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Archangel Randkiel

The Golden Holy City lived up to its name, its ancient structures shimmering with celestial gold that was not of this world. Unlike ordinary gold, the heavenly alloy here was infused with a mysterious element, resonating with unique magical energies of the heavens.

While existing within the universe's timeline, the Golden Holy City transcended conventional spatial dimensions, drawing energy from the void.

Walking through its golden streets, one might catch glimpses of angels soaring overhead—graceful beings, both male and female, their white wings blending seamlessly with the auspicious clouds that adorned the skies.

Strolling beside Daniel, Norbert Kyle reverted to his human form, his expression troubled as he remarked, "It seems nothing has changed here."

Daniel nodded solemnly. "True. Archangels like Randkiel have held their posts for nearly two millennia."

"Why is that?" Forseti inquired.

Daniel explained, "To seek an audience with God. Yet, despite Randkiel kneeling at the gates of God for over two thousand years, there has been no response. The gates have remained shut for just as long."

"Has this happened before?"

"There have been instances..." Daniel paused thoughtfully. "God is eternal, whereas we are not. Two thousand years may be but a brief span to Him."

As they walked together, they soon reached the heart of heaven—a colossal golden hall towering over two hundred meters tall. It stood as the pinnacle of the Golden Holy City, constructed entirely of celestial gold and exuding an aura of grandeur that rivaled even Asgard's Golden Palace.

Comparing the two, Forseti couldn't help but notice that while the Palace of God lacked the sheer height of Asgard's, its magnificence surpassed it in other ways. One notable distinction was its enormous gate.

Standing over a hundred meters high, the Gate of God commanded reverence. Forseti wondered at its colossal size, which imparted a profound sense of humility upon onlookers, much like ants before a towering giant.

Without a doubt, this gateway to the heavens could not be forced open from the outside.

At this moment, Archangel Randkiel, the supreme authority of this realm, knelt in solemn vigil before the Gate of God like a statue.

"People used to believe there was no dust in heaven," Daniel sighed, observing the slight dust that had settled upon Randkiel's form.

Forseti understood the implication—two thousand years of kneeling had taken its toll.

"Lord Randkiel," Daniel called out repeatedly, finally rousing Randkiel from his contemplation.

"Do we have a demon among us?" Randkiel inquired, sensing the lingering demonic aura around Norbert Kyle, yet making no move to rise.

"It is I, my lord," Norbert Kyle responded, his voice trembling slightly. "The Spirit of Vengeance has returned from hell."

Randkiel fell silent for a long moment before asking, "Kyle, have you called upon God?"

"Yes, but God did not answer," Norbert Kyle confessed.

Randkiel sighed deeply, murmuring to himself, "Why... why, my Master..."

Norbert Kyle hesitated before pressing further. "Lord Randkiel, can the Spirit of Vengeance return to heaven?"

"Why... answer me, God..." Randkiel continued in his mutterings, seemingly oblivious to their presence.

Forseti felt a disquieting chill settle over him. Kneeling for two millennia was far beyond the capacity of ordinary mortals. He understood then that the burden of such devotion might eclipse the torment of evil itself.

Sensing Forseti's unease, Daniel refrained from introducing him to Randkiel.

"My lord, I will consult with Lord Luther," Daniel interjected.

Receiving no response from Randkiel, Daniel interpreted his silence as assent and motioned for Norbert Kyle and Forseti to follow as they turned to leave.

"Randkiel has long withdrawn from matters of heaven. We must now seek Luther's judgment," Daniel explained.

"Oh, by the way, Forseti," Daniel added, "I should warn you. Lord Luther is a striking woman who doesn't favor clothing much... but she is a lethal angel. Best not to stare."

Forseti was taken aback. "Do you truly think so little of me?"

"Just a caution," Daniel shrugged.

As they walked, Forseti inquired, "Your Archangel has knelt before God's gate for over two thousand years. Is there no way to open the gate from the outside?"

"Technically, yes, but..." Daniel sighed. "To open the gate from outside, one must possess the twin Marks of God simultaneously."

"The Marks of God?"

Daniel elaborated, "They are two rings—one from Lord Randkiel and the other from Lucifer. Both were once God's most trusted, though you know well how things have changed."

"A ring!" Forseti exclaimed, stopping in his tracks.

Daniel regarded him quizzically. "What's the matter?"

Forseti turned his hand, revealing a simple gold-and-silver ring.

This ring had been salvaged from Lucifer's severed arm. Initially deemed ornamental, it had proven unremarkable upon prior inspection.

Could this ring be the key to unlocking the Gate of God?

Observing the unassuming ring, Daniel's eyes widened in disbelief. After a moment, he asked incredulously, "Where did you acquire this ring?"

"I encountered Lucifer in hell."

"And then?"

"I disarmed him, and this ring was among the spoils," Forseti recounted.

Daniel and Norbert Kyle exchanged astonished glances. "You severed Lucifer's arm!"

But now was not the time for such questions. Daniel's excitement was palpable as he beheld the ring. "Let's return and open the gate!"

With renewed purpose, the three retraced their steps to the Gate of God.

"Lord Randkiel!" Daniel approached with the ring, barely able to contain his excitement. "Look at this!"

"Why... why..." Randkiel continued to mutter nervously, appearing oblivious like one in the grip of madness.

"My lord!" Daniel stepped forward, presenting the ring directly before Randkiel's eyes.

At this, Randkiel, initially poised to dismiss him, froze mid-gesture, utterly transfixed by what lay before him.

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