Chapter 316: The Advent of the Angel (1)

3rd-Class Left-Rank Angel, Raphael.

He was a figure renowned in the Celestial Realm.

Was it because he possessed exceptionally powerful abilities?

Or perhaps because he had an exceedingly noble character?

No.

In the distant past, he had initially passed the exam to become a 9th-Class Ordinary Angel.

Just like the countless aspiring angels in the Celestial Realm.

Studying all day in the comprehensive class at the Angel Academy.

Hoping to at least pass the general administrative test.

He finally passed the 9th-Class exam and received the rank of an Ordinary Angel Secretary.

That was how ordinary he was.

And that was precisely the level of expectations people had for him.

Just an ordinary angel who passed the 9th-Class exam.

Initially, he struggled with various civil complaints in the Lower World.

After being promoted to an 8th-Class Archangel, he lived under the moderate harassment of 7th-Class Authority Angels.

If promotions got tangled, he would end his angelic career at the 7th-Class.

Typically, he would be promoted to the 6th-Class Ability Angel.

And if really lucky, he would retire honorably at the position of a 5th-Class Milestone Angel.

That was what everyone around him anticipated.

It was a realistically modest expectation.

That was the entirety of the expectations people had for him.

But the outcome?

It was entirely different.

While he was an ordinary student during his public service days, he transformed completely when thrown into the field of general angel complaints.

He was relentlessly diligent in every task.

He never procrastinated.

He handled all complaints from the Lower World that came through prayers on the same day.

Once an administrative decision was made, it was implemented immediately on the spot.

No compromises were accepted in the process.

He was unmoved by any praise or flattery.

Thanks to this, he boasted unparalleled work efficiency.

The result was an unprecedentedly rapid promotion.

It took less than 100 years after being appointed as a 9th-Class to become an 8th-Class Archangel.

It took only 50 years to be promoted to a 7th-Class Authority Angel.

Everyone was astonished.

But that was just the beginning.

He continued to demonstrate an exceptional ability to process work swiftly and accurately and to manage his departments efficiently by innovating against unfair practices and corruption.

The departments he managed always became models in the Celestial Realm.

The notion of an iron rice bowl for angels became a thing of the past.

As a result, he swept numerous commendations and awards.

He became a superstar in promotion reviews.

He swiftly passed through the 6th-Class Ability Angel.

Then he broke through the 5th-Class Milestone Angel rank.

In no time, he bore the nameplate of the 4th-Class Major Angel.

It took him less than a thousand years to reach the rank of a 3rd-Class Left-Rank Angel.

He even received the position of ‘Director of Lower World Inspection,’ which could be seen as the right-hand man to 1st-Class Minister Chief Angel Gabriel.

A 9th-Class test passer who rose to 3rd-Class.

An entity with an open path to further promotions.

Possibly aiming for the 2nd-Class, or even the 1st-Class Minister position.

Such was the distinct majesty that Left-Rank Angel Raphael displayed in the Celestial Realm.

And now, here in the Lower World, in the Frontera Estate, it was no different.

“Hmm.”

Raphael’s emerald eyes moved.

The radiance he had scattered upon descending.

He scrutinized the beings beyond that radiance.

He saw numerous humans.

He saw skeleton soldiers.

Even beyond them, he saw a Bone Dragon.

He frowned involuntarily.

‘So many beings that defy the natural order—skeletons and Bone Dragons. And humans who don’t fear such beings. What kind of place is this…?’

It was a complete mess.

‘The flow of time has frozen and twisted due to the powerful mana at play here. It’s a headache. Especially that human.’

Raphael’s gaze settled on one spot.

The human who suddenly received the Left-Rank Angel’s gaze flinched.

A question flowed from the angel’s mouth.

“For the public duty of the Celestial Realm, I ask, are you the human Lloyd Frontera?”

…are you? …you? …you?

The holy resonance in his voice spread far and wide.

Thanks to it, the skeleton soldiers and the Bone Dragon shuddered all over.

Lloyd was no exception to this effect.

‘…What the hell! My ears are going to fall off!’

He shuddered instinctively and shook his head vigorously.

