NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 270
Chapter 270
Responding to Metatron’s command, Israfel descended to the terrestrial realm and momentarily hung the colossal trumpet she was holding at her waist.
She first headed towards the Holy Kingdom, where Metatron was directly served. There, she encountered an individual.
“It’s Sernius III.”
She had come to meet Sernius III, the leader of the Holy Kingdom and the foremost servant of Metatron. Upon Israfel’s appearance, Sernius III bowed his head and spoke.
“It is an honor to meet the noble angel. What brings you personally to the mortal realm?”
“I have come to convey the message of the Divine.”
“The Divine has personally sent a revelation…! What was the message?”
“First, I must express my sincere regret over the damages your people have suffered. The Divine has instructed me to offer my strength if there’s ever a need, so you may call upon me should you require assistance.”
In response to Israfel’s explanation, Sernius III bowed his head in gratitude. Israfel continued speaking.
“And please understand that this incident was solely to prevent the invasion of the demon realm.”
“The invasion of the demon realm… has a situation similar to the past arisen?”
“Although the adversary was alone this time, its power was comparable to the military that invaded the human realm before… it might have been even stronger. The Archangel dispatched by the Divine fought to repel it, which led to these unfortunate events.”
Sernius III looked at her with astonishment as he absorbed Israfel’s explanation.
“To be stronger than an army on its own? Such monsters exist in the demon realm?”
“Indeed. The Archangel Camiel was determined to handle it himself but ultimately failed.”
“That’s…”
“While Camiel’s mistake resulted in significant damage to your authority, had he not managed to repel the foe, even greater devastation could have occurred. The Holy Kingdom might have faced annihilation.”
“!!”
The pope was greatly astonished. Israfel then recounted the final message from Metatron.
“Thus, please make sure there are no misunderstandings and widely share these facts with your people.”
“I will uphold the Divine’s immense will.”
“The Divine has advised to prepare for any potential secondary invasions. I understand that restoration of land and damages has consumed your efforts, but if no preparations are made, this time, unlike last time, you may be unable to withstand any attacks.”
“I understand.”
Israfel smiled slightly at Sernius III’s obedient response.
“And He has instructed me to convey that He always trusts you.”
“……I am at a loss for words.”
“If the Holy Kingdom cannot conduct restoration and prepare for invasions simultaneously, it would be wise to seek help from other nations. Alternatively, you may consult me as well. I will likely remain in the mortal realm for some time.”
“Understood. I will do as you say.”
Having finished her conversation with the pope, Israfel flapped her wings and vanished from that place. The pope, who watched the spot where Israfel had disappeared, stroked his chin thoughtfully.
“She came to turn the narrative upside down with an apology as if she had been waiting…”
Sernius III narrowed his eyes.
“It seems urgent.”
Though the angels’ movements were quite suspicious, he was still the head of the Divine Church. While the people might have harbored grievances over this incident, the faith in the Divine itself had not waned… thus, there were duties to attend to.
“…Whether in the Heavens or the Demon World, it seems the intent to exploit people remains the same.”
Less than an hour after meeting Israfel, he personally announced a statement. As the events had gained attention not only within the Holy Kingdom but in other nations as well, it was necessary to publicly issue a statement.
The pope’s announcement rapidly spread across the globe. Given that all human realms were paying close attention to the matter, it was only natural that interest in the pope’s declaration surged.
Meanwhile, the leader of the Bismarck Empire, the nation closest in proximity and wielding the most significant influence in the world, was also receiving the news.
“The invasion of the demon realm occurred, and actions were taken to protect the humans from it?”
“That is what the pope declared as a revelation from the Divine.”
“How preposterous.”
Charlotte von Bismarck, the lioness of Bismarck, chuckled mockingly.
“I doubt such an excuse would genuinely hold any weight.”
“…In the Holy Kingdom and certain areas, that narrative is already accepted as doctrine.”
“What a nation full of religious zealots. I can’t believe they would fall for such nonsense again.”
Charlotte said to the minister conversing with her.
“Still, we should at least pretend to listen. Distribute the newspaper containing the pope’s statement nationwide within the next day or two. However, ensure to attach critical commentary at the bottom. We must not allow even the awake citizens to turn foolish.”
“Yes.”
The minister bowed and exited the office, while Charlotte reviewed an older report laid on her desk once more.
Although she wasn’t fully prepared yet, once the means to counter them were complete, she planned to drive out all from the Heavens or the Demon World.
“I won’t allow them to act brazenly.”
#
On the exact sixth day since Seere had taken her vacation, she, the owner of the 25th floor, returned safely. Seere arrived with a bright smile, and Cecili, who welcomed her, joked.
“I thought you wouldn’t return, Your Majesty.”
“Haha… I got quite busy when I unexpectedly extended my vacation.”
“I’ve been the same… but the head maid didn’t seem that busy.”
“Huh? That’s surprising.”
“It seems the personnel we hired previously have been quite helpful. I think we made good choices.”
She referred to the civil servants selected at Ersha’s suggestion. Seere nodded.
“It appears to be effective.”
