>>96087119
>Pride

"Hey, I'm incredibly glad to meet you! Do you know why? Because you're the first person in AGES I've never anticipated!" asked the shounen protagonist who was this world's version of Lucifer.

"I think" I said, blinking, "you may well just be my second favourite version of the Devil ever"

"Hell yeah! Wait, who's the first guy?!"

"Your plan" I said, ignoring him. "is admirable. But I've already committed to helping a friend. So I'm going to offer you a few tips from personal experience. Then we're both going to wait for Mr. Priest to get here"

"Well, I can't fault your loyalty. And I can see the data written on your cellular structure, clear as day. I LOVE what you've done to that human vessel of yours" he said. "even if it's somewhat...incomplete"

"I'm waiting for the right catalyst to present itself" I said meaningfully.

"...I see. So even you can't escape the plan?"

"I can and have. I just don't want to. When this is over, remind me to tell you about the fourth Ordeal Call too, if only you knew how good you have it here"

Inevitably Mr. Priest showed up, in desperate need to kill a friend-and realising I was standing between him and Lucifer's ritual. "Hey, kiddo. Remember what I said about abanding your path?"

"Please Mr. Saint, it's Imuri-"

"I know"

"Lucifer will destroy Hell trying to evolve the demons-"

"I know" I repeated, "and what of it? It is after all, God who wills this place's destruction. Why shouldn't I just...help it along?"

"Because it's Imuri's home, Mr. Saint" he said timidly.

"Then, Mr. Priest" I said patiently and with great kindness, "you have no choice but to kill me since I've become an obstacle in your way"

"No!"

"Boy" I said, pointing at my own throat, "it is not a sin to fight for those you love. You are gentle. You do not like to hurt. But it is because you cherish life that you must protect it. Please drop your restraints, and just...let it go. For her sake"

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