The Seraphic System

The Seraphic System

Chapter: 57

Pa/ t reon details below the chapter if you're interested in seeing some content in advance. I'll keep posting regardless. If you have any suggestions you would like to see added, I will try to incorporate what I can :)

(The Heavenly Library)

Sitting down in the peaceful forest of Eden. I looked at my Shard's progress. 

[Divine Shard] {Progress: 0.3%}

[The Shard of ?]

It slowly became apparent that while smithing did increase it, only relying on smithing was making the progress extremely slow. Barley scraped 0.1% per week and I wasn't sure if that would continue. 

It had been three weeks since I took up my strange apprenticeship relationship with Uriel. My time in Heaven had been relaxed for the most part. My magical training with Uriel was progressing insanely fast with at least a dozen new angelic spells within my repertoire. 

The smithing I had taken up with Uriel had proven to be invaluable beyond just my progression with the shard as my growth in my physical abilities had grown explosive.

While I hadn't forgotten about my gravity bands, the progress in using them was lacklustre to the point I only used them when Uriel didn't have any time to teach me. 

The chaos in Heaven seemingly hadn't died down as with the longer it took to find me or what they thought was their father making everyone more anxious. 

That was what Seraphiel had told me as I still hadn't gone down to the main cities of Heaven. 

It was becoming apparent I would have to make the reveal soon, which was fine. I was mostly worried about my power. The distrust was gone, in place of it was my worry about not being powerful enough. 

Which was why I was trying to learn Angelic Spells along with other avenues. Now I knew I could upgrade the Shard, I'd need to try focusing on that. The more I could get done before I made the reveal, the better. 

On the subject of Seraphiel, I had met Seraphiel quite a few times by now and she seemed to enjoy her time spent with me. 

She was the third person I saw the most with the first being Gabriel. 

I stood up, dusting myself off and decided to take a walk. 

Maybe clearing my head would help me. I enjoyed the calmness of Eden, the sound of leaves rustling in the breeze, the only noise breaking the silence. 

It was just special when you walked around with nature seemingly following you, along with the many animals here. 

After walking for a while, I thought of the Tree of Knowledge. For some reason, when I went on mindless walks I would end up there. 

I had been there three times since with the Angel guarding it, always sending warning shots at me before she got embarrassed and flew away. It was amusing. 

That was why I wasn't nearly surprised when out of nowhere, a spear of light streaked past me. Burying itself harmlessly into the ground ahead. 

Sure enough, Raviel hovered a few feet above the ground, wings spread wide and another light spear forming in her hand. She looked annoyed as always, her sharp eyes narrowing as she glared at me.

"Why are you always where you're not supposed to be?" she asked, with a hint of exasperation.

"Just taking a walk," I said, keeping my voice neutral.

"This path leads to the Tree of Knowledge. Do you think I'm going to believe you just happened to wander here? MULTIPLE TIMES?!" She growled adorably. 

I shrugged. "Believe what you want."

She didn't respond, instead throwing the second spear. 

It flew past me deliberately, hitting the ground harmlessly off to the side.

I crossed my arms. "If you're going to attack me, at least try to hit me."

Her face flushed with irritation. "If I wanted to hit you, I would've."

"Uh-huh." I idly responded. 

She scowled, her wings flaring as she ascended a few feet higher. With an annoyed huff, she flew off, her wings kicking up a gust of air as she disappeared into the canopy.

I shook my head with a small chuckle and kept walking. 

That had become a natural occurrence. The Tree of Knowledge finally came into view, its massive trunk towering above the surrounding forest. 

The bark shimmered faintly and its branches stretched so high that they seemed to merge with the sky. Golden light filtered through the leaves, casting the ground around it in a soft glow.

I stopped a few feet away, staring up at it. 

Reaching out, I placed a hand on its surface. The bark was warm, almost unnaturally. For a moment, I stood there silently, my fingers pressing against the tree.

I did this every time I came here, I wasn't sure why but it helped me focus. 

Sneakily, I took the Hilt out of my inventory for a moment. I made sure that Raviel wouldn't be able to see it if she was still watching. I did this completely on a whim and sure enough, a ping popped up and I blinked. 

I quickly stored it back in my inventory, so no one could see it. 