“Yes. However, Your Majesty, Nahun did not come back with you?”
“Oh, the Teacher? They had to go somewhere for a moment.”
“Still busy, huh? Where did they go this time?”
“To the first floor.”
“…What?”
A surprised expression appeared on Cecili’s face, and Seere waved her hand as if to clear the misunderstanding.
“She didn’t go to meet the Demon King; there was another matter.”
“Oh… it seems she has other business then.”
“So I think she might not return for a few days.”
Seere, having concluded her vacation, started making her way towards the office to resume work. Cecili, who began following her, asked.
“What did you do while on vacation? Did you have fun with Nahun?”
“…Huh? Ah, ah, you mean during vacation?”
Seere’s flustered reaction made Cecili tilt her head in curiosity.
“Did something happen?”
“Something… it’s more like, um…”
Seere shook her head in embarrassment, her face reddening.
“It’s nothing. There wasn’t anything particularly special… hehehe…”
“…Is that so?”
Cecili didn’t delve any deeper, but she had an inkling of what had transpired. Of course, she never expected that Seere and Nahun had spent an intimate time together throughout the vacation.
Seeing Seere’s face, which was still bearing that bright smile, Cecili couldn’t help but smile tenderly. And then she informed her of what needed to be addressed.
“Your Majesty, there’s probably something you need to check immediately upon returning.”
“Hmm? What is it?”
“There’s a letter from His Majesty Citri, and another one from His Majesty Marbas von Gart.”
“…I must check them right away.”
Both letters surely contained crucial information. Seere hurried to her office and checked Citri’s letter first.
“…Here we go. The raid on the 30th floor.”
“Is it a request for support?”
“There’s also a line about borrowing one legion, just in case.”
Seere nodded slightly.
“Alright, I’ll dispatch the Ninth Legion.”
“Understood. I’ll convey that. Do you have anything else to discuss?”
“No. I’ll read Marbas’s letter now, so you may go.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Cecili briefly excused herself, and left alone, Seere carefully peeled the wax seal and opened the letter. Reading through Marbas’s correspondence, she furrowed her brow slightly.
Although the letter contained quite a bit of text, Seere quickly pinpointed the key point and summarized it in a single remark.
“They’re asking us to fight over the leadership position?”
The letter stated that a faction gathering would take place in a few days, inviting her to the 5th floor, and that on the day of the event she was to duel with another leadership candidate, Aiphoros, to settle the matter.
“…So this is Marbas’s suggestion.”
Marbas’s proposed method was indeed not bad.
It was likely the best option to prevent other faction demon kings from resisting Seere taking the leadership position, a new entry into the faction. While time might ultimately eliminate resistance as she became more established within the faction, both she and Marbas were clearly in a hurry.
“…It seems I’ll have something to do before the Teacher returns.”
Seere chuckled.
“Aiphoros—what kind of person will he be…”
#
The first floor.
Though it was the lowest layer of the demon realm shaped like an inverted tower, if the tower were turned right-side up, it would become the highest level.
It was the only place where one could freely enter and exit hell without any side effects in the demon realm, thus it was culturally closest to hell. In fact, several masses from hell had settled and taken residence on the first floor.
Given its direct connection to hell, the importance of the first floor was higher compared to other layers of the demon realm. Because of this, the ruler of the first floor was always an overwhelming presence even in the demon realm.
Since time immemorial, that position had never changed. The historically unparalleled ruler of the first floor, Beelzebub von Deus, governed a vast and remarkably developed world.
“…So this is the first floor.”
A man arrived at that place. Eager to escape the flow of time, it was Nahun, aiming to enter hell properly through the first floor this time.
Having arrived on the first floor through the portal, Nahun took a few steps forward. Aside from the dimensional portal, there was another portal managed by Beelzebub’s forces.
This portal was larger than regular ones and was shaped like a grand door. A crimson aura swelled between the closed doors, but that energy didn’t seep outside.
‘It seems the gate to hell is directly managed.’
That was the entrance Nahun needed to access hell. Approaching it with that thought, Nahun was halted as the soldiers guarding the entrance crossed their spears.
Willing to stop, Nahun inquired.
“I intend to venture to hell; how can I use this?”
“Apologies, but it cannot be used at this time.”
“Excuse me? Why is that?”
“It is by the order of His Majesty Beelzebub. We’re unsure of the details, but he instructs not to let anyone through.”
“……Hmm.”
Initially contemplating overpowering them to force his way in, Nahun held back, as his growing reputation as Seere’s mentor made him think otherwise.
If Beelzebub led his army to retaliate and attack the 25th floor, with Seere’s current power, it would be utterly impossible to fend them off. Though he yearned for quick knowledge, procedures existed for a reason.
From the standpoint of utilizing the door, and as it wasn’t yet the time to confront Beelzebub, it seemed better to adhere to the established protocols he had set.
“Understood. Thank you for the explanation.”
“Safe travels.”
Nahun turned and walked along the main road. At the end of the wide boulevard extending from the small road was…
‘…Is that it?’
The Demon King’s Castle of Beelzebub.