YM778.TV Chapter 722: Round Table (1)
Chapter 722: Round Table (1)
The ceiling was tall and huge and designed in a style that I had never been seen anywhere on Earth. The large pillars were carved with angels, and the walls stood out due to the murals that seemed to be telling mythological stories.
The pictures that kept swaying seemed interesting, but that was where my appreciation of the place ended.
That was what religion was all about. Benignore’s church and other denominations were no different.
Artworks that created overwhelming sights made humans feel like small creatures.
Such pieces silenced them and made them think again about the existence of the gods.
That was normal. The sunlight gleaming through stained glass, the magnificent hymns, the lofty religious symbols, and the divinity that emanated from them… I couldn’t help but notice that everything was calculated.
They were civilized. They had similarities and differences to humans, but angels also had civilizations.
“Isn’t that obvious?”
Demons might’ve also had civilizations… I thought the people who came to save the continent had that of course.
I expected that much, and I’d already done a few confirmations, yet I still found myself being reassured again.
They were rational. It was quite the sh*tty philosophy, but they thought that it was reasonable and that they moved for a cause.
They truly believed that what they were doing would help the continent, hence why they were sacrificing for it. They weren’t moving simply for shallow pleasure and fun.
Of course, I couldn’t confirm that there were no such people, but at least I’d been judged to be doing so. To what extent?
Externally, at least. Yeah, on the outside.
As I slowly walked with Dominions, they nodded and greeted each other.
I stretched my wings toward a space designed to move only when I flew, and I felt my body rising up a little awkwardly.
When the huge door opened, a golden round table came into view.
Not only the four Archangels but also others, who didn’t seem stronger than them but were definitely important individuals, were present.
Dominions sat down. Thronus did the same, as I settled next to Dominions.
“I heard you called a meeting, Dominions.”
“That’s right.”
‘How was she so good at acting?’
If I didn’t know the truth, I would’ve never dreamed she was Lee Jihye.
It was like watching a clone of Dominion’s character, tone, and everything all the way down to her trivial behavior. It was so great that the others didn’t feel at odds against her yet.
“That’s right.”
“It’s been a long time since you called a meeting in person.”
“I don’t think it’s been that long. Relatively recently…”
I felt someone looking at me even while she was talking. It wasn’t the incompetent pigeon Thronus.
‘It’s Cherubim.’
He had long blue hair and was sitting quietly with a bandage wrapped around him. Cha Hee-ra seemed to have beaten him properly. Of course, I heard that Cha Hee-ra’s body wasn’t in good condition either, but…
‘They’re both damaged.’
I thought it was about even. The bandages on Cherubim’s body were a sign that their battle was so disastrous that the wounds couldn’t be fully recovered by divine power alone, so I would probably be right.
There was no hostility in his eyes, but there was irritation. I didn’t think he liked being in the same room as me very much, and he spoke up to confirm my suspicions.
“Why is he here with us?”
“He’s a transcendent who’s surpassed humanity itself. If you ask which side he is closer to, he is closer to us… Since we decided to let him join us, we shouldn’t rule him out. He’s decided to stand by us, and he’s respecting us.”
“We’ll see if that’s the case. Even if he’s repented for his sins and understands us, I don’t think he’s like us. Remember that a person who turns his back once can turn his back at any time.”
“He doesn’t remember anything about what happened before. And… persecuting him with mere speculation and suspicion isn’t our kind’s way of dealing with things. Please keep your dignity, Cherubim, although I understand that you don’t feel very good about humans.”
“…”
“He belongs to us now.”
“You’re a good talker. If he really belongs to us, why control him, Dominions?”
“We are not controlling him. We’re protecting him, Cherubim.”
“I can’t allow it.”
‘You’re the type that is usually the first to allow things to happen, you prick!’
“Don’t speak so harshly, Cherubim.”
‘Don’t pretend to protect me now, you incompetent pigeon.’
“I should be the one saying that, Thronus.”
“No more useless talks. I already made this clear. Cherubim, we are not here to listen to your anger. We have much bigger agendas to talk about.”
It was then that Seraphim, who came in through a huge door, spoke up.
“I wonder what that important story is that made you bring everyone together.”
“…”
“…”
The platinum-haired angel was tapping his finger on the desk after sitting down and wearing his signature arrogant expression.
Maybe it’s a habit. It looked like Seraphim was tapping his thigh, so I felt irritated.
Overall, he looked relaxed, but it didn’t take much time before his expression changed when Dominions answered.
“The fallen swordsman has been resurrected.”
“What?”
“It’s exactly as I said.”
“I don’t like that kind of joke, Dominions.”
