C.S.O - Chapter 44 [Hope and Hopeless]

 The event that initially seemed like a miracle has now become a decision made in desperation. Flamia and Chiaki couldn't comprehend what was really happening. They even thought that this was just another part of Kuro's plan. But for those who knew the truth, what happened was nothing more than true death.

"That bastard... How dare he," Lucifer couldn't hold back his curse toward Kuro. He was frustrated and angry. And most importantly, he hated seeing Ruko sad again. Their original plan was indeed to separate Ruko from Michael forever, but if it didn't end well, wouldn't everything be in vain?

On the day before the plan began, precisely a few days after their battle with the disturbing Demon God, Kuro realized that something was wrong. First, there was no reason for the Demon God to interrupt the fight. Second, Longinus Darkness was a weapon that utilized the power of darkness entirely. So it was strange for the Demon God to summon that weapon with a mantra mentioning light. And third, when Archid came to pick up the Demon God, there was no sign that either of them possessed angelic power.

Considering all of that, Kuro immediately concluded that the arrival of the Demon God was to inform them that they had to take care of Michael as soon as possible. It also coincided with Yamato and Kuroyuki's plan to seal Kuro's power once again. Taking everything into account, it was no wonder that all of this was part of someone's plan.

That's why Kuro decided to part ways with his three wives. He took advantage of the little time he had to devise that plan. The key to the plan was the Ring of Rinne. By using the Ring of Rinne, they would separate Michael from Ruko. But there were still many things to prepare.

First was their power. Lucifer was indeed strong, but he wasn't as powerful as Kuro, who was the embodiment of darkness. As for the third personality, they were completely useless. By using the Ring of Rinne, they separated their souls into three bodies. The first one (Kuro number 2) was in their character in the CSO, while Lucifer used Kuro's human body in the real world. And the real Kuro created another character in the CSO and possessed it. Since the CSO system allowed human souls to control fake bodies, it was as if Kuro was controlling his real body.

Only then did the actual plan begin. They sought the help of other Valkyrie Maidens scattered in the CSO. It was difficult to persuade them, but with some conditions, they finally agreed to help. The next step was to meet Odin, the god with the highest authority in the CSO. Kuro hoped they could do something with Odin's power, but reality said otherwise. Odin was indeed the creator of the CSO, but he no longer had authority. In other words, the CSO was an independent world. Besides, he now peacefully lived on Earth. During that time, he realized that his existence was nothing more than a concept that became real. He decided not to do anything anymore.

In the end, everything relied on their own power. Although they weren't fully prepared, they didn't have much time. Finally, the plan began. Kuro number two, also known as Neo Kuro, returned to the CSO and resurrected himself as the Demon God. He was weak, but it didn't mean he didn't possess the power of darkness. After all, he was a soul born from both Kuro and Lucifer.

Certainly, it was a foolish plan. Neo Kuro did have the power of darkness, but if everything went smoothly, it meant Michael would awaken and immediately pursue him.

 In other words, Neo Kuro would die.

"It's okay. I might die, but as long as you two are alive, I will always be there. If you manage to make them happy, it means I'm also part of it."

That was an answer that only a fool would say. But Kuro and Lucifer couldn't stop him. The three of them shared feelings of love, anger, and sadness together. That's why they understood that this was a goal that had to be achieved, even if all three of them would die. And he did die. Using the full power of the Ring of Rinne prevented them from using the Revival function. Moreover, Michael killed Neo Kuro with her angelic power. There was no way he would survive.

Despite the heaviness, they continued with the next stage of the plan. They waited for Michael to fully possess Ruko and used that opportunity to expel Michael. It did allow Michael to use her full power, but they had no other choice. It would be too risky if any part of Michael remained.

However, all of those plans had to change when Michael tried to kill Chiaki and Flamia. With no other option, Kuro immediately went to the CSO with the Ring of Rinne. Meanwhile, Lucifer went to Michael's world using Ruko's body in the real world as a connection. Normally, that couldn't be done, but thanks to the Dimension Bridge expanded by Neo Kuro, it became possible.

If everything went well, Kuro could live with Chiaki and his other wives. Meanwhile, Lucifer could enjoy his new life with Hime (Ruko). But now, all of that was just a mere dream.

"I can't believe the main character in this story will die."

In the midst of the light, Lucifer couldn't do anything but curse himself. He was one of the demons representing the seven deadly sins, but now he felt lower than a fly hovering over a carcass. Then, he arrived at the CSO.

