The Bishop of Vatican City froze in place. The room frowned in a deafening silence. Francis took his time, processing the words Dante had just uttered. Missio gulped. Dante wiped the sweat off his forehead. Finally, the Primate of Rome met his gaze once more.
"…How?"
Hearing Francis's inquiry, Dante sighed heavily. He leaned back.
"They said it themselves… That hat had an electromagnet in it that tore a hole in the local electromagnetic field and… allowed a demon to pass in."
"Did you see it?" Francis asked.
"Yes." Dante replied. "But only it's shadow. I couldn't catch its real face. Therefore, as the leader of every Christian in the world, I require your help."
Francis curled his lips. He drew a deep breath, taking off his glasses. He lowered his head, clasping his hands. He muttered a prayer under his breath. He straightened and locked eyes with the King.
"…Tell me what I must do. It is in the better nature of me to fulfill the lord's wishes by eradicating the demon from the face of this world."
Dante smiled, reaching his hand out. He held the pope's hand and shook it firmly.
"Thank you." He stated.
"I'm glad to help." Francis smiled.
Dante let go of his hand. He adjusted his glasses.
"Issue an order to every priest and bishop around Novopangea to monitor their community closely. If they find someone to be suspicious, tell them to report such to their bishop immediately. The bishop will then, call the general of the black ops division of which ever Nation and they will handle it from there." Dante explained his plan.
"And if that doesn't work?" The Pope asked.
"Then…" Dante leaned back. "Only Pangea Castle remains… but I don't think the demon will be there."
"Why is that? It may be a possibility."
"If it is there, I will sense it." Dante stated. "The Imperial family will be safe… I hope…"
"I see…" The Pope nodded. "Then, what about your brother?"
Missio perked up, hearing his name. Dante raised a brow, glancing at Missio. He turned back to the Pope and answered his question.
"Right. He is a Transcendent."
"A Transcendent?" The Pope repeated. "On what pillar?"
"The Pillar of Creation." Dante responded. "At the level of a Breaker."
"So, then what about him?"
"He's ready to transcend to the next level." Dante stated. "I need a secret place for him to ascend."
"Then, you should've gone to someplace other than Vatican City." Francis advised.
"I would have, your holiness… but it just came along the way." Dante stood up. "Now… may I ask you to give us a space?"
"Of course." Francis smiled, standing up.
Missio stood up with the two high-ranking figures. The Pope moved towards the door. He knocked on it.
"I am coming outside. Prepare."
On the other side of the wall, the guards shifted in their position. One of them pressed against his ear and spoke.
"The Pope wishes to exit his room. Bring his bodyguards."
Minutes passed an array of guards were summoned to his room. Francis opened the door and stepped outside. Dante and Missio followed behind. The trio stood between the guards as Francis led them. Eventually, they reached somewhere. They entered a chapel filled with murals of various biblical figures. From the walls to the roof, every inch of the chapel depicted the figures present in the bible in an exaggerated manner.
"This is Niccoline Chapel. The most secretive place in the palace." Francis stated, stepping onto its marble flooring.
His guards, plated in golden armor blocked the entrance. Other guards followed behind him. Dante spun around and stopped them.
"My apologies but this is a top secret between us. No one can witness it."
The guards paused for a moment. They looked towards Francis. The Pope gave a nod. They also nodded and looked at Dante.
"As you wish."
They spun around and joined with the others, blocking the entrance. Missio sat in the center of the chapel, crossing his legs. His head aching with past memoires – tragic memories. He shook that feeling off, heaving a long breath. Dante stood beside the Pope at the far side of the room.
"Just like last time. But now, create something with your own ability."
Hearing Dante's words, Missio shut his eyes. His vision drowned in darkness. No one spoke nor moved as an uneasy tranquility over took Niccoline Chapel. Missio heard his own heartbeat, his breathing and the blood rushing through his veins. He furrowed his brows. An Image began to form in his mind – a sculpture. He activated his unrestricted form.
His shirt tore open as the white wings unfurled from his back, the sheer pressure of his unrestricted form making the air in the chapel hard to breathe. A halo formed above his head, signaling his angelic status. The chaos in the surroundings began dancing to his rhythm. He began floating in the air as a dangerous wind spun around him. The guards dared not look back, cold sweat dripping down their face. Dante raised his arm, preparing to protect Fracis if anything went wrong.
Missio's face relaxed. A blinding light bathed Niccoline Chapel. The Pope covered his eyes. Dante stared ahead – unfazed. Three second passed in an instant. A miniature statue emerged from the serene light.
Missio's lips parted. "I created this sculpture."
In that very instant, the world ground to a halt. His voice echoed. A beacon of light rose from the earth, expelling itself from his body as well. He lifted off from the ground, exiting his meditative posture. After a few seconds, the light vanished without a trace. Missio slowly floated down. He caught the sculpture he created as his feet touched the marble floor of Niccoline Chapel. His music box buzzed with something beyond divinity.
The next moment, an ethereal yet unbound voice spoke to Missio.
"Ascendant of Creation."
He opened his eyes – his azure blue eyes. The voice of the music box rung in his head like a bell. Dante approached him. Missio turned his head, locking eyes with his brother. Dante smiled, noticing his azure blue pupils.
"Looks like you successfully transcended…" Dante commented.
"I did… That's good." Missio raised his hand, looking at the statue he created.
Missio locked eyes with his brother.
"Did anything change? You're looking at me weird."
Dante activated his attribute. He flashed away and brought a hand mirror back. Missio peered at his reflection. He blinked, seeing his azure blue eyes. He touched his face in awe.
"Oh…"
"Physical changes occur according to your level on the Pillar of transcendence. Red eyes mean you're either an Awakener or Breaker. Blue eyes mean you're either an Ascendant or Paragon." Dante stated.
"Congratulations on your ascension, my child." Francis's voice cut through the air.
Missio glanced at Francis, looking at his innocent smile. He paused for a moment, his lips curling into a smile.
"Thank you, father."