Purgatory and Paradise

"Purgatory and Paradise" (地獄とラクエン) is the one hundred and twenty-sixth chapter of the Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign manga series, written by Takaya Kagami and illustrated by Yamato Yamamoto.

Synopsis
Many seraphs hail the King of Earth, Sika Madu. The tower nearing completion, everyone is closer to returning to the Sun where God awaits. Bael and Paimon are two humanoid seraphs with Sika Madu in the memory. Amon, Belial, Astaroth, Marbas, Bathin, Naberius, Raum, and Orobas are others. Watching, Yu and Mika find them familiar where the seraphs do resemble vampires and demons of later eras.

Walking alone together, Paimon raises how they need to dispose of the experimental subject, Mikaela or suffer divine punishment. Paimon seeks the order yet Sika Madu has an idea. While Paimon wants Sika Madu to survive, he coughs up blood. A question is was Mikaela created to find a cure for a plague endemic to seraphs. Certain he can get them all to paradise, Sika Madu claims he will dispose of Mikaela.

Not really believing him, Paimon informs Bael they will have to kill Mikaela themselves. Unconcerned for his own illness, Paimon is against God cursing Sika Madu. Discussing what they would do, Mika and Yu support views from both Paimon and Bael. With the situation they are in, Yu wonders if this is hell. Rather than the tower supposedly leading to it, Yu has his own idea of heaven.

Sika Madu tells Mikaela they may need to move from the city. After he leaves, Miksela finds Paimon enter his room.

Characters
List of characters in order of appearance:


 * Shikama Dōji (appears as Sika Madu while in a memory)
 * Bael (appears in a memory)
 * Paimon (appears in a memory)
 * Amon (appears in a memory)
 * Belial (appears in a memory)
 * Astaroth (appears in a memory)
 * Marbas (appears in a memory)
 * Bathin (appears in a memory)
 * Naberius (appears in a memory)
 * Raum (appears in a memory)
 * Orobas (appears in a memory)
 * Mikaela Hyakuya (appears as a child while accessing a memory)
 * Yūichirō Hyakuya (appears as a child while accessing a memory)
 * Urd Geales (mentioned only)
 * Saitō (name mentioned only)
 * Guren Ichinose (name mentioned only)
 * Mikaela (appears in a memory)
 * Yu (Homunculus) (appears in a memory)

Summary
From a view of space which features planets, Earth is specified as the Sol System First Satellite Kingdom. Within the civilisation that existed during the era of dinosaurs, there are a huge number of seraphs gathered who call to a majesty. The seraphs hail the King of Earth, his Majesty Sika Madu. Stood among them, Sika Madu extends his hand as he politely requests quiet.

There are large floating rectangular screens in the air above the seraphs which flicker on where Sika Madu appears. Asking that they allow him to thank them all, Sika Madu has received an official report that among the satellite kingdoms, they have once again succeeded in building their tower taller than all others. On one of the screens, there are seven celestial bodies shown.

As a small Sun like energy forms in the palm of Sika Madu's hand he speaks how their reservoirs of Photons, the source of their kind's power, is also nearing 90% of the target volume. The shining orb becomes much larger next to Sika Madu where he and the seraphs appear enveloped in an incandescent energy.

Thanks to the unstinting effort of everyone here, their Earth kingdom is that much closer to returning to the Sun where God awaits on their throne. Continuing, Sika Madu proclaims it will not be long now, soon they will finally reach paradise. The seraphs appear rapturous. From where he is stood, Sika Madu is approached by a humanoid figure and addressed as Earth king. One of two, Sika Madu looks towards them.

Speaking first, the human appearing seraph Bael questions if it is not time. Stating that they are all overjoyed that they chose Sika Madu to follow, Paimon mentions that their dearest wish will soon be granted. Affirming yes, Sika Madu details how everyone has worked so hard for so long, especially all of them. The fiery heads of a select group of the cloaked seraphs seems to burn all the brighter. The humanoid seraphs near Sika Madu are all named. Amon, then Belial, and Astaroth appear as child-like seraphs. Marbas and Bathin are also present. Naberius, with Raum, and Orobas are additionally part of this group.

Within this memory, Mika and Yu observe the scenario. When Yu says he thinks he has seen those angels before, Mika feels the same and sees Urd and Saito in them. The others look familiar to Mika too. Agreeing with that, Yu raises how the names are different though. Mika wonders what that is all about while the Tower of Babel is focused on.

Looking up, Mika considers what they mean by paradise. Knowing they said the Sun, he wonders do they want to literally dive into it, and why. Regarding the Sun in the memory, Yu shields his eyes as he comments it is so bright. Around Sika Madu, both Belial and Amon look happy as the latter says for his majesty to not worry, they will follow him wherever he leads. For his part, Sika Madu looks content.

