Becoming a Monster

Chapter 316: Chapter 316: “We burn in His name; we rise in His light.”

Burke couldn’t think clearly, there was too much stimulating his heart. However, the moment he saw Vincint’s pupils shrink, swallowed whole by a growing radiance, silence seemed to envelope him. Not even the howling sensation from Noah’s attack could reach him.

The panic that twisted Burke’s face was erased by something calm. Unnaturally calm.

His entire body took on a glowing golden hue, enveloping him entirely to the point that not an inch of his attire or facial features could be made out.

Then came the voice. Soft, feminine, almost melodic, but it came from where Burke stood.

”I have not gone against our agreement. Your life was forfeit the moment you engaged a devil...hiding in human skin. You have done a great service to our beloved father, and to honor your great deed, I will make sure your soul will ascend to His embrace. We burn in His name; we rise in His light.”

Still, Vincent couldn’t tell what was going on, and his body was slowly moving away from the figure. Unsure of its intentions or if Burke was still alive.

The figure seemed to sense his fear. With the light shadowing her features, the motion of her head wasn’t noticed. But then Vincent saw something expand from her sides, and a golden ring forming over her head.

He was no longer paying attention to the beings’ actions. He was too amazed by what those certain features symbolized the creature of being.

An Angel.

If this world became hell on earth, with humanity on the brink of extinction. It would be rare for those who held religious beliefs to not believe that their god had forsaken them. And even those who didn’t believe silently prayed for the being that granted them their powers for salvation, in hopes...and fear, that the being was the god that all worshipers spoke of.

And now, for the first time, they witnessed a heaven’s envoy face to face.

The light died down at the spread of the angel’s wings, but when they did, the awe turned to doubt.

The ”angel” in question wasn’t the serene beauty they pictured her to be. In fact, the angel bore no beauty at all. The ”woman” was faceless, no different than a mannequin.

Where the eyes and mouth should have been, there was only a smooth surface. Not only was she devoid of any facial features, but her head was completely bare.

The attire Burke wore was magically replaced by a pristine white robe, with almost nothing to glorify it besides the cross that was magically fitted into the center of her chest. The wings, and the halo were the main traits that truly remained symbolic to the angels that people were used to.

Despite her unique differences, people still fell to their knees. Some in worship, others confusion, and then there were those who dreaded her appearance. And then there were those like Vincent who could only stare; scrutinizing whether the angel was an actual messenger of God or merely another monster.

The angel turned slightly, as if searching for something, or perhaps acknowledging the shift in the atmosphere. Then came her voice once more, not spoken through a mouth she didn’t have, but directly into their minds.

”Lost souls, you wonder why do I look this way? It is because I am merely a messenger of the heavenly father. Before I- before anyone can truly become a vassal that has the right to bear the almighties presence, one must go through the trials of purifying themselves of all their sins.”

”We do not have necessities that can corrupt our souls. A face that can bring jealousy, envy, greed...Hair that can inspire vanity. We have shed them all, so we can cleanse our souls to acquire them when we have proven our worth.”

”This form is not for your comfort, nor your belief. It is for His will alone. I am what remains when the self has been burned away... when there is nothing left but duty.”

”And you,” she finally turned towards the heavy pressure that was no longer able to be ignored. The attack Noah was about to unleash was even a threat to a being such as herself since she was using a weak vassal to bring out her true form.

”Devil born of mortal womb...”

The air warped, the fear and dread being casted onto those of weak will were being wrapped in a warmth they couldn’t explain.

”You stand as proof of the corruption in man’s blood. Of why we must cleanse the world.”

She raised her arms. Not just her, but the three zombies that were in turn, tied to her through Burke’s contract had all become enveloped within a holy radiance.