The Wings of Icarus

"The Wings of Icarus" (イカロスの翼) is the one hundred and twenty-eighth chapter of the Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign manga series, written by Takaya Kagami and illustrated by Yamato Yamamoto.

Synopsis
As Yu and Mika realize how Mikaela perished, the memory shows Bael joining Sika Madu who saw that Paimon was also deceased. Although Bael was concerned there would be punishment from God for being arrogant, Sika Madu felt only despair as he held Mikaela.

Bael was infected with plague yet encouraged Sika Madu to make it to paradise. Intending to remain with Paimon, although he spoke of aiding Sika Madu's resistance, Bael committed suicide. Other angels were ready to return to paradise with the Tower of Babel ready, however Sika Madu experimented with its light. Mikaela was formed this way, and Sika Madu intended to resurrect Mikaela, return other angels to life, then return to paradise.

With no word from God, Sika Madu directed Yu the homunculus to convert the light into darkness. As it darkened light circles that were floating in space, the homunculus was attacked by seraphs whose column of light then blasted onto Earth.

Characters
List of characters in order of appearance:
 * Yūichirō Hyakuya (appears as a child while accessing a memory)
 * Shikama Dōji (appears in a memory as Sika Madu)
 * Mikaela (appears in a memory, deceased)
 * Mikaela Hyakuya (appears as a child while accessing a memory)
 * Bael (appears in a memory)
 * Paimon (appears in a memory, deceased)
 * God (name mentioned only)
 * Amon (appears in a memory)
 * Astaroth (appears in a memory)
 * Bathin (appears in a memory)
 * Naberius (appears in a memory)
 * Raum (appears in a memory)
 * Belial (not seen but her name is mentioned on a grave marker)
 * Yu (Homunculus) (appears in a memory)

Summary
Yu and Mika stand on either side of Mikaela who lies deceased in the memory they are accessing. From the events of the time, Sika Madu registered that Paimon and Mikaela had died. After Yu comments it was suicide as to how Mikaela died, Mika adds that this could not have gone worse.

Sika Madu held Mikaela in his arms before Bael entered the room. Calling for Majesty and Paimon he questioned what was all this noise. Seeing Sika Madu with Mikaela and Paimon before him, Bael is stunned at the sight. Both Mika and Yu observe the scenario. Approaching Paimon and crying at seeing him up close, Bael spoke how could he go ahead with what he planned.

Perhaps realizing he may have given away what he discussed, Bael then addressed Sika Madu as his Majesty. Where Sika Madu was silent, Bael said to not tell him that Paimon ended his own life. With him remaining unresponsive, Bael continued to detail that God will never forgive suicide and begins to address the matter of Paimon's soul.

After Sika Madu spoke for him not to say it, Bael shared how Paimon loved him more than anyone and he wished more than anything to see him return to God's side. With Sika Madu returning to not responding, Bael added he was sure he need not tell him but all happens in accordance with God's plan. Accordingly it meant this is another trial. Bael was cut off mid-sentence as Sika Madu questioned whether he was going to tell him that he just needed to accept this. As Sika Madu held Mikaela he wondered if he is just to roll over and take it, all of it, every horrible thing.

Feeling that Sika Madu was still in the midst of his journey, Bael was concerned he could be punished for arrogance while only partway to his goal. Commanding silence, Sika Madu announced he would not accept this. Not feeling arrogant in the least, all Sika Madu felt right then is despair, in addition to exhaustion, and helplessness.

Processing this, Yu and Mika continue to listen as the memory plays out. Wanting to know why go on living after enduring this, Sika Madu questioned what was the point. Over half the angels have succumbed to that disease already. Sika Madu asked how it was paradise if the only way to get there was by abandoning them. On that matter, after a cough Sika Madu realized another situation.