By nightfall, the Tower of Babel shines within the prehistoric land it is situated in. As Sika Madu walks through a corridor with Paimon slightly behind him, Yu and Mika are also following in silence. Speaking, Paimon questions his majesty what they should do about that other issue. While Sika Madu gives it some thought, the experimental subject named "Mikaela" is brought up. They must dispose of it before paradise is reached, or suffer divine punishment.

As angels, Paimon speaks how they are forbidden from creating life and raises if they do not quietly dispose of it before it is discovered. In response to Sika Madu's lack of an answer, Paimon mentions if his majesty would just give him the order. When Sika Madu speaks his name, Paimon awaits what he has to say. Requesting that Paimon give him a little more time for the matter at hand, Sika Madu shares that he has an idea. With Paimon curious as to what it is, Sika Madu details how Mikaela still has potential. On that, Paimon wonders whether his majesty of all people would not have grown attached to what he calls that thing.

With Sika Madu not answering, Paimon claims he could not bear to see him punished, and adds this kingdom needs him. Stating that it has him too, along with Bael as well, Sika Madu states the two of them could easily fill his shoes. Rejecting the idea, Paimon announces he would rather die first, of all of them, Sika Madu must survive.

Suddenly coughing, Sika Madu watches as blood trickles from Paimon's mouth while his angelic wings quiver. Gathering that he is infected too, Sika Madu thought so and he questions why Paimon hid it. Disregarding his condition and the question, Paimon asks why did Sika Madu create that "Mikaela" experiment. Paimon says to not tell him it was to find a cure for the plague endemic to their kind. Replying that something must be done, Sika Madu feels at this rate even if they reach paradise over half the angels who follow him will die.

Stating that he must not lose his way, Paimon mentions how creating, also extending, and reviving life are grave sins. Telling him to not worry, Sika Madu affirms he will make it work. Use the power collected by Babel Tower cleverly enough and Sika Madu can get all of them up to paradise. Angered at the circumstances, Paimon pleads for his majesty to not let himself be distracted by insignificant things. Directing him to do as he must, Paimon says for Sika Madu to not concern himself with them. Paimon gets no response from Sika Madu.

Continuing, Paimon begs Sika Madu to give him the order to dispose of Mikaela. Answering all right, Sika Madu specifies that he be given a little more time to say his farewell though and settles on five days. Sika Madu tells Paimon he will dispose of Mikeala himself in five days time. As Paimon considers it, Mika looks to Yu who appears in a state of disbelief. When Paimon questions if he truly will, Sika Madu answers yes.

That said, Paimon claims he will have faith in Sika Madu, he has never once deceived them, after all. With that complete, Paimon states they will make for paradise at Sika Madu's command and follow the path laid for them dead ahead. Stating yes they will, Sika Madu then parts ways by heading by himself through the corridor.

Watching him walk away, Yu feels it sounds like a lot was going on. Turning to look at Paimon who is heading the opposite direction, Mika with Yu follow him outside. Waiting alone, Bael questions Paimon how it went. Answering no good, Paimon asserts they will have to kill Mikaela themselves. After Bael says his majesty made it for Paimon's sake, he shouts who cares what happens to him. If his majesty commits the forbidden, Paimon is concerned God will curse him. Recognizing that, Bael is however wary of them reaching paradise without Paimon.

Shouting that Sika Madu would still have Bael, even if he himself is gone, Paimon feels as long as Bael is there both king and kingdom are safe. Even if they do reach paradise, Bael is uncertain of what could be there for them if they do not have each other. Grasping his clothes, Paimon demands to know if Bael wants his majesty to be cursed as a criminal. Bael does not want Paimon to die, just as his majesty doesn't.

After Bael says if he has to die then they will go together, Paimon orders him to not be foolish, he has to let the dead-weight fall away. Questioning even if that it is half of everyone, Bael adds none of them know what fate has in store for them. Serious about it, Bael states whatever it may be he will abide by his majesty's choice.

Clenching his teeth, Paimon in his view sees the situation. Releasing him, Paimon says for Bael to do as he pleases. He will, and Bael adds for Paimon to do as he chooses to do. He is one of his majesty's most beloved servants and Bael continues that Paimon should have the most faith in him of all of them. Although Paimon does not appear satisfied, he does not speak right away on it.

As Bael and Paimon face one another, Mika and Yu observe the exchange. Sharing what is on his mind, Yu asks Mika who he would back. Guessing Urd (meaning Bael who he looks like) then asking who he would back in turn, Yu thinks the same too. If they have to die, Yu feels he would want it to be together. Having not failed to notice his outstretched hand, Mika turns to a matter that makes them think. If he chooses to take Yu's hand, Mika ponders if they somehow do not manage to save everybody.

