Leben let out a weary sigh, realizing he couldn't take on all of them single-handedly.
Without any weapons or powers, he replied in an exasperated tone, clarifying his current situation.
"I fell alongside six other Fallen Angels, tasked with repaying our debts for transgressions in Heaven.
"And, just to make it clear, whatever happened here, I had no involvement in it. Understand?
"Honestly, I'm in the dark about why the Devils are after us. But let me tell you, those guys are the embodiment of evil.
"If left unchecked, they'd plunge the world into chaos. Hell, that's exactly what I would've done if I still had my own powers.
"But since we've been scattered and stripped of our abilities, we, including myself and the other Fallen Angels, are largely powerless."
Verdadero, filled with curiosity, probed further about the nature of their crimes.
"Care to enlighten us on what kind of transgressions occurred in Heaven?"
Leben snickered and shot a derisive glance at him.
"We had a bone to pick with humans and desired to eliminate the lot of you. That's why we found ourselves booted out, to put it lightly."
Verdadero's voice reflected his cautious tone as he posed a tough question.
"Let me get this straight. If you were in possession of your powers right now, I'm curious to know if you'd consider ending our lives."
Leben chuckled in response, his answer sharp and to the point.
"Well, if I possessed my powers at this very moment, certainly I would. But in my current state, with no resources, I'd be in quite the bind if I even attempted to utter a single insult your way. You get the picture."
Seele stood before Leben, exuding an air of authority.
"You claim you have no involvement in the chaos that unfolded, but I can't shake the feeling that your status as a Fallen Angel plays a role in these events."
Leben pondered her words, considering the possibility.
"That could make sense. It's not uncommon, you know, for Fallen Angels to be taken out when they crash down to Earth. But, there's something definitely off about this situation. Why would they want us alive this time around?"
Seele silently nodded in agreement, continuing her line of thought.
"Absolutely. With news spreading worldwide about individuals plummeting from the heavens, we've been operating under the assumption that Fallen Angels are behind the chaos. Indeed, those who fell have sowed quite a bit of confusion and mayhem throughout Fantaria, the continent as a whole."
Leben smirked as a thought seemed to cross his mind.
"This is all part of 'his' grand scheme..."
Kämpfen's expression shifted to perplexity as he queried the meaning behind the reference to "his" plan.
"You're talking about the Lord's plan, right?"
Leben glanced at Kämpfen and smirked, clarifying his stance.
"No, not 'Him.' I'm referring to the leader of the revolt in Heaven."
Leben added, expanding on his revelation.
"While I might have set the rebellion into motion, it was he who truly spearheaded the endeavor. An exceptional angel, indeed."
Fals interjected, her curiosity piqued, seeking clarification.
"I must say, you seem to hold quite a lot of regard for this particular Fallen Angel. Care to reveal his identity?"
Leben scoffs and rolls his eyes, his scorn evident.
"Why should I waste my breath on the likes of you? You're all unworthy of knowing his identity."
Seele rolled her eyes in frustration, before redirecting her query.
"Nevermind that. Let's shift gears. Do you know the whereabouts of your fellow conspirators who landed on Earth?"
Leben shot her a condescending glance, doubling down on his claim.
"Listen up, I've already made it clear, I have no clue. I may well have been the mightiest angel, but I haven't got a clue where the rest of them landed."
Fals couldn't help but pick up on a certain vibe radiating from Leben, a sense of malevolence that made her suspect.
"Interesting. I can't quite put my finger on it, but you give off this sinister aura. Could it be that you have a Sin in you?"
Leben shot a sharp glare at Fals before shifting his gaze to his own palm, acknowledging the presence of something he refused to vocalize.
Yet, his pride stood unyielding, denying any admission of guilt.
Leben sneered dismissively, his gaze drifting to the window on the side.
"I'm not a Sinner, you fools. I'm a Saint, the very embodiment of righteousness."
...
In the Kingdom of Takada, a nation renowned for its technological prowess and advanced technologies, the Curia Regis, the royal council, gathered to address the pressing matters at hand.
The atmosphere in the council chamber was heavy with a sense of urgency, as the members grappled with the challenges faced by the kingdom.
One of the dukes in the council asked a pressing question.
"My lord, time is of the essence! What course of action should we take to address the pressing issue of famine?!"
The dukes began to engage in hushed discussions, contemplating possible solutions. One brave duke proposed a bold solution.
"Clearly, we require a different approach! It is highly probable that these troubles are the result of Devilish interference. I suggest we dispatch our most dependable E.D.M. Division to investigate and uncover the truth!"
The king coughed, the weight of his illness heavy upon him.
"Our Takadan E.D.M. Division, though skilled, is indeed the weakest among the continent. The individual or entity responsible for this famine surpasses the capabilities we possess. We must consider alternative measures."
The king continued, his voice hoarse from the persistent cough.
"Perhaps it is time to seek assistance from the other nations on the continent. The suffering of our people is becoming increasingly dire, given the scarcity of food supplies."
A defiant duke interjected, his voice tinged with pride.
"My lord, to beg for aid would be to convey weakness, as though we lack the strength to stand independently!"
A young duke rose to his feet, his voice laced with urgency.
"Which holds greater value? Our pride or the lives of our people? We must prioritize the needs of our people above all else."
A duke, sharing the first duke's perspective, rebuked the younger duke, his words dripping with condescension.
"You lack the wisdom and experience necessary to comprehend the complexities of such matters! You're naught but a naive pup, blundering through issues you're ill-equipped to grasp, you brat!"
The elder duke, a veteran known for his wisdom, sided with the younger duke.
"I concur with the Duke of Mamba. It is time to cast aside our pride and seek assistance, remembering the heavy losses suffered years ago due to our hubris."
A duke looked to the king, seeking his judgment.
"Please, Your Highness, your wisdom is needed now more than ever. This decision is crucial for our safety. Let Your Majesty decide."
With a weary sigh, the king responded, his voice hoarse but resolute.
"Indeed, we must seek assistance... We should offer a reward to those who lend us aid. Perhaps then the other countries may consider aiding us in our time of need."
...
As darkness enveloped the world outside, Leben found himself lying on the bed, his gaze fixed on the ceiling.
Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through his head, causing him to clutch the side of his skull in agony as he curled up into a ball, emitting guttural grunts.
"Gah... It hurts!"
Leben groaned, his head still pounding with relentless pain.
"This incessant headache has been plaguing me for quite some time now..."