Standing firm, a faint amount of blood came from Bael's mouth. Aghast in a different manner, Sika Madu saw how Bael was effected by the plague too. Speaking how he was deeply sorry, Bael told Sika Madu that he would not be able to fight with him to the end. Stating to pay him no mind, Bael guided Sika Madu to make his way to paradise. Mentioning how it was Bael too, Sika Madu asked how is this fair and does he expect him to go alone. When Bael replied that was Paimon's wish, Sika Madu asked what about him them. Questioning what Bael will do, Sika Madu checked if he was to just fall over and die.

With Paimon now being held, Bael answered that he could not leave him on his own. He added that two of them would stay here and watch over things for a time. Contemplating the answer, Sika Madu mentioned how this involved the both of them and how it was not fair at all. Sika Madu began to raise how in the end what he was not able to live up to. Bael stated that unlike Paimon he wanted nothing from his Majesty. Nothing of God, of paradise, Bael also wanted nothing of his King. Asking really, Sika Madu wondered if Bael wanted nothing of those when what did he want. Bael regarded Paimon.

Seeing Paimon there deceased, Bael spoke how what he wanted is forever beyond him so now he will simply wait. When Sika Madu questioned what he would be waiting for, Bael replied orders, whatever they may be. Orders to die, to see though God's plan, Bael also added perhaps to aid Sika Madu's resistance. It appeared to be news to Sika Madu that Bael knew of such a resistance.

While Sika Madu still held Mikaela he mentioned to Bael that he was not as strong as everyone thought he was. In response, Bael politely said for Sika Madu to do as he pleased and he will support him in whatever decision he makes. As Bael left while carrying Paimon he spoke how who knows, perhaps this is all still part of God's plan. Sika Madu watched as Bael coughed from his illness as he departed the room while carrying Paimon.

Alone, Sika Madu continued to hold Mikaela. Remaining silent, Yu and Mika focused on different elements of the scene. Yu appeared to be looking where Bael had left while Mika viewed Sika Madu with Mikaela. Glancing down himself in the memory, Sika Madu spoke aloud that he was lost and asked what he supposed to do. Both Yu and Mika watch as Sika Madu considered Mikaela. By night time the Tower of Babel appeared to shine from where it rose out of the city.

Across a valley were many cross-based grave markers. Walking amongst them, Sika Madu thought how not long after Bael committed suicide. Sika Madu stood before the graves of Bael and Paimon which lay side by side. As Sika Madu reflected how Bael said it was so his soul would be in the same place as Paimon's, he considered how since suicide is a grave sin by committing it both were cursed to be forever bound to this place. Contemplating them, Sika Madu thought how they were bound here in this hell.

Called by someone, Sika Madu was spoken to by Amon who informed his Majesty that all is in readiness. Others seen to have come to the valley of graves were Astaroth, then Bathin along with Naberius and Raum. The tower holds all the necessary power to return them to paradise, yet for that Sika Madu addressed how so many had died though. He asked whether there was a point to them returning without them.

For the them, Amon looked to graves of which one read Belial. Asking what his Majesty was saying, Naberius questioned have they not worked for tens of thousands of years just to reach this day. Also in favor of returning, Astaroth said to Sika Madu for them to return, if just for the sake of the fallen. Astaroth added for Sika Madu to let them be the first to return to paradise.

Regarding the grave markers for a moment, Sika Madu turned to say that they were right. Instructing them to pass the word to everyone, Sika Madu declared that they return tomorrow. Looking to one another, Naberius and Raum appeared happy with the announcement.

Within a room seemingly in the Tower of Babel, Sika Madu surveyed text and diagram information on several floating screens. Reviewing the details, Sika Madu thought how the source of God's power and angels' life is light. It was considered how light can make miracles happen.

Using his hand, Sika Madu produced an orb of photon energy. For so long they as angels have worked tirelessly and desperately to collect the light they needed for the Tower of Babel. With the tower seen to stretch into space, Sika Madu contemplated how it was the light to return home. Additionally the light was to return to God's side, to return them to paradise.

