To say that Iscariot was furious would be an understatement. At first they let the wounded demon leave the town, while keeping him inside and now the search team returned an hour ago saying that the trace left by the demon vanished in the old ruins. How could they lose a purple snake that leaves destruction everywhere he goes is still beyond him. Mentioning the black gryphon that came out of nowhere and also vanished was just rubbing salt into his injuries.

For the time being, he sat on the wall encircling Potok trying his best to calm down. Though his grip still threatened Longinus's pole to break. Could this day be any worse? Of course it will, maybe even quicker than he would prefer.

Iscariot heard his title being called over and over again. Looking down he saw a scrawny looking boy wearing white robes with a golden cross going through their entire length. A messenger from the very Vatican itself if the angel was to judge him by his clothes. If that was the case then that would explain why he felt a portal open not so long ago but, just what could they want from him now? The youngster stopped before the wall and raising his hands up showed something. From the height Iscariot could only tell that it was probably a scroll. If they bothered to write him a scroll, then it was more serious than he expected. Angel jumped down and took the scroll.

A beautiful white parchment instead of typical skin already indicated that whatever was inside was ordered by the Holy See itself. Though the golden seal was the biggest giveaway, only reserved for things of highest order. Iscariot ripped off the seal without much of a thought and let the scroll roll down. The more he read the more his claw-like fingers dared to rip the scroll in half. Finishing it he let out an agitated sigh.

- Is something the matter Iscariot, sir?- the youngster asked, taking the scroll away from the angel.

- Did they tell something more- Iscariot's voice while cold kept his stoic tone.

- No sir, only to open portal when you are ready

- Then open it. The faster I'll be done with the better- even before Iscariot got to finish his sentence the messenger already opened the golden rift which warped everything around it. The virtue stepped in with the youngster following soon after.Iscariot stepped out right before the pope who already sat in his chair, awaiting the angel. The youngster stood behind the virtue and right next to the pope was another tall figure covered from head to toe in white robes.

- Virtue Iscariot, the stories about the demon causing mayhem in my kingdom have reached me. I can safely assume that it has been taken care of? King Leopold has informed you about your little...escapade if you will- virtue scoffed. At this point it wasn't simply rubbing salt, but covering him entirely in it.

- If you have contacted me then you should know the answer

- Of course I do, what I'd love to hear is why have you failed to kill one demon?- if virtue could he would grit his teeth at the moment. He didn't fail, the fortune just wasn't on his side that time.

- Let's just say that there was an unexpected and unfortunate turn of events which I couldn't have foreseen

- And by that do you mean the companions of the demon you were supposed to kill

- You are weirdly knowledgeable about situations in which you were not involved- Iscariot's patience was at its limits as of now. For how much longer would this farce go? Couldn't they all see that he had a demon to hunt?

- You seem to forget that I am the head of this kingdom. Every situation regarding demons and angels has to be reported to me

- So if you know it all, why have you called me here?

- There is something I would like you to do. Think of it as your punishment- Iscariot had not answered though it was clear that he didn't really care what the punishment was. As long as it didn't go in his way of hunting Phantom it was meaningless- I want you to gather every angel in proximity and alongside with helping my messengers spread the word about upcoming recruitment to the newly created legion

- A recruitment? I didn't know we were going to war? Though angels are not necessary to defeat Kohryu

- It isn't war nor do we fight against Kohryu. You see, the demon that came to Arabia had been much more active in recent months. Sultan Abdul has come to me with a favor of getting rid of him. Of course for a favor of such scale we will get quarter of upper Arabia, of our choosing

- So that's all? You want to create an entire army to kill one demon?

- I knew you wouldn't understand, but the more losses on our side the greater reparations we will get. Of course you lot, will get to kill as many heathens and demons as you will want- the virtue laughed, its echo filling the chamber. That was barely a punishment. In fact it was much closer to a reward. A horrible plan it was, but it was a plan he could get behind. Arabia after all was filled to the brim with demons. His day just got better.

