Changing back into my original clothes, I walked out of Laim with Mammon. I pointed at the flying ships above and asked, “Those are slave ships, aren’t they?”
Mammon grunted with a hint of reluctance. “Yeah. Every city has its own slave port, but Laim has the most slaves.”
“I always thought that once Lucifer took control of the Demon Realm, he’d abolish slavery. I didn’t expect the trade to still exist.”
“It’s legal in Heaven too, isn’t it? What’s there to be so shocked about? Besides, this sort of thing is rooted in the Demon Realm’s history. You can’t just erase it overnight. Slaves nowadays aren’t exactly forced either: they sign contracts with their masters.”
All excuses, really, just a way to defend Lucifer. I deliberately said in a low voice, “So even Lucifer has things he can’t overcome.”
“When my dad took over the Demon Realm, it was nothing but rubble. He’s already done a hell of a job turning it into what it is now. And in some ways, he’s stubborn to the point of madness; if he says he’ll do something, he will. I believe he will.”
“You really admire your father.”
Mammon grabbed my hand and blinked at me. “The number one person I admire is my dad. Number two is you, Lord Michael.”
I didn’t know how to respond. I’ve had plenty of followers and heard more than my share of flattery, but somehow, hearing it from Mammon just felt… off.
He raised an eyebrow. “Wanna know what I admire about you most?”
“No idea.”
“Thick-skinned, unflappable, hard as nails, and even harder to kill.”
“Those are admirable traits?”
Mammon looked perfectly serious. “I’ve always thought—someone like you, if you ever fell in love, it’d be intense. And the person you love would be absolutely doomed.”
I paused for a moment and nodded. “Yeah, anyone who’s been with me ended up doomed.”
“But there’s always someone willing to be doomed for you.” Mammon stretched, then tugged on my hand and started heading toward the riverbank. “Come on, Your Highness, let’s go.”
He understood me better than I expected. So he wasn’t just a reckless kid after all.
We walked together down a path paved with colored stones. On the Solor River, soft red glimmers floated like fireflies. The houses by the banks glowed with pale green lights pouring from their tiny windows, reflections shimmering gently on the water. If a boat passed, the images rippled in kind.
There was no mist on the water, yet the scene felt like an illusion, vivid illusion born from too much beauty. Snow crystals fell in six-petal shapes like flecks of jade, drifting like white butterflies, turning the whole river into scattered pearls.
A few flakes landed on Mammon’s face, on his lashes, and on the blood-soaked rose over his cheek. I glanced at the rose. “That flower on your face—is it a tattoo?”
Mammon touched his cheekbone. “This? I was born with it.”
“You were born with it?”
“My dad has a rose on his chest; bigger than this. When I was born, I had this one too.”
“Your father… has a rose on his chest?”
Mammon pointed slightly below his left pectoral. “Somewhere around here, close to his heart. I asked him once how he got it, but he wouldn’t say. He told me he kept it to remind himself there are things he must do.”
As if feeling his pain from back then, my chest suddenly ached.
That sword had struck deep. I knew.
Mammon fell quiet for a moment. “Still, I think it has something to do with me. I almost died when I was born.”
I looked up at him, startled. “You almost died?”
“Mhm. Azazel told me once. When I was born, I was barely breathing. My dad basically gave everything he had to save me. He ended up in a coma for over ten days and took years to fully recover.”
It all made sense now. “Good thing you made it.” No wonder when I challenged Lucifer to a duel, he didn’t kill me. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to. He couldn’t.
Mammon slipped an arm around my neck and leaned in. “If I had died, you’d have missed your chance to fall for me at first sight, wouldn’t you?”
I slapped his hand away. “This again.”
He shrugged in mock disappointment and turned to walk ahead.
Suddenly, a bolt of icy blue light streaked down from the sky, landing directly in my palm. I opened my hand to find a cluster of tiny black runes dancing in my hand.
Mammon turned back and ran toward me. “What’s that?”
“Teleportation magic.”
“Angels actually use that to send messages?”
I pointed to the skull ring on his ring finger. “I know you use that to transmit messages too.”
“No way—you know about that too?!”
I nodded. The black stripes danced in my palm for a moment, then a blue light surged up, breaking them apart. The fragments transformed into glowing words that floated in the air:
Michael, God summons you. Return to Sancta Faylia at once.
Mammon froze, staring at me. “You’re leaving?”
“This spell comes directly from the Lord. It must be something important. We didn’t make it to Rhodheoga, but our contract is technically fulfilled. Thank you for everything. I’ll be going.”