[Quest Generated]

[Quest]

The Demonic Pit

Description: The tree of knowledge has provided you with a solution to your worry especially since you already have the 1st segment of [?]. 

The second segment of [?] has been lost in the demonic Pits in the deepest parts of the underworld. Known to humans as Hell. Use the first segment to form a portal leading there and quickly relocate the ruins of the ancient war to relocate the second shard. Lest you get stuck there permanently. 

Objective: Find the second segment of [?]

Reward: Knowledge pertaining to [?]

Huh.

So I guessed it worked for a second time.

I had been coming here in hopes that I would be given a quest, it seems my desire had finally been answered. I had no other way of finding a way out of Heaven since downloading a powerful teleportation skill would take ages and probably make my exit very noticeable.

It was also taken up with the powerful download I was going for. 

Also, holy shit. I knew that the hilt I had received told me it led to the deepest parts of the underworld but that sounded intense. So, that meant I could use it to leave Heaven and descend into literal Hell. 

I was missing a lot of information. 

I hadn't been planning on using the hilt and going to the 'True Hell'' that was in the deepest part of the underworld for a while. Considering the underworld was bad enough, I didn't want to know what was sealed down there. Not until I was much stronger at least. 

Now though, it seemed for the progression of the Divine Shard and being able to go visit my sub-dimension I would have to. Hopefully, my mask would allow me to not draw attention to anything that may lurk down there. 

I was assuming that the other segment of whatever weapon this was would allow me to travel out and back to Heaven, the quest's description suggested that if I didn't find it I would be trapped down there.

That certainly wasn't an appealing thought. I would have a short five-hour window to find it before Gabriel noticed me missing, there was also the problem that she would notice my presence gone. 

I would have to test that, which would be easy if I simply put on my concealing mask. That would make my presence vanish and test the reaction that would receive. If I did this frequently and kept it on while I slept this should allow me to condition her. 

There was the problem of the excuse I would need as to why I did this and there was also the major problem that the ability had shown itself to be sealed the last time I used appraisal on it. 

Thoughts for later. 

I went to take out the Hilt before once more I paused, Raviel was still watching. It would be best if I waited until I had some time alone to check it out. 

This was going to need some more planning and preparation, I wasn't as put off as I should be but that was because my semi-divine form had become fully charged a few days ago. Meaning, that if I was pushed I could fight above my weight class. 

I would still look into other options and keep myself alert even with this. I didn't know what was down there or if anything even was down there, 

"Goodbye, Raviel," I said, sending a look to the two eyes peeking out from behind the top of a tree.

She didn't respond, watching me leave the clearing. 

I left the clearing, deciding to clear my mind further. 

The path ahead curved slightly, leading to a small open area with a crystal-clear stream cutting through it. 

"Oh! Kai!" Gabriel called out, her tone bright and cheerful.

I turned to look at her. 

"What are you doing here?"

Gabriel gave a sheepish laugh, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Just taking a break. Uriel's been swamped, so I thought I'd enjoy some fresh air. What about you? You always seem to be wandering around Eden."

"Same reason, I guess. Needed to think."

She tilted her head, her curiosity evident. "Think about what?"

I hesitated. Telling her about the Tree of Knowledge and the quest wasn't an option. Instead, I shrugged. 

"Training, mostly. Trying to figure out a few things."

Gabriel's face lit up. "Oh, speaking of training. How's the smithing with Uriel going? He said you were making great progress." 

"It's going well," I said, keeping my tone casual. 

She laughed lightly, "Uriel's methods of training can be harsh." 

Gabriel stepped past me, crouching by the stream and running her hand through the water. "Eden's so peaceful, isn't it? I love coming here when things get too overwhelming."

I followed her over, leaning against a nearby tree. "Overwhelming? That doesn't sound like you."

She laughed softly, looking up at me. "I know, right? But even angels can get stressed. Especially with... everything going on." Her tone dipped slightly, but she recovered quickly. "But enough about that. How are you finding Heaven? Really?"

I shook my head in exasperation. "You ask me this every week."

She did. It was touching that she cared so much and I admit I enjoyed it when she asked. 

Gabriel's expression softened. "I just want to make sure you're okay. But you're doing great, Kaiel." 

Her face turned playful. "You know, you're going to have to interact with the rest of our family at some point right?"

I chuckled. "Yeah, I'll get around to it. I'm just used to going solo, so I've been putting it off."

