Upon Ahavain’s return, the Thorn King backed me up, nullifying Raziel’s powers.
Ahavain was significantly drained, but from what I could see, he didn’t seem to have any major issues. At some point, he’d also acquired the Celestial Sword. He must have summoned it somehow.
That man wouldn’t be affected by an angel’s imposed trials at this point.
But I’ll praise him later. As expected from my contractor.
Sepia hasn’t returned yet. She must be struggling with the trial. She’s an excellent mage, but she’s always been mentally fragile, so it’s understandable. As a demon, such vulnerability would be appealing, but now that she’s one of my own, I have no intention of exploiting it.
I shatter the surrounding space that restricts my movements. Though Raziel and I are, of course, no match in strength, he’s still a formidable angel. Without the Thorn Staff, I wouldn’t have moved so easily.
“I’ll give you a bit of maintenance next time.”
The Thorn Staff seemed pleased to hear that. For a staff, it has quite the personality. And it’s useful. This world truly is fascinating.
Raziel noticed my movement and stopped flipping through his book. Sepia is likely trapped inside that book. I suppose I should help her.
“My, how could a demon like you have come to this world?”
“Ask the human who summoned me.”
He’s dead now, though. That audacious human was always such a nuisance.
I unfurled my wings. I wasn’t actually flying with them, but releasing magic from them allows for efficient acceleration.
Raziel tried to escape me, but he can’t evade me.
I closed the distance in an instant and seized the book.
“Oh, wait—”
“…Distasteful.”
I know it’s ironic for a demon to say this, but this angel has some twisted views regarding humans.
The book was filled with contents that were repulsive, even at a glance. I reached inside the book.
After a bit of searching, I felt something. When I pulled it out, a sniffling Sepia emerged.
“Huh?”
“You can fly on your own from here.”
I tossed her aside.
“What!? What’s going on!?”
Though she screamed, she’s still an exceptional mage among humans. Even in a state of confusion, she should be able to manage flying herself.
“Oh dear, she was finally doing so well.”
“Don’t drag me into such trivial games.”
In the first place, we didn’t come here to take on some angel’s trial. It would’ve been fine if the top of the Sky Tower was empty, as long as we could have a bit of fun.
This whole ordeal has been ruined by this ridiculous angel.
“I know you’ve been toying with humans all along.”
“That’s harsh. And I did offer rewards to those who passed the trial.”
“You only rewarded one person properly.”
“Oh, yes, now that you mention it.”
When I searched the book, I felt the presence of others beside Sepia. There are likely still people trapped within, caught in the trial.
The residents near the tower must be under this angel’s influence, probably spreading rumors and controlling information.
All for the sake of this angel’s whims.
Humans always speak ill of demons, but they ought to realize angels are no better.
Not that I’d have cared about humans if not for Ahavain. The one who bested me for the first time deserves to be watched.
If he wants to mate, I wouldn’t mind.
I set the book ablaze with hellfire. I could tell as a demon: apart from Sepia, the other humans had already lost their physical forms, leaving only their souls bound. This was the best thing to do.
“Ah, should I have ignored them instead of meddling just because it’s been a while since I’ve dealt with humans?”
“So then—”
The book vanished without a trace.
“So then, what will you offer me?”
I’ve gone through enough trouble because of him, so I’ll demand compensation, as any good demon would.
“You didn’t exactly take the trial.”
“I could still make you pay for issuing it.”
I’d already proven my strength earlier, but I wouldn’t mind doing so again.
“Cursed demon…”
“Yes, I am.”
What’s the point of stating the obvious?
“Fine, fine. There aren’t many humans coming to the tower anymore anyway, so maybe it’s time.”
With that, Raziel threw me an angelic core.
“You’d want that more than mere treasure, wouldn’t you?”
“Isn’t this yours?”
Not that I particularly wanted it, but it would probably be useful for Ahavain.
“No, it’s not. A lot happened when I first came to the human realm. That’s also why I’m not causing any disruptions.”
That certainly had me curious. An angel of Raziel’s caliber, left unchecked, would normally disrupt the balance and reconnect this world to the celestial realm.
“Well, I’ll take it. What do you plan to do next?”
“I’ll return to the heavens. Unlike you, I have a way back.”
That irritated me slightly. Maybe I should’ve beaten him down a bit more.
“Don’t ever come back. Your twisted habits are unwelcome.”
“Oh, scary. For a demon to say that, you must really like this world.”
“Yes. There’s plenty to enjoy without indulging in sick games.”
Raziel shrugged. Seems we’ll never understand each other—not that I mind.
Raziel spread his wings and took flight.
If he does anything suspicious instead of leaving quietly, I’ll just knock him down again.
After seeing Raziel off, I returned to Arnella and Noel. It’s fortunate that these two weren’t dragged into the trial.
Since they’ve caught my interest, I’d never let that happen.
I snuggled up to Arnella. She felt soft, with a sweet scent.
