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Chapter 40 - Lost Grace

Asmo had to now go and find Mammon. They had to do the convergence so that Asmo would be twice as strong as Satan. He needed as much strength as possible. The convergence was the act of transferring the power of two fallen angels into one person. For the process to work, there needed to be unbreakable trust between the two.

Asmo saw no one he trusted more than Mammon. That was why it worked the first time and now Asmo was willing to do it again even though it took almost a century to undo the first convergence.

It was a crucial juncture for Asmo; he was determined to surpass Satan at his own game. Asmo instantly teleported to the clandestine safehouse where he had entrusted Mammon. This precaution was essential because if Satan caught wind of their intentions, he would likely obliterate them both rather than risk confronting Asmo's formidable, ultimate form, capable of stalling two Archangels for days.

Approaching the door, Asmo was interrupted by a call. It was Mammon. Upon answering, Asmo was met with Mammon's exclamation, "Asmo, are you playing some kind of sick joke on me?" Asmo was perplexed by Mammon's accusation, unsure of what he was referring to.

"What do you mean I don't get the question," he asked. "Where are you?" he asked, almost fuming. Asmo was puzzled as to why Mammon, of all people, was angry at him. Asmo answered him while opening the door, "I am right at the door." He heard Mammon scream through the phone, "No!!!!, don't come in." It was too late though, Asmo had opened it and entered into the room. He saw the most messed up situation he could never imagine was possible. A woman who was tied to a seat with hard rope and having her mouth stuffed with foam to stop unwanted screaming looked too familiar for Mammon to not know her. It was Maria Ave! What the hell was she doing here? Before the shock could register in his mind, he saw himself appear behind Maria and setting the ropes ablaze with power emanating from his bare hands, he freed her.

The scene unfolded in a way that left Mammon speechless. He couldn't comprehend how Asmo could show such compassion towards a stranger who had unexpectedly appeared at their undisclosed safehouse in the woods. As Maria rushed into Asmo's arms, embracing him with overwhelming passion and love, it became evident to Mammon that he had just restrained and silenced the very woman Asmo had left weeks ago to corrupt. The realization that she had found them and risked everything despite Asmo's transformation into the Devil left Mammon astounded. The situation had taken an unexpected turn, leaving both Asmo and Mammon grappling with a complex mix of emotions and questions.

The situation had left Mammon struggling to find the right words as he contemplated whether to feel sorry or angry. Asmo, too, found himself at a loss for words. He was taken aback by Maria's unexpected reaction and her failure to flee upon being freed. He wondered if she understood the connection between him and Mammon and whether she realized the danger of being in the presence of the princes of hell. Moreover, Asmo made a perplexing discovery: he did not feel any burning sensation from Maria's touch. This led him to question whether she had lost her grace or if he had somehow corrupted her. As he processed these bewildering events, he pondered how she had managed to find them and why she was suddenly in tears.

As Asmo gently withdrew from her embrace, he held her at arm's length and inquired, "What has befallen you? How did you come to be here, and what has brought about your tears?"

Suppressing the remainder of her tears, she responded, "The day you hurried to extract me from the hotel and did not return filled me with overwhelming dread. I feared for your well-being, dreading the possibility of harm or worse. I fervently beseeched the heavens day and night, yearning to behold you once more, safe and sound, yet I never anticipated..."

Each syllable uttered by her shattered the very core of his being. Had she indeed prayed for him? Had Maria Ave truly implored for the well-being of the Devil, the sovereign of Hell, and the embodiment of lust?

He found himself experiencing emotions that surpassed his comprehension. Could it be that his Father had answered her prayer and brought her here? Why would the Almighty send one of His blessed to seek out the Devil? Nothing made sense anymore. He was on the verge of further questioning her when Mammon's scream pierced the air.

In an instant, he materialized outside to witness Lucifer locked in combat with Mammon. Why was Lucifer present? The intense clash between Mammon and Lucifer abruptly ceased as Lucifer transformed his saber into chains, ensnaring Mammon within their grasp.

Stepping forward to confront Lucifer and release Mammon, Asmo was met with Lucifer's words, "I wouldn't do anything foolish if I were you. I am not here to engage in a fight."

Asmo, undeterred by the threat, demanded, "Why have you come here then? Speak before I lose my patience!"

Lucifer let out a sigh and replied, "Satan is aware of your presence here and is en route to confront you."

"Is that all you came to convey?" Asmo retorted boldly.

"No, he knows about Maria, and he doesn't care if he hurts her to get to you," Lucifer explained.

Asmo's eyes widened at the realization that if Satan found a saintly mortal like Maria in their midst, he would undoubtedly endanger her life.

Asmo couldn't rely on the Archangels to safeguard Maria, as he feared she might have lost her grace when she implored his Father to protect him instead.

"Allow me to escort the young woman away and provide you with a head start before Satan arrives," Lucifer declared callously.