Around the Tower of Babel, from where it rises into space the structure is surrounded by at least five halos of light of various sizes. As the photon energy remained suspended before Sika Madu from where he was located, thought was given to how because all light is God's power the angels themselves including Sika Madu could not create miracles as they wish. If anything taboo was done they would be punished.

Three small sun like energies were then in front of Sika Madu as he used his hand to sizzle them into existence. Three taboos were said to be graver than all the rest, and Sika Madu listed them as resurrection, apothanasia, and creation which corresponded to the three photon orbs. They must not use the miracle of light to bring a life back from death, or to extend a life beyond its natural limit. Neither were angels to create life where there once was none.

Regardless of that, Sika Madu clutched his hand and spoke for the photon spheres to blend. The three orbs began whirling around as Sika Madu considered how he found a secret, a terrible one, that let him use light without God's notice. By then the three spheres had spun in a circle formation to the point they became a halo of light.

Having ran experiments, Sika Madu had tested what miracles he could perform unnoticed. Then he attempted the miracle of creation, by birthing Mikaela. In the darkened room of the Tower of Babel where Sika Madu's screens were, Mikaela is envisioned cloaked in light. Where Mikaela appeared asleep, Sika Madu considered how he made an angel and without God's knowledge.

Using his hand Sika Madu produced a portal-like opening of which there appeared to be Space on the other side. A lone coffin descended which was supported by chains. As Sika Madu viewed this, the coffin contained Mikaela. Caressing his cheek, Sika Madu spoke Mikaela's name. Sika Madu thought how the miracle succeeded and he was not punished. Having concerns and sharing them, Sika Madu said aloud whether God had forgiven him, or is God testing the limits of his arrogance. Sika Madu also considered perhaps God was not even bothering to watch.

Looking to light above, Sika Madu stated if God would not grace him with an answer then he would do it. Placing his hand on Mikaela's, he would use Babel's light for his own purposes. First, Sika Madu spoke that he could resurrect Mikaela.

Detailing how he collected enough light to resurrect and extend the lives of angels, Sika Madu added he had concentrated it into seven keys that Mikaela holds. That power will bring them all back. Then they would all return to paradise, alive and well. Having articulated his plan aloud, Sika Madu checked if this is understood.

Where there was as ever no response, Sika Madu added that he will not go back alone, they will all go back together. Closing his eyes, Sika Madu said how God never graced him with a response. Having made up his mind, Sika Madu commenced what he planned to do.

Pointing to the circular opening to Space that Mikaela was lowered down from, Sika Madu spoke for light to hide from God's sight and become darkness. The borders radiated light around the black circle that then became spherical. A slit opened to reveal the eye of a homunculus.

Speaking to Yu the homunculus who had been formed, Sika Madu communicated that he was going to resurrect Mikaela and bring everyone back. The order was given for the homunculus to take all the light in Babel and convert it to darkness. Blasting its way out of the tower, the homunculus made its way upwards and was able to fire itself into the sky.

Among the many halos of light around the tower in Space, the homunculus approached one which darkened in a section before the ring was completely blackened. A sound coincided with the many eyes that now lined the darkened ring. From the surface the angels were making their way back the to seraph civilization. The rings in Space were visible from the ground where all of them were now black. In addition it appeared the homunculus had grown huge in size to appear moon-sized from the surface.

At the back of the line of the humanoid appearing angels, Amon asked what was that. Nearby was Astaroth who questioned what was happening. Stood on top of some structure, Sika Madu viewed the process underway and commented that there was still no punishment. Considering the blackened rings above, Sika Madu wondered whether God was permitting this, or had he hidden it from God that thoroughly. Sika Madu appeared anxious as he wondered which one it was.

From its position in Space the homunculus had become tremendously greater in size. Now bigger than the largest halos, the homunculus kept its gaze on its task at hand. The homunculus was attaching tendrils that had come from it to incorporate themselves into the rings.

