DOTM: Chapter 550/551

Chapter 550: Archangel Leah?

The red-black greatsword in his hand began to twist and deform, ultimately becoming slender and more suitable for launching as an arrow. Coupled with the violent fire energy it contained, Ethan was confident that this shot would definitely injure Imperius.

Although his exchange with Imperius was brief, lasting only a few moves, he could already determine that his current strength was comparable to Imperius. He only managed to gain the initial advantage because Imperius completely misunderstood his fighting style, hitting the opponent hard while they did not understand him, aiming to heavily injure the opponent before they could react.

If it turned into a protracted battle, although Ethan had the advantage in endurance, his opponent was not alone. The entire angelic host of the High Heavens was watching intently, and it seemed like they could charge at any moment. If he were not fighting the proud Archangel Imperius, it would be hard to guarantee that the others would not swarm him and overwhelm him.

Just as he was about to launch the arrow from his hand, Tyrael suddenly blocked his way.

"Do you think I will stop because of you?"

"I believe you will stop, because you are filled with the radiance of justice and will not cause slaughter in this meaningless battle." Tyrael did not even raise his weapon. He simply stood there looking at Ethan, specifically, his armor. Although Ethan could not see Tyrael's face, he could clearly sense where the other party's attention was focused.

"?"

Ethan was startled, remembering the Sagittarius Gold Cloth he was wearing, which was overflowing with positive energy.

When designing this Cloth, he initially considered using energy like Holy Light. Later, he thought of the fellow nicknamed Political Commissar in The Lost Canvas, combined with the fact that the Sagittarius in the main series was also an absolutely righteous person, so he slightly modified it to be suitable for all positive energies.

Using this Cloth was a bit troublesome for Ethan. He had to ensure he did not do anything unjust, as that would severely hinder the Cloth's combat effectiveness.

Like now, his fight with Imperius could only barely utilize the Cloth's abilities normally, and this was only possible because he held the righteous thought that he was actually here to save the world.

According to Ethan's original design, by executing truly righteous actions with absolute righteous conviction, this Cloth should grant the user a greater bonus, allowing the wearer of Sagittarius to unleash combat power far exceeding their own strength.

Only now did he realize that he had created a piece of equipment that was very unsuitable for himself. He probably would not have many opportunities to unleash the Cloth's maximum combat power.

This delay allowed Imperius to recover. He walked out of the wall where Ethan had slammed him into a large crater and then came to stand beside Tyrael.

"I do not require your assistance, Tyrael."

Imperius glanced at Tyrael, who did not even have a physical form beside him.

"Besides, you cannot help me now."

After speaking, he took a few more steps forward, stopping not far from Ethan, conveniently blocking Tyrael behind him.

This guy clearly found Tyrael extremely annoying and wished he would disappear immediately, yet he was intentionally or unintentionally protecting him.

Imperius was clear in his loves and hates. Did he remember Tyrael's favor of shielding him? Or did he feel it was his responsibility to protect all angels, even those he disliked?

The more he thought, the more his already limited fighting spirit dissipated. Ethan saw that Imperius had also plunged his Spear of Valor into the ground, and he knew that this fight was probably over.

Transforming the greatsword back into pure magic and retracting it into his body, and putting the golden bow back on his back, Ethan and Tyrael, separated by about ten meters, began their most peaceful conversation since meeting.

"Divine being from another realm, while I admit your strength is formidable, I must reiterate that this world does not welcome your arrival."

No deity in any world welcomes powerful beings from other worlds showing up. Such behavior makes them feel their territory is being invaded.

If a powerful being suddenly appeared on Ethan's ship or island, he would react just as furiously.

Understanding is one thing, but it does not change the fact that Imperius wanted to kill him and actually made a move.

So Ethan's mind was still very clear. Imperius, this staunch everyone who is not an angel must die advocate, was talking to him peacefully here simply because he could not kill him.

Ethan also did not have enough confidence to kill this guy, especially with Tyrael nearby, the vast army of angels, and the other Archangels.

Anyway, he had not suffered any loss, so stopping now was an acceptable option.

"I'm just passing through. I really have no interest in your world..."

