My Justice and My Choice

A pure white light enveloped the filthy land, pushing back the roaring demons that charged towards the fortress. Under this holy light, hundreds upon hundreds of demons turned to ashes in an instant. Justice, kindness, and positive energy were the things these beings living in the Lower Planes hated most, and were also their natural enemies. No matter how powerful a demon was, it could not withstand this holy energy for long. However, the demons did not stop their advance. Their chaotic nature meant they had no concept of "retreat." Demons loved to... The battles in the Holy Light are always a relentless, brutal struggle to the death. Unless all the demons are wiped out, there is no possibility of "defeat." Faced with the massive defenses erected by the angels, the demons used their flesh and blood as swords, relentlessly pushing inward. They charged wave after wave into the range of the Holy Light, only to vanish amidst screams. However, this was only the beginning. Although the demons' robust bodies appeared more fragile and powerless before the Holy Light, it also consumed divine power. In the Lower Planes, engaging in a war of attrition with the demons was clearly not a good idea.

Soon, the other angels also took to the air, most of them holding bows and arrows. After praying to the gods to demonstrate the powerful force of justice, they nocked their arrows and fired. Beams of white holy light shot from the angels' hands, accurately piercing the eyes of the demons and penetrating their bodies to maximize damage. After all, given the current number of demons, even if the angels closed their eyes and didn't look at anything, there was no doubt that they wouldn't miss. Their density was so high that even if you picked up a grain of sand and threw it, it wouldn't fit through any gaps, let alone these powerful arrows.

However, the demons clearly don't care about such things. In fact, the demons' battles always rely on their numbers and strength; everything else is irrelevant to them. This is the only reason, and the only reason, that they have been able to fight their mortal enemies, the devils, to a standstill for millions of years.

The angels were clearly used to such attacks. They skillfully carried out area-of-effect destruction, summoning pillars of light from the sky to strike the densest areas where the demons were gathered. Each strike tore a gaping hole in the dark tide, and hundreds of demons perished with each attack. Perhaps their souls would return to some place in the Abyss to evolve again, but by the time they regained their former status, the war here might have ended hundreds of thousands of years ago.

Therefore, demons don't have the concept of "as long as the green hills remain, there will always be firewood to burn." Right now, the most direct battle is the best revenge, without exception.

Although this was just one of countless battles the angels had fought in the Lower Planes, this time, a strange figure had appeared among them.

Gabriel.

The fact that her divine power had been stripped away was known to every angel, but unlike the carefree angels living on Mount Celestia, these angels, who had fought in the Lower Planes for so many years, had a natural trust in Gabriel. It was she who led the Angel Legion to the Lower Planes, she who led the angels all the way to the Silver Palace, and she who commanded the angels to build the Glory Fortress, the vanguard camp of the Lower Planes. She had fought alongside all the angels there. In their eyes, Archangel Gabriel was definitely not an angel lacking courage or wisdom. However, although they felt great sympathy for Archangel Gabriel's plight, they did not harbor any doubts. After all, in their eyes, the will of the God of Justice was absolute and righteous.

But now, the beliefs that were once unwavering deep within them are beginning to change.

These angels had certainly sensed that Gabriel was no longer favored by the God of Justice. However, her holy power remained, and it seemed even more radiant and bright than before. Many angels keenly felt that this former archangel had undergone some subtle, inexplicable change. She seemed to have become more resolute and more holy, possessing a stronger, more profound, and unwavering will than before. Moreover, this was not merely superficial; Gabriel's combat prowess was equally formidable. She even broke through the protective perimeter of Glory Fort, facing the demons alone, and single-handedly carved a massive rift through them with her spear—something no other angel could accomplish, and in fact, something Gabriel had never done before.

The angels' doubts grew stronger. Why did the archangel, who was no longer in the eyes of the gods, possess such powerful holy energy? How did she come from the Prime Material Plane to the Lower Planes? What was she doing here?

Of course, despite their doubts, the angels continued their battle. With Gabriel's help, they gradually stabilized the situation. After a three-hour battle, the last demon disappeared into the holy light, marking the elimination of the demonic threat facing Glory Fort once again.

However, no one cheered, and no one was unusually excited. This was not the Prime Material Plane, nor was it the peace that came after the expulsion of the demons. This was merely a small ripple in the millions of Blood War battles on the Lower Planes. Its victory would not tip the scales of this war, nor would its defeat help it in any way. The adventurers quickly retreated to Glory Fort to receive healing and blessings from the angels to dispel the corrupting influence of the demons, while the angels were busy recovering their energy to face the demons and devils that were likely to reappear.