Insisting that Mika just take his hand already with it not being taken right away, Yu says they can worry about the thinky stuff later, at least that is what he would would say. Saying he can hear it too, Mika remembers Yu shouting pretty much the same thing while beating him over the head in reference to when he was without memories and attempting to possess him as a demon. Mika high fives Yu before stating after that they made their decision where they decided to live for others. Mika has to wonder how things here with the angels wound up turning out.

Their conversation ongoing, Paimon states how God is not forgiving of betrayal. Fail, and they will all be wiped out. Fine with that, Bael responds so be it. If he can die with Paimon then he has no complaint. Suspecting his majesty will not get off with mere death, Paimon states who can say what punishment awaits one who commits the forbidden. Where Paimon wants to protect Sika Madu from that no matter what, Bael is of the view that is his majesty's choice.

Frustrated, Paimon does not have a reply for Bael yet. Paying attention to what was said, Mika speaks how that complicates things. Mika thinks he might be with Saito on that (meaning Paimon who bears a physical resemble to him). With Yu's interest in such a view piqued, Mika sees it as if Yu was in the First's shoes he would be basically shouldering all the responsibility for what happens by himself. Mika says he refuses to let that happen.

Thinking about it, Yu then mentions it's weird. It feels like they are repeating the same conversation. With Mika wondering which one he means, Yu frames it as the the spot the First is in here and how is it not a lot like the one Guren is in. After Mika states it is a good point, Yu does not know why but that is kind of ticking him off. If everybody is doing the same things over and over agin, Yu questions does that make this hell. As Mika looks to the Tower of Babel, it is mentioned how paradise is supposed to be up that way. On whether that is heaven then, neither are sure.

For Yu personally, where Mika and all their friends are is heaven to him. Sharing a look, Yu moves to how if this really is hell, which Mika picks up on, then the First has been stuck in it a long time. Glancing back to the corridor together, Yu and Mika wonder what is going to happen next.

In some section, Yu the homunculus hovered over Mikaela who had his head resting on Sika Madu's lap. Having a question for his father, Mikaela wondered was he still not allowed outside. Responding not yet but soon though, Sika Madu said he will see that Mikaela can go outside. When Mikaela asked really, Sika Madu questioned had he ever broken a promise. Mikaela happily replied nope.

After Sika Madu detailed that they may need to move a little way from the city, Mikaela was ecstatic. On the word move, Mikaela checked if it would be like on a picnic. Guessing it will be something like that, it is why Sika Madu needed Mikaela to rest and conserve his strength. Lying himself back on the bed, Mikaela was happy to comply and be good. When Sika Madu stated he was a good boy, Mikaela answered he is always good.

When Sika Madu departed the room, Yu the homunculus watched him go. After the door slid shut, Mikaela excitedly asked Yu whether it heard that. A picnic he could not wait for, Mikaela stated that Yu should come with them too. The homunculus' eye tilting to the side indicated its feelings on a matter.

Hearing a sound, Mikaela turned to the open door and asked aloud whether it was father. Mikaela wondered did he come back. Coughing, Paimon stepped into Mikaela's room.

Quotes
"Majesty! Majesty! Hail the King of Earth, his Majesty Sika Madu!"

- Seraphs gathered in their civilization praise the First

"First, allow me to thank you all. I've received an official report that, among the satellite kingdoms... ...We've once again succeeded in building our tower taller than all others."

- Sika Madu addressing many seraphs, having received a report from some official association. Also reporting the Tower of Babel of Earth is taller than others. Something done before, a map shows seven planets.

"Our reservoir of photons-the source of our kind's power... Is also nearing 90% of the target volume."

- Sika Madu produces a shining orb of energy in his palm, the apparent energy of seraphs. Although physically different appearing, Sika Madu classes himself and cloaked seraphs as the same kind. Such an energy has been stockpiled over time.

"Thanks to the unstinting effort of everyone here, our Earth kingdom... ...Is that much closer to returning to the Sun, where God awaits upon their throne."

- Sika Madu details how seraphs have formed a kingdom on Earth that can reach where a god resides.

"It won't be long now! Soon, we will finally reach paradise!"

- Sika Madu enthusiastically announces a goal to the seraphs.

"The time is nigh, isn't it?"

- Bael's question for Sika Madu who has announced they are to return to paradise.

"We're all overjoyed that we chose you to follow. Our dearest wish will soon be granted."

- Paimon mentioning how they chose Sika Madu to follow, for their wish of returning to paradise.

"Yes. Everyone has worked so hard for so long. Especially all of you... Amon. Belial. Astaroth. Marbas. Bathin. Naberius. Raum. Orobas."

- Sika Madu thanks a specific group of humanoid appearing seraphs, and reveals their names with appearances to the Seraph of the End series.

"Huh... I think I've seen those angels before."

