but now, as the weight of what had transpired settled upon them, the emotions they had barely contained threatened to consume them. Without a word, they turned, retreating from the sacred chamber, their celestial robes whispering softly against the pristine marble floor as they left.
Neither spoke as they parted ways into the quiet sanctuaries of the Sixth Heaven, seeking solace in the vast, endless halls. Each needed time—to process, to reflect, to anchor themselves before they could once again take up their duties with the certainty their Father had praised them for.
But not Gabriel.
She remained.
She stood frozen, her eyes still fixed upon the space where God's form had vanished, as if she could still see the imprint of His presence upon reality itself. She had not moved, not blinked, not even breathed too deeply, as though if she held still enough, she could relive that moment, capture it, never let it go.
For so long, she had spoken His words in faith. For so long, she had waited, hoped, whispered His name in the prayers of others, but now... now, He had answered.
A quiet sob of joy escaped her lips, but she made no effort to wipe away the tears that still shone like liquid silver upon her cheeks. Instead, she simply stood, basking in the afterglow of His presence, unwilling to leave the place where she had finally felt whole again.
Michael, however, had no such luxury.
He stood rooted in place, his gaze darkened with thought. His hands, which had been clasped so tightly in prayer just moments before, now curled into fists at his sides, his mind racing through the countless repercussions that would come of this.
Everything will change.
Heaven had been without its Father for millennia, forced to uphold His will, to protect His creations, to guard the faithful without ever hearing His voice. And now, in the span of mere moments, that void had been filled again—only for it to be emptied just as swiftly.
The Creator had acknowledged them, praised them for their faith, for their service. But He had also made it clear—He was not staying.
And more than that, He had chosen a successor.
Michael's gaze flickered toward Gabriel, who still stood in rapturous silence, her silver eyes shimmering with undiluted joy. He envied her, if only slightly. She had always been the purest among them, the one most capable of surrendering to faith without question. But Michael had always been a warrior first. And a warrior did not simply bask in the aftermath of a battle won—he prepared for the next one.
Because now, change was inevitable.
Naruto Uzumaki…
Before he could go deep down the rabbit hole, the silence was broken by a sudden flurry of wings, the sound of hurried flight reverberating through the air. A group of lieutenant angels entered, their faces flushed with urgency and reverence, awe, uncertainty.
One among them, a younger angel whose white feathers were tinged with silver, knelt before Michael, his breath quick and uneven, as though he had flown without pause.
"Commander Michael," the angel began, voice trembling with barely-contained emotion. "It's true, isn't it? The Creator... He has returned?"
The words sent a fresh ripple of emotion through the chamber.
Michael remained silent, his piercing gaze locked onto the kneeling lieutenant, prompting him to continue his presence here.
The angel swallowed, his hands tightening in fervor as he continued. "The heavens are trembling with the joy of our brethren. Songs of praise echo through every sphere, yet some... some cannot contain the magnitude of this truth. A few have already fallen, overwhelmed by their unworthiness to remain in His light."
Michael's eyes sharpened, his mind already shifting toward action. Beside him, Gabriel's parted lips trembled, her hand rising to her chest as though she could feel the weight of those words pressing against her very soul.
Michael's voice, though steady, carried a steel edge beneath its calm. "Where have they fallen?"
The lieutenant's wings rustled, his expression shifting to one of concern. "Beyond the Third Sphere," he answered quickly. "We are moving to bring them back, but the light has overwhelmed them. Their fall was not from sin, but from the sheer burden of their emotions."
Michael's jaw tightened slightly, but his expression remained unreadable. Even in joy, there was still turmoil. This moment, sacred and divine as it was, would send ripples through all of Heaven.
Gabriel's silver eyes glistened, a quiet sorrow mingling with the light of faith still burning in her heart. "Their faith was so strong, their love so pure, yet even that was too much to bear..."
