Chapter 216 Punishment

"So what punishment should we give to our traitorous friend?" Sera asked after they left the prison cell

"The death penalty seems the most fitting, it would also discourage the other humans from trying something similar." Castiel said and everyone seemed to agree

"Actually, I was thinking about banishment." Synthia said and everyone looked at her strangely

"I think a quick death would be to good for that traitor after what he has done and it wouldn't send much of a message. Sending him into the forest would be....slower." Synthia said and the humans looked at her horrified, realizing just how cruel an Angel can be.

"I agree, we'll do it tonight. Make sure to inform the others." Mr. Ziek said to the seven humans and they slowly nodded their heads before taking there leaves

"What should we do now?" Castiel asked

"I think we should check up on how things are running. Claire mentioned beasts attacking the [Holy Territory] and them eating beasts since they have ran out of food, so I think we should check on that." Synthia said and they agreed. The four of them walked outside the mansion and they could see the difference immediately.

"Well, this might be problem." Sera sighed tiredly as she saw dozens, if not hundreds, of fire bees buzzing around the barrier. They were spread across the barrier, buzzing around and attacking it with their flames, obviously looking for weak spots. And although the situation looked dire, their was two pieces of good news about the situation. One, all the bees that were buzzing around were only tier 3, which means their chances of breaking through were slim, but still existant, especially if a tier 4 joins them.

Two, during the time they were unconscious, the [Holy Territory] has expanded. Once the [Holy Territory] only encompassed the mansion and a large section beyond, now, it encompassed the entirety of City B. This opened new options for the Angels and the humans living inside, as they now had more space to cultivate, live and train. They had a proper stronghold to protect themselves from the demonic threat and they could now properly fortify their defenses.

"Castiel, I need you to head down to do core room and change a few things on [Holy Core]. We have expanded our Territory far enough and we don't want to make it too large as it will make the barrier too fragile. Do you understand?" Mr. Ziek asked and Castiel nodded his head

"I understand." He said before leaving

"Should we kill them now or..." Synthia asked

"No, we'll let the humans handle it. They need the practice. Let's move on." Sera said and they started roaming the city, looking for anything wrong. All the buildings, except for the mansion, were destroyed after Colin's fight with the Corpse Lord, which made it easier to construct new, stronger structures. As they walked, they could see humans here and there, but they mostly sticked close to the mansion.

"I think we've found our next problem." Sera said as she looked at the humans. Using [Aura Vision], they could see blots of demonic energy within the aura of the humans as well as signs of sickness. This was obviously due to the demonic beasts they were consuming. The degree of the aura contamination varied with the most severe cases being the children and although everyone seems to be cultivating, the constant consumption of demonic beasts allowed the contamination to persist.

"We are going to have to do a mass purification, we've got our work cut out for us." Synthia said and the others nodded

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For the next three to four hours, the three of them cleansed the humans as well as the beasts they had in storage. This left them exhausted, but with the aid of the holy energy being emitted by the [Holy Core], they quickly regained their vigour. And soon, the trial to issue punishment to the traitorous saint Darren came. Everyone gathered in the court yard of the mansion where Mr. Ziek used his [Metal Affinity] to create a platform of iron for all to see.

"We have all gathered here today because some among you have betrayed us and almost caused the death of not only us, but all of you. Only one rebel remains alive, as such, he alone will be punished. After a long discussion, we have decided on a fitting punishment for your crimes. Saint Darren, for plotting against us and your fellow humans, your punishment shall be banishment." Sera said and Darren's eyes widen. He knew what banishment meant for him, without the [Holy Territory] to replenish his holy energy, he would be hunted down by beasts, undead, demons and whatever unholy creature roamed outside the safety of the sanctuary. He would helplessly be ripped apart by these savage creatures, with the only thing he can do is beg for them to kill him quickly.

"P-please don't do that, just execute me!" Darren begged, but the Angels didn't care and the humans didn't dare to stand against them

"You didn't have a problem staying in the forest when Kyle told you to, now did you." Kirt said and Darren turned around and glared at him

"Let this be a message to all those who hold similar ambitions. Those who stand against us will be punished without mercy. But there is also a reward for those who follow us faithfully." Sera said and turned around, facing the Claire and the others.

"Enlightened Claire, Tim, Kirt, Roxy, Kate, Mark and Simon. These seven have served us loyally and as such, they shall receive a gift worthy of their faith. They shall now ascend, and join the ranks of Angels." Sera said and everyone looked at her, shocked.