Chapter 263
Nahun was able to arrive just in time because he had acted in advance. Since Seere had offered to take care of floors 20 and 21, Nahun planned to finish up the art-related business he was working on and move over to the human realm.
As he passed through the portal, he noticed Dein and Eri hurriedly approaching. It was a series of fortuitous coincidences. Although Dein and Eri had planned to take a different portal as per Ersha’s advice, they changed direction after seeing the Archangel heading towards the village where they had just been.
“Nahun!!”
“The Archangel has descended!”
“…Huh?”
Initially puzzled by their words, Nahun soon realized the gravity of the situation after hearing the detailed circumstances from Dein and Eri.
“I understand. I will go take a look; you both hurry back to the Demon World.”
“Be careful.”
“Please, take care of yourself.”
Nahun ordered Dein and Eri to return to the Demon World and immediately opened a gate. Upon arriving at the coordinates where Ersha was located, he was startled by a fireball that flew toward him…
“That was close.”
However, it was nothing he couldn’t handle. Nahun looked at Ersha and asked.
“Are you hurt?”
“No… I’m fine. The girl isn’t hurt at all.”
“That’s a relief.”
Ersha stared blankly at Nahun’s back for a moment. She was both confused about how he had arrived and grateful. She had been in a life-and-death situation, and he had saved her.
However, her rational mind felt that the current situation was very unfavorable. If it had only been her who had died, everything would have ended neatly, but Nahun’s appearance had escalated the situation significantly.
“If the girl had just died, it would have ended there, but now… the Archangel and the Demon King are about to clash.”
As had been the case before, this was the Demon World. It was a battlefield unfavorable for the Archangel and advantageous for the Demon King. Furthermore, due to the invasion of the Demon World by Archangel Mikael, the restrictions placed on Nahun had been lifted, making it a fight he couldn’t afford to lose.
However, now the situation was different. In terms of the setup, Nahun was the invader, and Kamiel was the defender. Just as the Tree of Klifirot had restricted the powers of the Archangels, the Tree of Sephirot would react as soon as it recognized this, and all restraints on Kamiel would vanish.
No matter how strong Nahun might be, he couldn’t guarantee victory against a fully liberated Kamiel. Kamiel was the second-strongest entity in the Heavens after Sandalphon and Mikael.
“Nahun, I’m truly grateful for your help, but please don’t concern yourself with the girl and make your escape quickly.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“He is the Archangel Kamiel. If you confront him in the human realm, as you did before, his restraints will be released. Against Kamiel in that condition…”
The three angels standing beside Kamiel also appeared to be formidable opponents.
“I cannot face those three angels simultaneously, not even you, Nahun.”
At Ersha’s warning, Nahun raised his head slightly. The two angels with two wings each looked like they could tear him apart with their bare hands, but the four-winged angel looked a bit stronger.
And the leader among them, the Archangel Kamiel.
“Kamiel, huh…”
Nahun was familiar with Kamiel. The Archangel of Destruction, ruling over the Sephira that symbolizes divine power, ‘Gevurah.’
In the original game, Ebel Queen Maker, when the angelic war occurred, the invading archangels changed randomly. Sometimes, when Kamiel appeared as an enemy, he was extremely troublesome. Equipped with various area-of-effect spells, it was common for an army painstakingly raised to be swept away.
Nahun firmly believed that this was the most critical moment he had faced so far. As Ersha had said, the moment he displayed his power, Kamiel would throw off his restrictions and be able to confront him with full strength. He had experienced that in front of Mikael.
“…What brings you down to this place?”
Nahun decided to prioritize conversation over combat for now. When he spoke, Kamiel looked somewhat surprised.
“You’re trying to initiate a conversation? How surprising. Rather than smashing everything like that ■■■, you’re choosing to… speak first…”
Kamiel paused mid-sentence, suddenly halting at the odd pronunciation of Nahun’s name when he had called it moments earlier. Even though he had said it himself, he almost didn’t realize the oddity of it.
“…Restraining spell? Why is there a restraining spell on your name?”
“You don’t need to know that. For now, just call me Nahun.”
Kamiel observed Nahun for a moment. Then, as if he had realized something, he exclaimed, “Ah!”
“So that’s why my restrictions were not lifted. Normally, just stepping into the human realm would have allowed the Tree to grant me power…”
Kamiel, who had realized something, nodded.
“So it seems the Tree decided you wouldn’t pose a threat to the human realm in your current state.”
Upon hearing Kamiel’s words, Nahun felt he had gained useful information.
“So there was such a condition.”
If that were the case, it meant Mikael had judged him to be a threat to the Demon World, even while under restrictions. Nahun recalled Mikael’s power at that time and understood that fact.