Michael exhaled slowly, before turning his sharp gaze to the gathered angels. "Gather those who can still stand. The fallen must be retrieved, and those overwhelmed by the light must be guided back to clarity. We will not lose any of our own—not to despair, nor to divine radiance."
The lieutenant bowed deeply before disappearing in another flurry of wings, the urgency in his movements clear.
Deciding to calm things, Michael strode purposefully through the corridors of the Sixth Heaven, his celestial robes billowing behind him as his emerald gaze remained sharp with determination. The hum of prayers still echoed through the sacred halls, a lingering echo of the moment that had changed everything. Their Father had spoken. But the ripples of that revelation had already begun to spread, and Michael would not allow his brethren to falter beneath the weight of their emotions.
As he approached the golden archway leading to the Fifth Heaven, the vast realm of the warrior angels and scholars, the great doors glowed in response to his presence, parting effortlessly. What awaited him was nothing short of breathtaking—thousands upon thousands of angels had gathered, their celestial forms glowing in hues of white, silver, and sapphire, all awaiting the one truth they had been desperate to hear.
Word had already spread. The very heavens trembled beneath the knowledge that the Creator had walked among them again, and now they awaited confirmation, awaited the voice of their commander to affirm what their very souls had already felt.
He stepped onto the grand platform at the heart of the Fifth Heaven, the elevated dais that allowed his presence to be seen and felt by all. The murmurs ceased almost instantly, an anticipatory silence falling over the vast assembly. Every pair of eyes turned to him, awaiting his words, their faith unwavering yet fragile under the sheer magnitude of the revelation.
He exhaled slowly, then raised his hand, allowing the golden light to flicker around him, casting its radiance across the sea of his brethren.
"My dear Brethren,"he began, his voice firm but imbued with a gentleness that carried across the chamber. "What you have heard is true. Our Father, the Creator, has indeed returned His light to us. He walked among usnot long ago, and His words resounded through the very fabric of Heaven."
A collective gasp rippled through the assembly, followed by a surge of celestial hymns and praises that rose in unison. Angels bowed their heads, their wings trembling as they joined in the chorus of joy. The magic in the room became almost overwhelming, a palpable wave of emotion that swept through every soul present.
Michael raised his hands, and the chamber gradually quieted. "Hear me,"he continued, his voice carrying a sense of urgency now. "While we rejoice in this sacred truth, we must not allow our joy to cloud our judgment. The Creator has made His will known—this is not yet the time for His full return. Instead, He has chosen a successor, one who will carry His light and walk the path of balance."
The announcement caused another stir, murmurs of curiosity and awe rippling through the angels. Gabriel stepped forward then, her serene voice adding to Michael's words. "He has named this successor as Naruto Uzumaki, a being of great strength and humility who bears the burden of balance with grace. His ascension will mark a new era, one guided by our Father's will but forged through the successor's unique path."
Michael nodded, his gaze sweeping across the assembly. "But I must caution you, my brethren. This is a time for patience, not haste. The chosen successor will appear when the time is right, and until then, we must remain vigilant and prayerful. Do not let the light overwhelm you. Hold steadfast in your faith, for that is what He has asked of us."
A murmur of agreement spread through the angels, though the excitement in their expressions remained. Michael stepped forward, his presence stilling the energy in the room as he raised his hands once more.
"Let us honor His will with prayer,"he said solemnly. "Lift your voices not in chaos, but in harmony, and let your hearts be filled with gratitude and faith. Prepare yourselves for the time when His successor shall stand among us."
The angels bowed their heads, their voices rising in a unified joy that echoed through the chamber, the sound both reverent and powerful. The glow of the Eternal Flame flickered and danced, as though responding to the prayers of Heaven.
As the assembly continued in song, Michael turned to Gabriel, his voice dropping to a whisper. "We must ensure that the world does not misunderstand what has been set into motion. The factions and pantheons must be informed."