- Yu expresses familiarity with the angels revealed. For the demons and vampires they bear a resemblance to, Yu has seen Urd and Saito. He may be aware of Amon and Krul appearing like Ashera and Krul minus their long hair. Although briefly seeing him in Osaka Bay, Astaroth's hair being like Lest Karr's might be easier to remember. Raimeiki has been heard about but not seen, so Yu may be unfamiliar with Bathin, as he is with Marbas. While Naberius has shorter hair than Noya he may recognize Guren's demon. Yu has fought Gekkouin and Kiseki-so who look like Raum and Orobas.

"Yeah. I see Urd and Saito. The others look familiar too."

- Mika can name who two of the seraphs resemble, namely the second progenitor vampires. Mika knows Saito though not initially as a vampire, it's possible he could have become aware of Urd during his time in vampire territories. Mika was close with Krul who looks like Belial, and may be aware of other third vampire progenitor Lest Karr who resembles Astaroth. Attacked by Asuramaru, Noya, Gekouin, and Kiseki-o, he may recognise them as being like Amon, Naberius, Raum, and Orobas. He has not seen Raimeiki who resembles Bathin, neither Marbas.

"...What do they mean by "paradise"? I know they said the sun... ...But do they wanna literally dive into the sun? Why?"

- Mika unsure whether the seraphs are speaking metaphorically or not, and why they would want to head there.

"Don't worry, majesty! We'll follow you wherever you lead!"

- Amon's first words seen in the series, and keen on following Sika Madu.

"Majesty. What shall we do about that other issue? The experimental subject named "Mikaela." We must dispose of it before we reach paradise... ...Or suffer divine punishment."

- Paimon's question when alone with Sika Madu. Considered an issue, Mikaela is also stated to be an experiment. Seraphs are wary of divine punishment.

"We angels are forbidden from creating life. If we don't quietly dispose of it before it's discovered..."

- Paimon speaking of himself as an angel and aware of restrictions placed on them where life can indeed be created. His answer is to murder Mikaela before a god finds out.

"Majesty. If you just give me the order, I'll-"

- Paimon seeks a directive from Sika Mado to have Mikaela killed.

"Mikaela still has potential."

- Sika Madu's reason to Paimon for requiring more time since he has an idea.

"Surely, majesty, you of all people... ...Would not have grown attached to that thing."

- Paimon indicating Sika Madu's character, and his own scornful view towards Mikaela.

"Majesty, I couldn't bear to see you punished! This kingdom needs you!"

- Paimon concerned for Sika Madu and indicating there is something that is capable of punishing him.

"It has you too, Paimon. You and Bael. The two of you could easily fill my shoes."

- Sika Madu speaks highly of two seraphs, and perhaps hinting which course of action he is leaning towards.

"Majesty, no! I'd rather die first! Of all of us, you must survive..."

- Paimon absolutely against Sika Madu being compromised.

"Ah. You're infected too? I thought so. Why'd you hide it?"

- Sika Madu after seeing Paimon cough blood up.

"Majesty. Why did you create that "Mikaela" experiment? Don't tell me it was to find a cure for the plague endemic to our kind?"

- Paimon's question for Sika Madu after ignoring his own ill condition.

"Something must be done. At this rate, even if we do reach paradise... ...Over half of the angels who follow me will die."

- Sika Madu hinting Mikaela was made to help with a seraph affecting plague, and conscious of the potential pyrrhic losses even in the event of success in their goal.

"Majesty, you must not lose your way! Creating, extending, and reviving life are grave sins!"

- Paimon presses Sika Madu to continue getting others to paradise, and not focus on life affecting areas. For the species, seraphs may not be immortal, or able to be resurrected should they perish. Such actions are regarded as grave sins presumably by the god they are aware of.

"Don't worry. I'll make it work. Use the power collected by Babel Tower cleverly enough... ...And I can get all of us up to paradise."

- Sika Madu assuring Paimon, and knowing how a specific energy source can be potentially manipulated.

"Majesty, please! Don't let yourself be distracted by insignificant things! Do what you must! Don't concern yourself with us!"

- Paimon passionately against Sika Madu concentrating on curing a plague never mind it's one he himself is afflicted by.

"All right. But give me a little more time to say my farewell. Five days. I'll dispose of him myself in five days' time."

- Sika Madu outwardly confirms Paimon's request to be able to dispose of Mikaela.

"As you say, majesty. I'll have faith in you. You've never once deceived us, after all."

- Paimon claiming to believe Sika Madu (although he doesn't really) and indicating a deeper past with him.

"With that complete, we'll make for paradise at your command! We'll follow the path laid for us dead ahead!"

- Paimon giving a show of loyalty and devotion to what Sika Madu directs of them.

"No good. We'll have to kill Mikaela ourselves."

- Paimon speaking with Bael where he shows for all he said to Sika Madu he did not really believe his claims, so will take matters into his own hands.

"His majesty made it for your sake..."

- Bael is aware of Mikaela and sees him as something Sika Madu made to deal with a plague Paimon has.

"Who cares what happens to me?! If his majesty commits the forbidden, God will curse him!"