“I’m not kidding. Seraphim, I saw with my own eyes that he’s alive, and I lost a lot of comrades again.”
“…”
“Yes, again. Are you sure you used the judgment of sin against him?”
“…”
He was at a loss for words.
His expression was filled with incomprehension and disapproval. He didn’t seem nervous, but his face had been clearly distorted.
I didn’t know what he was thinking, but he was assuming a lot of situations.
Seraphim might be suspicious of how Kim Hyunsung survived and suspicious of his ability, but the probability was small.
He wasn’t the only one that shut up. The incompetent trash, who had heard the story in advance, was calmly listening to Dominions. What was funny was that the faces of Cherubim and the other high-ranking angels looked serious.
“Huh… how did that happen?”
“Is that true?”
“Yes. I don’t know why and how he got up, but the fallen swordsman has been revived.”
“No way…”
“There’s no way. Seraphim, I think you can best explain this situation…”
“I… I’m sure I’ve judged him for his sins. Dominions, he’s been executed by countless judgments. He can’t be alive.”
“But he is.”
“If that’s true, then execute him again. There’s no reason to take it seriously.”
“That’s what you think. Seraphim, how many divinities will you use this time, and how many comrades do you intend to sacrifice? How many of our people do you intend to sacrifice to execute the fallen swordsman once again?”
‘You can’t say anything, can you, you pigeon?’
“I’m not saying this to reprimand you for your mistake, but it’s your responsibility, Seraphim.”
“I don’t make mistakes. Dominions, I’m sure we missed something. He certainly stopped breathing. Another man who sold his soul to the devil may have saved him, or he may have once again drunk the power of the devil.”
“…”
“Of course, the failure to postulate what’s going to happen in the future…”
“Is that all you have to say?”
“…”
“…”
“I was careless. I apologize.”
“…”
“…”
“I wish my apology would be enough for you. I hope you didn’t arrange this to hear me say something wrong. What do you want to say, Dominions?”
“I just want to tell you that things have changed.”
“What?”
“Things have changed. Many comrades have been lost in the first battle, and humans are more hostile to us than we thought. We can continue the battle, but many lives will be lost in the process. Of course, it goes without saying that the sacrifices we have to bear are also increasing.”
“So?”
“It’s not good for either party to be too pushy. They’ll blame us. No, they’re already blaming us.”
“That’s what I have to put up with to save this place.”
“You have to be aware that you’re repeating the same mistakes you made before. There’s nothing to gain from this war anymore but hatred and anger for each other.”
“In the first place, we’re trying to control the human population. Dominions, we are not doing this to gain understanding from them. Now that I’m here…”
“I don’t want their understanding. However, there is a need to change course. I just felt it.”
After a short silence, Seraphim continued. “It didn’t come from your head.”
“Yes, you’re right.”
A slight wince from Dominions was visible. No wonder her eyes naturally began to focus in my direction.
It was expected, but it was faster than I thought.
He probably felt that external influences had influenced her because she was talking about something strange.
He probably thought it was because of me. I didn’t know if it’s acceptable or not, but I had to start talking at that moment, especially since he urged me to speak quickly.
“Tell me, Lee Kiyoung.”
“If you want to, I’ll take the liberty of telling you.”
“…”
“The hard work of those who love, cherish, and strive for human beings and continents…”
“Just get to the point.”
“Of course. However, before I begin, I would like to ask you a quick question.”
“…”
“Is this mission that important?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Is this task as urgent as you make it so?”
“…”
“I’m fully aware of the human danger. I was a human being, too. However, do you think the balance of the continent will be broken in 10 or 20 years?”
“What are you trying to say?”
“I’m just saying we still have time to spare. Yes, I’m talking about whether we should go ahead with half the people being heartbroken. They are different from us. Their lives are finite. Directly speaking, they have an end even if we don’t have to use our hands. Why are you fighting against them and sacrificing what we have.”
“It’s to save the continent.”
“Which is why I’m asking why you’re looking for answers in the way of war, dear Seraphim.”
“…”
“…”
“It’s fun, but I don’t know if it’s meaningful. No one here considers humans to have no end. But they are infinite in a different sense. They’re constantly leaving generations behind and repeating previous mistakes.”
“That’s right, Cherubim.”
“Are you playing with me right now?”
“No way. I’m just saying there’s a hint to that.”
“What?”
“…”
“Don’t let them leave behind future generations.”
“…?”
“Then the population will be controlled on its own.”
“…”
“…”
“It may take a little too much divinity, but how about…”
“…”
“We cut off their desires?”
In an instant, silence subsided in the hall.
“Change the system. It’s about solving the underlying causes.”
I could see some elders looking at me with astonishment.