Gabriel nodded, her silver eyes reflecting her quiet determination. "I will begin preparations immediately. They must know the truth."
Michael's gaze lingered on the gathered angels, their prayers filling the air with hope and devotion. Despite the weight of the coming days, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. With their Father's light guiding them and Naruto preparing to take his mantle, he knew they stood on the cusp of a profound new chapter in creation.
Michael and Gabriel departed from the assembly, moving through the vast corridors of Heaven. The echoes of celestial hymns still lingered in the air, a testament to the overwhelming emotions stirred by their Father's presence. Yet, there was no time to dwell in reverence. The realms beyond Heaven would seek answers, and it was their duty to provide them.
They reached Gabriel's office, a place where countless decrees and messages had been crafted over the ages. Gabriel moved toward her desk without hesitation, already preparing fresh parchment, her hands steady despite the burden of the task before them. Michael stood beside her, his emerald gaze scanning the words she had begun to shape, his mind already refining the message they would send.
Adjusting the parchment slightly, he spoke with quiet authority. "This must be precise. It must be a message of assurance, not an assertion of dominance." Heaven had always stood as a guardian of balance, not as a force to be feared. Their words needed to reflect that, to ensure that no realm misunderstood the light that had resounded across creation.
Gabriel nodded, her silver eyes thoughtful. "It must also remind them that our Father is present—not distant, but watching and guiding as He always has." Though He had not fully returned, His will remained, shaping the order of the cosmos as it always had. That certainty would be their greatest truth to share.
Michael gave a small nod of approval. "Exactly." His gaze lingered on the parchment for a moment before he took a seat, rolling back his sleeves. There could be no ambiguity, no room for unnecessary speculation. Every word they chose would carry weight across the realms.
With that, they began, carefully shaping the message that would soon reach the farthest corners of existence.
For hours, they worked in quiet concentration, ensuring every word carried the burden of truth and assurance. The letter had to be perfect—neither too forceful nor too uncertain, a message of acknowledgment, not declaration. Line by line, they refined it, shaping each phrase to reflect Heaven's unwavering stance as a guardian of balance rather than an arbiter of control.
Once satisfied, Gabriel summoned the highest-ranking messengers, their radiant wings shimmering as they knelt before the two Seraphs. Scrolls bearing the divine insignia of Heaven were carefully sealed, each one imbued with a fragment of celestial light—a testament to their authenticity and purpose.
One by one, the envoys departed, their forms vanishing into the celestial currents, spreading across the realms to deliver Heaven's message to the pantheons, factions, and guardians of creation. Whether god, demon, or overseer, none would be left unaware of what had transpired.
As the final messenger took flight, Michael exhaled, his gaze fixed on the heavens beyond. The letter was sent, but the true consequences of its words had yet to unfold. Gabriel stood beside him, her wings relaxed but her expression still tinged with lingering hesitation.
"Do you believe they will accept it?" she asked quietly.
Michael turned to her, his gaze calm. "They may not accept it fully, but they will feel it. The light in those scrolls will remind them of His presence, even if their minds question His plans."
Gabriel nodded, a soft small smile tugging at her lips. "Then let us hope the world is ready when Naruto steps forward."
Michael's voice was resolute as he replied. "And until then, we stand as guardians of His will, ensuring the peace He has restored remains intact."
The two Seraphs stood in silence for a moment, their shared purpose anchoring them. In their hearts, they prayed for the day when their Father's plans would unfold fully, and Naruto Uzumaki would take his rightful place as the chosen successor.
Meanwhile
Underworld
Devil High Council
The grand chamber of the Devil High Council was bathed in the faint, flickering light of crimson flames, their ominous glow casting jagged shadows across the intricately carved walls. The room, normally a place of calculated authority and commanding presence, now buzzed with chaotic energy. Pillar heads and their representatives filled the chamber, their voices raised in fear, frustration, and unrelenting confusion. The cacophony reverberated through the air, a reflection of the turmoil in their hearts after the events of the night.