- You should have just said so from the very beginning. Even write it in the scroll. No one would dare to open a scroll with a golden seal anyway

- Some discretion had to be taken. I don't have to add that I expect you to keep hush about the true nature of legion

- If I haven't said anything about Sandalphon, then you have nothing to worry about- seeing how the pope's eyes widened at the mention of Sandalphon was priceless. Granted that they have taken all necessary safety measures, but it seemed like none of them had taken into account just how enormous was Sandalphon's aura to begin with. One had to be a fool to not notice it spreading all around the Vatican- When should I begin? It'll be better than sitting in that damned town anyway

- Now if you can. Of course officially it is all in righteous sake and we want to keep potential losses to minimum. Though what happens on battlefield, happens

- Understood, though when our little "war" starts?

- If everything will go according to the plan, then the very next moon- Iscariot bowed, though there was no respect in his bow and left the chamber in a rather good mood. Silicius and the messenger waited for a good while until the pope with a wave of the hand ordered the young boy to come closer.

- If by any chance Iscariot would to blackmail us with Sandalphon he is to be reported immediately

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

- Of course your holiness, but is telling him about our plan really necessary? Should he chose to go against us and act on his own accord would be troublesome for us

- Don't worry about that Antonio, for that case we have someone who would dispatch him without further troubles- as Silicius spoke, from the robbed figure short but wide and rounded beak seemed to grow from under the hood. The figure smiled wide, revealing a row of massive sharp teeth.

Iscariot traversed through the long corridor filled with statues. If he was to start now, he should at least ask what angels are stationed where. He doubted for them to be many, maybe five at most. Much more were in Heaven at the time. Maybe he could ask a few of them there? Baraqiel surely would have joined him and so would Sahaquiel. Virtue pushed open the old wooden doors leading to a rather spacious chamber. It resembled more of a storage room or even small library, seeing how scrolls and books have been everywhere. In the middle of them all was sitting a blonde woman in white dress.

- Sir Iscariot, I'm honored that you have come here, though my I ask what's the reason- she stood up and bowed, yet virtue paid little to no mind to her. Instead he was going through scrolls as if they were his own.

- Don't waste time on that Beatrice, just give me a list with most recent stationing of angels

- It is related to the new legion, I presume?- Beatrice only took a short while to find the right scroll. How she always did that was a mystery to virtue.

- Yes, yes, I guess you know all of that

- But of course, though I can't help but wonder why they choose you to spread the message, instead you know, use telepathy

- Probably thought that I have nothing to do- Iscariot took the scroll and went for the exit. It either was the reason or they didn't want him to stay in one place for too long as he knew too much- I assume that you are not taking a part in it?

- Of course not, after all someone has to look after mistress Anastasia

- Ah yes that little brat is still around. Tell her to not use real spears unless I am around- Iscariot added. It's not like he cared for her, she had Beatrice for that, but being a spear wielder himself he couldn't stand seeing how she handled such a delicate and elegant weapon like a brute. Returning to the youngster, virtue ordered him to open the portal to Potok. As Antonio casted the spell, Iscariot took a quick glance at the scroll. Pretty much none of the names here were familiar to him. Though one ringed in his memory. This whole Alcadeias. He could swear that he heard it before.Reappearing in Potok Iscariot was a witness to quite a commotion. The steel clad behemoth and the captain were already spreading the word about the legion, helped by many messengers from Vatican and even more from Otto. Wasting no time, Iscariot went closer to them.

- My brothers and sister. His holiness Silicius had blessed us with truly honorable favor. Those who wish to help keep the Vatican and the entire earth free from demons shall take up their blades and come with the most honorable angels to the God forsaken lands of Arabia. Together we shall free this land from heathens and demons as this is what pope Silicius expects from us. Those strong in faith are to go to the town hall and await military check up. From there they will be sent to the Vatican for training and the very next moon move into Arabia as the newly formed Legion of Divine Will. Of course doing so will be rewarded with eternal solitude and fortune of which no mad had dreamed- Victor spoke with vigor, oblivious to the true nature of the legion he was talking about. Noticing the virtue approach he stopped talking, the murmur between people growing louder and louder. Iscariot from there already could see a bunch of fools ready to forfeit their life. Mostly so called adventures with no better plan in life than to go and hunt monsters. Though he did spot a bunch of people coming from rather noble families if he was to judge them by their clothes. A few casualties were already more than sure.