Ethan originally wanted to say no interest at all, but he suddenly realized this world had Heaven, the mortal realm, and Hell. Most importantly, the mortal realm was plagued by rampant dark creatures. If he wanted to become a Main God in the future, this would be a good world for leveling up. He wondered if he could establish a long-term passage.

"I can sense the fluctuation in your tone!"

Imperius' hand gripped the inverted Spear of Valor again. Ethan's tone, which seemed to be hiding something, made him want to attack again.

However, compared to this person, he was more concerned about the little girl beside him who possessed Diablo's bloodline.

This was the important reason he chose to stop fighting after discovering that Ethan was not a demon from Hell or a being from another world similar to demons. If Ethan's power was similar to demons, he would have eliminated Ethan even if it meant fighting to the death, absolutely preventing Hell from gaining a powerful external ally.

Now that he confirmed Ethan's power was not only unrelated to Hell but actually similar to the angels of the High Heavens, he barely managed to suppress the urge to attack. After dealing with this outsider, he would then handle Diablo's bloodline.

"I have a little interest, but it is not about conquering like you think. I just want to establish a passage so some of my people can come to your world..."

"I refuse!"

Imperius did not even wait for Ethan to finish, flatly refusing.

This time, even Tyrael sided with Imperius. He also did not think establishing a passage to another world was a good idea. Who knew what kind of world that was?

Ethan shrugged. Imperius' refusal did not surprise him, and he did not plan to continue the discussion. If he grew to that level in the future, he would just establish the passage directly. Imperius would not have the power to choose.

If he did not grow to that level, then this issue was not worth discussing anyway. There was no need to argue about it now.

The diplomatic matters were concluded. Imperius was ready to handle some internal affairs.

He turned his head to look at Leah, but Tyrael reacted faster. Before Imperius could say anything, he preemptively asked Ethan.

"You said earlier that you came to save our world, and you mentioned this little girl. How do you plan to do that?"

"You should both be able to see that this little girl is the best vessel for Diablo's resurrection."

This was not just apparent to the two Archangels. After learning that Leah possessed Diablo's bloodline, even Deckard Cain had vaguely predicted some things. Leah's birth was definitely not a coincidence but a carefully planned conspiracy.

"Humans are always like this, constantly leaning toward evil demons. That is why I stand firm!"

"But not all humans are evil!"

Imperius and Tyrael almost erupted into a verbal conflict again over their policies regarding humans. Fortunately, both Archangels knew this was not the time to argue about this issue.

They also had the thought of not letting outsiders see their family's shame and immediately stopped the topic.

"How do you plan to save our world?"

"How about I take her away?"

Both Archangels were stunned. It seemed they had not expected Ethan to actually suggest taking the little girl away.

There was no need to ask where he would take her. Although they did not know what kind of world Ethan came from, it definitely was not here.

If this little girl was not in this world, Diablo's resurrection would lack a perfect vessel. They did not believe the person who designed all this would arrange for a large number of children similar to Leah.

It could be said that as long as Leah disappeared, Diablo's resurrection plan would largely fail. Even if Diablo still resurrected under these circumstances, it would definitely encounter various problems due to the change in plans, and that would be an excellent opportunity to eliminate Diablo.

For Imperius, he felt it would be simpler to just kill her directly.

As for Tyrael, this was a good option. Leah was just an innocent little girl, and he could not bring himself to kill such a child. He could not even accept others harming a child. If someone actually tried to do so, he would definitely intervene.

"Aren't you afraid that she will awaken Diablo's bloodline in your world and become a Lord of Hell, harming the entire world?"

Ethan crossed his arms and confidently raised his head.

"Even if she awakens the bloodline of a Lord of Hell, she will not become Leahblo."

"???"

The two angels only half understood Ethan's words. They just confirmed that this guy had inexplicable confidence, confidence that he could suppress Diablo. This made Imperius extremely uncomfortable, as it seemed to make him, who had been fighting and clashing with Diablo his entire life, look incompetent.

Ethan was genuinely not worried that Leah would become Diablo. Leaving aside Leah's original personality, which was a collection of all positive human traits, even if the demonic bloodline in her body showed any signs of activity, Ethan had countless ways to suppress it, or even completely transform its form.

