Shirone, recalling that he had only thought of his own situation, turned to Ikael.
Shirone: "Ah, um…."
Ikael shook his head.
Ikael: "No. You don't need to thank me. This situation is also my fault. I'm sorry that this is all I can do to help. From now on, it's up to you."
Shirone: "Thank you. I mean it."
Shirone insisted on expressing his gratitude. If it weren't for Ikael, he would still be sitting against the walls of Zebul, crying.
Ikael's gaze softened. Even Shirone's stubbornness was endearing.
Ikael: "Remember, Shirone. You probably already know this, but you won't have many opportunities to use my power. Even though your mind has evolved to the next level, Kariel is a meticulous angel. Only use it when you're confident you can save your friends."
Shirone nodded and prepared to leave. It was sad to part with Ikael, but there was no time to waste.
Ikael: "Take care. I hope you can return safely to your world."
Shirone: "Yes. Thank you so much."
As Shirone left the room and the door closed, Ikael slumped down, looking exhausted.
The room, now empty, still felt perfect, but for some reason, it also felt lacking.
Shirone had been here. Recalling the recent events, Ikael let out a soft laugh.
Ikael (thinking): 'I'm glad it was Shirone.'
Ikael's halo opened, and his luminous body began to spin rapidly. A crimson vortex swirled in one corner of the room.
Ikael: "Answer my call, Ashur."
Square glass panels appeared in front of Ikael.
Dozens of intersecting glass panels shimmered and gradually filled with color, projecting the image of Mara.
He was a handsome man with three triangles floating above his head and dark hair cascading down to his shoulders.
Kneeling before Ikael, he bowed his head and spoke.
Ashur: "Ashur. I heed the angel's command."
The boundaries of the glass panels disappeared, and Ashur's figure became three-dimensional.
Ikael: "I need your power. Help Shirone."
Ashur: "Understood."
Ashur answered without hesitation. Ikael's eyes filled with regret.
Ikael: "I'm sorry for asking this of you."
Ashur: "I was born from your concept, Ikael. I will follow any command."
The highest-ranking Maras are direct attendants of the Archangels. Thus, they are among the busiest beings in Heaven, not ones to be summoned lightly.
Ashur, in particular, was Ikael's guard knight, known as Heaven's strongest swordsman. Though his power was currently sealed, he wasn't someone to be sent on errands.
Ashur spoke confidently.
Ashur: "Don't worry. If it's something you value, Ikael, then it's precious to me as well. I will fulfill this mission, even at the cost of my existence."
Ikael: "Thank you. But Kariel is strong. Moreover, Ymir, the King of Giants, is also moving in Zebul."
At the mention of Ymir, Ashur's eyes gleamed intensely.
Ikael: "I don't know what his intentions are in getting involved, but we must be cautious. Ymir has reached the pinnacle of physical power that living beings can achieve. Getting entangled with him won't end well."
Ashur's face showed clear displeasure. He was Heaven's strongest swordsman, but the title of Heaven's greatest warrior was always shared between Ymir and himself.
Some viewed Ymir highly for achieving the pinnacle through sheer physical strength alone.
But Ashur didn't acknowledge it. Someday, they would have to settle who was truly the strongest.
Ashur: "Don't worry. Ymir is no match for me."
Ikael realized he had touched on the warrior's pride and soothed him with a gentle tone.
Ikael: "Hehe, of course, I believe you're the strongest, Ashur. Even if Ymir came in perfect condition, I wouldn't be afraid as long as you're protecting me."
Ashur finally seemed satisfied and stood up.
Ashur: "Of course. As long as I'm here, no one will lay a finger on you, Ikael."
Ikael: "Ah, one more thing."
Ashur, who had turned to leave, looked back at his revered master with a tense expression.
Ikael's eyes, now slightly open, exuded an aura of inviolable dignity.
Ikael: "If you meet Kariel, be sure to deliver this message."