Geriel then delivered his speech to the audience on that stage. He congratulated that The Graendall had finally been able to carry out an expedition to the realm of hell without any casualties. Geriel also greatly appreciated that they were able to bring that cursed stone out of hell.
I suddenly remembered that cursed stone was Dreadstones.
"We all know that only Grivendal can process that stone into an energy source that will never run out forever. Initially, it was we who searched for that stone to be handed over to you. However, when an attack by one of the demon rulers occurred, we could not save that very important commodity. We, High Heaven, express our deepest gratitude for bringing the stone back. We are all the owners of that stone and together strive to realize a new infinite energy..." said Geriel.
I realized that Dreadstones were the main raw material to create that infinite energy. Was... was their intention to use Grivendal to process that stone so that when the energy was ready, they would have to give it to High Heaven as well? If so, this truly matched what was said in The Mayhem lore.
I glanced slightly toward Gruzhnil and saw his face somewhat tense. I felt there was something else Gruzhnil knew about them or about this matter. At the abandoned fortress, he had told me about the potential infinite energy from this stone but was reluctant to explain further. Did he deliberately not tell me until I heard what Geriel said today?
"The results that can be produced from that stone can elevate all of us. The people of Grivendal are the most chosen race in the entire universe. We must all be grateful because His Excellency Archangel Marsiel has chosen your predecessors to be entrusted with such a great responsibility. Therefore, we must support each other in a mutualistic way." Geriel continued.
Those words now sounded to me like sweet persuasion that had another intention, benefiting only one side. I really wanted to know what kind of energy was secretly created that High Heaven desired. I was sure Gruzhnil would tell me later if he had allowed me to attend this event.
How did the people here respond to High Heaven's intention? Of course, they could not express it openly, even through their expressions. I remembered Mendicore's warning last night. It seemed some felt unwilling but kept it deep inside themselves.
I then remembered Sherubiel's story where High Heaven was still actively searching for alternative energy sources because the number of souls with good deeds was decreasing. Was this what they were targeting? In my opinion, this was truly outrageous for them to benefit from the suffering of ordinary humans like us.
Geriel, followed by the other angels behind him, then walked down the altar toward our ranks. Everyone immediately gave enough space for the angels to walk and face each other. High Priest Grishal and Emperor Gregustus accompanied Geriel.
When Geriel walked in front of me and Gruzhnil, he suddenly stopped and turned toward me.
I was instantly shocked and my heart began to beat fast. Why did he suddenly stand in front of me? I didn't show any expression at all even though I knew their truths. Could he actually know what was inside my heart? It would be disastrous if he could read it and reveal it in front of everyone.
"Why is this young man wearing different clothing from the others? Is he in the wrong formation?" asked Geriel.
I then realized this trivial matter. No wonder I stood out among the high ranks of The Graendall. Even if I wore armor, I would still look different.
"Oh... Forgive us, Your Excellency Geriel. This young man is the one said to come from another world. He is the one who survived in the realm of terror. Currently, he is under the supervision of The Graendall." said Emperor Gregustus.
"Yes... I just remembered from what Grishal said before. So this is what that human looks like. Honestly, I myself don't understand how you survived there. A human with a physical body should not survive even briefly there. What is your name, young man?"
I immediately saluted Geriel like I did to the emperor and stood up again.
"Your Excellency Archangel Geriel, allow me to introduce myself, my name is Johann."
"A good name... Wasn't there another person stranded in the realm of terror as well? Is he here?" asked Geriel.
"My apologies, Your Excellency, he is not present here. If you wish, we will summon him to meet you." said the Emperor.
"No, no need. I already know who he is from Grishal. He is quite dangerous. Your success in this expedition was also because of him, right? However, I am still confused why this young man could accompany him. But that's not important. What you have achieved is already sufficient."
Then Geriel returned near the altar stairs. I saw him conversing with the Emperor and the High Priest. After a while, Geriel and the other angels ascended the altar again.
