Bonus Content 2: “The Author Has Something to Say” (2)

1-5: Sancta Faylia (1)

(1) This chapter adds the first meeting between Isar and Lucifer. In the old version, their first encounter took place in the Hall of Splendor, which always felt a bit underwhelming, with something missing. So now, that will count as their second meeting instead.

A few days ago, while visiting a friend, I happened to see the cathedral on Marylebone Road from her balcony. While we were going out, I paid special attention to the architecture, which gave me inspiration for a more atmospheric, religious-style encounter. The scene at her place felt powerful; the gray, starless London sky gave the cathedral a sense of solemn oppression, something that reminded me of vampires and Harry Potter, rather than pure radiance. Also, since the original Rucifel Cathedral wasn’t mentioned in the original version of Volume I, I expanded it here. The building itself dates back quite early, so I’ve renamed it Rucifel Cathedral.

(2) Added more detail to the restrooms at the Divine Law Academy, along with expanded descriptions of Shima.

(3) Since the Elven Realm is only mentioned a few times, I removed the little elf’s scene.

(4) Given the precedents with Lucifer and Metatron, Caro shouldn’t be mistaking Isar as having feelings for Raphael, that counts as a continuity bug, now fixed.

(5) Slightly revised Sandalphon’s characterization.

(6) Adjusted the dialogue between Isar and Farthead to fix the bug where the latter didn’t recognize him.

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1-5: Sancta Faylia (2)

(7) The scene where Metatron and Isar accidentally bump into each other physically felt a bit unrealistic, given how large the Hall of Splendor is. I’ve changed it so they see each other face-to-face instead.

(8) Deleted the scene where the angels in the Imperial Capital stare at Isar and his group. Since there are many six-wings in Saint Faylia, their reactions wouldn’t be that strong and wouldn’t keep watching Isar et al. like that.

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1-6: Rucifel (1)

(1) Added a detail noting that Farthead’s feather was the only object left unscorched; otherwise, that part wouldn’t make sense.

(2) Added a brief “straight vs. gay” inner monologue segment for comedic contrast.

(3) Revised the speech in Isar’s flashback to make it less disorganized.

(4) Changed the phrasing of “top and bottom” while climbing the stairs to “One, two,” like a military cadence; it feels more vivid that way.

(5) Added Isar’s reaction of discomfort when Metatron kisses him. I got the idea because while playing “King’s Game” I once saw two straight guys kiss; it was such an unforgettable scene that I wished I’d recorded it for you all… For reference, see “Diving Right” game scene between Leswei and Meller in The Last Goddess (TN: Unclear whether “King’s Game” is a real game or a video game or a drinking game. “The Last Goddess” refers to the author’s other romantic novel).

(6) Random note: there are a lot of kids where I live in Berlin. The other day, I saw a mother holding her child, and his blue irises took up at least 90% of his eyes. It was so cute I melted on the spot. So I decided to give that trait to Farthead.

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1-6: Rucifel (2)

(7) Added a short reflection from Isar about his fondness for children. This serves as foreshadowing for his future title and highlights the essential contrast between him—the angel—and Lucifer—the devil.

(8) Since Farthead is already living with Isar, he wouldn’t need to walk anymore, so the “catwalk” detail was removed.

(9) The collection of Lucifer’s quotes didn’t quite fit the tone of this scene, so it’s been moved to a later chapter.

(10) Because the events they’re experiencing now can’t alter history, I deleted the continuity bug where Isar recites classical texts while talking with Farthead.

(11) Added a line for Farthead: “If this world disappoints me, I’ll kill it.”

(12) Changed Farthead’s drawings from landscapes and abstract art to depictions of Heaven and the Demon Realm. First, because very roughly speaking, confident men seem to prefer drawing architecture as it feels more assertive; second, it reflects his ambition to conquer and reshape the Demon Realm.

……

Some of you may have noticed that Isar seems gentler in this version, more mature and kindhearted than before. You’re not imagining it. My goal is to portray Michael as a true angel: pure and selfless, without too many corrupted thoughts. Even when seeking a partner, his thoughts should remain free of lust or scheming.

The core of Lucifer, on the other hand, stays the same—only worse. As the story moves into Volume II and enters the Demon Realm, the contrast between Michael’s purity and Lucifer’s darkness will become sharper. In the original version, Lucifer fell out of being cornered and became the Demon King out of pride, not malice. But in this version, even as an angel, he’s already far from innocent. After becoming the Sovereign of Demons, his true nature finally shows. So I want this Lucifer to be written as a dominant force—charismatic, commanding, and in total control. Even when his words are calm and elegant, his mind remains absolutely possessive.

Since Michael’s personality shift later on is quite dramatic, I needed a smoother transition. So in this version, Isar is no longer as cocky or gangster-ish—otherwise, even I can’t tell him apart from Little Yellow Bird (TN: Nickname of the MC from the author’s other beloved series). I’ll keep his youthful energy and liveliness, but give him more thoughtfulness and composure; otherwise, his later development would feel too abrupt.

