章 398: The Holy Realm's Radiant Dome
"What's your opinion on Igneel?"
"An interesting individual."
"What info do we have on him?"
"Sending it over now."
"Hmm, and our attempts at recruiting?"
"All failed, our elite were defeated by him."
"Interesting, send Hank. This will be our last attempt at reaching him."
"Right away."
~ ~ ~
Crreeaak~
The pearly white gates slowly opened. Travis struggled with each step, but got closer to opening it each time. Upon the fourth step the gates swung open and Travis felt two massive sources of power approach alarmingly fast.
Before he could react two golden spears were pointed at his throat. Raising his hands Travis joked, "Warm welcome."
"Abyssal Being! What brings you to our realm?!"
"Not quite, look closer."
Travis didn't fight back, his goal here wasn't to make enemies with the whole Holy Realm. Nevertheless the two angry individuals were none other than high ranking Angels. Most likely the gatekeepers put in charge.
You could tell an Angel's ranking by the wings on their back. It was worth noting that an Angel's ranking did not equal their strength. So high ranking Angels could be beaten by low ranked ones. Rather an Angel's ranking was determined by their deeds. The closer their deeds correlated with the Holy Codex the higher they are valued. In return they are granted additional power, similarly to the process in the Everlasting Abyss.
These angels were around Marquess level, Travis was able to identify this by the four wings on their back. For the easiest way to determine and Angel's ranking was by the number of wings they had. His own senses told him they were around the upper level of Third Stage however, while he might be able to take on one he certainly didn't want to challenge two of that level.
One of the Angels squinted, "He's a Holy Being as well. . . that should be impossible!"
The other pushed their spear closer, "Who are you?!"
Travis smiled, but it was hidden by his mask, "I am not your enemy. In fact, I have come to offer you an accord."
"Speak your business!"
"What if I told you I know of a way to repair the Seventh Heaven?"
This silenced them almost immediately. The Seventh Heaven was considered the heaven of luck, a pride and joy of all the Holy Beings. Upon being destroyed it was said the Angels wept for seven weeks. They had searched restlessly for ways to repair it. So when a stranger came along and offered a way to repair it, naturally. . . their suspicions were raised higher.
"Why should we believe you?"
"You shouldn't therefor why not put me under the command of the Holy Codex to prove whether or not my words are lies?"
This was Travis' final trump card. Those under the influence of the Holy Codex are unable to lie. This naturally meant those under its command normally, such as the Angels.
Additionally he had hoped to gain a bit of benefit from the exchange. If he was placed under the Holy Codex, its energy should assist in the repair of Lumen. Since he technically wasn't lying either he could knock out two birds with one stone. All that remained was the convince them.
"Abyssal Beings will perish under the might of the Codex. You will not handle its energy."
"Again, not fully an Abyssal Being. I wield Holy energy as well. I believe I can handle its might."
The other one threatened, "If you are lying you will be put under trial of the Codex. Now is your last time to admit your lies!"
"I have full faith in my own words. If I am willing to risk so much wouldn't it be worth to test my words?"
The Angels looked at each other. Nodding to each other they put away their spears. One pointed at Travis, "You are to follow us, the moment you try anything suspicious we will strike you down."
Nodding Travis responded, "Crystal clear."
An Angel whistled and a magic chariot appeared through a portal. It was golden, reflecting too much light from the bright Holy Realm. It was being dragged by two golden horses, oddly enough they looked mechanical. Parts of their bodies seemed to take shape of gears. Travis thought it to be more symbolism than anything else. What bothered him most was the unnecessarily bright area. Compared to the Abyss this was like walking directly into the sun.
Motioning towards the chariot one Angel commanded, "Get on, we will be keeping a close eye on you."
Casually stepping onto the chariot Travis rested against its guardrail, "Must be of quite a high position to have access to a chariot."
"Useless chatter."
"If you don't wish to talk I won't speak further."
"Good."
Travis chuckled but held his word. Instead he watched the Holy Realm pass by. The Holy Realms was mostly colored some variant of white. Different shades allowed for him to recognize the difference between the land, but it would be quite confusing normally.
The chariot's speed was pleasantly fast. Perhaps surpassing his own mount's speed. Although it seemed to lack flight. So Travis believed his to be better. Various buildings made of a cream white entered view. Various Angels buzzed about, paying no mind to the grand chariot. Their duties were being complete diligently.
The gates easily opened, showing clear signs of constant use and care. As if ice slid across a wet surface. Perhaps those who rode a chariot were granted immediate access into the city. From Travis' memories players struggled to gain access. Considering very few understood or knew the Holy Codex. Additionally the only way to obtain a Holy race was through the Holy Realm itself.
A faint sensation washed over Travis, although he wasn't sure what it was. Just as he was about to investigate the reasoning behind it one of the Angels shouted, "Entering the Radiant Dome!"