♦♦♦

When Lucifer arrived, the sight he saw was incredibly heartbreaking. Everything looked like hell, lifeless and devoid of any signs of vitality. But what tore at Lucifer's heart the most was seeing Flamia and Chiaki motionless, like lifeless corpses. Even their eyes no longer showed any light.

This was something they could have anticipated. For them, it might be an event where they lost the person they loved for the second time.

Unlike before, Kuro's body didn't disappear. It lay stiff with blood flowing profusely from sword wounds. 

Nevertheless, Lucifer knew that the visible wounds were only a fraction of Kuro's actual injuries. Michael's sword was not only capable of eradicating darkness but also obliterating Kuro's demonic soul. In other words, Kuro's soul and body were severely wounded.

"Damn fool. Despite knowing it would kill him, he didn't hesitate at all."

Since their plan had failed, the only way to safely separate Ruko and Michael was to connect the two worlds using the Ring of Rinne. That's why Kuro continued to move forward, even though it posed the risk of being killed.

They were prepared to die, but this was going too far. Lucifer could only clench his fists tightly, causing even his bones to crack.

"Now is not the time for this. I have to do something before it's too late."

Lucifer exerted his power and ran toward where Kuro was. But Michael didn't stay still; he shot a beam of light to impede Lucifer's path.

"Tch! Are you still trying to stop me, you damned angel!"

Lucifer looked up at the sky where Michael arrogantly flew. He had indeed separated from Ruko, but his body still resembled Ruko. It was natural since Michael was currently using Ruko's CSO character as a vessel.

"Why do you think I would let you? Just wait a little longer, and you will soon follow her!"

"Kuh!"

Lucifer decided to fight, summoning Kurokami No Tsurugi to confront Michael. However, he immediately abandoned his intention because he knew there was something more important to do.

"I don't have time to deal with you."

He gritted his teeth and ran toward Kuro's body. Kuro might be on the verge of death, but if there was anything that could bring him back to life, it was something Lucifer could do.

As he contemplated that, he suddenly felt an overwhelming thirst for blood. This thirst was greater than anything Lucifer had ever experienced in his lifetime.

He immediately had a bad feeling.

"This thirst for blood..."

His speculation was correct. He turned towards the source and saw Chiaki and Flamia emanating a heavy, dark aura.

"This is really bad."

The aura was so malevolent and wicked. It was a convergence of resentment, anger, pain, disappointment, and all negative emotions combined into a force fueled by the determination to kill Michael with their own hands.

"Flamia, Chiaki! Stop—"

But Lucifer's warning came too late.

Longinus Light, which was once filled with the light of life and the hope of dreams, had now transformed into a symbol of despair. The same thing happened to Durandal. The swords had turned into dark black blades that destroyed everything in this world.

This was the last thing Lucifer wanted to happen.

Both of them had succumbed to darkness.

"Die, die, die, die!!"

"We won't forgive you!! We won't forgive you until you descend into the deepest hell, you wretched angel!!!"

With bloodthirsty eyes, they advanced toward Michael. Each step they took increased the darkness of their hatred and anger.

They were now like bullets of darkness heading towards the light.

They leaped and flew using their flying skills. Unfortunately, their once beautiful wings had turned into wings of darkness.

Without hesitation, they attacked with the destructive power in their hands.

"<Darkness Tempest Burst>"

"<Darkness Flame Burst>"

Their attacks merged into one, reflecting their emotions. It was a profound hatred resulting from losing the ones they loved and cherished.

"Foolish."

As usual, there was no trace of interest in Michael's tone. She even seemed to be observing the events as if she had anticipated this outcome.

Their descent into darkness was the consequence of making contact and associating with lowly demons.

Michael's decision to kill both of them was the right choice. And now that they had fully embraced the darkness, there was no reason to hold back.

"I don't understand why you would go this far for that lowly demon, but I will gladly put an end to your suffering! <<Holy Tempest Star>>"

A giant magic circle appeared in the sky. Then meteor-like lights rained down, clashing with Flamia and Chiaki's attacks.

Darkness and light collided, destroying each other. Michael had the advantage in numbers, but in terms of power, Chiaki and Flamia had the upper hand.

And despite the continuous barrage of Michael's attacks, it wasn't enough to stop them.

Finally, Flamia reached Michael, followed closely by Chiaki. They attacked simultaneously, but Michael easily parried their blows by transforming her wings into a shield.

