Mastema

**Mastema** is a major antagonist in the *Divine Comedy*.

He is a mentioned antagonist in volume one only to become a major antagonist in volume two.

Mastema is not only a fallen angel but perhaps the only one that is on neither Heaven nor Hell's side but is subjected to their whims and wishes; he does prefer to take orders from Heaven when tasked with punishing humans, making him a divine hitman of sorts.

However, what Mastema is truly known for is his deep hatred for humans and thus eagerly awaits orders from Metatron to exact punishment on them, even on those who may or may not deserve it. Because of his views on humanity and seeing the world in shades of grey he is one of the many major foils to Charlie whose beliefs and faith in humanity's progression to be good can lead them to perform amazing things.

## History

### Background

Mastema was Heaven's persecutor before Nemesis and Apollyon's successor as an arbiter angel. He was present during Cain's murder of his brother Abel and found his punishment of recieving immortality through a mark was too "soft" so he decided to up the ante. He did this by manifesting a spirit known as Orkos who embodies broken oaths and would become part of a line of spirits that spell ill-omens towards humanity when they break a sacred oath. Such a punishment, while excessive in God's eyes, was nonetheless accepted.

Mastema also fell out of favor with Heaven as he began to challenge their views on how humanity should be handled. Accusing him of having a mintrack similar to Lucifer, Mastema rebutted by saying that was not following Lucifer's ideals and image of a better world without their fates being set in stone but rather to have the chance to get rid of humanity. Indeed, Mastema was among the fallen celestials who harbored great disdain for humanity, viewing them as nothing but cockroaches to the point where he wouldn't associate himself with any angel that got close to them.

### Hitman of Heaven

Mastema would become Heaven's hitman in where he wanted to be God's own handgun that He could use to swiftly destroy the most malevolent humans. Mastema gave off the impression to Metatron that he was only doing this because the evil of man was too great and that it needed to be cut down before it spread too quickly. His true intentions, however, are that he mainly wanted to indulge in the wanton slaughter of man regardless of whether they deserved it or not. Metatron accepted his proposal and thus began Mastema's career as the deadliest assassin for both Heaven and Hell.

Mastema was involved in some of the major events that were recorded in the bible. Among which was when Job was plagued with disease, death, and misfortune to test his faith to God which was wrought by Mastema himself through a bet he made with the angels. Nemesis, the goddess of retribution, was also said to have aided Mastema in his endeavours but mainly to keep him in line. It would not be long before Mastema would become an antagonist towards Charlie and her friends when he heard of her plans of redeeming sinners which to him is an affront and insult of the highest order. Mastema would attempt to foil Charlie's plans anyway he could as redemption would only mean to undo his work especially towards humans that deserved it.

## Trivia

* Mastema is the fallen archangel who appears in the *Book of Jubilees*. He pleads with God to permit the demon spirits of the dead Nephilim remain on earth so they can corrupt and lead men astray prior to judgement.