Chapter 4 – The Council of Rebirth (Part II)
Laughter rippled through the thrones — even the flames of the fiery one flickered brighter, as though they were laughing too.
For a moment, the void felt… lighter.
Then silence fell again as the Supreme Being lifted a hand.
The laughter died instantly. The air grew still.
The being's voice returned — serene, absolute.
> "Joshua Vail. You have completed your mission on Earth and have been summoned for another one."
The air shifted. Images began to form — floating like memories through the light.
Cities burning.
Oceans darkening.
Children running through shattered streets.
> "This world is nearing its end," the Supreme Being said. "Civilizations crumble. Faith fades. Their gods sleep."
Joshua's eyes narrowed as he watched. The sight stirred something deep within him — the same fire that once drove a poor boy to rule half the Earth.
> "And you are ordering me to save it?" he asked quietly.
> "You are not being ordered, Joshua Vail," the being said, voice gentler now. "You are being asked."
Joshua looked up. The light reflected in his eyes — not fear, not hesitation, but that familiar spark of purpose.
> "What do I get in return?" he asked with a smirk. "I already expected this… but I was hoping I'd get to rest after that crazy mission on earth."
> "A chance," the Supreme Being replied simply. "A chance to live freely. To start anew. To discover meaning beyond perfection. And to accomplish your wish."
> "Wish?" Joshua asked, arching a brow.
> "This new world you will enter is unlike your former one. In it, a human stopping a bullet — or even a missile — is not impossible."
Joshua's eyes widened slightly, then his shock melted into understanding.
Yes. That wish — his greatest, most foolish dream.
The dream of a man who had conquered everything yet failed to do one impossible thing:
to stop death itself with his bare hands.
The thought made him chuckle.
> "Oh, he recovered from that quickly," murmured the Elder beside the Truck Elder.
> "I told you, he's a crazy one," Truck-kun said proudly. "What normal human smiles while facing death?"
Soft giggles echoed through the thrones.
Joshua raised his chin, the corners of his lips curling upward.
> "Another world, huh? Alright then… let's see what kind of mess you've got waiting for me."
"Good, I'll begin the process"
The Supreme Being's light pulsed faintly, as though preparing to begin the ritual.
But Joshua suddenly lifted a hand.
> "Hold up."
The being paused.
> "Yes, Joshua?"
Joshua crossed his arms, smirking.
> "I just got back from a mission, and I haven't received my reward."
The Council stirred. Even the flames flickered uncertainly.
> "Reward?" the Supreme Being repeated, puzzled.
Joshua's smirk widened into a grin.
> "Yeah. Before I take another assignment, I want to meet the one who gave me the last one."
A ripple of surprise moved through the hall. The Supreme Being's gaze sharpened.
> "What do you mean?"
Joshua's voice dropped lower, calm and unwavering.
> "Don't play coy. You might be wrapped in divine light, but you don't carry His presence."
The entire chamber went silent.
> "Angel."
The word hit like thunder. The thrones trembled. Even the stars outside the void seemed to dim.
Joshua Vail stood tall, unflinching — the mortal who dared to call out the truth in front of gods.
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