Chapter 13: To Whom Does the Kingdom of Heaven Belong?

I was just thinking: even if Goetia had known the truth about Solomon, wouldn't he have carried out the Incineration of Humanity (Human Order Incineration) anyway?

Demon God Pillar: "Do you feel nothing watching this tragedy?"

Solomon: "Nothing in particular. After all, I don't have the right to. I cannot feel sadness, nor even anger."

Demon God Pillar: "Then it cannot be helped. Since it cannot be helped, we shall do it in your stead"—meaning, they would remake the world into one without tragedy.

Solomon: "I see—I am relieved"—meaning, he was glad they would fulfill the role of the Human Order Correction Formula. Whether he was truly relieved or not is another matter.

Let us take a moment to look back at the issues surrounding the Biblical Faction, including those they remain ignorant of or choose to disregard.

First, the monsters calling themselves Demon God Pillars. Their true nature remains a mystery to everyone but themselves. The Three Great Powers maintain a low level of vigilance toward them; they are currently occupied with countering the Old Satan Faction of the Khaos Brigade and cannot afford to divert extra resources. Furthermore, the fact that they managed to defeat an individual claiming the name of Glasya-Labolas was a major factor. It was speculated that the entities that attacked the original Seventy-Two Pillars, including the First Great King, were exceptionally powerful outliers.

Furthermore, only those present at the scene know the details of the conversation between Glasya-Labolas and the High Command of the Bible. Even if the information got out, what occurred was so bizarre it would lead people to suspect data tampering. While not released as official information, the event was recreated almost faithfully in a certain tokusatsu show. Naturally, that episode's broadcast was controversial. Some argued it was insensitive to the deaths of the originals, while others believed it should be used to promote the fact that they had successfully avenged them.

Next is the matter of the Evil Pieces. At a certain point, strange rumors began to circulate: "The technology to extract Evil Pieces has been established." At first, everyone laughed it off as a silly rumor—the delusion of a disloyal traitor regretting their reincarnation as a Devil. However, the rumor did not fade; it grew. Eventually, an incident occurred where a High-Class Devil was murdered by a former Reincarnated Devil. It is reaching a level that can no longer be ignored. This is a critical matter not only for Devils but also for Heaven, which is currently developing Brave Saints, the Angelic equivalent of Evil Pieces. There are rumors that a nurse in a military uniform is involved in this issue. This nurse reportedly reminiscent of the famed "Lady with the Lamp" of Crimea. An investigation is underway, but it is proving to be quite difficult.

Then there is the disappearance of the Holy Sword Excalibur. The fragments of Excalibur were supposed to have been recovered—but they have not returned to the Church's hands. To be more precise, Kokabiel was supposed to have four Holy Swords, but only three were recovered. The details of the remaining one remain entirely unknown. There is a story about a scion of the Pendragon family fleeing with the family and national heirloom, Galatine, but it is unclear if there is a connection. Compared to other problems, this is considered minor. Aside from those very close to the situation, few showed interest beyond confirming the safety of Irina Shidou, who went missing while tasked with bringing the Holy Swords back to the Church.

Furthermore, there is a secret pact between the Demon God Pillars and the Hells of almost every mythology except the Biblical one. When the Underworld is burned, a series of "misfortunes" will overlap, making it physically impossible for the Devils to seek asylum in other Hells. The Kings of Hell do not know everything about the Demon God Pillars. While they know the Underworld will be burned, they do not suspect that Heaven is intended to be burned afterward. Much less do they imagine that the resulting energy is meant to be harvested. They accepted the pact simply to witness a great calamity befall the Biblical Faction and to gauge the strength of this unknown force. The supplies and technology provided as compensation also played a significant role.

The crisis the Biblical Faction believes they perceive correctly is the Khaos Brigade. While they understand there are two major factions—the Old Satan Faction and the Hero Faction—their focus is naturally fixed on the former. However, the Hero Faction is steadily growing. It has nothing to do with Sacred Gears or the blood of heroes. A true "Hero" was beginning to awaken. Including the ruin that would surely follow such glory, the possessor of the True Longinus was becoming a man worthy of that spear.

Finally, there is one problem that none of the leaders of the Three Great Powers have detected. It is a problem that must be realized as soon as possible: the Church's strongest Exorcist, Dulio Gesualdo, is wavering in the gap between faith and betrayal.

In extreme terms, religion is a tool.

A tool for living. A tool for killing. A tool to put the mind at ease. A tool to incite anxiety. A tool that can move people, gain wealth, and evade sin. It is a tool for starting wars, for continuing wars, and for ending wars. It is a tool for condemning others and, at the same time, a tool for correcting them. Martyrdom might be described as suicide via religion.