We spent the next hour or so just talking. 

Gabriel was as always, easy to be around. 

She asked about my training, my thoughts on Heaven and even what I missed about Earth. I answered honestly where I could, deflecting when necessary.

Eventually, the sun dipped lower, and Gabriel sighed, standing up and brushing off her robe. "I should probably get back."

"Don't let me keep you," I said.

She smiled, giving me a light pat on the shoulder as she passed. "See you later, Kai."

I nodded, watching her disappear into the trees before heading back to my room. Once inside, I leaned against the door, letting out a breath. I crossed the space to sit on the edge of my bed. 

That was fun.

I waited a moment, before raising my hand. 

"vilon elohi," I spoke. 

This was a high-class spell, used to conceal small areas. 

Golden letters covered the rooms. It wouldn't conceal any massive surge of power but it would keep the presence the Hilt gave off confined within this room. 

A concealment dome was made and I took the Holy Hit Guard from out of my inventory. 

Holy Hilt Guard Of ?

Description: The Hilt Guard of ? A divine hilt Guard made of the purest of heavenly steel. A part of the ? Crafted by God.

Abilities:

Key of Hell: Allows the user to cut an entrance into the deepest parts of the underworld, deemed by many as the True Hell (Sealed)

Holy Conduit: Gives the user better control of holy power.

That was another problem, it would see the 'Key Of Hell' ability was sealed. 

I frowned. 

I had the means to unseal it.

[The Adamantine Sealing Chains] (LVL: 26/50) {Apprentice}

Description: The Adamantine Sealing Chains allow the user to manifest powerful chains made of chakra. Additionally, the chains possess sealing properties, enabling the user to suppress and control the chakra of those they ensnare. The chains can also be employed to create barriers and reinforce seals.

[Chakra Chain Limit: 10]

Unfortunately, I had neglected my sealing ability which was evidently a stupid move. I had gotten it past the Novice stage at least. I hadn't had much to practise the actual sealing part on. 

Key of Hell: Sealed.

It was time to change that. 

My Adamantine Sealing Chains were functional, but the sealing aspect hadn't had much practice. I should probably start mastering that considering how it allowed the original God to seal so many powerful beings.

I set the hilt on the floor in front of me, clearing my mind. 

The golden letters of the concealment spell glimmered faintly, containing the aura the Hilt gave off. 

I held my hands out, channelling my chakra.

The chains materialized slowly, their faint golden glow flickering as I forced them into existence. I focused on control. They extended from my palms and wrapped around the hilt guard, their links trembling slightly but holding steady.

The real challenge now was the sealing work. I needed to weave the chains into a proper formation, guiding the chakra into the sealing aspect to unlock the ability. 

I closed my eyes, visualizing the process. 

With every pulse of chakra, I imagined the seal on the hilt weakening.

The first attempt failed almost immediately. 

The chains slipped off, the energy collapsing into nothing.

I patiently repeated the process. 

Once again it failed. 

Again, The chains reappeared, wrapping around the hilt guard with more precision. I guided their energy carefully, forcing the chains to anchor themselves into the faint runes etched onto the hilt.

They resisted, the seal pushing back against my efforts.

I gritted my teeth, forcing the chains to weave tighter, their glow intensifying. I poured my chakra inside of it and even added a bit of angelic mana, surprisingly the chains didn't resist and greedily sucked my angelic mana to empower itself. 

The resistance was like trying to push through a pool of honey as weird as that analogy was, but I kept going. Each pulse of chakra infused with angelic mana chipped away at the barrier, faint cracks forming in the seal.

It was obvious this seal wasn't meant to be broken from the outside. An hour passed. My chakra was getting low and I was forced to substitute more with angelic mana but the progress was undeniable. 

The seal was weakened.

I could feel it. 

Finally, the last layer of resistance gave way. A sharp burst of light filled the room as the seal shattered, the energy dissipating into golden sparks.

I was glad I had used the high-class version of this spell, it was considerably stronger than the low-class one I had first been taught. Otherwise, that burst of energy would have certainly gotten through. 

The hilt guard pulsed.

Key of Hell: Unsealed.

I stared at the hilt.

The ability's description is updated in my vision:

Key of Hell

Allows the user to cut an entrance into the deepest parts of the underworld, deemed by many as the True Hell.

