บท 224: Chapter 224

Matsuzaki looked at the children who were reluctant to leave and spoke gently, "I don't know for sure, but I'm sure that big brother will keep watching over all of you from afar."

The little Loli, who now had the 'Eye of God' on her clothing, looked down at it, blinked, and nodded with an innocent smile. "Yes, elder," she said.

She then took off the magic hat from her head and offered it to Matsuzaki. "I give this to you, elder. Although I don't fully understand, I feel it's right to give it to you."

Matsuzaki was taken aback for a moment, then replied gently, "This is the gift your big brother gave to you, Sasana. The elder cannot take it. However, if the time comes and you need help, you can temporarily lend it to me."

Sasana beamed and nodded happily. "Yes, of course."

---

**Tokyo Area, Urban District**

At this time, riots had erupted in every residential area, showcasing the worst aspects of human nature. Store owners destroyed their own businesses in frustration and despair, setting fire to their stores and smashing everything in sight. The chaos was deafening.

"Burn it all down! Everything goes to hell! Hahaha," one shopkeeper screamed as he set his store on fire, the lifeless body of the cashier lying at the entrance. The sounds of explosions, screams, and chaos filled the air. Cars were burning on the streets, and their horns were wailing in protest, adding a cacophony of destruction to the scene.

There were fires raging in high-rise buildings, and those not marked by the 'God's blessing' had gone mad with desperation. If they were destined to die, they wanted to destroy everything in their path. The Tokyo police force even called in military aircraft and artillery to attack Barbatos, who floated in the sky, untouchable and unaffected by their attacks.

"You damn angel, just die already!" shouted the commander of the Tokyo police force, wildly firing a machine gun from an armed helicopter. But the bullets passed through Barbatos like he was a mere illusion.

Barbatos did not even look at him. He was the embodiment of divine rules, an omnipresent spirit, untouchable by physical force. The people blessed with the 'mark of the gods' were completely out of place amidst the chaos—safe and untouched by collapsing buildings, gunfire, or Molotov cocktails. Those marked by divine protection were unharmed by any harm inflicted by those destined for destruction.

Meanwhile, those who were not marked could only lash out, hurling insults, abuse, and venting their hatred, powerless to do anything else.

---

Takumi walked calmly along the chaotic streets, watching the people who had given in to the darkest sides of their nature, yet he wore a smile on his face.

"Humans are truly the most contradictory beings in the multiverse," he murmured. "They create the most beautiful epics, yet also write the cruelest histories."

He stopped abruptly, looking ahead. A group of people had surrounded a little girl, her white hair covered by a tattered cloth bandage. She knelt helplessly on the ground, surrounded by jeering voices. The people shouted at her, verbally abusing her with vile words because they could not physically harm her due to the divine protection she had received.

"You monster! Red-eyed devil! You should die!"

"Just end your life! You shouldn't exist!"

"If it weren't for you, we wouldn't be facing this judgment!"

The girl trembled as the angry crowd yelled at her, calling for her death. Despite being covered with the divine mark, she could feel their hatred and hostility.

Takumi stepped forward, a golden glimmer in his eyes. He looked at the crowd and muttered, "Ugly. This is truly ugly, but fascinating in a twisted way."

In an instant, the people surrounding the girl turned to ashes, as if swept away by an invisible wind. The ashes dissipated into the air, purified until nothing was left of them.

The little girl, sensing that the people had suddenly vanished, was startled, but then heard approaching footsteps. Takumi knelt before her, brushing a hand gently on her head.

"Why are you smiling even though you've been bullied so much?" Takumi asked softly. "Your smile is ironic to those who want to harm you."

The little girl continued smiling, her voice as soft as cotton candy. "Because, if I don't rely on others, I won't survive. Smiling is the only way I know to show that I need help," she said.

"And... with the protection of the angel, I know I'll be okay."

Takumi patted her head gently, feeling both compassion and admiration. "You're too mature for your age, it's heartbreaking." He closed his eyes, and a golden light enveloped her, healing her eyes completely. The bandage disappeared, and her sight was restored.

The girl blinked, rubbing her eyes, trying to comprehend what had just happened. She looked at Takumi, tears welling up. "Big brother..."

Takumi smiled warmly. "I'm adopting you. My temple is empty and could use some lively spirits like yours. You and your sister can come with me."

The little girl stared at him, tears spilling down her cheeks. "Temple? Are you a god, big brother?"

Takumi nodded gently. "In some worlds, children like you would indeed be favored by the gods. You deserve that, at the very least."

A 'Gate to the World' appeared beside them, and Takumi continued, "I'm not forcing you. Beyond this door lies heaven, but it will only stay open for a day. Only you and your sister can enter. It's your choice."

With that, Takumi stood up and walked away, leaving the gate behind. He wanted to bring more joy and innocence to Sky Island—it had been far too deserted. Although he could create beings himself, they lacked the soul, the authenticity, that fascinated him about children like this girl.

The girl looked at Takumi's retreating back and bowed deeply. "Thank you, Lord God." She then turned and ran to find her younger sister, her heart full of hope.

---

Takumi reached the 'International Starter Supervision Agency' in the Tokyo area. The original plot hadn't started yet, and several characters such as Aihara Enju and Kayo Senju were not yet taken out of the facility.