Chapter 268
Chapter 268
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 268
Chapter Title: Chapter 6-3. Lust
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"Damn it...!"
A curse slipped out on its own. Even after gathering five fragments, his power was still feeble. Well, thinking about it, that made sense. Though the fragments were carved from a Lord's heart, there were twenty-four of them in total, and he only possessed a mere five.
No matter how much the fragments granted power beyond human limits, facing Metatron—the strongest angel in Heaven, renowned among all celestial beings—was impossible. Who knew? If he collected all twenty-four fragments and inherited Fernern's full power, maybe then there'd be some chance. But that was surely a distant future prospect.
Still, that didn't mean he intended to submit meekly to the power of the Metatron standing before him now. Dying would just bring him back to life anyway. And only 'Sian' knew that fact. So, it should be fine to act a bit more recklessly here. Rather than yield, Judah chose resistance.
"Urk!"
His teeth ground together with a crunch. With Yakal stabbed into the ground, Judah strained to lift his head. The force pressing down on his skull felt like it would snap his neck, but he finally raised his gaze to glare at Metatron.
-Ho!
Impressed by the effort, perhaps, a faint smile tugged at Metatron's lips. It was only natural for him to chuckle in amusement at Judah's irritated expression.
-You wanted to look upon me that badly? Very well. Your courage is admirable, so I permit you to raise your eyes.
"Bullshit."
Hearing those words, he couldn't hold back the curse, fearless as he was. His first encounters with these Holy Kings were turning out to be so utterly unpleasant. It felt like he'd gotten thoroughly entangled with a demon. At least his meeting with Bel-Terza had been far more gentlemanly.
-Oh dear. You should watch your tongue. Unlike the other Holy Kings, I'm not particularly merciful. I mete out fitting punishment to those who act so boldly. If you'd like, I can set that body of yours ablaze.
"......"
Metatron withdrew his holy power as he looked down at the tight-lipped Judah. The oppressive pressure forcing him to kneel gradually weakened and vanished.
"Hoo!"
He let out a long breath. He hadn't done anything, yet sweat poured down and exhaustion weighed on his body. A wry smile formed at the state he was in.
'Bel-Terza was strangely friendly... Why is it so twisted with Metatron?'
If he'd shown subservient respect like he had with Bel-Terza, could he have built a good relationship with him too?
...Probably not.
It might have been possible.
But he knew Bel-Terza had descended to the Middle Realm, even if briefly. By the lore, Metatron disliked the Demon Realm's Lords. He viewed them as enemies to be eventually purged, so belated courtesy wouldn't earn any favor.
He'd likely taken interest from the moment Bel-Terza descended, watching Judah's every move.
'Was it 360,000?'
Blessed by God, Metatron possessed immeasurable authority and blessings, along with thirty-six enormous wings and 360,000 eyes, allowing him to see anywhere in the world if he wished.
Without conscious focus, though, he couldn't process all that information from so many eyes. So, he'd paid no attention until the moment a Lord descended, at which point he learned of Judah.
'Is Sian not blocking that?'
No, perhaps he was.
Orga hadn't come searching himself but waited in this labyrinth.
Considering that, Metatron surely hadn't known what Judah was doing or where he was. But upon learning of the Lord summoning, he'd investigated and discovered Judah was collecting fragments.
He knew the location of the next fragment, guessed the path, and thus sent Orga here.
'That story makes more sense, doesn't it?'
Pure speculation, of course. Judah wiped the sweat trickling down his cheek with the back of his hand, then looked up at him. Despite the threats, he had no intention of forcing a smile or bowing with eyes full of resentment.
"Fine, I'm Judah Arshid. So what? What's the great Holy King want with me?"
"Mind your speech. Showing respect to the Holy King would be wise for your well-being. Only God may address Lord Metatron so casually."
"Ha!"
Orga's words burst Judah into a hollow laugh. Fine, then he could be casual. If Sian was right, he was this world's creator. But Judah figured neither Metatron nor Orga would believe that claim, so he didn't bother mentioning it.
Metatron nodded with a smirk at Judah's informal tone.
-To know who I am yet maintain that attitude. You've lost all fear, it seems.
"So, got a problem with that?"
-No, quite the opposite—it's impressive. Without such guts, how could you collect those fragments? Or... are you acting this way because you believe Sian is protecting you?
"!"
His heart skipped a beat. But if even the first Holy King didn't know that, Heaven had no hope. Bel-Terza had sensed a Lord's aura on Judah, so it was natural for a Holy King to notice too.
-If you were clueless and acting so boldly, you'd truly be swollen with arrogance. Isn't that right, Sian?
