Inside the silver city, home to the celestial beings calling themselves the children of God. The angels, often mistaken as gods by mortals, acting as the caretakers - and conquerors - of the mortal realms, let their heated voices echo through the divine halls.

"We're wasting time! Now that the armistice with the Devourer is in place, all that matters is to determine who will act as champion!" (?)

"Since you are so adamant on the matter, you might as well volunteer! I certainly know I won't do it!" (??)

"Enough, both of you! You are shaming yourselves in front of our Father! Is this how his children, the pinnacle of creation, are supposed to behave?" (???)

""Sorry!""(?)(??)

In the heart of the silver city, God sat upon his golden throne in the great throne room, his eyes closed. With an amused smile on his face he rested with his elbow on the golden armrest, his bearded cheek against his fist.

"Father, how are we supposed to choose a champion among us? There is noone who would want to volunteer for this - the deal is far too favourable to the Devourer and his demons!" (???)

"Are you doubting our Father's judgement?" (????)

"Of course he isn't! He's just speaking the truth! I bet my wings that there isn't a single divine being in creation who would volunteer! Am I wrong?" (??)

A silence so absolute that one could hear a pin drop echo through the silver city was the only answer.

"If noone will volunteer, someone will simply have to be volunteered!" (?)

"Volunteered? Are we supposed to draw lots like some of those filthy mortals? You can be volunteered! I swear, I'd rather cut off my wings than be selected in such a manner!" (??)

"You are rather adamant on both looking down on mortals and ridding yourself of your wings sister; tell me, if you got rid of your wings, wouldn't you become a mortal?" (????)

"I'd rather die than become a mortal!"(??)

"If you are feeling so light about dying, why not volunteer?"(????)

"W-what?! N-no! I didn't-"(??)

"Now-now sisters, let our brother express his idea before rejecting it." (?????)

"Thank you sister."(?)

The angel paused and looked over the host of heaven before continuing.

"Now I know many of you will have objections to this idea of mine, but I know this would work for our purposes. We all know that whoever becomes champion, is more or less going to be a sacrificial pawn." (?)

Muted murmurs resounded through the chamber as the speaking angel hesitantly glances up at God to ensure he doesn't get offended, but as he remains unmoving the angel turns back towards his siblings before continuing.

"Therefore, I suggest we select a champion not from amongst ourselves - but from the mortals." (?)

"If one of us isn't able to, then a mortal doesn't stand a chance against one of the demon lords and an army of demons on its own! Besides, the terms state that the champion needs to contain our Father's divine power!" (??)

"Not on its own no - but if we ascend a mortal with a gift of divinity from our Father - it would suit our purposes as a sacrifice!"(?)
"BLASPHEMY!"(??)(????)...(?...?)

An angered choir of voices resounded through the silver city before the speaking angel had finished. For the first time since the discussion began, God opened his eyes.

"You would let a mortal be granted divinity?!"(??)

"Brother, even I must oppose you at this time. Even if there was a mortal whose virtues were unparalleled in the mortal realms, I would not wish this fate upon such a soul. After all, such a virtuous soul would deserve better than to become a sacrifice, even if it is a mortal."(?????)

"You're thinking of it the wrong way!"(?)

"Are we? Explain then brother, however I have a hard time understanding how this could be granted our - or Father's approval for that matter. After all, there is no mortal worthy of such divine power."(???)

"Exactly!"(?)

The confused host of angels stared at the lone angel before he continued speaking after leaving a satisfyingly dramatic pause.

"There ARE no mortals who are worthy of ascension to divinity, this is certain. We can all hear the voices of the mortals from our respective realms. In your realms - for I am certain my realms aren't alone - there are mortals who are insolent enough to say they can do a better job than us. Who put themselves above us. Above our FATHER."(?)

After another dramatic pause, the angel continued.

"I propose we select one of those arrogant mortals as a champion - thereby proving to everyone the limits of mortals, even when granted divine power."(?)

Another prolonged pause prevailed as the angels contemplated the argument.

"...Your suggestion has flaws, brother."(??)

"Which would be?"(?)

"Firstly, the idea of such a mortal gaining divine power is utterly reprehensible."(??)

The speaking angel drew a dramatic - although unneeded - breath.

"Secondly, the mortals under my care are absolutely aware of our greatness - our Father's greatness. After all, I have ensured they are, and thoroughly at that! And even if they weren't, I'd be ashamed to have one of my believers selected. After all, that would be evidence of my failure as a caretaker of the realms!"(??)

The angel smiled mockingly at her brother who signed his own descent to shame with his proposal.

"But since you have admitted that you have failed in such a manner, why not select a mortal from your realm?"(??)

"I....well...but..."(?)

"Enough, sister. After all, our brother has made a great suggestion, even if your words are true. If we disregard the first flaw, the second one is amendable in his suggestion."(?????)

"...how so, sister?"(??)

"There are realms which are yet unconquered - or better yet, abandoned or marked for disposal, for different reasons. Some because of the very reason that the mortals on the realm were too arrogant. We could look for a mortal that suits our needs from such a realm."(?????)

"Excellent suggestion, sister!"(?)

"However, that doesn't disregard the original fact that it is a mortal. A despicable one at that."(????)

"Do it."(God)

God's voice shook the very being of every angel in the silver city as he spoke, and although many disagreed with his choice, none dared speak against him once his will was known.

"....Who shall choose the mortal, Father? And from where?"(????)

"...Esme."(God)

"Yes Father!"(Esme)

"At the fringes of my rule, there is a realm the native mortals - humans - call Earth. It has since before your creation been abandoned. It was scheduled for disposal after Sodom and Gomorrah, however I seem to have...neglected its existence in favour of creating your brothers and sisters."(God)

"As it is closest to your domain, I'm sure you know of it."(God)

"...I believe I do, Father."(Esme)

"Go there and select the mortal. And do not belittle your wings in my presence again."(God)

"F-forgive me Father! I shall go at once!"(Esme)

"Go."(God)

As Esme, the angel who had shown the most disgust against mortals, unfurled her wings and flew out of the silver city, the remaining host of angels could only shake their heads in wonder about how things would end with their eccentric little sister at the helm.