Like two radiant flowers blooming after a nourishing rain, Gabriel and Griselda attended to Tenraku, helping him dress. Tenraku dispelled the "Time Domain" and stepped out of the room, leaving behind the dozen beautiful Angels and Saintesses, still recovering on the luxurious bed.
Though only ten or twenty minutes had passed outside, inside the "Time Domain", Tenraku and the others had indulged in their desire for three days and nights of fervent passion.
Tenraku couldn't help but savor the memory of each Angel and Saintess's unique beauty and flavor. If given the chance, he would love to claim this place as his own, freely enjoying the company of these heavenly beings. However, he knew such thoughts were for the future; now was not the time.
Unseen by anyone outside the temple, Tenraku, Gabriel, and Griselda made their way out, the Angels bowing respectfully as they departed. The trio took flight, heading to reunite with Rias, Sona, and the others in the Garden of Eden.
Descending via an elevator-like contraption, they soon arrived at the Garden of Eden in the Fourth Heaven, where the others were already exploring.
"Ha ha ha... Tenraku-Sama, come join us!" Ile and Nel, perched on the head of a one-eyed giant, called out, their joy echoing through the serene garden.
Tenraku smiled and shook his head, then entered the garden with Gabriel and Griselda.
The Garden of Eden was a paradise, filled with ancient towering trees, exotic flowers, and rare animals. Various mythical creatures lived peacefully here, and plants thought extinct could be seen thriving in this place.
Picking a juicy fruit from a nearby vine, Tenraku took a bite, and the sweetness of the fruit refreshed his senses. The tranquility of the garden made him feel a profound peace, a testament to the divine craftsmanship of the creator.
"Rias, Sona, Akeno, Tsubaki!" Tenraku called, spotting them having a picnic on a grassy field.
"Did you finish your discussion, Tenraku?" Rias asked as they approached.
"Yes, it's all done," Tenraku replied with a composed smile, though he thought to himself, *If only they knew what we really finished...*
"Tenraku, the scenery here is breathtaking. Let's explore together," Akeno said, taking his arm.
Gladly agreeing, Tenraku followed her with Gabriel and Griselda through the garden with the others.
Ile and Nel continued to ride and play with the giant, causing a playful commotion in the forest. Xuelan and Isabela soared above a giant bird, surveying the landscape. Ravel, Kunou, Elmen, and Le Fay relaxed by a stream, their feet dipped in the cool water.
Irina, struggling with a crying baby beast, sought its mother with the help of Xenovia and Asia. Dulio lounged on a tree branch, waving as Tenraku and the others passed below.
The garden was alive with peace and joy. Tiny, adorable Elves flitted about, singing and dancing around the group, adding to the idyllic atmosphere.
As they walked, Gabriel and Griselda recounted the story of Adam and Eve. Hearing the familiar tale in the actual Garden of Eden gave it a new, profound resonance.
"Look, everyone! This is the Tree of Wisdom, one of the two Great Sage Trees along with the Tree of Life in the Third Heaven. It was from this tree that Samael tempted Adam and Eve to eat the Fruit of Wisdom, leading to their banishment by God," Gabriel explained, bringing them to a gnarled, ancient tree.
"So this is the legendary Tree of Wisdom…" Rias and Akeno marveled, their eyes wide with awe.
The appearance of these legendary wonders before Tenraku and the others was nothing short of breathtaking.
"Why doesn't this tree bear fruit?" Tenraku asked.
"Unfortunately, ever since the Master's passing, the Tree of Wisdom hasn't borne fruit, just like the Tree of Life in the Third Heaven," Gabriel lamented, mirroring Tenraku's disappointment.
"Ara Ara, Tenraku, are you tempted to taste the 'forbidden fruit'?" Akeno teased, leaning in close to his ear.
"N-No way, Akeno! Don't misunderstand me!" Tenraku hastily protested, eliciting giggles from Akeno and the others.
After touring the Tree of Wisdom, Gabriel and Griselda prepared to show Tenraku and the others more sights. However, just then, Heaven was rocked by a violent tremor!
"Ahhhh!"
"An earthquake?"
Ravel, who had been soaking her feet in the river, fell in, while Ile and Nel tumbled from the one-eyed giant's back, clutching their heads in pain. The other girls and the animals in the Garden of Eden were equally bewildered, unsure of what was happening.
Earthquakes were unheard of in Heaven. Something else must be going on. A sense of unease gripped everyone, and soon their fears were confirmed.
A shrill alarm pierced the sky, and Angel guards swiftly descended before Tenraku and Gabriel.
"Gabriel-Sama, enemies from the "Qlippoth" are attacking Heaven!"
"What?!"
Even Gabriel couldn't hide her disbelief at the news. "Qlippoth" attacking Heaven? This was unprecedented. Heaven, suspended above the Human World, was fortified with impenetrable defenses. Throughout history, no enemy has ever breached its borders, even during the ancient wars. How had "Qlippoth" managed to infiltrate?
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Gabriel's expression turned serious.
"Everyone, our tour ends here. Gather immediately. We're returning to the strategic headquarters in the Sixth Heaven."
Tenraku and the girls exchanged solemn glances, nodding in agreement. They swiftly regrouped with their companions and departed from the Garden of Eden.
To be continued...
You can read ahead up to 90 chapters on my patreon and I've also activated (date to date) subscription model on my patreon https://www.patreon.com/darkshadow6395