At the head of the chamber, Sirzechs stood, his normally calm and commanding aura weighed down by weariness. His crimson hair seemed dull under the oppressive light, and his sharp eyes betrayed the fatigue that he could not entirely suppress. He leaned slightly on the table before him, his hands resting atop scattered reports that offered little insight into the cataclysmic fluctuations in the Dimensional Gap and the forceful submission their race went through.
Beside him, Serafall was uncharacteristically subdued. The usual sparkle in her eyes, a reflection of her bubbly and over-the-top personality, was replaced by a somber gaze that swept over the room. Her delicate fingers tapped absently on the polished surface of the table, a nervous habit she had picked up from hours of fruitless attempts to make sense of the night's events. She wore a subdued expression of frustration and concern, far removed from the carefree persona she often presented.
The assembled heads of the Pillars added to the chaos. Some shouted accusations, others whispered theories among themselves, while a few merely looked around with expressions of barely concealed panic. Words like "existential threat," "divine interference," and "unknown force" filled the air, underscoring the sheer helplessness the devils felt in the face of an event so far beyond their understanding.
Sirzechs exhaled quietly, his voice rising above the clamor with the power of authority. "Enough!"he commanded, the single word silencing the room. "We are here to discuss this matter rationally, not to devolve into hysteria." But even as he said the words, he felt their futility. The answers they sought eluded them, slipping through their grasp like sand.
At the opposite side of the table, Ajuka leaned back in his chair, his bored expression barely masking the restless intellect behind his sharp green eyes. He twirled a pen between his fingers, his lips twitching in faint annoyance as the endless arguments swirled around him. "I could be reverse-engineering divine suppression mechanics right now," he muttered, loud enough for only those closest to him to hear. "Instead, we're babysitting a room of panicked nobles who think shouting louder makes them smarter."
Falbium sat slouched at the end of the table, his head propped up lazily by his hand. His dark eyes, half-lidded with exhaustion, betrayed his utter lack of enthusiasm for the proceedings. He yawned audibly, drawing disapproving looks from a few of the Pillar heads, but he didn't seem to care.
"Careful, Ajuka," Falbium drawled, gesturing vaguely at the room. "If you actually solve this, they might expect us to workat these meetings."
Serafall shot them both a withering glare. "This isn't a joke! That force nearly crushed our entire race!"
Ajuka's eyes glinted with dry amusement as he leaned forward. "Correction – it didcrush us. We're just too stubborn to stay down. Fascinating, really. A being that makes Satan-class devils kneel? I'd kill for a tissue sample."
Falbium snorted, rolling his eyes. "You'd kill for a decent nap. We all would. But nooo—" He gestured dramatically at the shouting nobles. "—Sirzechs thinks existential dread is a group activity."
Sirzechs ignored Falbium's complaints, his focus on the room. "This is no ordinary disturbance," he said firmly. "We may not have answers yet, but we cannot ignore the signs. The force that suppressed us—whatever it was—is beyond anything we've encountered before. And if it decides to act against us again, we must be prepared."
The room fell silent at his words. The truth of them was undeniable, even if it left a bitter taste in their mouths. The devils, creatures of pride and power, had been reminded of their mortality in the most humbling way possible.
Lord Bael stood and cleared his throat. His expression was grim, but his voice steady. "Lucifer, what do you suggest we do? Without understanding the source, we're at a disadvantage."
Sirzechs met his gaze, his voice calm but resolute. "For now, we must remain vigilant. We will gather what information we can, and we will not act rashly. This force—whatever it is—has not declared itself an enemy. We will not provoke it."
While Serafall's icy glare intensified on the bickering duo. "Ajuka, this isn't just some experiment. Whatever that was, it targeted us directly. Our kind, our sins—" she paused, exhaling slowly, "—it wasn't random."