"..."

And for him—Dulio Gesualdo—religion is a tool for saving someone.

A war orphan with no parents, he was raised in a Church facility. After leaving the orphanage, he was trained as a warrior in a Church combat training institution. As a believer, his faith in God is absolute. However, he is no fanatic.

The peace treaties and accords Heaven is pursuing with the Devil and Fallen Angel factions—many oppose them, and not a few harbor ill feelings even if they don't speak up. But Dulio thought it was good. Because it is better. Because that way, there would be no more victims. Without war, orphans like himself wouldn't increase, and if peace were established, there would be no more victims of skirmishes.

Even if it meant rendering the blood and tears shed until now meaningless, Dulio believed it was worth it. Or so he thought.

"......"

A few days ago, a man calling himself Lev Lainur appeared before Dulio and offered a certain negotiation.

To put the request from their side simply: when the time comes, he was to leak false information to Heaven.

If it were just this, Dulio would have refused. He is, after all, an Ace. There is no way he could accept such a condition. It might not end with just betraying Heaven or the Church; it could lead to massive casualties. He is not so foolish as to overlook such a possibility.

"........"

However, the problem was what the other party offered to give Dulio in exchange.

It was a Holy Grail.

Not a Holy Relic that caught the blood of the Savior. Not one of the Longinus. It was an Universal Wish-Granting Machine created by those monsters the world had begun to recognize as "Demon God Pillars." A supreme mystic code given the name "Holy Grail" merely as a temporary designation based on its shape.

A reproduction of a miracle that could grant any wish. They claimed they would hand over such a thing just for Dulio accepting the condition.

".........."

Any. Wish. Can. Be. Granted.

It was beyond absurd. It was a cliché, false phrase used far too often. A common, sugary trap. It wasn't worth considering. He should reject the deal and report that man to the Church hierarchy and Heaven.

The man didn't even make concealing his existence a condition. He acted as if it were either obvious or simply didn't matter. Likely, the single piece of false information he provided being leaked at the right time would be sufficient. Therefore, regardless of whether he accepted the deal, Dulio should report the contact.

"............"

He couldn't. It was impossible for Dulio to ignore this deal. It was also impossible for him to leak information about them to others.

Because Dulio Gesualdo has children he wants to save. Children suffering from congenital disabilities caused by their Sacred Gears. Those children, whom God does not save—perhaps an Omnipotent Wish-Granting Machine could. Furthermore, the man had implicitly conveyed: "We have found a way to extract Sacred Gears without killing the possessor." One could even consider demanding that instead of the Grail.

The existence of the "nurse who can extract Evil Pieces" he had been hearing about lately added credibility to the story. As a side note, because of these stories about the nurse, many humans find it difficult to accept the peace between the Three Great Powers. Is there any point to peace? There should be no meaning in stopping the fight.

If peace among the Three Great Powers were established, the technology of the Fallen Angels—who lead in Sacred Gear research—might be able to save them. That might be more certain. But how much time and how much sacrifice would that require? What more can he ask those who suffer every second to endure? After all, if they chose conflict over peace, they could surely repay the sacrifices of the past.

".............."

This negotiation is quite favorable for Dulio. In fact, from the other side's perspective, it should be an incredibly poor deal. He could just take the Grail and not leak the false information. He could pretend to agree just to extract information from them.

But he can't. If he were capable of living that way, he wouldn't be the man he is now.

"................"

He remembers Lev's words. The words that have caused Dulio such agony.

"It is not I. It is not us. Much less is it God or those guys."

"You are the one who shall save them."

".................."

Though Dulio has no way of knowing, Lev sees a bit of himself in Dulio. While feeling pity and wanting to save others, Lev ultimately blew up Chaldea and killed Mash Kyrielight once. Lev acutely feels that even if Dulio were in the same position, he would not make the same choice. That is why Lev brought this negotiation to him. So that he wouldn't make a mistake in the actions he should take.

"...................."

Dulio is not a fanatic. He has no fanaticism or obsession, but he is an Apostle. He has been kept alive by the Church until today. He has fought in the name of God until today.

"......................"

The development where he betrays Heaven is impossible unless something extraordinary happens.

Yes, something extraordinary—unless he is told of God's absence by the Archangel and told to fall and become an Angel. Unless he learns that the Angels were merely usurping God's name and trampling over humans just to protect the "System," Dulio would not betray them.