“Indeed, with the strength perceivable to me now, you could threaten a nation, but you could not bring the world to ruin.”
“If the Tree of Sephirot has judged so, then allow me to go. I do not plan to cause any trouble in the human realm.”
“Hmm.”
Kamiel rested his chin momentarily before speaking.
“And what were you planning to do in the human realm? I need clarity on the purpose of your actions that led you to make your bloodline progenitor.”
Nahun paused, contemplating how to answer that question. After a moment of reflection, he decided that it would be better to speak honestly. Although he wasn’t sure if Kamiel would believe him, he thought it was better than making excuses.
“…I just wanted to purchase some art pieces. Human art is quite different from those of the Demon World, and I found it intriguing.”
“…What? Hahaha!!”
Kamiel burst into laughter suddenly. Nahun, taken aback by his reaction, heard Kamiel say:
“Are you seriously asking me to believe that? ■■■… Ah, you said Nahun, right? You came to the human realm because you wanted art?”
Kamiel could only laugh at Nahun’s answer. How could he not laugh at the idea that such a cold and cruel Demon King was suddenly interested in art? Kamiel sneered as he spoke.
“Why not come up with a more plausible excuse? Saying you came out to hunt humans would sound far more credible.”
“…It’s the truth.”
“Let’s stop the nonsense there.”
As Kamiel did not believe him at all, Ersha quickly spoke up.
“The girl just mentioned it. She was trying to establish a trade contact to purchase luxury goods.”
“Ah… was that so? But the progenitor of the bloodline, I was currently speaking with your master.”
Kamiel’s expression, which had been jovial, instantly turned serious.
“Know your topic before interrupting. Do you think you belong in a conversation between an Archangel and a Demon King?”
Startled by Kamiel’s reprimand, Ersha stiffened, prompting Nahun to step forward.
“Since you don’t believe me, she was merely trying to help me as one who serves me.”
“Did I do something wrong?”
Kamiel laughed in disbelief.
“You need to provide a believable story if you want me to believe you.”
From his perspective, he thought a credible story was needed for belief, but since Nahun had presented such a bizarre claim as an excuse, he found it implausible. Meanwhile, Nahun had nothing further to say since he was telling the truth.
“Nahun.”
“Yes?”
“Fortunately, it seems that Kamiel is not particularly keen on fighting you either.”
“…Indeed.”
If Kamiel had wanted a fight, he would have launched an attack the moment he saw Nahun. The power Nahun carried now was not as strong as it once was.
However, Kamiel couldn’t easily come to blows. No matter how weak Nahun appeared, it wouldn’t change the fact that he was the master of Nehemot. Given Kamiel’s well-versed knowledge of Nahun’s inherent strength, he wouldn’t recklessly attack.
‘Though the strength has indeed diminished, something is off.’
Even though it wasn’t visible now, there was an incredibly powerful aura floating beside Nahun. It seemed to be the monsters known as the “Massu,” which originally followed Nahun.
‘Each one is said to be on par with an Archangel.’
While Kamiel was certainly not someone who couldn’t handle the Massu, if they decided to run amok intentionally, significant damage would undoubtedly occur in the human realm.
Due to this mix of factors, Kamiel was not inclined to challenge Nahun.
“…Once again, I’ll say this: I have never lied to you. I truly only wish to purchase art. If you really don’t believe me, feel free to check at this shop in Babylon.”
Nahun said this as he pulled out the business card of the art shop owner.
“What? Babylon? You went all the way there?”
“I didn’t specifically say I went there myself.”
While it was true, Nahun was restricted, so Metatron wouldn’t have noticed. However, Kamiel seemed to be thinking otherwise.
“Well, if you went that far, Metatron wouldn’t have missed it.”
At Kamiel’s words, Nahun was slightly puzzled.
‘…He must have realized it?’
That was impossible. He had openly stepped onto the land of Babylon and had visited the Pope’s quarters several times afterward. Yet Metatron had never interrupted him.
‘Kamiel must be mistaken, or else…’
It was only possible that Metatron purposely kept that fact hidden. Nahun dismissed the latter as an overly far-fetched assumption and shook his head.
“You cannot allow Demons to roam freely in the human realm. You wouldn’t allow humans to walk freely in the Demon World, would you?”
“I have no particular thoughts on the matter. It’s not me but the Demon Kings who would not tolerate that. After all, that’s mainly a matter between humans and Demons. Do we need to intervene?”
Nahun replied, “If that’s what you should have acted upon, then when Ersha Scarlet was expelled from the Demon World to lead her bloodline into the human realm, all of them should have been killed back then. You allowed them to remain until now.”
“…”
That was indeed the truth. The Demon Kings had never taken action against human adventurers entering the Demon World. What troubled them were not the Demon Kings but the Archdemons.