A trumpet was the first indication of their presence, and with the homunculus in Space were at least six seraphs. All of them equipped with trumpets, the seraphs were blowing musical tones out of them. Having indeed noticed them the homunculus glanced to the seraphs there.

Having formed circles of light of their own make, the seraphs were positioned around the shining edges. In the centre of the multiple rings the seraphs had formed, cracks appeared in the darkness of Space. Stunned at this development, Sika Madu could only observe as a great column of light blasted though the homunculus to break it apart.

Ascertaining the situation, Sika Madu calmly damned that is was no good. The beam of wide light blasted its way to Earth and ploughed into the ground.

Quotes
"Majesty! Paimon! What is all this noise..."

- Bael enters the scene of the tower where Paimon attacked Mikaela.

"You fool! Why?! How could you go ahead and..."

- Bael shocked to find Paimon deceased, and realizing he has revealed knowledge of this plan where Sika Madu is around.

"Majesty. Paimon loved you more than anyone... ...And he wished more than anything to see you return to God's side."

- Bael mentions Paimon's wishes to Sika Madu.

"I'm sure I needn't tell you, but... ...All happens in accordance with God's plan. Which means this is another trial to..."

- Bael feels Paimon and Mikaela's passing is related to a trial.

"Are you going to tell me that I have to just accept this? Just... Roll over and take it...? All of this? Every horrible thing?"

- Sika Madu holds Mikaela as he checks what Bael is asking him to accept.

"Majesty! You're still in the midst of your journey! To be punished for arrogance while only partway to your goal..."

- Bael supports Sika Madu's campaign to return to paradise, and feels it is arrogance he could be expressing.

"Silence! I won't accept this! I don't feel arrogant in the least! All I feel right now is despair! Exhaustion! Helplessness!"

- Sika Madu articulates his feelings on the deaths after Bael feels the matter concerns punishment for arrogance.

"Why go on living after enduring this?! What's the point?! Over half of the angels have succumbed to that disease already! How is it "paradise" if the only way to get there is by abandoning them?!"

- Sika Madu processes the extent of the damage weathered, and shares views similar to Bael about wanting them all to be together.

"I'm deeply sorry, Majesty, but... ...I won't be able to fight with you to the end."

- Bael after coughing which indicated he had also fallen ill, and perhaps indicated that he supported Sika Madu's goal.

"Pay me no mind, Majesty. Make your way to paradise."

- Bael guides his King Sika Madu to reach paradise.

"I cannot leave Paimon on his own, I'm afraid. The two of us will stay here... ...And watch over things for a time."

- Bael answers Sika Madu what he intends to do after picking up Paimon.

"In the end... ...I wasn't able to live up to-"

- Sika Madu begins to speak earnestly to Bael.

"Unlike Paimon... I wanted nothing from you. Majesty. Nothing of God. Of paradise. Or my King."

- Bael revealing how he wanted nothing from others.

"What I want is forever beyond me, now... ...So I will simply wait."

- Bael regards Paimon deceased before answering Sika Madu what he wants.

"Orders, whatever they may be. To die. To see through God's plan. Even perhaps... To aid your resistance."

- Bael answers Sika Madu what he is waiting for, anything order based, and reveals knowledge of Sika Madu's plan which may not have been shared.

"To be honest... ...I'm not as strong as everyone thinks I am."

- Sika Madu's response after Bael mentions his resistance.

"Do as you please, Majesty. I'll support you in whatever decision you make."

- Bael may have felt this at the time, however would go on to join Paimon later.

"Who knows? Perhaps this is all still part of God's plan."

- Bael departs with Paimon, and has a different view on God's plan where he spoke before how everything was a part of that.

"I'm lost. What am I supposed to do? Mikaela."

- Sika Madu alone with Mikaela and unsure what to do.

"Not long after... ...Bael committed suicide. He said it was so his soul... ...Would be in the same place as Paimon's."

- Sika Madu's apparent thoughts on events that took place later and revealing how he heard from Bael.

"All is in readiness. The tower holds the necessary power to return us to paradise."