If he hadn't received the offer from the Demon God Pillar, he surely wouldn't have wavered like this. While compromising, while resigning himself, while accepting, Dulio would have become the "Joker." Because he is that kind of man, he cannot reject that request. He finds himself wanting to accept it.

"........................"

"Fou, Fou-Fou."

Your betrayal has already been passed even within yourself. If you are to move, do it quickly. If you don't—the "Beast" will devour all that you are.

"Report from Dantalion. The Cross is complete. There are no issues, including the owner."

"Report from Furcas. The humans we took in are crying out for war. The recovered wounded are showing their fighting spirit. They are fuming, wanting to slaughter and take revenge on the beings that oppressed them."

"Proposal from Balam. Let us give them the opportunity for revenge."

"Refusal from Marchosias. That would be meaningless. They have tasted pain. They have experienced suffering. No more tragedy is needed. When the plan is concluded, they must remain 'human'."

"Then, I will fight with Goetia. I am stronger than Lucifer or Michael."

"Stay quiet, Ophis. We cannot afford to disrupt the plan any further. It seems we are thought to be members of that 'Khaos Brigade' you were in, but our relationship with you must not be known to the Hells, starting with Hades."

"Report from Zagan. It seems the Three Great Powers are attempting to make contact with Kingu in Kyoto."

"Acknowledgment from Amon. I gave a warning, but anything could happen. Depending on his response, let us arrange things so we can make fine adjustments to the plan."

"Proposal from Belial. We should make contact with Bedivere, Knight of the Round Table. The possibility has surfaced that his summoning format to this world differs from ours or Kingu's."

"Communication from Gaap. His current location is unknown."

"Approval from Gremory. If we face him, I was supposed to be the one to negotiate. I will handle it."

"Report from Forneus. A conference regarding counter-terrorist measures will be held in the Underworld. High-ranking members of each faction are expected to attend. Indra's name is also there."

"Understood. It seems it is finally my turn."

"Concern from Morax. What shall we do about the Greek and Norse pantheons? Even if we neutralize the Indian pantheon, unnecessary intervention from these groups is entirely possible."

"Proposal from Valac. At present, our forces are insufficient to deal with two pantheons. This might cause issues when we burn Heaven. Should we not absorb not only the Hero Faction but also the Old Satan Faction as combat assets?"

"Refusal from Murmur. That is what the Spear, the Grail, and the Cross are for. Originally, those were embodiments for destroying gods. We secured them to reinforce the plan, and they are sufficient even without counting them as standard forces."

"Refusal from Vepar. Both the Greek and Norse are polytheistic. In both, while there is a seat for a God-King, that position is not absolute. Destroying a God-King would only increase unnecessary trouble. Our current forces are insufficient."

"Supplement from Sabnock. There is no issue regarding the combat itself. However, it would be a problem if that combat occurred during or immediately after the incineration of Heaven. The harvest of energy would be delayed."

"Agreement from Caym. Odin is a god greedy for knowledge. To gain knowledge, he hanged himself and sacrificed his eye. To learn about us and that other world, he will choose any means. Zeus is also a god obsessed with strengthening his faction. Depending on our response, total confrontation is unavoidable."

"Proposition from Zepar. I have a good idea."

Demon Pillar Conference (Paraphrased)

Dantalion: "Preparations for the Crucifixion are complete."

Furcas: "The children we’ve been protecting are making a fuss, saying they can fight too."

Balam: "If they have the will, then let them fight."

Marchosias: "I keep telling you—once this plan is over, their hands need to remain clean."

Ophis: "Then, I will fight."

Goetia: "Stay quiet. It would be a disaster if your presence were leaked to the other factions."

Zagan: "The Three Great Powers might interfere with Kingu."

Amon: "I’ve issued a warning, but a conflict may still break out."

Belial: "It might be late to ask, but shouldn't we meet with Bedivere?"

Gaap: "We don't know his current location."

Gremory: "Then I shall be the one to track him down."

Forneus: "The big shots of each faction are gathering in the Underworld. Indra’s name is also on the list."

???: "Understood. It seems my turn has finally come."

Morax: "What should we do about the Greek Pantheon and the Norse Pantheon?"

Valac: "With our current military strength, it'll be a bit tight."

Murmur: "We have the Holy Relics, so we should be fine."

Vepar: "Still, both sides have a high number of gods."

Sabnock: "We need to ensure they don't interfere when we incinerate the Heavens."

Camio: "Odin and Zeus are both gods who do nothing but meddle where they aren't wanted."

Zepar: "I have a brilliant plan."