His hearing was already sensitive due to his Sword Master syndrome. And now, this being had appeared out of nowhere, questioning him in a grand and sacred voice.

The overwhelming echo in that voice was more burdensome than painful.

It felt like his eardrums were about to burst.

“Guh, uh, yes. That’s right?”

Lloyd grimaced as he barely managed to respond.

In his mind, he wanted to ask what on earth the angel was doing.

Why had he barged into his construction site unannounced?

What if an accident happened, who would be responsible?

He wanted to question all this but held back.

The sacred radiance beaming down around the being.

The overwhelming authority emanating from his voice and entire body.

Those factors heightened Lloyd’s wariness to the maximum.

‘Whatever this guy is, he’s no ordinary being. Let’s not get on his bad side. First, let’s hear who he is and why he’s here.’

He sharpened his senses to the extreme, masking the pain in his ears with a frown as he asked.

“And who might you be?”

“I am Raphael, a Left-Rank Angel and the Director of Lower World Inspection from the Celestial Realm.”

Raphael’s brows furrowed too.

“But you, Lloyd Frontera, and that silver-haired human beside you, have you perhaps visited Hell in the past few decades? There’s a very unpleasant smell coming from you.”

“Uh, that…”

“Never mind. I haven’t descended because of that.”

Lloyd was about to explain, but the Left-Rank Angel cut him off.

He then raised a sacred scroll in his hand.

Unrolling it with a gesture full of dignity, he began to read its contents in a stern and solemn voice.

“Demolition Order for Illegal Building in the Lower World. Builder: Human Lloyd Frontera. Target Building: The Jewel of Truth, Aotearoa.”

“…Excuse me?”

“The specified building is designated as a facility revealing celestial secrets and is therefore an illegal structure in the Lower World. Hence, under Article 8, Section 1, and Article 5, Section 1 of the Special Measures Act for the Maintenance, etc., of Illegal Buildings, it is ordered to be demolished.”

“Wait, hold on…”

“Please note. If you wish to contest the demolition order, you may submit an earnest prayer for an appeal within 30 days of receiving this notice. However, under Article 8, Section 3 of the same law, if the appeal through prayer is dismissed, the demolition order must be executed immediately.”

“What does that…”

“In summary, the Jewel of Truth, Aotearoa, that you are constructing has been designated as a 1st-Class illegal building by the Celestial Realm, and you are hereby informed to cease construction and proceed with its demolition immediately.”

“…”

“Do you have any objections?”

“Yes!”

Lloyd shouted promptly.

He had no other choice.

It was truly absurd.

‘What do you mean, the Jewel of Truth is an illegal building? And that I need to stop construction and demolish it immediately? What kind of nonsense is this?’

He couldn’t understand.

He had painstakingly gathered the key materials through immense effort.

He had finally started constructing the jewel.

It was nearing completion.

‘And now, suddenly, someone descends from the sky, telling me that it’s an illegal building and that I need to demolish it? Did they think I’d just obediently comply because some high-ranking celestial figure ordered it? This is beyond ridiculous.’

He wanted to smack the angel, Raphael, with a shovel.

He wanted to ask what the hell he was talking about.

Why should he need celestial approval for a building he was sweating over?

He wanted to argue vehemently.

But Lloyd did none of that.

Instead of gripping the shovel, he let it go.

Instead of raising his voice, he calmed it.

Instead of chasing Raphael away from the site, he put on a friendly smile.

With a full social smile, he subtly implored the Left-Rank Angel.

“Sir Angel?”

“It’s Raphael.”

“Oh, yes. Sir Raphael?”

“…”

“First of all, thank you for your hard work coming all the way here despite your busy schedule. Have you had a meal yet?”

“I have.”

“Ahaha, I see. How about some tea then, since you’re already here?”

“I have had tea.”

“…Oh, I see. Then instead of standing here, how about we move to the lounge over there and talk more comfortably? We have some plush sofas as well.”

“I prefer to talk here.”

“…Ahem.”

Lloyd coughed with a feeling of spitting blood.

He was internally flustered.

This guy seemed to be an angel, but…

The sudden appearance of an angel was shocking enough.

