Chapter 81: The Pontiff’s Castle (1/2)

Chapter 81: The Pontiff’s Castle

The imposing figure drew ever closer, and with each step their features became clearer. At least two meters tall, and clad in plate armor reminiscent of the ancient Middle Ages. In their left hand, a shield. A sword in their right.

With each step their imposing aura became stronger. It was as though they were the center of the universe, the master of this reality.

Lan Jue’s face was calm as he greeted him. “It’s been a long time, Raphael.”

“Indeed. A long time, Zeus. We’ve been looking for you for… ages.” Raphael’s incessant march towards Lan Jue never ceased. Strangely, despite his heavy plate armor, he made not a sound as he trekked towards the small group.

Mika had already undergone a change; her eyes narrow, the red in their depths growing darker with each passing moment. “The Archangel of Healing… Raphael, of the Pontiff’s Castle.”

Lan Jue turned then to face Mika, and placed his hands gently upon her shoulders. “Mika, promise me. Unless there is absolutely no other choice, do not use your abilities. Understand?”

She looked in to his eyes in silence, and moister began to collect at the corner of her eyes. “Boss…”

He gently ran a hand through her hair. “You call me boss, it’s my job to protect you. Trust me.”

Mika took a deep breath, and straightened her shoulders. “Right!” The red that had crept through her eyes had dissolved.

“Zeus. Really, there’s no reason it has to be like this. If you want to leave there are none among us who will stop you. All we want is the Stygian Succubus. It was never our intention to feud with you. Give her to us, and you may leave. The Pontiff’s Castle will even owe you a favor.”

Lan Jue laughed, almost as though the exchange brought him joy. “Raphael, you keep calling me Zeus. So you know the kind of person I am.”

“But you’re no real supreme being.” This sentence came from another voice, clear and melodious. Another towering figure appeared, this one not in armors but an impeccably clean white robe. Long golden hair flowed to his back, with sapphire blue eyes set in a handsome face. He looked regal, elegant, like an artist.

Lan Jue gave them a lopsided smile. “We’re all old friends. I figured with Raphael around you’d show up. Gabriel, you haven’t changed a bit.”

Gabriel gave him a small smile in return. “Oh? And how would you describe me?”

“Cheap,” Lan Jue said without hesitation.

Gabriel’s features grew rigid, but he quickly recovered. “Ah Zeus, all you have is words? I am curious, though, how you knew it was a trap. In return I’ll tell you how we set it up.”