Chapter 373: Two Sides Of The Same Coin
The only known way for Heaven’s Judgment to have communicated was for the shotgun to have been a soul weapon all this time.
But that didn’t make sense. Although Michael could summon the weapon at will, it was thanks to his system, not because of the weapon’s properties.
While Michael was busy pondering over the implications, his two soul weapons were locked in a heated verbal confrontation.
’No, no, no! For fuck’s sake, not like this!’ Devil bellowed. ’We were doing so well, just the two of us. Why did you have to become the third wheel?!’
Heaven’s Judgment snorted. ’Doing well?! Such blasphemy! By no means what you were doing to our owner could be considered acceptable! All you strive for is to corrupt his nature! Endlessly going about slaughter and profanities, like a broken record!’
Devil’s voice grew heavier.
’What do you expect me to do, woman? Since you are like me, you must have seen everything I have seen and know that Michael is a Regressor! He is but a marvelously malicious bastard with more mental scars than there are stars in the vast universe. At this point, pretending to be a good man is pointless. It’s time to start becoming far more ruthless!’
Heaven’s Judgment didn’t raise her tone, yet her voice gained a dangerous edge.
’Disgrace you are! Rather than using the insight you have gathered about your owner to aid him in his recovery journey, you try to pull him backward, undermining what he strives to achieve! From every perspective, you are no different than a lowly parasite, a leach... Your days of trying to corrupt him are over! This is not how a soul weapon should behave, and Michael has endured more than enough!’
Devil sneered.
’Really? Then pray tell, how am I meant to act? Unlike most, I don’t fear speaking what is on my mind and exploiting others for my benefit. Not to mention, isn’t it far too late for your preachings? Currently three women are in an affectionate relationship with our owner simultaneously! Is this not proof enough that he has fallen and will inevitably always indulge in desires and profanities, for such is his nature?’
Heaven’s Judgment laughed wholeheartedly.
’I bear no surprise that a simpleton like you can’t see the difference! Who says that having more than one beloved is inherently bad? Quite the opposite! Michael’s tormented soul is subconsciously searching for love and support. The fact multiple women have responded to his longing is proof he is unlike you! Get it through your dull skull! Empty mindless lust and yearning for passionate love are not the same!’
Devil roared in disdain. ’Stop filling Michael’s head with baseless fairy tales! He is a straight-up killer and nothing more. Obviously, he should loosen up and do what brings the most pleasure!’
Heaven’s Judgment remained unwavering. ’No! He is so much more than you describe! Like it or not, he is a human, a son, a brother, someone dearly beloved! Neither now nor at the end of time will he stray from his true goals and walk your corrupted path!’
Witnessing the fierce debate, Michael came to a realization. While Devil could be considered his negative intrusive thoughts, treacherous and corrupt, Heaven’s Judgment was the opposite, righteous and pure.
Like two sides of the same coin, they represented opposing extremes... Once they came into contact, havoc was unavoidable.
’That is enough.’ Michael’s steady voice brought an end to the chatter.
Immediately, the two quieted down. Despite being in weapon forms, Michael got the impression that the two had turned their backs to each other, arms crossed dramatically.
After clearing his throat, Michael glanced at Heaven’s Judgment.
’So may you explain how you are able to communicate and why you haven’t until now?’
Instantly, the immaculate shotgun trembled in pure delight. This was the first time Michael had addressed her!
Oh, for how long she had longed for this moment!
Shifting her attention to her master, she answered.
’My earliest memory is being held by you, so I can confidently say I’ve always been a part of you. As for why I haven’t contacted you until now...’
Her voice turned sheepishly.
’It’s because I couldn’t. As much as I hate to admit it, I’m bound to your positive nature, and unlike that vile creature who calls himself Devil, our connection wasn’t stable enough to truly reach one another.’
The double barrel gleamed, almost like a pair of eyes watching in pure admiration.
’But fear not! Thanks to evolving me to the Legendary rank, the thread connecting us strengthened enough for me to become a genuine soul weapon, through and through! You won’t have to deal with Devil alone anymore. I will ensure his corrupting influence doesn’t impact you any longer! You have my word!’
Heaven’s Judgment blushed and looked the other way... Or so Michael thought, it was his first time dealing with such an expressive shotgun.
’A—Anyway, what I meant to say was...’ She murmured softly. ’P—Please continue taking care of me until the end of time... Master.’
Michael flashed her a warm smile.
’It will be my pleasure, as always.’
Heaven’s Judgment trembled even more intensely. Suddenly she turned even more bashful and went silent, too shy to speak.
With a chuckle, Michael inspected her status.
[Heaven’s Judgment]
[Shotgun Form]
[Rank: Legendary]
• Power: 1000
"Shotgun form?" He muttered in confusion. It made sense in Devil’s case to specify the form, since he could take a humanoid appearance, but in the case of Heaven’s Judgment, it was bizarre, for she didn’t possess such an ability.
Hearing his mumbling, Heaven’s Judgment grinned... or so Michael thought as she glanced at him.
’As expected of my Master! You instantly grasped the change with me!’
Not giving Michael any time to answer, the form of Heaven’s Judgment changed abruptly.
While the handle remained mostly the same, the metallic part altered in shape.
Taking a perfectly circular shape, Heaven’s Judgment transformed into a shield. Its protective surface was large enough to cover Michael’s torso and abdomen. Despite its light weight, Michael realized that even the strongest beings would find it nearly impossible to overwhelm her defenses.
Despite altering her form, Heaven’s Judgment retained her pristine condition. The two golden wings, which had been attached to her sides, were now positioned at the forefront, resting on the shield’s surface, while the hook was centered, ready for both offense and evasive maneuvers.
[Heaven’s Judgment]
[Shield Form]
[Rank: Legendary]
• Defense: 1000
"Incredible!" Michael gasped. The new form of his second soul weapon was a pleasant surprise. He often found himself fighting things he shouldn’t have. With the protective veil Heaven’s Judgment provided, his potential movesets had effectively doubled.
Not only could she be used for defensive purposes, but her circular surface was large enough to serve as an effective platform from which Michael could propel himself if needed. She was going to synergize with his Psychokinesis technique perfectly!
Heaven’s Judgment giggled. Metaphorically, she stuck out her tongue at Devil to irritate him.
The sword hadn’t gained a new form when he reached Legendary rank, but she had. Naturally, there was no way she would miss the chance to rub her superiority in Devil’s face.
Devil growled in frustration yet remained silent. Which only improved Heaven’s Judgment’s mood.
’Anyhow, I hope that with this form you realize that my earlier words weren’t just metaphorical, but literal.’ Heaven’s Judgment glanced at Michael with determination.
’Everything I have belongs to you... My body, my soul, my entire existence. So please don’t hesitate to use me however you see fit, for I am entirely yours, Master!’