“Wait.” Mammon grabbed my hand and pointed to the silver chain. “My dad has one just like this. Why do you two have the same thing? Is this from the Heaven?”
“It’s a token of esteem from your father back when he served as Vice Regent.”
It was the only token left between us. The only thing I could hold onto.
Mammon murmured an “oh.”
I patted his shoulder. “Farewell.”
“Wait.” He stopped me again. “Let me at least see you to the Red Sea.”
“That’s not necessary. I remember the way.”
Mammon took off the skull ring and pressed it into my hand. “Take this. When there’s a message, just lift the skull’s jaw and you’ll hear it.”
I nodded and slipped the ring onto my finger, then gave him a parting wave. But just as I turned around, he called after me again.
“Michael!”
I turned back with a helpless smile. “What now?”
“You’re not coming back, are you?”
“I don’t think so.”
Mammon raised an eyebrow, took a deep breath, and said, “Michael, you’ve always been the rival I imagined myself defeating. If we ever meet again on the battlefield, don’t go easy on me. I’ll be the one to bring you down!”
He tried to sound flippant, but he was still just a kid—you could tell he was nervous.
A smile tugged at my lips. “I’ve always known how to separate personal feelings from duty.” Then I pulled my hood low and spread my six wings.
Mammon gawked. “You’re not seriously flying back like that? You’ll be ambushed.”
As long as Lucifer didn’t act, no one else could stop me. I smiled and soared into the sky. My red hair wild in the wind, and before long, I had disappeared from his sight.
…………
……
Sancta Faylia.
I passed over the golden spires of the imperial capital, through a veil of pale blue water and the endless expanse of cloud. Climbing the infinite stairs, I finally entered the Sanctum.
Hymns echoed through the great hall, where towering columns reached the heavens. In the hazy brilliance, God’s face was obscured, but his silver hair poured over the floor like drifting starlight. Raphael stood beneath the throne, adorned in regal silk, singing the hymn in a solemn cadence.
The Lord held the Divine Codex, seated at His left side, eyes closed in quiet peace.
I walked slowly into the Sanctum. Not long after, I heard God’s serene voice:
“Michael, you’ve been gone for quite some time.”
Raphael’s singing ceased.
I instinctively looked toward Metatron before stepping forward and bowing. “Forgive me, Father.”
“Let’s put that aside. I have a task for you. I hope you’ll complete it.”
“I await Your command.”
God gestured lightly toward the Lord. The Lord rose and led me out of the main hall. We stopped beside the soft pale gold carpet.
“Michael,” he said, “as you know, Gabriel’s diplomatic mission to the Demon Realm remains incomplete.”
I nodded.
“You’ll be the one to go.”
I could hardly believe my ears. After a moment’s hesitation, I responded slowly, “I’m going?”
“Can you do it?”
“…Yes.”
“God has instructed that you may bring the Zodiac Twelve, the Destruction Host or the Penitence Host, and one adjutant. Before departure, undergo the rite of baptism. Remember: you represent the divine race, all of Heaven—not yourself, nor the House of Arterra. Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man may yet be forgiven; but whoever blasphemes the Holy Spirit shall not be forgiven. No matter what happens, never forget this. Remember our origin. Remember our purpose. We begin by faith, and we finish by sight.”
“I understand. I will do everything in my power.”
“Do your best, brave Archangel. May God be with you.”
“Thanks be to the Lord.”
The Zodiac Twelve were the first angelic legion created by God. Though the smallest in number, they were the most powerful. During Dusk of the Divine, seven were slain, four followed Lucifer into rebellion, and only the Seraph Banane remained, now the commander of the reassembled Twelve. The Destruction Host was the second-strongest legion, composed entirely of seraphim, primarily battle angels with overwhelming destructive force. The Penitence Host, made up of Intelligences, served as arbiters and oversaw the mortal world. Though lacking in combat strength, their support magic was exceptional.
After weighing the options, I decided that for a diplomatic mission, the Penitence Host was best.
I ordered the ancient bell of summoning to be rung and returned to the Sanctified Altar for the baptism. Pillars stood around the altar, each topped with a brazier holding flames of gemstone blue. The guardian angels stood in silence by the pool, each holding a jade vessel filled with holy water.
I stepped into the pool unclothed. My feathers soaked, my skin immersed inch by inch. Long hair spread like blazing clouds in the water. Starlight-like phosphorescence shimmered on the surface, flickering like fireflies.
I brushed the water with my fingertips, when suddenly a voice behind me called, “Father.”
I shook my wings and turned. Hanniah was crouching at the edge of the pool. “Father, you’re going to the Demon Realm?”