Turning his attention forward a large glass building entered his sight. It was a dome made of several sections, however the glass lacked any support. Like a carefully placed—yet fragile—decoration. Each section of glass was a hexagon, placed together and sealed by magic into the shape of a dome. It reflected the bright light of the Holy Realm, preventing anyone from viewing into it from outside.
The walls were made of a white marble, occasional gold streaks inlaid. The door itself was most likely the more surprising aspect of the whole building. For the doors were. . . brown. Although there was some golden decoration, the sudden difference in contrast was startling and perhaps slightly humorous.
As the Chariot approached the massive doors swung open with ease. Although there was the sound of creaking, as if the material was nearing the end of its age. One Angel smirked with pride, "Welcome Abyssal one, to the Radiant Dome."
Angels buzzed about, Travis noticed that the bare minimum had three wings. It seemed like the Radiant Dome wasn't a place for the average Angel. Moreover the Radiant Dome behaved like some sort of post office. Every Angel was carrying something, or coming back from delivering an item. At first glance their process seemed chaotic, but as Travis watched he began to recognize a pattern to their actions. It was like every Angel was following some sort of path, and when the whole picture was looked at it seemed like a set of gears.
The gear was a huge symbol in the Holy Realm, it symbolized order for them. A steady process of working together for a single goal. Even the Holy Codex itself had a gear on its cover. However all of this Travis would only find out at a later time.
One of the Angels grunted, "Off the chariot, it is considered disrespectful to ride a chariot in this sacred place."
Obediently dismounting the chariot Travis watched it exit through a portal. The two Angels stood on either side of him, having a clear goal to escort him down the halls. Travis put up no signs of resistance and walked along with them. As they walked across the path he noticed a few Angels catching a bewildered glance at him. It was amusing, they must not have expected anything having to do with the Abyss to reach so far into their territory.
The doors had a straight metal golden path leading directly forward. This was the path Travis was escorted across. Any passing Angels gave them enough space to pass unhindered. He was unsure if it was out of respect to the two escorting him, or to avoid him.
At the end of the path was a ornate door. Being lead inside Travis quickly found out it was actually an elevator. Standing within he heard a faint click and the weight suddenly shift. He could guess it was heading downwards, the reducing light was one of the hints. It didn't turn completely black, for a hovering light rested at the top of the elevator.
Another click was heard as the elevator slowed to a stop. The doors swung upon and revealed a much brighter room than Travis was expecting. An Angel nudged him forward and Travis stepped forward. The room was almost empty, a drastic change compared to what was going on just right above. Two Angels stood at another massive brown door. Five wings on their back. Travis' expression faltered slightly in front of these two, for he couldn't tell the limit of their strength. Meaning they were Fourth Stage at least.
One Angel moved their head and stared at Travis, "What business do you have here?"
"This one claims to know of a way to repair the Seventh Heaven."
"So you brought him to this sacred place?"
"They insisted upon being put under the test of the Codex. Additionally they seem to be a hybrid of both an Abyssal and Holy Being."
". . .I shall relay this to the Almighty One."
"We await her gracious response."
Silence spread for far longer than what Travis was comfortable with. He could feel the intense glares of the Angels onto him. He knew that one wrong move and he'll be sent back to a respawn point. If he gets lucky that is.
One of the five-winged Angels then spoke, "The Almighty One has granted her presence. You two may leave, we shall take custody of the hybrid."
The two Angels made a strange salute, "Right away!"
A sigh leaked out of Travis' mouth, "This place is so much more uptight compared to the Abyss."
He then winced, deadly glares prodded him from multiple directions. The two escorting Angels returned to the elevator and left the room. The speaking five-winged one pointed at the doors, "You must open these doors to be granted access."
Travis frowned, "I thought she had granted her presence?"
"This is to prove you aren't in a disguise. Any pure Abyssal Being would find this door extraordinarily painful. If you can open it then it proves you are a hybrid capable of withstanding the Codex."
"Trials and tribulations. . . I assume this door isn't incredible heavy?"
"If you cannot open it you weren't worthy anyway."
That wasn't really comforting. Regardless Travis approached the doors and placed his hands upon them. He felt a tingling sensation in his palms, as if being pricked by needles. Flexing his muscles he pushed the door, it creaked slightly under his strength but didn't budge. Travis doubled his effort and pushed with all his might.
Suddenly it burst wide open, leaving Travis bewildered and his foothold unstable. Nearly tripping over he quickly recovered to see a blinding sight. A woman with six wings on her back turned and inspected Travis.
He felt a terrifying force enter his body, it made his very being quiver in fear. Falling to his knees he struggled to find air. A shadowy figure of a king flickered above him as his War Sight was released in order to protect him.
This caused an immediate reaction to the guards, and two massive spears hovered mere hairs away from the back of his neck. The six-winged Angel raised a hand, "At ease, this one is no threat."
The pressure was released and Travis found his breath again. Filling his lungs with air gratefully he listened to the six-winged Angel. She floated in the middle of the room, her very presence commanded respect and awe. But to Travis it was terrifying. A figure like that no doubt stood at the apex!
She was a Fifth Stage!
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