Flamia and Chiaki paid no mind and continued slashing again and again. They didn't care whether they used skills or not. At this moment, their focus was solely on their enemy—or rather, the creature they regarded as the destroyer of their happiness.

"If you had never existed!"

"If you had never appeared!"

"Why did you have to be there?"

"Why did you ruin our happiness?"

They kept attacking while expressing their anger and hatred.

Michael didn't answer. She didn't need to. What mattered to her now was eradicating the darkness, the symbol of evil.

Just as he had always done.

"I just wanted to be happy, is that wrong?"

"In your eyes, is happiness something only humans are entitled to?"

"Answer us, you damn angel!"

"Aren't you supposed to symbolize love and compassion? Why can't you understand what we feel?"

Crack!! Cracks began to appear in Michael's wings. Darkness started seeping through the cracks.

"[...]"

For Michael, this was the first time an attack had managed to penetrate her defenses while using her full power. When one considered that she was the strongest angel, nearly equivalent to God, it seemed impossible.

But why were their attacks of darkness able to accomplish this?

"The happiness we feel is not false! Why do you think we would remain silent while you try to destroy it?"

"We don't care if you're the strongest angel or not. Maybe this is just a foolish act of defiance against you!"

"But because we are human, we will do anything for the ones we love. Including destroying you!!"

Their strikes became heavier and stronger. Finally, the cracks in Michael's wings widened and shattered.

But it wasn't enough. After her wings were destroyed, a burst of light propelled both of them backward.

However, they quickly regained control and immediately launched themselves at Michael from two different directions.

"If you want to destroy us..."

"Then you have to destroy us along with this world!!"

Michael summoned a sword in one hand and accepted their attacks.

But at that moment, an unexpected event occurred. The sword she used to fight Longinus Darkness easily shattered upon contact with their swords.

Then, in unison, they stabbed Michael.

"You have made a grave mistake."

"Why do you think you can escape after angering us?"

♦♦♦

Lucifer had no choice but to stare in astonishment. He never expected Flamia and Chiaki to be able to hold their ground against Michael in battle.

The power they were using was indeed darkness fueled by anger and sadness, but was it enough to defeat Michael?

Moreover, ordinarily, someone who used the power of darkness would immediately succumb and lose control. They would even go insane.

But he saw no signs of that in them. They seemed to be using that power just as easily as they used the power of light.

Could it be because they frequently made contact with Kuro? Or was it because they engaged in intimate relations too often, allowing the darkness to seep into their bodies?

None of that mattered. If it was enough to defeat Michael, it was sufficient.

Unfortunately, as Lucifer suspected, they were too naive.

♦♦♦

Upon being impaled, Michael showed no excessive reaction. She even displayed a flat expression.

Perhaps she was surprised or didn't expect them to go that far, but whatever the reason, it wasn't enough to defeat Michael.

"[... It seems I should have done this from the beginning.]"

Chiaki and Flamia immediately distanced themselves. The light emanating from Michael was so intense that it dazzled their eyes.

Then, a large number of magic circles appeared in the blue sky. The sky turned into a radiant light.

From that light emerged angels with two pure white wings. They were low-level angels, often referred to as ordinary angels. But what surprised them was the sheer number of angels, reaching thousands. No, hundreds of thousands.

"W-what is that?" Flamia asked in a panicked and incredulous tone.

"I don't know. No one mentioned that Michael could do this."

The number of angels continued to increase and multiply until they resembled a sea, or rather, a flock of birds filling the sky.

"[<<Angels of Judgment>>]"

Lucifer immediately broke into a cold sweat, unable to believe what he was seeing.

Did Michael want to destroy the world?

Lucifer knew all too well what awaited them if Michael called upon her forces.

Just like the Divine Skill, <<Angels of Judgment>> was an ability used in desperate situations and employed to annihilate enemies. However, unlike the Divine Skill possessed by Flamia and others, the ability Michael used risked everything on a single power.

Not win or lose, but right or wrong. It was a power used when one's convictions had become uncertain.

"[No. How could I want to destroy this world? It's just that they managed to break through my strongest defenses, my beliefs, and my trust.]"

"..."

"[All this time, I believed that what I was doing was right. That's why my power continued to manifest what I desired. If I fail or lose, it means my power doesn't support what I want. But I don't understand what is right and what is wrong. That's why I just need to find out by doing this?]"