- Paimon sharing how he is against restoration to Bael since Sika Madu is at risk from a curse afflicting god.

"He'll still have you! Even if I'm gone, as long as you're there both king and kingdom are safe!"

- Paimon is unconcerned at his own loss, and feels Bael can help both Sika Madu and a kingdom of sorts to be secure.

"Still, even if we do reach paradise... ...What could be there for us if we don't have each other?"

- Bael's feelings and question for Paimon should he not be with them.

"So you want his majesty to be cursed as a criminal?!"

- Paimon seizes Bael's clothes after he has concerns about them not being together as a group.

"I don't want you to die, just as his majesty doesn't. If you die, we'll all go together."

- Bael upfront to Paimon with what he wants more over reaching paradise with god.

"Even if that's half of everyone? None of them know what fate has in store for them."

- Bael responding that he has to let the dead weight fall away. Apparently referring to seraphs, Bael is also one speaking of fate and how they do not know what is entailed with that.

"Whatever it may be, I'll abide by his majesty's choice."

- Bael having made up his mind and unwavering in it.

"I will. You do as you choose too. You're one of his majesty's most beloved servants. You should have the most faith in him of all of us."

- Bael will do as he pleases, before stating it is the same for Paimon and that he should trust Sika Madu.

"Hmm... Who would you back, Mika?"

- Yu asking for Mika's viewpoint. Yu wonders who Mika would back out of Paimon wanting others to leave him in his illness and make it to paradise, or Bael who would rather they perish together.

"Oh, but y'know? It still makes you think. If I choose to take your hand... ...But if we somehow don't manage to save everybody..."

- Mika considering Yu's hand while thinking if they fail in what they resolved to do.

"Just take my hand already. We can worry about the thinky stuff later."

- Yu pressing Mika to take his hand having decided if they have to die he wants it to be together.

"After that, we made our decision. I have to wonder how theirs wound up turning out."

- Mika recalling his and Yu's decision to help everyone, and wondering what the outcome was for the seraphs Paimon and Bael.

"God isn't forgiving of betrayal. Fail, and we'll all be wiped out."

- Paimon speaks to Bael on the nature of the god.

"Then so be it. If I can die with you, I've no complaint."

- Bael steady in his resolve and unconcerned about the god's actions.

"Who can say what punishment awaits one who commits the forbidden? I want to protect him from that no matter what."

- Paimon wishes to defend Sika Madu should he delve into life related areas. Although he may not know the specifics, Paimon as a seraph is aware the god does have other means aside from death to threaten others with.

"Okay. That complicates things. I think I might be with Saito on that bit."

- Mika agreed with Bael before, but now feels Paimon (who he calls Saito due to the resemblance) has a point about wanting to protect someone from being targeted.

"If you were in the First's shoes... ...You'd basically be shouldering all the responsibility for what happens by yourself. I refuse to let that happen."

- Mika speaks to Yu how he would not let him accept all the burden of a matter.

"The spot the First is in here... ...Isn't it a lot like the one Guren's in?"

- Yu considers how the First working to get others to paradise, but also heal an illness to save those close of which that is forbidden, is akin to Guren's situation.

"If everybody's doing the same things over and over again... ...Does that make this Hell?"

- Yu gives some thought as to whether others attempting to save others with barriers to that constitutes a hell.

"Personally... ...Where you and all our friends are is heaven to me."

- Yu regards the Tower of Babel which supposedly leads to a location of paradise before speaking how he feels to Mika.

"And if this really is Hell... Then... ...The First's been stuck in it a long, long time."

- Yu has sympathies for Sika Madu for the first time.

"Have I ever broken a promise?"

- Sika Madu's asks Mikaela this after being questioned if he can really go outside soon.

"...We may need to move a little way from the city."

- Sika Madu sharing his plans for heading outside with Mikaela.

"Move?! Like on a picnic?!"

- Mikaela's greatest excitement displayed after hearing they could head out the city.

"Yu, didja hear that? A picnic! I can't wait! You should come with us too!"

- Mikaela speaks to Yu the homunculus after Sika Madu has left.