But at that moment, a command swiftly spread throughout the minds of all the angels in the fortress, stunning them as if struck by lightning, leaving them almost unable to believe what they were hearing. Then the angels turned around and looked at Gabriel.

At this moment, the Archangel, clutching a glowing spear, crouched on the city wall, panting heavily. She had expended considerable strength in the previous battle with the demons; or rather, the pent-up anger Gabriel had been suppressing since entering the Lower Planes had finally erupted. Although she couldn't eliminate all the evil she had encountered along the way, eliminating these equally detestable and chaotic enemies before her was, for Gabriel, another acceptable way to vent her frustration.

After taking several deep breaths of the air from Mount Celestia, Gabriel stood up, gripped her spear tightly, and turned around—only to find herself surrounded by angels.

However, despite this situation, Gabriel did not appear flustered or confused. She quietly looked at the angel standing beside her, who had once been her deputy, and asked.

What is the command?

The book, titled "Destroy... the Archangel Gabriel, who has fallen into evil," is Gabriel.

It was obvious. Although her adjutant tried to mechanically relay the orders, a slight tremor in her voice betrayed her emotions. Angels were indeed believers fighting for God, but that did not mean they were without feelings. Especially between angels, the emotional connection they shared was beyond the imagination of any species.

If Gabriel were indeed an angel fallen into evil and darkness, her former friends and subordinates would undoubtedly rush to destroy and purify her, for this would be the only right thing to do. It would be the only way for them to help their former friend escape the clutches of evil. However, Gabriel clearly does not conform to the description of an angel "fallen into darkness." The holy light emanating from her remains warm and sacred, and her wings are equally pure white without a trace of shadow. Even when the angels observe the archangel before them using their unique talents, they cannot detect the slightest trace of darkness and evil left on her.

So why would the God of Justice say she had fallen into evil?

This is why Li Lin felt comfortable letting Gabriel return alone.

Angels are creatures that obey order, yet can be quite inflexible. Perhaps the god who created them had a multifaceted understanding of their role, but for these representatives created by that god, their way of thinking is relatively monotonous. Take the current situation, for example. In the angels' memories, "falling into darkness" means becoming an accomplice to darkness, betraying their original doctrines, and committing unforgivable evil deeds. But that's all.

As for anything else?

How could there be anything else besides this?

This is how angels think.

But now, in front of them, there was indeed something else. "Besides that."

Have you become an accomplice to darkness?

Gabriel did not associate with those devils and demons.

Did they betray their original doctrines?

Putting everything else aside, judging from Gabriel's recent actions, she remains steadfast in upholding kindness and justice.

Did they commit an unforgivable crime?

Forget about forgiveness; Gabriel must first commit an "evil act" before it even counts.

This is why the angels didn't act immediately. This situation was completely beyond their common sense, leaving them utterly bewildered. They were like computers that strictly adhered to rules, but when faced with a situation they had never dealt with before, they would freeze up. The reason they surrounded Gabriel was simply to instinctively carry out the orders of the God of Justice.

"I will not persuade you to lay down your weapons, my former sisters."

Gabriel straightened his back and looked directly at the angels before him.

"I believe you have your own thoughts and judgments. I only hope to say a few words, and that you can think for yourselves and make your own judgments and decisions."

"What are you doing? Kill her right now!"

The thunderous roar of the God of Justice echoed in the minds of all the angels. They gripped their longbows tightly, the bowstrings drawn taut, sharp arrows ready to be fired at their target. However, they did not strike. The God of Justice's rage made these angels sense something amiss. Although the wrath of a god was terrifying, why did they so intensely desire the death of the archangel before them, a virtuous person who had not fallen into evil?

What stopped the angels from attacking was not their reason and doubts. In that instant, the kind nature in their blood took over. They could not tolerate destroying a kind being, especially one of their own.

Although the God of Justice could directly use his control over the angels to force them to attack, fortunately, this is Lower Planes. No matter how much the God of Justice transforms Glory Fort Hold into a true Mount Celestia, it is not. The separation between planes weakens his influence to a minimum. Therefore, while he can command the angels to act, he cannot manipulate them.

"Although I can't hear his voice, I know he's giving you orders, my sisters."

Gabriel's voice was full of sincerity.