- Amon approaches Sika Madu among the graves of angels and speaks for others on the progress of their campaign.

"But so many have died. Is there a point to us returning there without them?"

- Sika Madu speaks to Amon on heading to paradise considering the angels that have perished.

"What are you saying Majesty? Haven't we worked for tens of thousands of years just to reach this day?"

- Naberius' question for Sika Madu and stating the amount of time spent on the Babel Project.

"Yes. Let's return, Majesty. If just for the sake of the fallen. Let us be the first ones to return to paradise!"

- Astaroth's keenness on returning to paradise.

"Yes. You're right. Pass the word to everyone. We return tomorrow."

- Sika Madu gives the answer that they are to return to paradise, a misdirection as he would then act to use the tower light to become darkness.

"The source of God's power and angels' life... ...Is light. Light can make miracles happen."

- Sika Madu aware of light's involvement with power, life, and miracles.

"For so long... We angels worked tirelessly, desperately... Collecting the light we needed into the Tower of Babel. Light to return home. Light to return to God's side. Light to return to paradise. But because all light is God's power... ...We angels can't create miracles as we wish. Do anything taboo, and we will be punished."

- Sika Madu considers the goal of collecting light, and also the restrictions on using it for certain purposes.

"Three taboos are graver than all the rest. Resurrection. Apothanasia. Creation."

- Sika Madu aware of the gravest taboos, and there are other though lesser ones.

"We mustn't use the miracle of light to bring a life back from death. Or to extend a life beyond its natural limit. Or to create life where there once was none. But..."

- Sika Madu knows what angels must not do, yet intends to do this for the good of Mikaela and others.

"I found a secret. A terrible one... ...That let me use light without God's notice. I ran experiments... Testing what miracles I could perform unnoticed."

- Sika Madu recalling what he learned, which involved the manipulation of photons.

"Then I attempted the miracle of creation, birthing Mikaela."

- Sika Madu recalling how he delved into the third taboo. The birthing term is used in the context of forming another angel, which is all the more striking given that Mikaela was visualized fully formed in his current age.

"I made an angel... ...Without God's knowledge."

- Sika Madu feels he made Mikaela without God able to detect that a taboo had been broken, or could not see this.

"Have you forgiven me, God? Or are you testing the limits of my arrogance? Or, perhaps, are you not even bothering to watch?"

- Sika Madu before the corpse of Mikaela essentially shows the existence of a created form of life while attempting to communicate with the deity he is familiar with.

"If you won't grace me with an answer... ...Then I'll do it. I'll use Babel's light for my own purpose. First, I'll resurrect Mikaela."

- Sika Madu finding he has no response from the light above, before sharing his intent which would also go against his stated goal of using the light to return angels to paradise.

"I collected enough light to resurrect and extend the lives of all angels... ...Concentrating it into seven keys that Mikaela holds. That power will bring them all back. Then we'll all return to paradise, alive and well. Understood?"

- Sika Madu describes utensils that may later be referred to as sinful keys, that were first made here. While Mikaela is said to hold all the keys to be used to have seraphs restored, by later ages they would separated and be considered for human resurrection use on Earth.

"I won't go back alone. We'll all go back together."

- Sika Madu's desire for himself and deceased angels to return.

"You never grace me with a response. All right, then. Light. Hide from God's sight... And become darkness."

- Sika Madu takes measures to conceal activities from God, a measure taken despite speaking upfront about what he meant to do. While there was no response from God, he would not assume he would be okay with the plan hence his actions to darken light.

"Yu. I'm going to resurrect Mikaela and bring everyone back. Take all the light in Babel and convert it to darkness."

- Sika Madu materializes the homunculus named Yu and swiftly commences his plan.

"Still no punishment. Then you permit this? Or have I hidden it from you that thoroughly? Which?"

- Sika Madu speaking aloud to God having seen no action from the homunculus darkening the circles around the tower of Babel.

"Ah. Damn. It's no good."