…Of course, it had inadvertently been controlled by Nahun, but there was no way Kamiel could know that.
“I don’t think either side desires a fight. I cannot handle you in this state, and you would not wish for me and my Massu to run rampant.”
Nahun stated, “Of course, if you won’t avoid the fight, I won’t either.”
“…Hmm.”
Kamiel found this surprising. It made him wonder if this was truly the same cold-hearted ■■■ who would destroy everything that got in his way.
‘The one who lacks power and would crush everything that crossed him…’
He was incredibly calm and collected. His attempts to resolve the situation through conversation seemed far more akin to…
‘…almost reminiscent of Taumiel.’
It was a similarity to Taumiel that Kamiel noted. Of course, Taumiel would have engaged in conversation in a more forceful manner, but depending on the situation, both were willing to converse even with those they despised when their interests were at stake.
“I have one question.”
“What do you want to know?”
“Mikael.”
The name of Mikael, emerging from Kamiel’s lips, narrowed Nahun’s eyes slightly.
“Did you kill him?”
“…Mikael invaded the Demon World, so that was only natural.”
“I see… so it’s true.”
Nahun understood Mikael’s death now. If that were the case…
“Do you know about the angels Jeruel and Tobiel, who ventured into the Demon World and are now missing?”
“Sorry, but that’s the first I’ve heard of it. The angels’ invasions occurred during this angelic war and two years ago near floor 50; isn’t that all there is to it?”
Kamiel scrutinized Nahun’s expression. It was impossible to discern if he was lying or truthful, but thinking about his character, it seemed unlikely he would deceive him in this situation.
‘Should it be seen as the work of the Demon King?’
It was a sufficiently plausible scenario since some of the Demon Kings could surpass even Archangels.
…Of course, this was a judgment error made because Kamiel was assessing based on Nahun’s original character. The current Nahun was a man perfectly capable of lying when necessary.
“Then I’ll take back my word. If that’s the case, would you withdraw?”
“Kamiel!?”
“Why are we letting such evil remain?”
Kashiel and Ramiel spoke as if they could not comprehend the situation. To this, Kamiel did not need to respond, as the four-winged angel, Barakiel, who was in the middle, intervened.
“That is Kamiel’s will. Obey it.”
Upon witnessing the silence of the two angels due to Barakiel’s intervention, Nahun cast a furtive glance at him.
‘Is he of the same ilk as Uriel or Jeruel? The number of wings is different as well.’
Realizing that avoiding a fight was the correct decision, Nahun spoke to Kamiel.
“What do you mean by a withdrawal?”
“Firstly, you must not cross into the human realm again. If you genuinely desire that art, you can send your subordinates to acquire it.”
“That’s all?”
“And periodically, Kashiel being here will ensure that you do not bring anything other than art back. Should you abide by this agreement, I will not impede your actions here.”
“What? Me?”
“Then who else would do it?”
It meant that they would openly monitor what he would do through the angels, but Nahun thought it would not pose a problem. After all, the genuine purpose here was solely for trading art.
‘If there’s anything else I need to utilize the human realm for…’
At that time, he would have Dein and Eri, along with the even stronger Iris. If he intended to scheme something, he could certainly utilize them.
The art business could be conducted solely among the Demons, with them being well hidden until it was time to proceed.
If Kamiel were aware that humans were also under Nahun’s command, he would have added more conditions, but he didn’t know, leaving him an opening.
“…I accept.”
Upon Nahun’s readiness to accept the conditions, Kamiel found it somewhat unexpected.
‘…Was it true that he had no other intentions?’
Did he truly desire human art? Kamiel found it quite intriguing and muttered.
“It feels like you’ve become someone else.”
Upon hearing Kamiel’s muttering, Nahun internally panicked, but fortunately managed to conceal it in his expression. It felt as though, despite it being his first encounter since merging into this body, he was now facing the sharpest words.
However, Kamiel wasn’t genuinely aware of anything; he simply addressed Nahun, who accepted the proposal.
“You may return. But remember, Kashiel will remain here.”
With this statement reiterating the nature of their agreement, it also served as a warning against any foolishness. Nahun nodded slightly and replied.
“I’ll inform my subordinates.”
“Good. Shall we begin the oath?”
The divine power of Archangel Kamiel was manifested. At the same time, Nahun also activated his magic, preparing the contract spell.
As they had discussed earlier, a binding contract was drawn up. Kamiel and Nahun confirmed the contract with one another and declared,
“No issues.”
“Ah, here too.”
The contract was finalized. A mark of the contract appeared on Nahun’s nape, and in contrast, a mark appeared on Kamiel’s palm.