"You are truly foolish!!"

Lucifer had no choice but to call Michael a fool. Not because she didn't realize her own mistakes, but because she didn't realize the changes that had occurred within herself.

Michael is a symbol of love and affection, but it seems that she only understands love as a concept. That's why when she sees others falling in love and doing everything for love, she doesn't understand it at all. And even though she has always been with Ruko, practically merged with her, she also feels Ruko's love for Kuro. Unfortunately, she doesn't understand what that feeling is.

This is what has driven Michael to act this far. In order to understand what she feels, she does things she considers to be the truth.

"Tch! If I were at full power, I would slap you right away. But I don't have time for that."

Lucifer refocuses on what he needs to do. The number of angels called Michael reaches hundreds of thousands, but he cannot possibly fight them.

Instead, he has the people he trusts in times like this.

And they have arrived.

"Arara... this is truly lively."

Anastasia comes with a wide smile, but her eyes are very cold.

"Wow..."

Astrea can't wait to hit them with her big hammer.

"It will take a strong wind to blow them all away."

Windy looks calm, but the wind surrounds her like a gentle breeze ready to become a hurricane.

"I won't forgive the person who killed my husband."

Verona also emits an aura full of anger. For some reason, she smiles to herself.

"Hori-neechan, isn't this too much for us?"

"They're just flies."

For the first time, Horizon looks angry.

The six Valkryie Maidens enter the battlefield again with even higher spirits, as if they were ready to fight from the beginning.

"They..."

"My siblings can be relied upon. Well... even though I don't know why I feel like an idiot."

Everyone is lying to her. Even her husband and her own siblings are involved in all of this.

"Don't worry, that's just how you are."

"Wait, what do you mean?"

"Never mind, the enemy is starting to attack. And it seems quite serious."

As Chiaki said, the angelic forces begin to attack. They are like a royal army invading the world.

In the sky, thousands of angels form long-range attack formations. They prepare to attack with beams of light.

"They're coming..."

Like rain, beams of light fall on their location. Flamia and the others hold their ground and try to counterattack.

Anastasia creates a dome shield to protect her siblings. The angelic attacks are not too strong, but their large numbers cause cracks in Anastasia's shield.

"Oh..."

Anastasia is impressed that the angels are able to do that. Besides being amazed, she also understands their capabilities.

"They're not much different from level 500 monsters. Everyone, use large-area attacks to destroy them!"

As a leader, Anastasia orders her siblings to fight. They are all well aware of her abilities, so there is no reason to object.

"Hori-chan, go help Flamia and Chiaki. Ange-chan, you will support me. Windy, go rampage as much as you want. Astrea, destroy them. And as for you, Verona. You know what you have to do."

Everyone goes to their respective positions.

Horizon flies with her ice wings and shoots arrows at the angels. In the sky, the arrows split into hundreds and instantly destroy the angels.

Flamia is happy with the reinforcements. Now she and Chiaki can fight more safely.

Of course, they care about Kuro's current condition, but they know there's nothing they can do about it.

The only thing they can do is...

(We rely on you...)

The light shines again on Flamia's sword and then merges with darkness.

 Her sword transforms back into <<Longinus Black Flame>>, a combination of light and darkness.

The same thing happens to Durandal. Her sword now has a beautiful pattern of light lines. Its new name is <<Durandal Alter Ex>>.

Normally, this wouldn't be possible, but right now Flamia and Chiaki are not only burdened by darkness, anger, or other negative emotions. They also carry hope, love, affection, and all the positive emotions of humans.

Yes. Because they are human, they are capable of doing that.

"..."

Seeing all of this, Lucifer can't help but smile.

(Michael, do you now understand the meaning of being human?)

He is now right in front of Kuro's lifeless body, or more accurately, Kuro who is on the verge of death. Although small, he senses life there.

(They are weak creatures who easily fall into darkness, but that's why they are also easy to rise again.)

If demons represent darkness and angels represent light, then humans represent both. It's something that they couldn't possibly do.

That's why Lucifer is envious of humans. Even though they are weak and easily crushed into minced meat, they possess a greater power compared to demons and angels.

Lucifer understands what Michael is feeling right now.

"...the same goes for you. Maybe you were born a demon, but you have a human soul."

Lucifer touches Kuro's chest and channels lifes energy into him. This is the only way to save him.

But at that moment, he senses the presence of someone he least wants to meet.

"Onii-chan..."

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