Ajuka shrugged, tapping his pen rhythmically against the table. "Which is exactly why we should study it. The King Piece's disappearance, the suppression we all felt, and now this… They are connected. I need more data. I need answers."
Sirzechs silenced the room with a glare before turning to Ajuka. "Your analysis?"
Ajuka's gaze sharpened. "Basic deduction: Something in the Gap out-mathed us. Badly. Our equations failed. Our sensors melted. Even mymodels couldn't predict it. That's not an anomaly – that's a cosmic slap."
Falbium smirked lazily. "Finally met someone smarter than you, eh? Do us all a favor – marry it and get it out of your system."
"Tempting," Ajuka drawled, eyeing Falbium's slumped form. "But I prefer partners who don't reduce my lab to ash. Unlike certain colleagues."
"Careful, Labrat," Falbium shot back, yawning again. "Keep talking and I'll volunteer youto babysit the Bael clan's next tantrum."
Serafall slammed her hands on the table. "Enough! This isn't—"
As if on cue, the council chamber's tense atmosphere was interrupted by the sharp sound of hurried footsteps echoing down the corridor outside. The assembled nobles turned their heads, their whispers growing louder as a breathless assistant, her wings trembling slightly, rushed into the room clutching a glowing scroll. Her face was pale, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and urgency as she crossed the grand chamber directly toward Serafall.
"Lady Leviathan!" she said, her voice trembling but firm enough to carry through the room. "A communication… from Heaven."
The chamber fell into stunned silence. The mention of Heaven in the Devil High Council was enough to bring all conversation to a halt. The nobles exchanged uneasy glances, their suspicions and paranoia immediately igniting. Serafall, who had been leaning against the table with her hands supporting her, straightened abruptly. Her tired expression turned sharp as she reached out to take the scroll.
"From Heaven?" she repeated, her tone carefully measured as she unsealed the parchment. The faint divine light radiating from it made her hesitate for the briefest moment before she unfurled it.
The moment her eyes scanned the text, her face paled. Her fingers trembled slightly as she clutched the parchment tighter, her lips parting as though to speak but failing to find the words. Sirzechs, noticing her sudden reaction, stepped forward, his brow furrowing.
"What is it, Serafall?" he asked, his voice calm but laced with urgency.
Serafall turned toward him, her eyes wide with disbelief as she handed him the scroll without a word. Sirzechs took it from her, his sharp gaze quickly scanning the contents. The further he read, the more his usually composed expression faltered. His breathing grew shallow, and beads of sweat formed on his forehead.
Ajuka and Falbium, who had been watching from their seats, exchanged glances. Ajuka raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by whatever had caused such a reaction from two of the strongest devils alive. He stood, his curiosity overcoming his usual reserve, and walked over to peek over Sirzechs' shoulder.
Falbium, meanwhile, sighed audibly, slumping back further into his chair. "Whatever it is, it's not good," he muttered under his breath, standing up slowly as he walked closer to the table. "Let me guess. Heaven's gone and thrown us another curveball."
Ajuka, glancing over the parchment briefly, let out a low whistle. "This is... unexpected," he said, his eyes narrowing slightly. "So, their Father has returned to active duty? And the fluctuations in the Dimensional Gap were His doing? Interesting." He murmured.
Falbium groaned, rubbing his temple. "Of course. Why wouldn't it be? Because nothing ever happens quietly around here."
Serafall, her composure fraying, glared at Falbium. "This isn't the time for your cynicism, Falbium! Do you understand what this means? Their Father has returned. The suppression we felt, the weight on our sins—it was Him."
Sirzechs finally set the scroll down, exhaling deeply as he steadied himself. He looked at the assembled nobles, who were now leaning forward in their seats, their curiosity palpable. Their piercing gazes bore into the Maou, waiting for an explanation.
Before Sirzechs could speak, Falbium stepped forward, his sharp eyes scanning the room. "That's enough,"he said, his voice carrying an unexpected force of authority. "The Maou need time to deliberate on this matter. This council is dismissed until we determine the best course of action."
