In the grand monastery, the walls shimmered with celestial light, casting an ethereal glow across the vast hall where gods and angels gathered to discuss divine matters.
Towering statues of ancient deities stood sentinel along the marble floors, their stony eyes fixed in eternal judgment over the fates of men and worlds. The silence was thick, interrupted only by the sound of swift footsteps echoing through the chamber.
Hermes, the messenger of the gods, was running. His sandals skimmed the floor as he moved with unnatural speed, his heart pounding in his chest. He burst through the enormous golden doors of the all-mighty God's chamber, gasping for breath.
The all-mighty God, seated on a throne bathed in golden light, barely turned his head as Hermes entered. His presence was calm, almost serene, but a power lurked behind his placid expression, one that could flatten mountains and split seas.
"Speak,"
the all-mighty commanded, his voice like thunder rolling across a stormy sky.
Hermes dropped to one knee, still panting.
"My Lord, Gabriel is dead."
The all-mighty God raised an eyebrow, though his composure remained unmoved.
"Continue."
"He... He was doing his usual patrol,"
Hermes stammered, "watching over the clouds, when he was struck by a force from the side—thrown into a school in Nagoya."
His voice trembled, as he recalled the scene.
"He managed to open a small window to Hell, and some demons slipped through. They attacked the humans and followed Gabriel into the school... where they killed him."
The all-mighty God remained still, his fingers drumming lightly on the armrest of his throne. His eyes darkened, and the light in the room seemed to dim ever so slightly.
"But... My Lord, listen to this," Hermes continued, his voice quickening. "Three ordinary teenagers—humans—were able to lift Gabriel's sword. Together, they managed to kill one of the demons."
For a long moment, the room was silent. Then, with an eerie calm, the all-mighty God rose from his throne. His towering form cast a long shadow over Hermes, who could feel the weight of his gaze.
"You've done well to bring me this message," the all-mighty said softly, placing a hand on Hermes' shoulder. The touch, while gentle, was enough to send a shiver down the messenger's spine. "But if you saw all of this happen..."
The all-mighty God's voice grew cold, like the bitter wind of a frozen wasteland. "Why didn't you save my son?"
Hermes froze, fear gripping his heart. "I... I couldn't..." he stammered. "I knew I couldn't take on Lucifer. I—"
Before he could finish his sentence, the all-mighty God's hand shot forward, gripping Hermes by the throat. He lifted him effortlessly off the ground, his eyes now ablaze with divine fury.
"So you're a coward, is that what you're telling me?" the all-mighty snarled, his voice shaking the very walls of the monastery. Hermes gasped for air, his feet dangling helplessly in the air.
"N-no, my Lord..." Hermes choked out, his hands clawing at the all-mighty's grip. "I swear... I'll make it up to you... I'll do anything..."
The all-mighty God stared at him for a long, terrifying moment before dropping Hermes to the ground. Hermes collapsed, coughing and clutching his throat, gasping for air.
As Hermes struggled to compose himself, Zeus appeared from the side of the chamber, his massive frame stepping into view. His thunderous eyes flicked to the all-mighty, then to the trembling Hermes on the ground.
The all-mighty God's gaze remained fixed on Hermes as he spoke to Zeus. "Keep an eye on that one," he said, his voice low but deadly.
Zeus nodded solemnly, his expression unreadable. The all-mighty God swept past them, his long robes flowing behind him as he made his way toward the gathering hall where the other gods and angels awaited.
The great doors slammed shut behind him as he left, leaving Zeus and Hermes in the dimly lit chamber. Zeus stared down at Hermes, who still knelt on the floor, his breath ragged and shallow.
"Watch yourself," Zeus said quietly, his voice like distant thunder. "This is just the beginning."
And with that, Zeus turned and walked out, leaving Hermes alone in the chamber, his heart pounding with both fear and shame.
Outside, the monastery was already alive with movement. Gods and angels from all corners of existence were gathering, readying themselves for what would come next. The all-mighty stood at the head of the hall, his voice booming as he began to rally his forces.
"The time has come," he declared. "Lucifer has awakened, and Hell stirs. The war we thought we ended centuries ago has begun anew. But this time... it will be different."
His gaze swept across the room, meeting the eyes of each god, each angel. "We will not be caught off guard. We will not be weak."
A hush fell over the hall as the gods and angels prepared themselves for the coming storm, the shadows of war creeping ever closer.
The great hall of the gods and angels echoed with the sound of hurried footsteps, clanging weapons, and divine energy crackling through the air. In the center of the grand room, the All-Mighty God stood, his massive presence dominating the space as his piercing eyes surveyed the assembly. Each god and archangel, from the most ancient to the most battle-hardened, awaited his orders.