I let out a long breath, sitting back and rubbing my aching wrists. 

The Adamantine Sealing Chains has levelled up x22

I smiled in victory. It seemed that using the actual sealing aspect had boosted the levelling process. That made sense, I had kind of just used the chains as weapons. Which wasn't their true purpose. 

I picked up the hilt, feeling its weight differently now. 

"Good," I said quietly. "One step closer."

Now, there was another objective I needed to complete. 

I felt a bit bad about what I was going to do but I needed to test if she would notice my disappearance.

The best case was she didn't and that she trusted me to be safe in Heaven, the worst case was that she did. Forcing me to make up an excuse. I needed to know before I made my move. 

I retrieved the mask from my inventory, took it out and slid it on. My presence vanished. The air around me seemed to shift, a faint pressure settling in the room.

The door was opened and Gabriel was there. 

Gabriel stood in the doorway, her face pale. Her eyes scanned around the room wildly. 

"Kai!" she exclaimed, her voice tight with worry. "What happened?" 

Her eyes immediately locked onto me. Relief flooded her expression as she rushed forward.

I pulled the mask off. 

So she was sensing for me, that was expected and not surprising with how close we had gotten. I had thought that maybe me being in Heaven for so long had calmed her down but it seems like that wasn't the case.

"What were you doing?" she demanded, her tone a mix of a small amount of anger and a large amount of concern. 

I held up the mask. "Sorry"

Gabriel frowned, "Why are you wearing that?"

I could see she wanted to take it from me but she opted to simply question me.

It was a good thing I prepared an answer even if I felt bad about this entire situation.

"I simply felt comfortable sleeping in it." I replied. "I didn't mean to scare you," I said honestly.

She sighed, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "O-ok, do you plan to wear this often?" Gabriel questioned.

"Just for a little while and only when I go to sleep," I replied. 

She nodded hesitantly. "I understand, I admit. I don't like not being able to feel your aura but if this is to help you settle in I'll bear with it."

"Thank you," I replied sincerely. 

Gabriel rolled her eyes but smiled back. "Get some rest, Kai. And no more disappearing acts, got it?"

"Got it."

She left with a final glance over her shoulder, and I sat back, placing the mask on the table. The test had worked and I had set myself up to gain a small temporary period that would allow me to act without interference. 

I sighed. 

I'll tell her the truth soon. 

For now, I should rest. The chakra drain was making me feel a little sleepy. 

Then, I needed to spend the rest of the next few days getting Gabriel used to my lack of presence, in between then. I think it was time I finally visited the Heavenly Library that resided on the Fifth floor. 

I had been there to train but the place I went to was very secluded, the Heavenly Library was much more populated. 

I wanted to see if they had anything mention this deeper part of the underworked dubbed 'Hell'

Heaven's library should know something right?

-Scene Break-

I looked at the large library standing before me, its towering golden spires reaching toward the endless white expanse of the Fifth Heaven's sky. The building's walls shimmered in the sunlight. Giving the library a pristine pure look. 

Angels flowed in and out through the arched entrance. 

I observed as their laughter and warm voices filled the air. 

This wasn't quite how I imagined beings that have been alive for thousands of years to act, they all acted in a manner that could almost be seen as childish and innocent. 

Groups of angels moved together, their robes swaying slightly as they walked. Some carried scrolls, others tomes, their light steps making no sound against the polished white floor.

I lingered a distance away, hesitant to step inside. 

Truthfully, I didn't want my presence here to draw attention. I knew I was going to meet all my many family members at some point but I simply wanted to slip in and out today. 

I didn't need Gabriel asking me why I was researching the underworld. I glanced around, ensuring no one was looking my way, before slipping into the entrance.

The first thing I noted was that the inside of the library was massive. Which wasn't surprising considering it was a library belonging to Heaven. Row upon row of shelves stretched endlessly in all directions, reaching upwards. 

Keeping my head low, I moved through the aisles, careful not to brush past any of the angels who gathered around tables or browsed the shelves. I listened to their excited voices carrying snippets of conversations. 

As I turned a corner, my shoulder collided with someone. I froze, looking up to see a tall angel standing before me. 

He had soft, angular features softened by the kind expression in his light blue eyes while his blonde hair was neatly combed. 

Ah.