The deal between Kamiel and Nahun ended satisfactorily for both sides. While it seemed minor, it was a significant triumph for Kamiel, having prevented the most powerful and dangerous Demon King from entering the human realm.
Though he hadn’t received adequate compensation for the loss of Jeruel and Tobiel, it might lead to better outcomes for both the Heavens and the human realm in the long run.
“The moment one side fails to uphold the contract, it is nullified by both parties.”
“I understand. You too should see to it properly, ■…no, Nahun.”
Kamiel flapped his wings.
“Return to the Demon World at once. You may leave your subordinates behind, but you cannot stay.”
“…Understood.”
Nahun spoke to Ersha.
“We’ll return together for now.”
“Ah… yes. That works.”
As Nahun turned to leave with Ersha, Kamiel withdrew his axe with a satisfied look.
#
The investigation, which was the original purpose, had also been successful, leading to additional gains.
Knowing who was in the Demon World, he could handle the next angelic war definitively; thus, accidents like Mikael’s would not occur again.
Moreover, the formidable enemy could not cross into the human realm, at least as long as Nahun’s “art business” remained unperturbed.
Kamiel began to slowly flap his wings to return to the Heavens, not forgetting to impart a warning to Kashiel.
“Kashiel, don’t cause any trouble and behave well.”
“Am I to get along with the Demons…?”
“I mean to remain quiet, not to be friendly.”
“…Yes.”
Leaving Kashiel behind, Kamiel took off with Barakiel and Ramiel. As he observed Nahun and Ersha quietly returning to the Demon World, Kamiel was on his way back to the Heavens.
[Don’t do it, Kamiel.]
“…Huh?”
At that moment, a sweet voice whispered in Kamiel’s ear.
[Sending evil away. It wouldn’t matter if the human realm suffered a little. Hurry and eliminate them.]
As the voice rang again, Kamiel realized it was not echoing in his ear. If it were something he heard, the other angels beside him would have heard it too, yet Barakiel and Ramiel showed no reaction.
That voice was transmitted directly into his mind. It felt almost like…
“…”
A divine revelation. Kamiel suddenly stopped flapping his wings, looking blankly at the sky. Seeing this, Barakiel and Ramiel ceased flapping as well and looked at him.
“Kamiel?”
“Is there something wrong with you?”
[Now, go.]
While looking dazed at the sky, Kamiel finally reached out his hand.
[Don’t let our enemies escape, Kamiel. All of it is for the sake of the Heavens.]
“…Muspelheim.”
Kamiel, who had halted his return to the Heavens, suddenly drew his axe once more. The axe he wielded was engulfed in holy flames.
“Kamiel!?”
“W-What is happening all of a sudden!?”
Barakiel and Ramiel rushed to stop him, but Kamiel showed no signs of halting.
「Flare」
Kamiel’s axe, Muspelheim, swung. At the same time, the holy flames split the sky and soared, slashing through the earth. The flames specifically enveloped Nahun and Ersha, who were on their way back through the portal.
KWAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!—!!!!!!
“Kamiel! What on earth…!?”
Upon hearing Barakiel’s belated call, Kamiel opened his eyes wide. It took him a moment to realize what he had just done.
“…What.”
Kamiel’s eyes were wide in disbelief. It was only natural; in his previous actions, there had been no reflection of Kamiel’s will whatsoever…
“Why is my body acting on its own…?”
In a brief moment, it felt as if he were a mere puppet. He quickly understood who the master of the voice that had just echoed in his mind was.
“Metatron? What have you done…?”
“Kamiel, what is happening!? The flames you conjured just burned down the land of the humans…!”
Still dazed, Kamiel looked at the path scorched by the axe and flames he had wielded. The immense blaze that began in the sky cleaved through half of the Holy Kingdom beneath him, as if sliced in two.
It was evident what had happened to the humans living there. It wasn’t just the humans’ problem. The land consumed by Kamiel’s power could no longer support life. The world itself had been struck.
“Wasn’t that monster supposed to be set free? How could this negate the contract…?”
The contract. Regardless of Kamiel’s own intention, this action had indeed broken the contract. Contract magic unquestionably affects both Archangels and Archdemons. Along with the searing pain at the back of his hand, Kamiel felt the divinity residing within him weaken.
Disarray painted Kamiel’s expression.
“…Kamiel, what has happened to you?”
Only Barakiel, noticing something was off from Kamiel’s expression, dared to ask. However, even realizing something was wrong wouldn’t revert the already committed act.
Slowly, Kamiel shifted his gaze along the vast flames he had conjured. He saw the figure standing at the end of it.
“……Those angels.”
Surprisingly, standing unharmed amidst the fire that even his powerful flames could not vanquish was Nahun, holding a dark demonic sword.
“I cannot believe what kind of race you belong to.”