"However, I hope you can feel your own hearts, feel your own thoughts. I will not turn my blade against my former compatriots and comrades. If you want to kill me, then I have no choice but to accept it. But I only hope you can give me a little more time to finish what I want to say. You should have felt my power, sisters. Don't you have any doubts? I have been abandoned by the God of Justice, but the power of kindness and justice has not left my body! Don't you have any doubts about this? If I have truly fallen, how can the power of light and justice continue to favor me?"

"..."

Silence.

Then, the angels slowly flew backward a short distance, making room for Gabriel.

"We did have doubts, and we certainly felt your power, my former sister."

The angel floating in the center slowly spoke.

"Therefore, I hope you can answer my questions: why, after being punished by the great gods, do you still possess such holy power, and what is the reason you have returned to the Lower Planes...? And..."

As she spoke, her gaze fell on Gabriel's dimensional robes.

Why do you possess an evil magical artifact?

"It seems things have taken a turn for the better."

Li Lin withdrew his gaze, shrugged, and looked at the mountain of corpses behind him.

"Now we'll see if our Archangel can persuade her stubborn compatriots."

"In my humble opinion, this is completely unnecessary."

Sitting on a rock next to her that was completely stained red with blood, Angela squinted her eyes.

"What justice and goodness, evil and darkness... Staying true to oneself is the ultimate goal of all things. Don't you think so, Master?"

"If I could wipe out an army of demons just by thinking about it, I'd rack my brains."

Li Lin sighed, then turned his gaze to the demon army that was getting closer and closer to him.

"Unfortunately, that doesn't work... Sometimes, you have to let your abilities speak for themselves."

Just then, the demon army noticed the three figures approaching from behind. In fact, although they had spotted Li Lin and his group from the beginning, they hadn't paid them much attention. In the demons' eyes, these people were just opportunists trying to make a quick buck amidst the chaos of the Blood War; they knew they would soon experience the true power of the Blood War and become victors or meat paste. So they ignored them. But now, the demons had to change their minds. After all, they were about to launch a surprise attack on Angel City. At this moment, according to their scouts, the three who had been trailing at the back of the column were now speeding up and chasing after them. Considering they might have a significant impact on the current battle plan, the Pit Fiend, leading the army, decided to eliminate these "destabilizing factors" first to prevent new trouble.

However, trouble always comes faster than expected.

Before the Pit Fiend and the Book of Illustrations could even relay their orders, the power of magic had already shaken the earth. In the Lower Planes, there wasn't a single demon or monster unaware of the power of magic, so they naturally sensed its immense might. Unfortunately, however, sometimes even if you sense it, it doesn't mean you can handle it.

Thousands of enormous, pointed stone pillars rose from the ground, creating a clearing in the air amidst the demon army. They easily pierced through the bodies of demons who hadn't managed to escape, carrying them into the air. Then came a series of sparks and explosions. Many of the unfortunate demons instinctively activated their innate skills, which were meant for self-destruction before death. Unfortunately, instead of avenging themselves, they caused even greater chaos within the ranks.

"Damn it, what the hell is going on!"

A great demon brandished a long whip burning with flames, lashing it fiercely at the panicked demons around him, forcing them to calm down.

"Quiet, quiet! Listen, you bunch of stupid pigs! Prepare for action, locate the target!! Check the enemy's direction!!"

It cried out and stretched out its hand, then froze in place.

A dark shadow, intertwined with the great demon's arm, moved swiftly forward. Anna's petite body slid off the demon's back, her crossed daggers easily piercing the demon's adamantite-like scales, tearing two massive wounds before flying away from its target. By the time the great demon lay on the ground, mouth agape, in its final pose, Anna had already vanished.

Meanwhile, many more demons seized the opportunity to find the source of the magic. They rushed toward the mage, flying or running, hoping to kill the threat as quickly as possible.

Although the demons who had passed through the stone pillar barrier quickly spotted the figure on the plain, it didn't mean they could get any closer. The demons circling in the sky with their sharp claws outstretched were forcibly pulled and slammed into the ground by the immense force of gravity, turning into piles of flesh. The demons running on the ground didn't fare much better— Angela laughed loudly and summoned the ghosts residing in her folding fan, launching a new offensive against the demons.

"It seems you're still a step too late, Lord of the Nine Hells."

Looking at the chaotic demon army before him, Li Lin shrugged, and then, under Angela's protection, began preparing the next, even more powerful spell.