By then, not only would it be impossible for her to become Leahblo, but if Ethan wanted to, he could even turn Leah into an Archangel.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 551: Everything is Arranged Clearly

The conversation between Ethan and Imperius ended here.

Imperius confirmed that Ethan was indeed just passing through and did not have any significant ambitions for this world. While this was still somewhat questionable, he likely would not directly engage in war with the forces of Heaven, unlike Diablo.

Although he considered using the angelic legions to surround and kill Ethan here, he was not sure if killing Ethan would cause other troubles.

Moreover, he had to figure out how Ethan got here.

Does the world have loopholes? Is there a way to travel freely between worlds? Have other worlds discovered this place? Are there more beings like Ethan outside?

Based on the power used, Ethan seemed to be aligned similarly to himself, so were there also powerful demons similar to Diablo?

Imperius found that the questions were increasing, and if these problems were not solved, the future of Heaven seemed to become very dangerous.

These issues could not be resolved by him alone. All the Archangels had to be summoned to discuss them thoroughly in the council.

Turning his head to look at Tyrael, the Archangel of Justice seemed to be thinking the same thing. After exchanging glances, the two angels simultaneously looked away.

They had confirmed each other's thoughts. A meeting must be convened.

Compared to this, Leah being taken away by Ethan was not a major issue at all, and it could also prevent Diablo from being resurrected again.

Imperius did not care, but Tyrael was more concerned about the person behind the scenes.

"We must find out who is plotting behind this matter."

Deckard Cain thought the same, but although he possessed sufficient knowledge and wisdom, he lacked the power to confront evil.

What he could do was find outstanding adventurers or ask old friends for help through his connections, then guide the young adventurers to once again embark on the path against Diablo.

Cain's first reaction was to look at Eirena nearby. Eirena, who had been defeated before, was undoubtedly the best choice, but now he was not sure if Eirena would still help him.

From a human perspective, he also did not want to always rely on old-timers when something happened. He hoped for more fresh blood so that humanity would always have strong individuals who upheld the belief in justice, and when unexpected events occurred, there would be a group of people who could step forward to buy time for humanity, or even directly lead humanity to victory.

"I will remember this."

Cain pondered that Eirena could act as a mentor, returning to the Sanctuary of the Mages to select some outstanding young people, then let these young people handle some simple matters.

After all, this time they were only dealing with some evil humans with malicious intent, not directly facing Hell's demons, and with guidance from seasoned powerhouses, they should be capable.

As for Leah, whom he had only recently adopted, it seemed she was about to leave. (PS: The previous statement that Ethan only left for a few years might be inaccurate. Based on later information, Ethan should have returned about ten years after his last departure, as Li-Ming and Leah were born around the time of Diablo II's events and the destruction of the Worldstone.)

Leah was young but already very sensible. Realizing she was about to leave her adoptive Uncle Cain, although very reluctant, she understood in her heart that she had to leave.

Ethan watched the young Leah and Cain saying goodbye and did not interrupt them. Of course, he had the ability to take Cain with them and keep them together, but would Cain himself really agree to go?

Cain had spent his entire life guiding humanity's heroes and dedicating his life's energy to his world.

When humanity faced a threat again, how could he choose to leave and enjoy an easy life by himself? So Ethan gave a simple, subtle hint, only receiving a grateful smile in return, but after Cain did not agree, he did not bring it up again.

"Can you take care of a child?"

Since the basic conflict had been tentatively resolved, Ethan was also unwilling to continue staying at the gates of Heaven, surrounded and stared at by a group of angels. Since there would not be any more fighting, he directly took Cain, Leah, and Eirena back to the house they were in before, which was Cain's home in New Tristram.

Upon returning here, Leah began packing her luggage, while Deckard Cain nearby initially wanted to instruct her on what to bring, but then realized that for the past two years, he had mostly been taken care of by his nominal niece. This messy old man simply did not know how to take care of himself.

At this moment, he could not help at all, while Ethan watched Leah quietly packing without saying anything.

Fortunately, Eirena was more concerned about little Leah, worrying that a mage like Ethan would not know how to take care of a child.