- Sika Madu's rather nonchalant response to a seraph generated column of light blasting apart a gigantic homunculus.

Cover Details
The feature image for chapter 128 is included after the first page, so is also page two of the chapter. Rather than a cover image displaying a character in an out-of-chapter scenario the feature image is one involving story events. Made of four panels, the first shows Sika Madu holding Mikaela who he has found deceased. All the lettering is including in this initial top located panel. The Seraph of the End logo is in the top left, with author details below. The chapter number and title "The Wings of Icarus" are situated in the lower right of the top panel. Further panels of the cover include the story events of Bael entering the room to come across the scene at hand which also includes Paimon deceased.


 * The name Icarus is introduced for the first time in the manga. In the real world Icarus is a figure from Greek mythology, one who used his feather based wings to fly too close to the sun, which resulted in his death.
 * A figure named Icarus may not be a character in the Seraph of the End series, rather the name for the chapter title may be an analogy, namely of Sika Madu flying too close to the sun in the allegorical sense - going all in exploring the taboo areas to resurrect fallen angels for them to all return to paradise, of which seraphs responded to with destruction.
 * The chapter shows events from both Yu and Mika's view who are seeing past events in a memory, and the perspective of those in the memory at the time. Yu and Mika are stood near Sika Madu and Mikaela and so visible in the manga panels. Story events secondly show Bael's perspective at seeing Sika Madu and Mikaela, without Yu and Mika visible for a scenario of memory events being viewed, and how they were seen by those in the moment.
 * While usually calm, Bael breaks his composure at finding Paimon deceased, where he also lets slip that he was aware of the plan in front of Sika Madu.
 * Perhaps due to grief but Sika Madu does not investigate this apparent foreknowledge that Bael knew Paimon would enter the tower. That may have been the only means Sika Madu would have of knowing that Paimon meant to kill Mikaela.
 * From his observations Bael gathers that Paimon took his own life where he expected him to end Mikaela's life himself.
 * Trying to rationalize it as a trial, Bael states the events are happening in accordance with God's plan.
 * Not remotely feeling arrogant at taboo based experiments, Sika Madu expresses devastation at the losses he has experienced.
 * While Paimon wanted Sika Madu to reach paradise no matter the number of angels who perished, Sika Madu shows more concern for them. Such a view is similar to Bael's who was more interested in them being together never mind where they are.
 * It is revealed that Bael has been infected with the seraph based plague, of which Mikaela and Paimon had experienced. As for how Bael became infected, how the plague is transmitted is not stated.
 * Unconcerned for himself despite his illness, Bael encourages Sika Madu to proceed with reaching paradise.
 * As for what he would do, Bael meant to remain with Paimon who has passed away there. Bael intended to watch over things presumably on Earth for a time.
 * For what he wanted, it would seem Bael desired to be with Paimon rather than having anything from Sika Madu, or God, of paradise. For his preference that they all should be together, it would seem that Bael meant Paimon over Sika Madu and other angels.
 * Although the angels planned to reach paradise, Bael somehow gathered that Sika Madu had a resistance in mind. Bael may have genuinely thought about joining such a resistance as he floated ideas on the taking orders based things he could do, or perhaps had already made up his mind on his fate after Paimon had passed and just spoke to reveal he knew of Sika Madu's truer goal.
 * It seems it may have been Bael alone (perhaps just in this moment given the losses) that Sika Madu would speak solemnly too in sharing he is not as strong as everyone thinks.
 * While Bael claimed he would support Sika Madu in his decisions, Bael would commit suicide to join Paimon.
 * Mentioning that the loss of Mikaela and Paimon was a part of God's plan may have been a comforting measure Bael tried with Sika Madu. For his own part Bael may not actually believe these events are a part of God's plan from his doubting comment as he left with Paimon.
 * Feeling lost, Sika Madu was unsure what to do after Mikaela passed. Sika Madu would feel similarly lost at feeling his plan had failed in Chapter 108: "Yu's Sword" where in both cases he would respond with action.
 * A waxing crescent moon is seen in the night sky above the seraph civilization.