Shit.

I guess expecting to not be noticed was a fool's errand anyway. I would have preferred to go unnoticed but it wasn't too much of a deal. 

"Ah, excuse me." Was all I could say, stepping back.

He smiled, brushing off my apology with a wave of his hand. "It's alright. Are you okay?"

I blinked at him. 

"Yes, I'm fine," I said, my tone more curt than I intended. 

He tilted his head, his smile faltering just slightly. "Have we met before?"

I shook my head. "I don't think so."

There was an awkward pause as we stared at each other. I needed to handle this carefully.

He regained his smile. "I'm Zaciel, I can't believe there's a sibling I haven't met before."

"It's nice to meet you," I replied awkwardly. "Look," I said, lowering my voice. "I'd appreciate it if you kept this little run-in quiet. I'm not supposed to be here."

Zaciel raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Alright. Your secret's safe with me."

That was easy…

"Thanks." I exhaled in relief, realizing how odd this situation was. 

A thought came to mind. 

I might as well ask for help since he knew about me. 

"Actually, since you're here, could you help me find something?"

"Of course," he said, his expression brightening. "What do you need?"

"Do you know where the section on the underworld is?" I asked, keeping my tone as casual as possible.

His eyebrows furrowed slightly, but he nodded. "I do. Follow me."

I fell into step behind him as he led me through the labyrinthine aisles. 

The further we walked, the quieter it became. The chatter of angels faded.

"You don't come here often, do you?" Zaciel asked, glancing back at me.

"Not really," I admitted. 

He nodded, seeming to accept that explanation. "The underworld isn't a common topic of study for us. Most angels avoid it altogether."

"Why's that?"

"It's not forbidden," he said, his voice thoughtful. "But there's an unspoken understanding that delving too deeply into it can lead to dangerous thoughts. Well, that's what normally thought but things are starting to finally go our way it seems. With the return of Father."

I ignored how fanatical his voice became when he mentioned his Father. 

"Dangerous thoughts," I repeated a hint of sarcasm in my tone. "Right."

He chuckled lightly. "I suppose you're not afraid of that."

"Not particularly."

We walked in silence for a while, passing towering shelves filled with texts.

Eventually, Zaciel stopped in front of a secluded section of the library. 

The shelves here were darker, the books older and less pristine than those in the main aisles. 

"This is it," Zaciel said, gesturing to the shelves. "Everything about the underworld that we're permitted to access is here."

"Thanks," I said, stepping forward.

"If you need any help finding something specific, just let me know," he offered.

I shot him a grateful smile. 

"I'll manage," I said quickly

Zaciel hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Alright. I'll leave you to it, then."

He turned to leave and I watched him go.

That was easy…

You'd think they would be more cautious with an Angel so old. 

I turned back to the shelves, scanning the titles for anything that could help me. 

Let's see.

I spent the next two hours reading any book or scroll that had an interesting title. 

There wasn't much on a so-called 'Hell' but that wasn't to say it wasn't mentioned. There were very few mentions of its existence but from what I gathered it was a deep section, the deepest to be more precise within the demonic pits.

What were the demonic pits? 

Apparently, it was a massive place that was considered a deep part of the underworld housing many rare ores and other things but it was guarded fiercely by the uncountable number of demonic beasts.

There was one part that was concerning, every notable entry said not to go in there whatsoever. 

Most Angels who went there to battle the Devil's armies that moved through there had ended up dead. 

"…"

Armies of Angels.

[Quest Generated]

[Quest]

The Demonic Pit

Description: The tree of knowledge has provided you with a solution to your worry especially since you already have the 1st segment of [?]. 

The second segment of [?] has been lost in the demonic Pits in the deepest parts of the underworld. Known to humans as Hell. Use the first segment to form a portal leading there and quickly relocate the ruins of the ancient war to relocate the second shard. Lest you get stuck there permanently. 

Objective: Find the second segment of [?]

Reward: Knowledge pertaining to [?]

Ruins of an ancient war. 

This suddenly felt a lot more dangerous.

My semi-divine form was the only reason I would take this on now instead of waiting until I was strong enough.

Plus I would go unnoticed with my concealment mask right? 

Still, knowing armies of Angels had simply vanished within there was off-putting.

Perhaps I'll do a bit more research to be safe. 

-END-

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