Michael—the legendary archangel, first among the heavenly host since time immemorial.
Aisha and the others still looked stunned, but Tenra, who'd expected as much, remained perfectly composed.
"Archangel Michael, commander of the Seraphim. To what do we owe the honor?"
Tenra's tone was respectful, but his eyes were sharp.
"It's our first meeting, Tenra Kamiyo. Before the three-faction summit begins, I wanted to thank you personally."
"Thank me?"
"Yes. By stopping Kokabiel's scheme, you averted a catastrophe."
"I was simply in the right place at the right time, Michael-sama. You give me too much credit."
"No—you safeguarded world peace. You are truly deserving of our gratitude."
Michael's gentle, earnest smile radiated warmth. He spread his arms, and with a flash of light, a sword appeared, shimmering with divine power.
"This is Dragon Slayer—Ascalon, the holy sword."
"As a token of thanks from the forces of Heaven, Tenra Kamiyo, please accept it."
Ascalon hovered before Tenra, radiating a powerful, sacred aura.
A dragon-slaying sword, famed for its power to suppress even the strongest draconic beings—its reputation rivaled that of the legendary Ame-no-Murakumo.
Tenra was genuinely impressed. As the Red Dragon Emperor's host, receiving a sword designed to slay dragons from Michael was both a gesture of gratitude and, perhaps, a subtle warning—not to abuse the power of the Red Dragon Emperor.
Whatever Michael's true intentions, Tenra saw no reason to refuse such a gift.
"If it's Michael-sama's goodwill, I'll accept it gratefully."
Michael nodded approvingly as Tenra took Ascalon.
"Since the ancient war, there have been no large-scale battles, but skirmishes between the three factions continue. If things go on like this, destruction is inevitable for all."
"Kokabiel's incident was a crisis, but it also gave us a chance—to gather and talk as equals."
"Tenra Kamiyo, you are the current Red Dragon Emperor, with potential beyond any predecessor. I hope you'll join us in protecting this world's peace."
Michael's gaze was sincere, almost painfully earnest. Tenra felt a little awkward—Michael was every bit the idealist, just like Sirzechs.
"I'll do my part to protect this peace, Michael-sama."
Tenra's ambitions were far greater—he wanted to become a supreme god, master of all, turning the world into his playground. But even a playground needed order; endless war and chaos would only be a nuisance.
Michael seemed convinced by Tenra's words, a glimmer of approval in his eyes.
"Asia Argento, Irina Shidou, Xenovia Quarta."
"Michael-sama."
The three girls stepped forward, faces solemn.
Though they'd left the Church and abandoned their faith, they still showed proper respect to the archangel.
"I want to offer my deepest apologies for what you've endured."
"You know the truth—after the Lord's passing, only the System remains. Even with all my power, I can barely keep it running, taking on the roles of blessing, mercy, and miracle. For the System's stability, anything threatening it must be kept away."
"The faith of believers is the source of our power in Heaven. Asia Argento, your healing gifts are remarkable, but in a world without the Lord, your abilities would frighten and unsettle the faithful. To maintain their belief, we had no choice but to exile you."
"Irina Shidou, Xenovia Quarta—you are both excellent holy sword wielders who have served the Church with distinction. But the Lord's death is an absolute secret; because of that, we had to brand you as heretics and enemies."
"My own inadequacy forced you to suffer such injustice. I am truly sorry…"
Michael bowed his head in apology, his sincerity moving the girls.
"Please, raise your head, Michael-sama."
Xenovia spoke after a deep breath.
"I understand now. It was an impossible situation for you."
"When I learned the Lord was gone, I was lost, broken, despairing. But with friends and companions, I found my strength again. I can't remain in the Church, but I'm happy with the life I have now."
"Me too. Thanks to Tenra-san and everyone here, I'm happier than I ever imagined."
Asia clasped her hands together, smiling gently.
Michael's guilt eased at their words, though a faint, self-mocking smile flickered across his lips.
"Bringing you happiness should have been our responsibility, but… I'm glad you found it."
He felt genuine joy for them—though if Michael knew their happiness came courtesy of a certain "evil" influence, he might have thought twice.
"Irina Shidou, I have a gift for you as well."
Michael turned to Irina.
"A gift?"
Irina blinked in surprise.
"I've heard that Vasco Strada fused five holy swords into one, which you now wield as Excalibur. Let me present you with the Blessing Sword as well."
"Though you're no longer with the Church, I hope you'll use Excalibur's power to keep protecting love and peace in this world."
With a wave of Michael's hand, another sword appeared—Excalibur Blessing.
Irina's eyes shone with excitement. If she fused Blessing as well, Excalibur's power would be even greater.
But instead of accepting immediately, Irina glanced at Tenra, seeking his approval.
"Irina, it's Michael-sama's goodwill. Take it."
Tenra smiled.
"Thank you, Michael-sama!"
With Tenra's blessing, Irina happily accepted the sword.
"The three-faction summit will begin soon. Let's end our conversation here."
"See you all shortly."
Michael's purpose fulfilled, he nodded to Tenra and the girls, then vanished in a flash of holy light.
"Ara ara, Tenra, that angel is generous to a fault."
Akeno slipped her arm through Tenra's, a wicked smile on her lips.
Dragon Slayer Ascalon and Blessing Excalibur—Michael really was a good man.
"Let's go. We should get moving too…"
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