The nobles immediately erupted into protests, their voices rising in anger and frustration.
"Dismissed? You can't just end this meeting!" shouted one of the Pillar heads.
"We demand to know what the communication says!" another bellowed, his aura flaring.
Falbium rolled his eyes, clearly unimpressed by the display. "You'll know when we decide you need to know,"he said flatly, gesturing to a group of his soldiers stationed near the entrance.
One of the nobles stood, his power surging as he pointed a finger at Falbium. "You think you can keep us in the dark, Asmodeus? This is our realm too!"
Before the situation could escalate further, the guards moved with practiced precision. They released a faint, shimmering mist into the air, its effects immediate. The Pillar heads barely had time to react before the sedative took hold. Their enraged expressions softened into confusion, and their powers began to waver as the mist seeped into their systems.
"What... what is this...?" one noble stammered, his knees buckling as he collapsed into his seat.
Another attempted to summon a barrier, but his concentration faltered, and his body slumped forward. Within moments, the entire chamber was subdued, the once-loud voices reduced to faint murmurs as the nobles succumbed to the sleeping agent.
Ajuka raised an eyebrow, glancing at Falbium. "Subtle," he remarked, his tone dry.
Falbium shrugged. "What? They were getting on my nerves, and I'm not in the mood for a rebellion tonight."
Serafall crossed her arms, shooting Falbium a disapproving glare. "You could've handled that better."
"And you could've let me sleep," Falbium shot back, stifling a yawn. "But here we are."
Sirzechs ignored their bickering, his attention focused on the scroll before him. He tapped the table lightly, drawing their attention back. "This is no time for squabbling. If their Father is truly back in active duty, and the Dimensional Gap was a deliberate act, we need to decide how we proceed. This changes everything."
Ajuka nodded thoughtfully. "We should also consider what isn't being said. Michael was careful with his wording. If they're keeping the successor's identity hidden, it means they're playing this close to the chest. There's more to this than what's written here."
Serafall exhaled slowly, her shoulders sagging. "We can't make any rash decisions. We need to keep this contained until we fully understand what's happening."
Sirzechs nodded, his expression grim. "Agreed. We'll reconvene tomorrow. For now, we rest and prepare for the storm this revelation will bring."
The Maou left the chamber together, the subdued nobles left behind under the watchful eyes of soldiers. The night had revealed much, but the burden of the unknown still hung heavily over them.
And Cut!
That'sit for this chapter folks.
AN:
Damn, damn, damn. We finally saw what God did after descending to Heaven and finally gave his children a proper good byes and gone. Obviously Michael is not an idiot to say - hey, he is gone now. We will get a new guy soon! And so came the word play.
Now we saw Devils panicking as well. What do you think Fallen are doing? Let me know in reviews/comments.
Things pick pace after next chapter, which will cover other pantheons mainly: Greek, Hindu, Norse, Shinto and obviously the terrorist group reacting to the happenings. After which we will shift to the newly weds and see what they are doing. You will see an uninvited guest interrupting their celebration. We will then jump into the thick of politics and drama as Naruto finally takes responsibility.
What changes should Naruto allow for Angels? Should they procreate and still not fall? Should they be allowed to sin? Should the Fallen be taken back? I mean since Naruto is God, he can do 'anything' to his creations, right? Let me know your suggestions!
As always, let me know in your reviews and do share your feedback and suggestions!
I'm very delighted to share that you can now read 4 early chapters on my patron. My user name is same BlackInfinity1289 on patron website.
Note: They are early access only, they will be eventually released here as well.
Also, if you want discuss about the story or the ideas, you can join my discord server. I go by Henry there, give me a ping to say hi.
link: discord. gg / SPsSwAcq4b
Hope to see you there!
Thank you for reading.
Good Day!
Black Infinity 1289,
Ja Ne.