"We thank you all for taking the time to welcome our arrival. This meeting is brief because I only wished to congratulate Grivendal directly. May this planet remain safe and we shall meet again another time. Goodbye." said Geriel as his closing.
All attendees bowed again as a farewell. The pillar of light from the High Heaven ship appeared again toward the altar. Geriel and the other angels disappeared and were no longer on the altar.
The large portals above each High Heaven ship formed again. All the ships ascended into the portals, which then disappeared, leaving the sky clear again.
Everyone began talking again about the very brief yet sacred event.
"Johann, let's go down and move to a quieter place..." said Gruzhnil.
Oh... what did he want to do? Perhaps he wanted to talk about Geriel's intentions. Was this the moment he would reveal the meaning behind that infinite energy?
We went down from the stage and walked to a corner. Grelmure joined us. Gruzhnil then began speaking.
"I know you are wondering about the energy they mentioned. I deliberately didn't tell you when we found the Dreadstones deposit. Grelmure almost told you on the way back to this planet. But since you have heard everything from Archangel Geriel, I think it is time to tell you. However, I will not reveal everything now. The energy they seek is 'Element of Desire.' It is produced through a complex fusion of Starstones and Dreadstones. I have obtained permission from Emperor Gregustus for you to see it later. One thing I ask: keep this secret from the public. Your friend Mendicore may already know this."
So... this was the infinite energy? Such an abstract yet crucial concept.
I then recalled the lore at the newer trilogy of The Mayhem, where High Heaven desperately desired a substance with limitless energy called All-Matter. The difference was that High Heaven created it. The Graendall were only tasked with finding the perfect material, Dreadstone, in the hell realm. This became the biggest conflict between Grivendal and High Heaven, as only one side benefited.
"Alright, Commander. When should I go?" I asked.
I hoped it would be tomorrow to satisfy my curiosity.
"We'll go the day after tomorrow. I think I have a full day of meetings tomorrow,"
"Oh, I'm ready, Commander," I replied, a little disappointed at the delay of a day.
Grelmure then escorted me home.
"Thank goodness they didn't ask the sweet lady Sherubiel to come home. If she had, I wouldn't have had a chance to tease her anymore, hahahaha..." Grelmure said with a laugh.
"Yes, but Miss Sherubiel will distance herself from Sir Grelmure if she keeps felt teased. Sir Grelmure should find a wife too so you have someone to tease..." I said jokingly.
Grelmure, who was driving, suddenly pinched my cheek.
"Ouch... Ouch... Stop... It's hurt, Sir Grelmureee...!!!" I said, screaming slightly.
Grelmure said nothing and just smiled wryly.
After arriving home, I was immediately greeted by Mendicore and Sherubiel.
"How is it? Did they ask about us? It seems from your expression that they didn't ask anything about our presence here," Mendicore said.
"Well... you guessed it. It was just a brief meeting to congratulate The Graendall military on their successful mission," I said, sitting on the living room sofa.
Actually, I was still curious about what the Element of Desire was and whether it had any similarities to the All-Matter in The Mayhem. However, I decided against asking Mendicore right away, avoiding vast knowledge that flooded my mind.
The next day, I planned to clean the house with Sherubiel and Mendicore. In the midst of cleaning, the doorbell suddenly rang. Who was visiting this morning?
"I'll open the door and greet the guest, Johann," Sherubiel said.
I invited her in. After a while, I saw Sherubiel return to me, but with a rather tense expression and a slightly stiff gait.
"Who's visiting now, Sherubiel? Why the sudden change in your demeanor? Is someone looking for me?" I asked curiously.
"E-Excuse me, Johann... S-Sir Hellraider w-wants to see you..." Sherubiel stammered.
I was immediately shocked and a little goosebumps. This was the first time Hellraider had directly requested to see me. My heart started pounding again. What was it that made him want to see me so badly? Was it related to what I said yesterday?
I went straight to the door and he was still standing there. His face was still expressionless.
"Is there anything I can help you with, Sir Hellraider?"
"I want to ask you a question,"
Then he walked to the middle of my yard. I immediately followed him.
Oohhh... what would he want to know from me now?