 * Where Sika Madu's thoughts begin to be relayed though the chapter starting at page 17 it is not clear whether Yu and Mika have any indication of them. Indeed, Yu and Mika are not seen outside Mikaela's room so they may not have seen any events following that namely those concerning the mass graves, light-based experiments including Mikaela's creation, or activities involving the homunculus and seraphs.
 * There is a valley of many graves revealed in this chapter which may be an indication of the half number of angels that have perished. Cross shaped grave markers of various different styles are used. Some crosses are more ornate than others, some feature a circle design around the centre of the cross.
 * Crosses were used as grave markers long before the ancient torture device would be used by humans when they came into existence.
 * From the scattering of the cross markers it may be that angels were not buried as in arranged in graves with headstones, rather just have an indication that they have passed away.
 * Having been buried beside one another, Bael and Paimon have identical wooden appearing crosses to mark their graves. They appear to be in an area with other similar yet different wooden based crosses.
 * There appears to be a possible depiction of angel language near the grave markers, of which it is the first time text appears written by hand rather than viewed on an electronic device.
 * The text is very long and consists of multiple symbols for the names "Paimon" and "Bael".
 * It is revealed that the Tower of Babel now contains enough power to return angels to paradise. In Chapter 126: "Purgatory and Paradise" it was said how a reservoir of photons was nearing 90% of the target volume. No indications of the time on Earth passed to reach this are provided.
 * From Naberius' remark the Babel Project has been worked on for thousands of years.
 * Of the humanoid angels, Belial is not seen but her name on a grave marker is. Marbas and Orobas are the other two not seen.
 * Although he told the angels they were to return to paradise tomorrow, Sika Madu instead acts to darken the light. Sika Madu would also not be honest in a previous conversation with Paimon when he said that he would be the one to kill Mikaela.
 * To use photons interchangeably with light, it is stated in this chapter that it is not just the source of an angel's power but also God's. This chapter provides further details that light is connected with an angel's life, and can make miracles happen.
 * The Tower of Babel has been seen to reach into the sky, where this chapter shows it rises high into Space itself.
 * Over ten huge shining rings are revealed to be situated around the Tower of Babel in the Space section of the construction. They are all of different sizes, with various amounts of space between each one. The Tower of Babel is not placed within the centre of them, rather the rings are near to the tower around near their edges.
 * Light is involved with the taboo areas, namely resurrection, apothanasia, and creation.
 * Creation was the first taboo seen to breached with Mikaela being made.
 * Apothanasia (the postponement of death) was in mind for seraphs who were ill, and not apparently for extending their life spans if they were not immortal already. Extending a life beyond its natural limit may apply to angels, or non-angel beings of which homunculus and dinosaurs were other lifeforms existing at the time.
 * Resurrection seemed set to be the second taboo broken when Sika Madu meant to restore Mikaela to life. If Paimon and Bael were included in this, it might absolve the curse God placed on those who committed suicide which would supposedly bind them to a place.
 * Speaking "blend" can activate photons to spin and form into a circle of light. Such light manipulation apparently factored into forming Mikaela.
 * Sika Madu's terrible secret for hiding his taboo light based activities from God appeared to involve the darkening of light. Ironically, it was initiating this plan to darken the light to provide such a cover that drew a response from seraphs, where outright creating Mikaela and speaking of it got no reaction from God.
 * Experiments were performed by Sika Madu to see which miracles could be performed unnoticed, all before the creation one was used to create Mikaela.
 * For how angels may come into existence, Sika Madu uses the word "birthing" to describe how Mikaela came into being. While angels may be able to procreate, Mikaela certainly did not seem to be birthed rather came into existence as himself at his current age, and dressed in clothing as well.
 * Sika Madu feels he made an angel without God's knowledge. Rather than being able to detect what the God knows, Sika Madu may have concluded his activities were unknown from the lack of punishment for such an act.
