Victory

Foolishly smiling, I couldn't help but skip around like a damn fool at my victory over Tia, even if it didn't really count since she's been out of the game for a long time. The fact she begged me to stop was everything I could ever want. It was all I needed.

I can ascend to heaven without regret now. My life is complete. All that's left is to get a vasectomy to ensure I'm not popping out any more damn kids. Screw them, little bastards. My seed is too powerful to exist in this world. Only calamity can be found in my spawns. Iza, Ves, and now Altair. Three goddamn kids. No thanks.

I wonder… If I push Tene down the stairs, will the baby be alright? Naw. That won't work. She can fly. Plus, she is stronger than I am.

"Hey, Tia," I said, glancing back at the awkward way she walked, " You hungry? Because I can eat. I'm feeling steaks and beer."

"Fine…"

"Huh? What's that?" I said, halting my step midway. I turned.

"I… I said fine!" She said louder.

Pulling her into my embrace, the little dragon gave a soft moan as her words echoed:" I can't stop… Cumming. Stop touching me."

"Nope!" I replied, ignoring her cries for help, enjoying her flushed expression.

"You're a damn bastard."

"So… Steaks and Beer, right?"

She glared, but as the great Arsene, It was no matter to pierce the veil of her intent: She was starving.

"I'M NOT HUNGRY!!!!"

"That restaurant looks good! Lets—"

Pausing as the aura of that Ophanim I felt the first time I entered this city locked on to me, a gentle voice resounded through my soul. " Greetings Arsene, And Tiamat. I am Laila, tasked with inviting you to the Temple of Mercy for… Steaks and Beer. Odd choice, by the way. It's mid-day."

I laughed, " Never too early or late to drink with a beautiful woman." Not to mention one I just conquered.

"Wipe away that smug smile, you bastard. Just wait. I'll defeat you one day." Tiamat promised, snorting in my arms, unable to tell how alluring her words came out.

Even some onlookers had red faces as they turned away, unable to stop themselves from feeling a sense of lust.

"Well, we accept," I said to the mysterious voice of the Ophanim.

"Are you really going?" Tia asked, lifting her gaze toward the Temple in the middle of the city. "It could be a trap."

"Your nipples are showing, you know," I whispered beside her fiery ear, and her cheeks turned an even deeper shade of red as she jerked her way out of my arms. She folded her arms defiantly over her chest but was betrayed by the trembling of her legs and the arcs of sweat trailing down her forehead down her seductive chin.

"I hate you. Hmph!"

"Sure. Sure. Sure." I mused, not taking her words to heart. She was also like this the last time I won. Tia is a poor loser. Not that I'm any better. I also brood. " Shall we then? For them to recognize us make me curious."

"Well, the snow Family is very well documented. While the average person will not recognize you, the Angels and Fallen have a very long list of your allies, lovers, and enemies." Tiamat said and unfolded her arms as she spoke," According to Zero, your name has been tossed around a lot as of late, as of being the weakness of the Silver Devil."

"Me?" I pointed. "Are they planning on kidnapping this king? They better bring an army, then. Or some sexy bitches. And I mean sexy. I am always looking forward to the honey trap method."

"Of course you are." She muttered and stared at me with an inquiring stare. "Are you really going to fall for the Honey Trap? You know—"

"Fall for? Of course. Because I know Lilith will go batshit crazy. Now that will be a fun sight to see. I can just imagine her summoning all her generals to kill whomever I sleep with."

"..."

"..."

"... does that include me?"

I smiled and nodded brightly. "Yup. Good luck."

…

…

…

Stepping into the Temple, my gaze swayed towards the holy aura of the angel with a bright smile on her face. A hair a river of gold, she carried rich blue eyes and an innocence I'd only seen in children.

"Hello, I'm Laila, an Ophanim of Heaven. I hope you're hungry. Lord Zadkiel said he always wanted to try Korean-style BBQ. You got him quite excited." she said with a smile of interest and exhaustion at the mention of the Archangel.

"So he will be the one joining us?" I mused when I saw Tiamat inch toward Laila with a measured stare.

"... Is there a meditation room I can use? I need to—"

"oh! Sorry, where are my manners." And she pointed to a guard, speaking with haste in her voice. " Show our guess to her room."

'Thanks," Tia said, shooting me a glare before following the guard. Laughter sprang from my lips as I shifted my attention toward the beautiful Ophanim. "We don't want to keep him waiting. Shall we?"

Herding me through the great hall of the Temple of Mercy, lined with various tapestries of angelic origin depicting various historical events, I slowly became curious about who this Angel of Mercy was.

"What's he like?"

"Zad? Oops. I mean Lord Zadkiel." Correcting herself with a cough, Laila forced a laugh. " Well, He's a bit like a kid at times, almost like Gabriel. He is a bit dense and hard of hearing. But he is one of the kindest people you'd ever meet."

I snorted. " I keep hearing good things about him. And I find it hard to believe any of it. Especially after meeting people like—"

"Metatron?" Laila finished, with an icy voice, that slowly slipped away as she continued. "Well, he's nothing like that. Zad defines the Virtues of Heaven. Even though he hasn't mastered them all, he has taken their lessons to heart. And is even willing to dine with a monster like you." Her footsteps paused as she looked back at me. " Tell me. How much mercy, kindness, and hope must one have to dine with a cannibal like you? A murderer who cares not for the feelings of others?"