Cover Details
The feature image for chapter 126 consists of three panels, and a fourth banner like one for a text location display. All collectively a view from space, the first panel shows what resembles a night sky with stars amongst it. All the lettering details are situated here such as the Seraph of the End logo in the top left of the image. The author names are listed underneath, and the chapter number and title is placed in the lower right of this section. While the first panel could be a view from Earth, it could also and is more likely to be a section of space in the direction of Earth. The second panel shows planets in the Solar System. The ringed planet of Saturn is in the foreground, where the view forward may also indicate that the largely gas planet Jupiter is present, and then also Earth too on the left. In keeping with a honing in on Earth scenario, the surface of it is shown in the third panel. For the Seraph of the End universe, this has been labelled by something as the Sol System where Earth is regarded as the first satellite kingdom.
 * The cover image indicates that there is an organization or entity of some sort that has classed this section of the Galaxy as the Sol System. For whatever intelligence system has formed this classification, it regards prehistoric Earth as a satellite kingdom.
 * Chapter 126, along with chapter 61: "Who Is More Bored?", chapter 68: "Saviors" and chapter 77: "Rescue for the Devil", is one of the chapters after which the manga took a break for a month in Japan.
 * Many where seen in the civilization in previous chapters, however there is shown to be a huge amount of seraphs who gather before floating screens in a gathering.
 * Similarly, a number of homunculus were seen amongst seraphs throughout the civilization as they were. Here though, not a single homunculus is seen at all outside, it is solely a gathering of seraphs for this assembly on returning to paradise.
 * Though it seemed that Sika Madu was detached from the seraphs outside his tower, he is shown to be regarded as the king of Earth and hailed by them.
 * Screens are used to visually depict Sika Madu before the seraphs. Though they have fire coming out where their head section should be, they are apparently capable of processing visual information despite the apparent lack of eyes.
 * Earth having been shown as one of several satellite kingdoms, Sika Madu has received communications in the form of an official report from some entity.
 * The Tower of Babel was not the first such structure formed, Sika Madu is clear they have been created before.
 * A map of astronomical objects on page 4 displays the solar system on a flatscreen. From the Sun on the left, the planets are in order of Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn (as in the real world). The lines on these locations may indicate towers that have been created, of which there would be seven known ones. Alternatively it may show there are links between these planets and the Sun.
 * Photons are said to be the source of Sika Madu and his kind's power. Electromagnetic radiation based forces may be intrinsically linked with powers seraphs are able to generate, or it may be in the context of powering their physical civilization.
 * Through technology or an innate ability, Sika Madu can generate an orb of photon based power. Manifesting in the palm of his hand, the tennis ball sized energy can grow into a very large sphere to be kept beside him.
 * Although he appears as a human, and seraphs are seen essentially as floating cloaks with fire as a head, Sika Madu refers to them as a same kind.
 * The photon energy formed seemingly covers Sika Madu and seraphs around. While this is occurring, the seraphs dark fiery heads are not visible as the energy covers their cloaks.
 * A reservoir of photons has been collected which is nearing a target volume.
 * The projects developed on Earth were announced to have been done to return habitants to the Sun.
 * A god is said to await upon a throne on the Sun. In chapter 57: "Defining a King" a god was referred to as "he" by Sika Madu, yet he uses the term "their throne" in this chapter.
 * The Tower of Babel is seen reaching its highest point here, where its peak is still not visible as it rising upwards into the sky.
 * Sika Madu is addressed as majesty, in addition to Earth king.
 * Additional humanoid seraphs were introduced in this chapter. Although Sika Madu and Mikaela were seen as them on account of their wings, there were still the cloaked seraphs present thus it was unclear if they were a distinct form of existence.
 * The first new human-appearing seraphs are shown as well as having their names presented. These are Bael, and Paimon who appear as adult males.
 * From what he says, Paimon reveals they chose to follow Sika Madu. A dearest wish is apparently to return to paradise.
 * Just as demons can appear as indiscernible shadows, to have a human appearance revealed, this may also be the case for seraphs. On the fourth panel of page 9 there are a group of identical appearing cloaked seraphs who are seen with their fire surging upwards. For the next pages there are embers floating around them all as humanoid being are shown.
 * Where Sika Madu, particularly given his changes to Shikama Doji, and Mikaela were not outright confirmed to be seraphs, this chapter showing an apparent transformation for the first time may confirm that.
 * Having confronted Sika Madu in the previous chapter to ask what he done to them, Yu and Mika have made their way outside to watch this scene of the First addressing seraphs.
 * After the human-appearing seraphs were seen, Yu soon expresses familiarity with them. Able to put a name to them, Mika sees Urd and Saito, the two second progenitor vampires of current times who resemble Bael and Paimon, the first new seraphs seen here.
 * Wondering about the seraph's different names, a possibility is that the vampires and demons of later ages may have biological links to these seraphs, but are not a case of reincarnation. The vampires and demons may not have seraph memories, rather be independent beings with their own established thoughts.
 * Of the seraphs, Amon has pointed vampire demon like teeth, however Paimon and Bael do not.
 * Wondering what they mean by paradise, Yu and Mika consider whether the seraphs want to literally return to the Sun, or if it is something metaphorical.
 * Becoming a demon, Mika can look at the sun directly as witnessed in chapter 110: "Expose the Past to the Sun". Although having demonic namanari like traits, Yu still finds the sun, and in this memory as well, to be bright.
 * Amon is the only seraph aside from Bael and Paimon to speak in this chapter. Also greeting Sika Madu as majesty, he is happy to follow wherever he leads, as Ashera/Asuramaru would come to do.
 * The Tower of Babel is shown to be alight by night time.
 * Once the gathering has come to an end, it is Paimon who Sika Madu is alone with. The topic on what to do with Mikaela is breached, evidently having come up before.
 * In the corridor, Sika Madu's wings are not visible where they were when he was addressing the other seraphs. Paimon's wings are showing here in contrast.
 * Called Sika Madu's son, Mikaela is spoken of as an experiment and referred to repeatedly as "it". Although appearing as a seraph, Mikaela may be an experiment in having life created.