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1-7: Gospel of Dawn (1)

(1) Added more detail about the celestial hierarchy, including new concepts like wing sleeves and wing guards.

(2) Added a direct interaction scene between Isar and Lucifer.

(3) Moved up the appearance of the Three Musketeers (TN: Samael, Sariel, Azazel).

(4) Deleted the earlier dialogue between Isar and Farthead about the difference between Archangels and Seraphs. In Heaven, that’s basic common knowledge. After living there for months, there’s no way Isar still wouldn’t know it by heart. Besides, the revised earlier chapters already covered this, so there’s no need to repeat it here.

Illustration of Lucifer and Isar by Miss Gao Shan—today’s one is a bit heavy on the spice! To all the pure, innocent girlies insisting that Isar is the top here—can’t you tell this is a riding position? He’s clearly sitting on Lucifer! (TN:….I….really couldn’t locate this one!)

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1-7: Gospel of Dawn (2)

(5) Since Rucifel already overheard Metatron and Isar’s conversation in the first half of the chapter, the later scene, after the Mirror of Thunder, where he asks Isar if he’s thinking of attending Metatron’s banquet was redundant, so I deleted it.

(6) Added Rucifel striking down the Mirror of Thunder.

(7) Changed Rucifel’s clingy behavior from submissive to dominant—you all know why.

(8) Added more interaction between Lucifer and Isar. Most of this chapter is newly written anyway, so I won’t go into detail here.

Rucifel with a cup of milk, illustrated by YOKA.

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1-8: Metatron’s Birthday Banquet (1)

(1) Isar’s preparations for going to Jerusalem were overly wordy, so I moved the scenery descriptions to the latter half of the chapter to serve as buildup for new events.

(2) Changed Isar’s reason for flying—from flying into the city to flying out of it—so the sequence flows more naturally.

(3) In earlier versions, Lucifer didn’t know Isar’s identity, which was a plot hole, because Isar’s face never changed, so even if Lucifer didn’t know for sure, he’d at least be suspicious. In this version, Lucifer does know who Isar is, so questions like whether he’ll attend the banquet and such have been revised accordingly.

(4) The Three Musketeers are all Seraphs who visit the Sanctum daily, so the “long time no see” dialogue was adjusted to fit better.

(5) Moved the background introductions of the Three Musketeers to later chapters—the info dump felt too abrupt here. In the original version, their personalities only became consistent by the Original Sin arc: Samael as the kind, dependable husband; Azazel as the sharp-tongued, cold type; and Sariel as the bright, innocent one. Clearly, those traits weren’t fully formed in the early draft, so their dialogue here has been tweaked for consistency.

(6) Expanded the description of Metatron’s mansion, which was too vague before.

(7) Added a scene where Isar prepares a gift. Since he’s a well socialized twenty year-old, it felt unrealistic for him to show up empty-handed.

(8) Renamed the harp Gabriel gifts Metatron. Readers of Sacred Traces will recognize what “Radiance of the Sun” refers to, so no spoilers here. One note: since the entire third part of the new version is being rewritten, it will no longer be titled Sacred Traces, to avoid confusion.

(9) Added the concept of Seraph wings turning black.

Heavenly Lucifer Tarot card illustrated by YOKA.

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1-8: Metatron’s Birthday Banquet (2)

I actually kept forgetting to mention this: Pandemonium was inspired by the Louvre in France. I hadn’t visited it on my earlier trips, but this time I toured it carefully and came away with a lot of inspiration. So in Original Sin, the Demon Realm will be written as even more beautiful! XD

(10) Since the earlier chapter included the Mirror-of-Thunder-being-shattered scene, I added a conversation between Uriel and Gabriel here to follow up on it.

(11) In the old version, after hearing that Metatron and Isar had reconciled, Lucifer raised a toast to Metatron—but that just didn’t feel right. Lucifer is Metatron’s superior and a proud one at that. Having his beloved bottom stolen and then politely raising a glass? Definitely not in character. So I cut that part.

(12) The Right Wing of God was written after Tian Lai Zhi Yuan and was my first attempt at Western-style fantasy. The early drafts still carried a strong Chinese literary tone, especially in Raphael’s scenes, so this section underwent major rewrites.

(13) Changed the detail where Metatron was the first to catch Raphael when he fell. Metatron is a man of principle; he wouldn’t forgive so easily.

(14) Adjusted Metatron’s line about celebrating Isar’s birthday in Jerusalem. He’s the type who hides deep wisdom behind simplicity, not someone who openly expresses promises or emotions.

(15) Changed Isar’s hit on Azazel from a slap to a punch, manlier.

(16) Added the concept of the Gate of Time and Space.

(17) Added new dialogue foreshadowing future events.

Isar Tarot card illustrated by YOKA.

Author: A fan of TLZY & JZYZ

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