Upon arriving at Fifth Heaven, Tenraku and his group found themselves surrounded by futuristic buildings that looked like high-tech research facilities. Griselda explained that this was where Azazel and the Watchers of the Children of God had lived before their fall from Heaven.
Impressed by the advanced architecture, Tenraku, and the girls couldn't help but take a few extra moments to admire their surroundings before boarding the elevator to Sixth Heaven with Griselda and Dulio.
In Sixth Heaven, they were greeted by an immense, seemingly endless wall. Griselda and Dulio explained that Sixth and Seventh Heaven were the most crucial layers, and this wall provided their most formidable defense.
Even Tenraku, with all his power, was taken aback by the sheer scale and strength of this barrier, crafted from rare materials and inscribed with countless protective spells. It was clear that breaking through this wall would be nearly impossible for anyone without immense power.
With a series of heavy mechanical sounds, a massive gate within the wall slowly opened, allowing Griselda and Dulio to lead the group inside. Beyond the wall, they were met with the sight of a colossal temple built upon the clouds.
Heaven was home to many temples, but this one was on a different level— immense, majestic, and radiating a sacred aura. Behind the temple, a golden halo of light shone, adding to its divine appearance.
The power of holiness emanating from the temple was so strong that it felt like a protective force to the faithful, but to Tenraku and his group of Devils, Fallen Angels, and Vampires, it was a menacing presence.
Thankfully, the Angel halos Griselda had given them protected them from the temple's purifying power, which would otherwise have been extremely dangerous.
"That temple is where the Archangels reside and conduct their work. It's the central hub of Heaven, known as Zebel," Griselda explained. "Beyond this point lies Seventh Heaven, which only the Archangels can enter. This is as far as we can go."
Rias and Sona, along with the other girls, were in awe. The idea that they, as Devils, could stand in such a sacred place was unimaginable just a few months ago.
"This is incredible…"
"Hey, Sister, are we going inside that temple now?" Ile and Nel asked eagerly.
"Sorry, but Zebel is currently undergoing renovations. The Archangels are working elsewhere," Griselda replied with a smile. "Follow me. Michael is waiting for us."
Although a bit disappointed they couldn't explore the grand temple, Tenraku, and the others followed Griselda and Dulio to a nearby garden. The garden was beautifully landscaped with various flowers, streams, and a serene atmosphere.
In the center of the garden, in a stone pavilion, stood the person they had come to meet: Michael, the current leader of Heaven, a handsome man with twelve golden wings.
"Michael Sama, we have brought our guests," Griselda and Dulio announced, bowing respectfully.
"Welcome to Heaven, Red Dragon Emperor, Princess Rias, Princess Sona, and members of the Kamiya family," Michael greeted them with a warm smile on his face.
"It's been a while, Lord Michael," Tenraku replied, bowing along with Rias and the others. "Thank you for inviting us here."
Michael gestured for everyone to sit. Tenraku, Rias, and Sona sat at the table with Michael, while their Queens— Yubelluna, Akeno, and Shinra Tsubaki— stood behind them. Irina, Asia, and the other girls took seats on the stone benches around the pavilion.
As they settled in, Michael expressed his gratitude, "It's an honor to have you here. Your efforts in maintaining the balance between our worlds have not gone unnoticed. This visit is a token of our appreciation."
Tenraku nodded, appreciating the sentiment. The serene garden, the presence of Michael, and the significance of the meeting made it clear that this was a momentous occasion. The conversation would undoubtedly strengthen the bonds between their factions, paving the way for a more harmonious future.
The once spacious stone pavilion quickly became crowded with Tenraku and his entourage. Tenraku couldn't help but feel a bit self-conscious; their family had indeed grown quite large.
Michael clapped his hands, and several female Angels emerged, gracefully serving hot tea and offering an array of Heaven's unique fruits to their guests.
These Angels, like most, were impeccably beautiful, far surpassing the so-called supermodels of the human world. One particularly charming Angel serving Tenraku gave him a sweet smile, making his heart flutter.
"How do you find Heaven?" Michael asked, inviting everyone to feel at ease.
"It's a truly beautiful place. If human souls come here after death, it would indeed feel like paradise," Rias remarked, feeling genuinely impressed with this place.
"Though most human souls end up in Hell," Michael added with a playful tone. Tenraku and the girls exchanged uncertain smiles, not entirely sure how to respond to this Heaven-style joke.
"Please, everyone, make yourselves comfortable," Michael continued. "First, let me formally express my gratitude and appreciation."
"This has indeed been a turbulent year. Formerly hostile Angels, Fallen Angels, and Devils have moved toward peace, and other factions have joined our alliance. Sitting here in Heaven, having tea with Devils, was unimaginable just a year ago."
"And this is all thanks to the efforts of the Kamiya family."
"You have repeatedly stood against the Khaos Brigade and other enemies, creating opportunities for peace and friendship. The current harmony among Angels, Fallen Angels, Devils, and other mythical factions is largely due to your contributions."
Michael's generous praise caught Tenraku and the girls off guard, making them a bit bashful. While they had indeed been fighting constantly, it was often because their enemies came to them, and they were merely protecting themselves and those they cared about.
Now, it seemed they had inadvertently become heroic figures...
**To be continued...**
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