 * Since there is divine punishment as a possibility should he be found, Paimon is heavily in favor of disposing of Mikaela.
 * Referring to himself and others as angels, Paimon mentions they are forbidden from creating life.
 * That Mikeala needs to be discovered likely demonstrates the deity the seraphs know is not omniscient.
 * Never outright rejecting the idea of having Mikaela killed despite claiming to love him, Sika Madu says for Paimon to give him more time as he has an idea. Feeling Mikaela still has potential, it is speculated that Mikaela was created to help with the plague that can afflict seraphs.
 * Paimon has known Sika Madu to the extent that he feels he of all people would not grow attached to something.
 * In conversation, Paimon refers to what they are as angels and people.
 * Unable to bear seeing Sika Madu punished, Paimon feels this kingdom needs him. Though likely dying from a plague, Paimon is against Sika Madu exploring the means to have it cured in case he is attacked by a god.
 * For a kingdom needing someone, Sika Madu sees Paimon, and Bael too as able to assume his role.
 * While Mikaela was felt to be ill from the environment outside, he was not just a one-off case. Other seraphs can succumb to illnesses, with Paimon coughing up blood as Mikaela did. Commented to be an infection, a plague affecting seraphs is responsible for this.
 * Through some means Sika Madu thought Paimon was infected "too". Meaning he knows others are infected, Sika Madu questions why Paimon hid it.
 * It's possible up to half of the seraphs suffer from this plague from Sika Madu's words that over half of them will follow him will die if nothing is done.
 * Life related areas are classified as great sins. Mikaela appears an example of a created form of life. Preventing someone from dying from the plague may count as extending it. Reviving life was also being researched by Sika Madu of which there is some degree of information on it.
 * Agreeing to have Mikaela disposed of, by himself, Sika Madu specified five days to do it. Not giving orders to Paimon despite an apparent master servant arrangement, he requests time to say farewell.
 * For Sika Madu's words he will dispose of Mikaela, truly, while Paimon claims to have faith in him, and mentions he has never once deceived them, in actuality he does not believe him at all.
 * Having not joined them, Bael awaits Paimon on the matter of Mikaela apparently having been interested in it as well.
 * Where Paimon asked Sika Madu if he created Mikaela to try and find a cure for their kind, Bael states it was done for Paimon himself.
 * Adamant that he is fine dying for others to reach paradise, Paimon seeks to have Mikaela killed to avoid that chance being lost. Bael is not as keen to reach paradise if others he knows are not there and voices a preference of them dying together.
 * Also having a numerical figure of half of them dying, Bael does not regard others as dead weight to be left behind as Paimon in his condition does.
 * For the extent of the capabilities seraphs have access to, Bael speaks that they do not know what fate has in store for them.
 * Although there is a risk of Sika Madu being branded a criminal which Paimon is firmly against, Bael does not mind that compared to having Paimon die.
 * Whatever Sika Madu's decision is, Bael states he would support it despite him leaning to wanting everyone together.
 * All the seraphs refer to Sika Madu as his Majesty in general conversation.
 * Bael states that Paimon is one of Sika Madu's most beloved servants. It is felt Sika Madu has favorites among them.
 * Although humanoid like him, even such seraphs have servant and ruling ranks among them.
 * Asking each other whose view they would back, both Yu and Mika agree Bael who would rather they not leave others to die.
 * With Yu extending his hand when mentioning if they had to die he wants it to be together, Mika considers it for a moment as he raises another topic before Yu insists he take it already.
 * In mentioning Yu saying to take his hand and they can worry about the thinky stuff later, as well as the joke about beating him over the head, this seems to be referencing the period when Mika was a demon without memories where they clashed across chapter 103: "The Sky Awaits Them Both", and chapter 104: "The Same Dream". Given the urgency to save Mika since he was adrift as a memoryless demon and one targeted by Shikama Doji and his revealed disciples, it very much was a case of act now and discuss it later. In conversation, they discussed how the demon could devour Yu's desire to live and protect their family in chapter 107: "Angel's Plan". Mika is able to remember his time as a child demon. That being the decision to live for and protect their family, Mika wonders what the outcome was for the seraphs here.
 * The god the seraphs know is not said to be forgiving of betrayal. Whether this is known through experience or an account of it, the seraphs do have knowledge on the temperament of this god who resides on the sun they wish to return to.
 * For how the god responds to matters, Paimon feels they will be wiped out (should they fail) yet mere death would not be in store for Sika Madu for performing the forbidden.
 * Rather than one individual, it is specific viewpoints from each that Mika and Yu agree with. Bael's views about not leaving others to die are compelling, and Paimon's desires to not have one individual such as Sika Madu take everything on is as well. In Mika's case he is not swayed by one individual or the other, rather distinct views from each which concern what is ideal for Yu.
 * Due to the seraphs from prehistory being physically similar to vampires of ancient history, Yu and Mika refer to Bael and Paimon as Urd and Saito respectively.
 * Guren's name is spoken having last been mentioned in chapter 121: "Last Dawn". His position is felt to be the same as the First's here, in that both are looking to save others in the face of limitations to that goal.
 * Due to the same things being done since prehistory, Yu wonders does that make this situation hell.
 * Although the Tower of Babel reaching into the sky is supposed to be the location of paradise, Yu speaks how personally wherever Mika and all their friends are is his heaven.
 * This is a chapter where Yu expresses a sympathetic view towards Sika Madu, with the comment that if this is hell then the First has been stuck in it a long time.
 * Unclear if it is the cleansing room that was mentioned, but a bed is available where seraphs apparently benefit from resting.
 * After Sika Madu speaks how they might need to move from the city, Mikaela is excited at the idea of a picnic where that concept exists in this time.
 * A sound effect indicates a technological based sliding door in the room.
 * Speaking to Yu the homunculus, Mikaela suggests it should come to the picnic too. The homunculus shows an expression on this.
 * Having accessed the area seemingly without Sika Madu's knowledge, Paimon is within Mikaela's room.
 * Although not viewed here, it is shown in the next chapter 127: "Love or Loyalty" that Yu and Mika were present in the scene where Mikaela shared his joy at the picnic idea with the homunculus and when Paimon entered the room.

