Infinity: Kill your way through the movie world.

“A very good goal, embodying justice.” Metatron’s tone was neither complimentary nor critical. “But on what basis?”

"With your remaining strength, plus those wounded young angels outside? Uriel has consolidated Raphael's legacy, controls at least a third of the Temple's arsenal, and has the support of those opportunists. The chances of a direct confrontation with him are slim."

The words were like ice water, poured over Castio's already heavy heart.

"So what's your suggestion? Are you just going to sit idly by and watch him initiate the Apocalypse Rehearsal?"

“Of course not.” Metatron turned and walked slowly to a long table piled with scrolls, his fingers gently tracing the ancient artifacts. “Violent confrontation will only deepen the rift and cause more bloodshed.”

His voice carried a sense of vicissitude and reluctance.

"Heaven has already shed too much blood. We need a... gentler, more thorough solution, a way that forces all factions, regardless of their positions, to sit down and re-examine the status quo."

He raised his eyes and looked at Castio: "Do you know about the 'Trials of the Angels'?"

Castio frowned.

The term seemed familiar, as if I had seen it in the corner of an extremely ancient book, but the details were vague.

"Could it be... some kind of test left by God?"

“It’s not just a test.” Metatron’s voice lowered, with a solemnity that suggested he was recounting a secret. “It’s the last line of defense that God laid out before He left. When Heaven is embroiled in irreconcilable internal strife, when violence and chaos are about to destroy this sacred creation, the Angel Trials will be activated.”

"Angels who complete the trial will gain the authority to temporarily close the 'Gates of Heaven'."

Close the gates of heaven?

Castio's pupils contracted slightly.

That would mean severing direct connection between Heaven and all other dimensions, including the human realm.

Angels can no longer descend at will, and the channels of prayer will become extremely weak; this is undoubtedly a tremendous shock.

"Why is closing the door the solution?" he asked.

“Because it strips all factions of their greatest advantage and threat,” Metatron explained.

Why did Uriel dare to plan a rehearsal for the Apocalypse?

"Because he believed that by controlling the power of Heaven, he controlled the initiative; why were the other factions unwilling to compromise? Because they feared that the other side would settle scores with them after gaining overwhelming power."

"But if the gates of heaven close and everyone is locked inside, with their connection to the outside world greatly weakened, any large-scale destructive action will become extremely risky and unlikely to be profitable. At that point, continuing the infighting will lose most of its meaning."

"They will be forced back to the negotiating table to discuss the order again, without the threat of absolute force, because fighting and sacrifice have become meaningless."

He paused, observing Castio's reaction: "This is a powerful remedy, but it may be the only one that can prevent a full-blown civil war and the complete collapse of Heaven in its infighting. God foresaw this possibility, so He left behind this ultimate regulatory mechanism."

Castio was deeply shaken.

Closing the gates of heaven... It sounds extreme, but Metatron's analysis makes sense.

If the ongoing infighting and Uriel's radical plans are terminal illnesses, this may be the only shock therapy.

but.
"What are the contents of the trial, and who is qualified to carry it out?" he pressed.

Metatron's gaze deepened, even taking on a hint of indescribable pity.

"The contents of the trial will only be known to the chosen angel when they enter."

"It tests not strength, but essence, purity of heart, righteousness of intention, and awareness of sacrifice." He took a step closer, his voice even softer, yet it struck Castio's heart like a hammer blow.

"God's design is that only angels who truly have 'pure justice' in their hearts and are willing to give everything for the overall well-being of Heaven, rather than for the private interests of any faction, can pass the trials and obtain authority."

Pure justice... giving everything for the overall well-being of Heaven...

These words struck Castio's most sensitive and painful wound like lightning.

He recalled his past arrogance, how he proclaimed himself God, thinking he could bring about better order, but instead caused more chaos.

He recalled the humans and innocent angels who died because he was used in the Leviathan incident.

He remembered Dean and Sam fighting for him in Purgatory, while he was here facing yet another mess caused by him.

Guilt, self-blame, a desire to make amends, a longing to do something truly right to redeem oneself…

These emotions entangled his heart like vines.

Metatron's words pointed out a way out of this surging darkness, one that radiated divine light.

Complete the trial, close the gates of Heaven, force everyone to cease fighting, rescue the imprisoned followers, and avert greater catastrophe…

This is not for personal power, nor even for any particular faction, but for Heaven itself.

Doesn't that sound like pure justice?
Metatron accurately captured the wavering in Castio's eyes and the gradually igniting determination.

He added at the opportune moment, his tone carrying just the right amount of heaviness: "This is not an easy path, Castio. The trial itself is fraught with unknown dangers. Even if you successfully close the gates of heaven, you will become the target of everyone's ire. All factions may temporarily turn their spearheads against you. If you want to do it, you will need immense courage... and an equally immense willingness to sacrifice."

Sacrifice...

Castio thought of the trusting faces in the silent corridor, of Hannah's broken wings, and of the ruins that were everywhere in Paradise.

If sacrificing myself could bring an end to all of this…

"How do I begin the trial?" His voice was somewhat hoarse, but unusually firm.

A barely perceptible glint flashed deep in Metatron's eyes.

His face, however, showed an even more solemn expression: "The entrance to the trial is at the Altar of Origin, the place where God first gave angels their forms and where He left His final words."

"But the entrance is sealed by ancient laws, and it requires... an angel who is willing to take on this task, using the essence of his own soul as the key to make a call and request."

He stared at Castio: "Once you start, there's no turning back. Are you sure, Castio? For heaven, for ending this pointless conflict?"

Castio closed his eyes.

Images flashed through his mind: Dean cursing and swearing but standing in front of him; Sam's silent but firm support; and the lives that suffered because of him in purgatory and heaven.

He opened his eyes, and in his pale blue pupils, guilt remained, but was covered by an almost resolute clarity.

"Take me to the Origin Shrine."

Metatron nodded slowly, a complex expression on his face, which seemed to be both approval and a deeper sigh.

“Very good, Hannah.” He turned to the angel who had been standing quietly in the doorway. “Go and prepare. Don’t tell anyone else about this for now; the fewer people who know before we succeed, the better.” (End of Chapter)