I nodded. “The sooner I leave, the better.”
“Have you decided who to take as adjutant?”
Swimming slowly toward him, I answered, “Not yet.”
I stopped beside Hanniah. He knelt down and poured holy water over my hair.
“Then take me,” he said.
I smiled. “Hanniah, you’re still inexperienced.”
“But I have you. That’s all I need.”
“You want to go to the Demon Realm?”
“If I didn’t, would I be here asking?”
I thought a moment, then said, “All right. But no mischief—understand?”
Hanniah leapt up with excitement. “Great! I’ll go pack right now and leave soon!”
“It’s not a vacation, you know.”
“We still need clothes, right? I heard all the outfits in the Demon Realm are pitch black. See you soon!” He ran off, then darted back, knelt down, and kissed my cheek. “You’re the greatest father in the world!”
I couldn’t help but shake my head with a smile.
After the baptism, I changed into new robes and returned to the Hall of Splendor. The Penitence Host was already assembled at the entrance. I instructed them to reside there until we were ready to depart.
As I entered the hall, I heard a strange sound from my garments. Reaching into my pocket, I found the skull ring. The entire skull was glowing green. I hesitated, then pressed down on its jaw.
A young man’s voice grumbled impatiently from within the ring. “Do you have any idea how many times I’ve recited the incantation, Lord Michael?”
“I was busy just now and didn’t hear it.”
“Fine, I won’t argue with you. Are you back in Sancta Faylia?”
“I am. What about you?”
“Of course I’m stuck here in Pandemonium, bored out of my mind, just in bed staring at the ceiling. My dad’s in a terrible mood and I’m starting to think he’s going through demonic menopause. He’s got that charcoal face on all day, snapping at everyone. Even I got dragged over and lectured for ‘messing with women.’ Compared to Azazel, I’m practically an angel. Boring as hell… Anyway, I only thought of calling you because I was bored.”
“I figured.”
“I know you’re too shy to admit that you miss me, so I have to be the one to reach out, huh?” Without waiting for a reply, he pressed on, “So, when are you coming back to the Demon Realm, Archangel?”
“What do you think?”
“Ugh, forget it. Don’t come. Even if you do, I won’t bother seeing you. That’s all for now—I’ll call again later.”
Before I could say a word, the skull’s jaw clacked shut.
That kid… utterly lacking in manners.
…………
Word of the upcoming diplomatic visit soon reached the Demon Realm. Lucifer responded promptly: in three days, the magical defenses would be lowered and their gates opened to welcome us. Each circle of Hell would be represented by its presiding Satan, beginning with Sariel and ending with Lucifer himself. Lilith and Mammon would receive us at the Sixth Hell and escort us across the Valley of Draconic Wrath into the Seventh Hell, the imperial capital, Rhodheoga, for an audience with their Sovereign.
The day before departure, I took Hanniah with me to wait for Metatron’s return.
Hanniah glanced at me, visibly anxious. “Father, what if the demons try to make trouble for us?”
“There are always going to be people who dislike you, whether in the Demon Realm or not. Don’t dwell on it. As angels, we are the most peaceful and noble of the three realms. Never be ashamed of who you are, and never look down on others either. Do you understand?”
“Yes. I’ll bring honor to you, to Heavenly Father, and to Father God.”
“Good child. Guess who I met during my last trip to the Demon Realm?”
“Abaddon?”
I shook my head.
“Mastema?”
“Here’s a hint: in the Demon Realm, his power ranks just below Lucifer’s.”
Hanniah gasped. “Mammon?!”
“Yes. He’s not nearly as cruel as the legends claim. The child’s quite pure-hearted.”
Hanniah nodded. “You always told me when I was little that the conflict between Heaven and Hell was political, not moral. There are no absolute good or bad people in this world.”
“No, no. Your father is absolutely good. Your Father in Heaven is absolutely evil.” As soon as I heard the voice, I turned. Just as expected, it was Metatron. He was holding a book and wearing his spectacles, a sure sign he’d just returned from the Sanctum. That’s the only time he ever acts properly.
He came over and sat beside me, looping an arm around my shoulder and flashing Hanniah a grin. “I’m the evil one, because I can never satisfy your father. That’s why he always wants to run off.”
I nudged him away. “Don’t feed the child nonsense.”
“I’m not a child anymore,” Hanniah protested.
“You’re not, but you still need to leave.”
“Oh, come on. You always kick me out.”
“You can stay—if you want to see this.” Metatron raised an eyebrow and began pulling at my robes, exposing my shoulder.
I quickly yanked them back up. “Metatron!”