- Where is the copper one and the green one?- their absence intrigued the virtue. He would think that the copper one would take the lead, seeing as he seemed like the most competent from the four.

- About that- Victor went closer, so that whatever he had to tell would only be hearable between them- We sent messengers to Silesia, but it was burned down. Champion Rose didn't take that well and Champion Typhoon...- Iscariot cut him off and walked away.

- I get it, forget that I asked- humans and their problems. One town was gone so what? There was a greater problem at hand.

As Iscariot was about to make his way towards the various angels, the messenger of Otto showed their worth, already spreading the word among various villages and towns. Potok was already informed and so were Vendetta with its knights and famous dragon hunters, the great Rzeka being one of the largest towns in Otto also had its fair share of messengers coming around. Along them Tatrae surrounded by mountains, Kolec resting in the meadows, Buk with its highest wall and many, many more towns. Only for now did the soundly village of St. Peter seems to be omitted by the call to arms. Though even then father Simon has been contacted by the messengers about a potential visit from virtue Iscariot. Having heard that, he had no other option than to call Alcadeias to him.

- Father Simon, I understand your concern but I have to refuse

- Alcadeias, this isn't a simple matter. It is an order coming from Vatican itself

- Yes I am aware of that. My say in this still isn't changed

- Alcadeias, I know you are opposed to senseless killing. You won't have to kill if you go. Just your presence will be enough

- If that is so, then there truly is no reason for me to come, I wouldn't even be of use as a medical help. I have worked with sir Iscariot before and I'm sure he will understand my reasoning to not participate in that

- If you say so- Simon let out a defeated sigh. Of course he expected for it to be the result. Alcadeias after all was as far from a battlefield as he physically could. If only virtue, Iscariot would also understand that.

As for the virtue himself, Iscariot entered an empty street after feeling the aura of Lamb in the area. This demon was either brave or foolish for making himself noticeable on such a busy day like this. The angels could wait for now, he had to check the potential threat. It didn't take him long to spot the skeleton. He was sitting right next to the wall in what was probably the poorest part of Potok with all of its buildings run down. Though he was glad that any homeless people were taken away from there, no need for any additional fuss.

- Little shadow on the ground who gives notice of the light, yet light won't know, won't see, won't feel. What do you want? A physical body do you want?- the Lamb was talking to the small shadow. He put his hand over it and dragged it out, giving the shapeless form body of a mice. Iscariot, baffled by what he saw, stopped in his tracks. Granted that he knew next to nothing about umbramancy but he doubted it to be a normal behavior.

- Look little shadow, a virtue has returned

- And what are you doing out in the open? Do you want to lose a head?

- Threatening me right after our truce. I see now why demons fear you

- It's not a threat, but a warning

- If that's so. Though you see I have no reason to be afraid. Everyone is so busy with something today. The portals and everything

- Let's just say that I became a general of a new legion- it wasn't a lie. At least not in Iscariot's eyes. While it wasn't stated out loud it was clear that he would take the lead, being the most competent to do so. Virtue then thought for a while. Did this demon need to know about the legion? Maybe he would be of use to him. They had a truce after all. And the faster he will be done with it the faster he will be able to kill that snake. Thus he told Lamb everything he knew about the newly formed legion.

- A plan befitting a demon if I must say. Though I must say that it might benefit us. After all I doubt that Phantom would miss such an opportunity, and is sure to appear, wherever he is now- this got Iscariot thinking. That damned snake would never miss a chance to fight against so many angels. And like that the worst day became his best.

The same couldn't be said for Antonio. He still was by Silicius' side as he was busy reading and filing documents.

- Your holiness, do you believe that this legion will succeed? If what the sultan told is true then...

- Of course I don't- Silicius cut him off- Iscariot doesn't need to know about the true nature of the legion. Arabia would never give its land, no matter what

- Then why agree to it?

- It's simple. We don't need angels who might go against us. Shall they die, we will send our own angels- and with that Silicius signed down a document about forming a new legion, Morituri.