Seraphs and who they resemble
From the great many cloaked, identical appearing seraphs with fire in their head spaces, the ten human-like seraph forms appearing in Earth's prehistory resemble specific vampires and demons existing in later ages when humans began inhabiting the world.
 * The seraph Bael resembles the second progenitor vampire Urd Geales.
 * The seraph Paimon resembles the second progenitor vampire Rigr Stafford, later known as Saito.
 * The seraph Amon resembles Ashera Tepes who would become the third progenitor vampire turned demon Asuramaru, particularly with the white features of his hair.
 * The seraph Belial resembles the third progenitor vampire Krul Tepes, matching one of the only two female members as well as having light colored hair. As with Amon and Belial, in terms of size Krul is similar to her brother Ashera.
 * The seraph Astaroth resembles the third progenitor vampire Lest Karr largely on account of his hair heterochromia. This may also indicate Lest Karr's hair color is natural rather than dyed.
 * The seraph Marbas resembles no known vampire or demon of later times. A mature appearing male seraph, a later possible entity could be another third progenitor in strength since he is shown among others in that classification. With Lest Karr excluded from the First's plan, it stands to reason there are other third progenitors, Nix Parthe being one. Where vampires have been seen first beforehand, Marbas as a seraph may indicate a future notable vampire is to be revealed.
 * The seraph Bathin resembles the third progenitor vampire turned demon, Raimeiki based on her adult female appearance and long light-colored hair.
 * The seraph Naberius resembles the third progenitor vampire turned demon Noya, from his dark colored hair and order he is introduced.
 * The seraph Raum resembles a more human-appearing version of the third progenitor vampire who became the demon Gekkouin.
 * The seraph Orobas resembles the third progenitor vampire turned demon Kiseki-o where they share a distinct appearance.

Seraph Names

 * For names, all the seraphs have demon ruler based ones. Bael for a name usually refers to a demon often appearing in demonic based works of literature. Paimon is one of the Kings of Hell in the Ars Goetia, another demonology grimoir based work. Amon is a name variation of Aamon where both are demons, this one a Grand Marquis of Hell. Belial is a being in the Hebrew Bible who came to be seen as the devil, and is often a name used for demons in other works. Astaroth in demonology is often a Great Duke of Hell and can be known for being male or female. This duality may be symbolized in the two distinct hair colors. Marbas like others also governs legions of other demons. Similar to the unknown nature of the character, Marbas as a literary character deals with secretive matters. Bathin, while a demon in other works is far from a muscular man to the seraph named Bathin here. Naberius is another demon name from such grimoires on these named ones. Raum is a demon depicted as a crow, which matches the future Gekkouin's avian based bow projectiles in the cursed gear form. Orobas has horse like features, and conjuring based abilities. Kiseki-o's tail can be seen as horse-like imitating to an extent, and summoning coffins is an ability.

Gallery
Manga panels provide a visual overview of the events of chapter 126 with depictions of the characters, Seraph of the End world and scenarios.