Hanniah stood up. “Alright, alright, I’m going. Father, the angels and I are waiting for you in the Hall of Splendor. Don’t stay up too late though, tomorrow is important.”
As soon as Hanniah left, I cupped Metatron’s face and gave him a light kiss. He pushed me away. “Little Michael, you’re going to the Demon Realm tomorrow, and you still want to indulge tonight?”
“I’m not sure. I might be gone for a while this time.”
“I don’t care how long you’re gone. Just don’t come back with a bunch of children for me to raise. I’m scared they’ll fear me the way Hanniah fears you.”
“Then you ought to love children.”
Metatron pinched my cheek. “Hey, dear, I’m the one who gave birth to Hanniah, remember?”
I lay down on the sofa and swept my hair over the armrest. “I’m a little tired and don’t want to move. You take the lead.”
“Right here?”
I took off his glasses and tossed them aside. “Right here.”
Metatron sighed, shaking his head helplessly, then leaned down over me.
……
The next morning, I dressed in the attire reserved for only the most formal of occasions: white leather boots laced with golden thread, a long cloak, a deep red sash, and everything else in flawless white. A strip of sea-blue silk concealed the silver chain on my wrist, and a ribbon fell from the collar, fastened with an amber clasp made from mermaid tears.
Hanniah stepped in and gasped at once. “Father!”
“Let’s go.” I had stared at the mirror for too long and now felt strangely awkward. I unhooked the holy sword and fastened it to my waist, then strode toward the door.
“Oh.” Hanniah reacted and followed me out.
We flew from the outer edge of Seraph Palaces, with the angelic host thundering behind us like a mighty river. As we pierced through the clouds and soared over the cities, cheers from the angels brushed past our ears. A great archangel leading an entire division beyond the heavenly borders, such grandeur had become a rarity, as though the glory days of Heaven had returned.
Following the map the Demon Realm had provided, I drew my sword, raised it high, then drove it into the ground.
The deafening roar shattered the air. The crust split open, a jagged chasm tearing through the earth, and crumbling stone plunged into the bottomless abyss. The angels and I took flight, hovering above as we watched layer upon layer of stairs spiral downward, no end in sight.
Hanniah whispered, “Father, are you sure they won’t try to harm us?”
Without replying, I sheathed my sword and flew down.
The path was vast and seemingly endless, flanked on either side by rolling magma, steam rising in thick curls. Behind me, the angelic host followed in formation, their silhouettes casting a rhythmic pattern on the deep red ground.
We flew for nearly half an hour before reaching the bottom.
A six-winged fallen angel stood at the front, with a troop of minotaurs behind him. He wore a brown short robe, a shortbow strapped across his back, and an arrow quiver bound to his calf.
I descended with the angelic host, gliding to a halt a few meters in front of him, stirring a breeze as we landed, then stepped forward.
He raised his golden eyes toward us and smiled. “Envoys of Heaven, I am Satan Sariel. I have long awaited your arrival… Lord Michael?”
I approached and extended my hand. “It’s me.”
Sariel instinctively took a step back, then forward again, dazed as he clasped my hand. “Lord Michael, p-please, follow me this way.”
He led us onward as the minotaurs nearby whispered among themselves, thinking they were being quiet:
“Look, that’s the archangel.”
“No, the Archangel Commander.”
“Why does he have six wings?”
“Doesn’t His Majesty Lucifer also have six wings?”
“But His Majesty has black wings. His are gold.”
“Gold is so ugly.”
“Exactly! Gold and white are the tackiest colors in the world.”
“And no way he’s as good-looking as our Majesty.”
“Totally! Our great Majesty is the most handsome.”
……
Sariel glanced back at them, and they immediately shut up. Hanniah stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the gold-and-white ensemble I was wearing. “Father, what they said is just…”
I waved my hand. “It’s fine.”
Sariel also turned around, a little embarrassed. “My deepest apologies, Your Highness.”
I stepped past him and glanced down the road. “This path isn’t quite the same as the one I took last time.”
Just as I finished speaking, the minotaurs muttered again:
“Did you hear that? He has been here before!”
“So the stuff in the papers was true!”
Sariel quickly interjected, “Lord Michael—ah, actually, His Majesty said, since you are honored guests, it would be improper to lead you through a grim and eerie route like the Road That Beguiles. So he instructed us to open up a new one especially for you.”
I glanced at the minotaurs, then looked back to Sariel and said calmly, “My thanks to you and His Majesty Lucifer for the trouble.”
Author: Tav Tav
Translating
The Right Wing of God, the one seated at the right hand of the Most High.
