In that moment, he understood Lucifer's so-called rebellion.
Yahweh's heart held no worldly notions of right and wrong. He seemed to gaze down from the highest heavens, observing the fates of all living beings with detached, emotionless eyes.
At that instant, a single thought consumed him:
*Will Yahweh return to Hell?*
Not only he, but the Demon King hidden in the rafters, his eyes practically overflowing with malice after touching such a dark and negative thought.
"Yet the Seraphim do not share this view," God continued, as if he had paused for a deep breath.
"They love humanity so much that they would risk defiling themselves with sin to guide them toward the light."
It was like God knowing the inevitable outcome, yet still choosing to create the world.
The process was the only variable in this predetermined path to destruction.
"The essence of angels is purity and selflessness," God said, calming Haniya and quieting the golden-haired angel. Though this selflessness was largely born from the warmth and comfort of their lives.
Why indulgence again and again? Why this repeated favoritism?
Only those who have lived their entire lives in a perfect world would care about the happiness of others. Maintaining such a fragile and beautiful existence requires constant effort, yet God willingly expends this effort.
To choose light, to choose goodness, to choose beauty—this was God's decision from the very beginning.
"I love angels very much."
*Therefore, we will not go to Hell.* Haniya understood Yahweh's unspoken words, and his eyes inexplicably welled up with tears.
"So we can only stand by and watch as darkness wreaks havoc?"
"Darkness is not inherently evil. Though driven by desire, it can sometimes forge unwavering resolve in Hell."
"That is Hell's redeeming quality on Earth," God sighed, a rare sound. "I wish Lucifer could understand this."
But that stubborn soul remained fixated on his hatred for Heaven and the Messiah, gradually forgetting the virtues he once possessed.
After hearing so many confusing explanations, Haniya suddenly had a flash of insight.
"So you just don't want to kill him, do you?" he accused, puffing out his cheeks. "And you've been beating around the bush, trying to sweet-talk me with talk of the Last Judgment!"
The moment he saw Lucifer had no intention of killing him, he simply let him go. That Demon was the true culprit behind it all!
"You weren't so 'merciful' when facing those tower builders and fake demons!"
Words could change in an instant, and kingdoms could fall into chaos just as quickly. Though those were consequences of their own actions, Yahweh showed no hesitation in striking them down.
"You've known him far longer than I have. Is he more important to you?"
"As I said from the beginning, when you reach a certain level of power, you'll realize that killing is the most pointless act." A faint smile touched God's lips at Haniya's unreasonable words, but the fluctuations in His eyes slowly settled.
As Haniya had observed, this wasn't true mercy. He wouldn't engage in pointless torture of a single creature, but he could ruthlessly erase the very traces of a race's existence from the world.
"Just you wait! I'll become strong enough one day!" Haniya was furious. Though he had accepted the truth, hearing it from Yahweh made it unbearable.
"Hmm." The Seraphim became lively again, and the silence around God was broken. He smiled and gave his approval.
"Stronger than Lucifer!"
This was difficult. God's expression turned hesitant.
Haniya grew even angrier. "Stronger than you!!!"
That was impossible.
After regaining his composure, Haniya began practicing swordplay openly in the courtyard. God remained still.
As expected, after God dismissed Haniya, the cat landed lightly and crossed his arms, looking down at Him with a smirk.
"You knew I was here all along, didn't you?" Lucifer said, approaching with a silver candelabra. The holy silver began to hiss and crackle under his touch—a sound of sacredness rejecting darkness.
As the King of Darkness, Lucifer could have easily suppressed his aura and remained hidden. Yet the Demon King deliberately chose to announce his presence.
Clearly, he seemed much more genuine than when they first met.
"So you said all that deliberately? To make me let that little angel who stole my face off the hook?" Lucifer asked with a wide grin at Yahweh. "This is the first time anyone has ever said that about me, without denying my past."
"That's not true," God replied. In fact, Lucifer's followers had all said the same thing.
"You know what I mean—that's different," the Demon King said, looking smug. "Don't be such a killjoy, Yahweh."
"Your acknowledgment makes my soul yearn for more."