"It's not just me there. There are many people, and there are also a few young people only a few years older than Leah, so you don't have to worry about Leah not having playmates."

Cain listened quietly to Ethan's answer and was slightly relieved to hear it. It seemed Leah would not be lonely in that world.

"Is there anything you need to bring?"

Cain finally could not help but ask Ethan. If they did not have something at home and it was still light, they could go buy it.

He did not know when Ethan planned to leave, but he probably would not be staying here for ten days or half a month.

Seeing that he did not stop Leah from packing, he knew Ethan was not planning to stay longer.

"Let her bring whatever she wants. It is fine to keep it as a souvenir."

What did Ethan not have there? Even things he did not have temporarily, Ethan could find a way to get them, from clothes and shoes to entertainment equipment and even learning materials of all kinds. There was nothing Ethan could not get. In this situation, Leah packing things had no practical meaning. The things she brought were merely for memories.

Although he could send Leah back to visit Cain at any time, he was not going to overly provoke this group of angels until his strength had further improved enough to suppress Imperius. Furthermore, since Leah had Diablo's bloodline, he was not comfortable letting her return frequently to visit before this hidden danger was resolved.

Ethan thought for a moment and finally gave Cain an amulet. He did not know when he would be back next, but to prevent the old man from having passed away by then, given his current physical condition, even without any accidents, there was no guarantee he would not suddenly be gone someday.

He did not want Leah to return next time and not even be able to see the old man Cain one last time, so he made arrangements for him in advance. Even if Cain refused to go to Ethan's place through the amulet's power after death, the amulet could still protect his soul well and notify Ethan that the old man Cain had passed away.

At that time, he could bring Leah over to visit, then decide how to arrange Cain's soul based on Leah's and Cain's own wishes.

Leah, who had finished packing, returned to Ethan's side, her big, watery eyes clearly showing tears. At this moment, Ethan suddenly felt like he had become a big villain, and unfortunately, he could not leave Leah behind now.

Because he had already revealed Leah's identity, in this situation, Leah staying would actually be harming him.

Deckard Cain absolutely had no way to protect Leah. Eirena was already unwelcome in the Sanctuary of the Mages, and the old fossils in the Sanctuary, upon learning about Leah's situation, would undoubtedly want to kill the little girl as their first reaction.

Even if Tyrael in Heaven would not stand by and watch such a thing happen, the angels now had more important matters to discuss and had no energy to care about the life or death of a little human girl. In fact, in the eyes of most angels, it would be a good thing if Leah, this little girl with Diablo's bloodline, died. Some angels might even secretly give advice to some mages.

In short, Leah had to leave now. Ethan then confirmed with Eirena again.

"Aren't you coming with us?"

"No, there are still many things I want to do here but have not done yet. Whether successful or not, I want to try."

Ethan nodded. Eirena's conviction had become much stronger than before, and her strength had also increased. Ethan had also left her a life-saving amulet, so presumably, even in the worst case, she would not be killed by an assassin's sneak attack and have her soul imprisoned.

His biggest goal for this trip had been achieved. Kidnapping little Leah could only be considered something he did because he was full and bored, just casually saving the world.

After Leah stood beside him, Ethan gently reminded her, "Don't be afraid, and don't resist. Feel this power, and perhaps you will gain some understanding."

He remembered that Leah had good talent and would later take over Cain's role to become one of the heroes' most trusted companions. In fact, with the bloodline of a Hell demon lord, her talent surpassed that of ordinary people. Ethan was very curious to see how far Leah would grow if she received guidance from a young age.

Could she, decades later, turn around and beat up the group of angels in Heaven?

Lost in thought, Ethan had already performed two consecutive teleports with Leah. Because they barely stopped during the transfer in the middle, the speed of continuous activation was too fast, and Leah did not even realize they had briefly stopped in the main universe. When her vision returned, she was in a luxurious mansion.

"From now on, you might have to live here for a while."

Ethan turned his head to check the time. Since he did not deliberately aim for a specific time point, the time flow in the Marvel universe was basically the same as the time he had experienced.

This meant that, if nothing unexpected happened, the Prometheus should have completed its modifications.

(To be continued.)