Demanding the demolition of the building he had worked hard on was even more astonishing.

‘And this guy, he’s completely unyielding.’

There was a palpable sense of uncompromising firmness.

But Lloyd did not give up.

With his social smile still intact, he attempted to negotiate with the angel.

“Ahem, well, there’s something I’d like to ask.”

“Go ahead if you have any questions.”

“Yes. If we were to complete the Jewel of Truth here, would it cause any harm to the Celestial Realm?”

“There would be no harm to the Celestial Realm. However, it would cause significant chaos in the Lower World.”

“Pardon?”

“The Jewel of Truth, Aotearoa, allows one to glimpse even the secrets of the future. The revelation of such celestial secrets could lead to chaos and tragedy among numerous species.”

“Oh, so that’s why it’s designated as an illegal building?”

“Exactly.”

The angel nodded firmly.

Lloyd internally screamed in frustration.

‘What kind of nonsense is that? If it’s dangerous, then ban all swords because they can be used for murder!’

He felt wronged.

Who were they to decide what was dangerous or not?

And why were they preventing him from building it?

Suppressing his rising frustration, Lloyd smiled calmly.

“Couldn’t we just use it carefully? After all, this Jewel of Truth was a legitimate building during the Mythical Age.”

“And it was destroyed. Designated as an illegal building.”

“That was because of the Great War during the Mythical Age…”

“The Great War was instigated by the Celestial Realm’s intervention. It was an opportunity given to the beings of the Lower World to voluntarily demolish the Jewel.”

“What do you…”

“It seems we have no more to discuss. I will proceed with the demolition order.”

“Wait, what?”

Lloyd was shocked.

The Left-Rank Angel Raphael moved immediately.

Passing by Lloyd, he flew toward the nearly completed jewel.

Raising a giant mace high.

His actions clearly indicated his intent.

‘Is he insane? He’s really going to demolish the jewel?’

This wasn’t just a matter of firmness.

His words were unyielding.

Everything was decided by the will of the heavens.

The beings of the Lower World had to obediently follow that will.

…Such was the attitude and actions being displayed.

This truly enraged Lloyd.

‘This is absurd!’

Like a resident in a redevelopment area being driven out with cheap compensation, he felt a surge of anger.

Before he knew it, he was running.

Grabbing the shovel he had set aside.

He ran with all his might.

Dashing past the workers who were already astonished by the angel’s descent.

Jumping over familiar tools and materials.

Finally, he stood in front of the Left-Rank Angel.

But he didn’t get angry.

He chose a much wiser course of action.

He knelt at the speed of light.

Looking up at the angel with a seemingly devout expression.

With a voice filled with genuine sincerity, devoid of any personal gain.

He began to utter earnest and heartfelt words, like setting up a conveyor belt of sushi.

“Father, Son, no, Heaven and Earth, Clouds and Wind, and the angel before me, and all pure souls on this land, I offer my heartfelt and sincere prayer!”

“…What?”

The angel flinched.

A prayer?

Now?

A prayer here?

Raphael looked bewildered and stared blankly.

Meanwhile, Lloyd’s devout (?) prayer continued like a medley.

“Yes, I pray. I earnestly pray to you, Angel. I will continue to pray, today, tomorrow, and the day after, until you hear my prayer. Until my hands wear out and my knees turn to powder, I will pray here. Will my earnest prayer eventually reach your ears? Please say it will, and I will shed tears of repentance and praise your mercy even more.”

“Hold on…”

“And so I pray even more! Until the day my earnest prayer reaches your heart! I will continue to pray here!”

“Hey? Wait a moment, really, just a moment.”

The flustered angel stopped walking and tried to stop Lloyd.

With a serious expression, he asked.

“Is this a formal complaint through prayer?”

“Yes.”

Lloyd nodded swiftly and added.

“Didn’t you say earlier, Sir Angel, that I could submit an official cancellation request through prayer regarding the demolition order?”

“…”

“And it seems my prayer has just reached you. What a relief.”

“…”

Lloyd smiled contentedly.

Raphael’s face showed signs of dismay.

The 3rd-Class Left-Rank Angel thought to himself.

Could this human be a devil in disguise?