Metatron's eyes shifted to a corner of his pupils as he asked. Startled, Judah followed his gaze, but nothing was there—no presence or reaction even after time passed. It could be blatant ignoring or a misfire. Judah leaned toward the former.
-Hmph. Ignoring me, are you?
Was it not just Judah's thought? Metatron narrowed his eyes and rustled his wings of light. In that instant, Judah saw Metatron right before his nose. At a mere step's distance, he tried to swing his sword, but his body wouldn't move.
-Let's see if the one you bless appears even when this fool dies.
White flames coiled around Metatron's right hand. He knew the fist was coming, yet his body stayed frozen. He could only stare blankly as it approached.
'Am I going to die?'
The thought crossed his mind.
─────!
Judah felt the world he saw turn silently ashen. When color returned, Metatron stood far off, fist of white flame thrust into empty air, while Judah realized he was held by someone and pulled back.
"You notice quickly enough. But acting with more caution would have been better..."
A chilling voice came from behind. Turning his head, he saw a man standing in unnatural darkness that repelled the surrounding light. His handsome features and perfect proportions were breathtaking—comparing him to anyone felt unfair. If Judah were a woman, just looking would feel like an honor.
It was the First Lord, Sian, whom Judah knew well. Regaining his senses late, Judah called his name.
"Sian!"
Without permission, he'd dragged Judah into this world, abandoned him irresponsibly, and after the first time, vanished—now appearing for the second time.
'Second?'
A vague sense of having received his help before arose, but with no memory, he dismissed the doubt. Yet even calling his name brought no reaction.
"Excuse me."
Murmuring softly without glancing at Judah, he walked toward Metatron. Holy power emanating from Metatron clashed with the demonic energy flowing from Sian. Orga, staring in stunned shock like Judah, drew her longsword and stepped forward.
"The moment you lift your foot and take a step, you will die."
Sian said lowly. His voice was quiet, yet it rang clearly in everyone's ears. She—the one who had summoned a Holy King with mere words, who in lore had beaten flesh-possessed foes barehanded—trembled in fear of death.
If she stepped forward to protect the Holy King now, she'd surely die.
But if she didn't, her resolve to sacrifice for him would waver. Her choice was already decided.
"For God."
Why say "for God" when protecting the Holy King? Regardless, Orga steeled herself for death and tried to step forward.
-Stop.
But Metatron wasn't just watching idly.
* * *
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#Setting 12. 「Metatron」
If the Demon Realm has its absolute Lord, Sian, then Heaven has Metatron. However, they aren't comparable. Sian's power has no limits and grows stronger over time even without his will, but Metatron's does not.
Their first clash ended without a victor, powers evenly matched. But in the unofficial second bout, Metatron lost to Sian. It might have been carelessness, but the gap widened visibly in the third and fourth encounters.
Metatron was confident against any Lord—even two or three at once—but Sian instilled fear.
Anxious about Sian leading Lords to invade Heaven, he was relieved when Sian, seemingly fearing his own growing power, sealed his body and donned a frail human form.
Seeing this, Metatron thought Sian mocked him and challenged him, but even weakened, he couldn't win. Nor did he lose.
Their evenly matched skills never settled a decisive victor, and clashes ceased after.
...Oops, got sidetracked.
Back to the main point.
Metatron is Heaven's first Holy King.
Not only the strongest among the three, all angels trust and rely on him.
He was dependable. Standing tall, his head reached the sky's end; blessed by God with immeasurable grace. Plus, thirty-six vast wings and 365,000 eyes.
His many wings brimmed with holy power, carrying him anywhere—even across dimensional boundaries.
Impressive wings, but the eyes are more so.
365,000 eyes see all in this world.
Conspirators plotting in secret.
Children running on cobblestone streets.
Fairies lounging amid blooming flowers, gazing at lakes.
Wraiths bound by curses, wandering deathlands.
Trolls roasting today's hunt over fires on barren soil.
Nothing escapes his eyes.
Not just Heaven or the Middle Realm—even Demon Realm corners, if he wished.
A magnificent angel and Holy King. His nicknames attest indirectly:
Greatest Angel, God's Viceroy, Prime Minister of Paradise, Heavenly Scribe, Angel of the Covenant, Pillar of Fire... and 72 more. Impressive, right?
Yet, despite his grand authority and name meaning "One Honored on the Throne," he's neither warm nor considerate. Far from typical angelic kindness, he has a cruel disposition.
Many tales exist, but one: he impaled hundreds of defiant humans at once on burning spears.
Be careful. If you meet him, don't provoke him.
Though angelic in form, his nature leans cruel, not benevolent.
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========== Afterword ==========
1) Haha, Sian and Bel-Terza can descend fairly freely.
Heaven's big boss Metatron should have that level of ability too!
And currently, only Sian and Gabriel know Judah is the creator!