 * A portal can be created by Sika Madu of which Mikaela's body is lowered though on chains.
 * At some point Mikaela's body had been washed of blood and he had been laid to rest in a coffin.
 * With the created Mikaela before him, Sika Madu speaks aloud to God and shares his plan to resurrect and extend the lives of all angels, which would break the other two taboos.
 * It appears there is a measurement of light required to resurrect and extend the lives of all angels of which this information is known to Sika Madu.
 * The energy to do this has been concentrated into seven keys, there are seven sinful keys connected with seraph experiments of later ages.
 * Currently it is said that Mikaela, who is deceased, holds these keys which as with present day hosts may mean they are within him.
 * Speaking upfront, Sika Madu details his plan to God to restore all seraphs before returning to paradise. For the extending their lives aspect Sika Madu may be assuming they would come back still ill with an incurable plague, of which they would need life extension to help them reach paradise.
 * Not receiving a word from God, Sika Madu speaks that he never does get a response though it is unclear if this is literal. It may be that God engaged with Sika Madu at some point, but not recently.
 * It may be telling that it was the seraphs who acted to destroy the homunculus darkening the light, and with God not moving to punish the taboo of creating life to begin with it raises the question of whether the God is even around anymore.
 * In the previous chapter Chapter 127: "Love or Loyalty" the homunculus Yu was seen thrown into the side of the wall with nothing mentioned of its status. This chapter shows the homunculus either reformed or conjured anew from darkness. If it is the latter the homunculus' are able to be regenerated after being destroyed.
 * Capable of breaking through the walls of the Tower of Babel, a homunculus also has the speed and capabilities to reach Space.
 * In just looking at a circle of light a homunculus can induce darkness to overcome it.
 * The newly darkened ring of light has many eyes coming from it, which could be an indication of the homunculus' effects on it. Alternatively it is just as possible more homunculus have been formed from this darkening of light if that is the way they are made.
 * The human-appearing angels were gathered outside the seraph civilization for some purpose and were walking towards it.
 * Darkened rings of light in Space could be seen from Earth's surface.
 * Given that the homunculus could turn the light rings black with just its gaze, it would seem the being has reached its huge size by draining the darkness. Multiple tendrils from the homunculus appear to allow this darkness drain to occur where a sound from the entity is emitted as this process is underway.
 * The tendrils seen from a homunculus resemble that of those from black suns of the future, yet still ancient past.
 * Within their white cloths, seraphs have been seen to have fire based features to their existence. It is clearer in this chapter where they have thicker smoke like tails and a charred wood or coal appearing head seen. Their thin arms are also burnt black appearing, traits which make sense on account they may exist on the Sun with God.
 * The seraphs appearing in Space have much more solid appearing heads, complete with two eyes, where the seraphs on Earth have smoky fire seen where their heads should be. Further, the seraphs in Space have a much more notable amount of tail and of course their arms in an indication that some seraphs are physically more developed than others.
 * For the ones appearing in Space, these seraphs possess large trumpets. Few in number, where not every seraph has one, it is possible these Space accessing seraphs are the named trumpets of later ages such as the King of Salt, or the Fifth Trumpet, and the Sixth Trumpet which are the revealed named ones seen in the series at this point of the manga story.
 * Three quavers, two double-beam notes, one quarter note triplets, and a half note with the stem facing up with one of the five staff lines through it, make up the seven musical symbols that are emitted.
 * It could be seven musical notes to indicate the true number of trumpet wielding seraphs that are present, which matches the seven known number of trumpets by the present day.
 * Whether it is one musical note being played by one seraph or not, these collective tones were involved with the generation of rings of light, of which in the centre a crack in Space appeared.
 * The light generated by the seraphs blasted through the now colossally huge homunculus and went further to impact Earth.

Gallery
Manga panels provide a visual overview of the events of chapter 128 with depictions of the characters, Seraph of the End world and scenarios.