"It's a good thing that you are quick to keep up with us. However, though your ability is unique, your mastery level is only mediocre. A very long shot from the supposed greatness."
Zadkiel's words, though humbling, were met with a swift defense from Gresil. The tension in the chamber was noticeable as they discussed Maddie's ability and her level of mastery.
"Well, her ability is unique right? How can she harness it's full potential when she didn't have a master to guide her? I bet the Mighty Being would be so pleased to know that someone other than him can manipulate dimensions at will. Also, no one knew that the ability had something to do with dimensions. It was initially perceived as something as plain as space magic." Gresil's retort highlighted the unique nature of Maddie's power and the lack of guidance she had received in fully understanding it.
"You were looked down by the other King candidates before, right? Because of that ability...Truly, ignorance is a bliss." Gresil added.
Maddie absorbed the information that Gresil and Zadkiel shared, feeling a mix of emotions—embarrassment for her past ignorance, disappointment in the prejudice she had faced, and determination to move forward with her newfound understanding.
Kakabel, her graceful wings shimmering with ethereal light, clapped her hands softly to regain everyone's attention. She turned her gaze towards Maddie, her expression stern but understanding.
"Maddie, my dear," Kakabel began, her voice carrying the weight of centuries of wisdom. "You must remember that you are no longer a candidate for the position of Demon King. You have ascended to the ranks of the angelic beings, and as such, you must conduct yourself accordingly."
Maddie nodded, her shiny black hair cascading around her shoulders. She understood the significance of her transformation from a demon to an angel and the responsibilities that came with it.
Kakabel continued, her voice gentle but firm. "Furthermore, you possess unique dimension-related powers, which can be both a gift and a burden. Exercise caution in their use, for drawing too much attention from either the demon legions or the angelic order may not be in your best interest."
With a deep breath, Kakabel revealed a crucial aspect of the council's role. "Now, let me clarify the council's purpose. We act as a catalyst in this eternal struggle between demons and angels, supporting the being closest to becoming the strongest, whether they be of demon or angelic origin. Our aim is to expedite the tournament, allowing the eventual victor to make a wish that may shape the destiny of our realms."
As the council's words hung in the air, Maddie realized the immense responsibility that lay ahead. She was no longer a mere contender but a player in a cosmic game where the stakes were nothing less than the fate of all the races.
After forming a chair from her particles, Kakabel gestured for Maddie to sit, and as they settled into the chamber, she began to recount the tale of the Council of the Exalted.
"Long ago," Kakabel began, her voice gentle yet filled with gravitas, "the Council of the Exalted was established to maintain balance and harmony among the realms. They were beings of immense power and wisdom. However, they became a threat to the Mighty Being, who sealed them away to consolidate their own power."
Maddie listened intently as Kakabel continued, "Fortunately, Sera was able to free three members of the council, including myself. With our help, she hoped to restore balance to the realms. But there are six more members who remain sealed, their powers locked away."
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Kakabel's gaze bore into Maddie's eyes as she continued, "Now, Maddie, it is your turn to take up this noble cause. You possess a unique connection to both realms and the power to open dimensions. With your strength and determination, you can free the rest of the council, including Tanak, who was once second only to the previous Lucifer."
Maddie's confusion grew, and she felt the need for a simpler explanation, including the rules of the tournament and the dos and don'ts. With a hopeful look, she asked, "Kakabel, can you please explain everything in a way that I can understand? I want to know what I need to do. I need to know how to get stronger and free the council members, especially Tanak. Please, break it down for me." Maddie's sincerity and determination were evident as she sought clarity in this complex web of information and responsibilities.
Kakabel began, her expression solemn, "You must first understand the true nature of the Mighty Being. The being you once revered as a deity is, in reality, a ruthless ruler who relishes in the strife and conflict among his creations. He orchestrate battles, pitting races and realms against each other, only to crush the victor with overwhelming force. It feeds his ego and gives him a sense of power."
Maddie's eyes widened at this revelation, and her heart sank. It was a stark contrast to what Wip had told her about the Mighty Being, painting a picture of a benevolent deity who sought balance and unity. She felt torn between conflicting accounts of the being she had once worshipped.
"But... but Wip told me that the Mighty Being desires balance and unity among the realms," Maddie said, her voice filled with uncertainty. "I don't understand. Why would there be such conflicting stories?"
Kakabel's expression remained grave as she responded, "Maddie, the truth is often shrouded in layers of deception. The Mighty Being's true nature has been hidden from many, and they have the power to manipulate perception. You must tread carefully and seek the truth for yourself. Your journey as Metatron will require discernment and wisdom."
As Maddie grappled with the conflicting accounts of the Mighty Being's nature, Kakabel took a moment to offer a warning. She leaned closer to Maddie and spoke with a tone of caution in her voice.
"Maddie," Kakabel began, "there's something you must know. Wip, while an arbiter sent from the heavens, is not as pure as you may think. It's an impure birth in nature, and its motivations may not always align with the greater good."
Maddie's eyes widened in surprise and concern. She had just decided to trust Wip as her guide, and this revelation shook the foundation of that trust. Kakabel continued, "You should be cautious around Wip and not reveal too much to it."
Kakabel then inquired, "Does Wip know about your dimension abilities?"
Maddie hesitated for a moment but ultimately nodded, feeling the need to be honest. "Yes, Wip is aware of my dimension abilities. We've used them together before--- some few moments ago before I was pulled in here."
Kakabel's expression shifted to one of deep concern. She knew the gravity of the situation. She turned to Zadkiel and Gresil, who were both fuming, and said, "This is a critical matter. The Mighty Being must not know of Maddie's unique ability until she is ready. It could pose a grave threat to her."
The three beings exchanged worried glances, realizing that they needed to strategize and ensure that Maddie's powers remained concealed from the Mighty Being until the right moment.
Meanwhile...
Back in the human realm, Wip was writhing in agonizing pain, his ethereal form contorting with torment. An oppressive atmosphere surrounded him, and his translucent orb body seemed to flicker as if in the throes of some unseen struggle.
The pain etched across Wip's features was evident, and his normally serene demeanor was replaced by one of anguish. The cause of his suffering was a direct result of violating the sacred code and ethics of the arbiters.
Wip had been entrusted with the responsibility of recording and reporting everything he observed in Maddie's journey, a duty that required unwavering honesty and accuracy. However, on that fateful day, he had tampered with his report, inaccurately narrating the events that had transpired. This breach of trust had not gone unnoticed.
As Wip contorted in pain, a crimson mark began to appear on the back of his translucent body. It seemed like a warning, a stark reminder of his violation. The mark pulsed with an ominous glow, symbolizing the consequences of his actions.
Wip's agony continued, a testament to the gravity of his betrayal and the toll it had taken on his ethereal existence--- a painful reminder that even the Mighty being's most favored was not exempt from the consequences of his choices and offense.