The first crack of thunder over the Heavenly Sect was not from rain—it was a breach in the veil between worlds.
In the stillness before dawn, streaks of golden light tore through the clouds, splitting into six radiant figures. Each wore silver-white armor, their wings stretched wide and burning with divine flame.
The Seraph Sentinels had arrived.
Their leader, Seraph Lysander, descended first—his eyes glowing with cold judgment. The disciples fell to their knees, awed and terrified.
"By decree of the High Arbiter," Lysander announced, his voice like a blade, "the mortal realm is impure. A corrupted soul has awakened the Abyss beneath your mountain. Its cleansing begins now."
Kael stepped forward, bowing slightly, his golden aura shimmering in the morning light. "If you seek the source of corruption, allow me to lead you there. I've… felt its presence."
Lysander studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Heaven's Chosen will guide Heaven's will."
Kael's expression hardened behind a calm smile. So it's true, he thought. He lives.
---
Deep beneath the mountain...
Arhaan sat cross-legged on the stone floor, the Oathbreaker resting across his lap. Energy pulsed gently through the cavern, drawn to him like gravity to a star.
Azrakar's form flickered beside him.
> "They come."
Arhaan opened his eyes—calm, not surprised.
"I know."
He stood, chains coiling around his arms, the blade humming in tune. "Heaven's response was quicker than I expected."
> "Fear sharpens their wings," Azrakar murmured. "They fear you more than they understand you."
Arhaan gave a faint smile. "Then let them learn."
The first tremor shook the cavern as beams of divine light tore through the rock above. Cracks of brilliance split the ceiling, and through them descended the six Seraphs—radiant, beautiful, merciless.
Lysander's voice thundered, "Arhaan of the Mortal Realm, bearer of the Forbidden Chains—you are sentenced to erasure."
Arhaan looked up at the glowing figures, his expression unreadable. "Erasure?" He raised his hand. His chains clanged once, and the entire cavern trembled. "You'll have to earn that."
Light and darkness collided—Heaven's fire against Abyssal flame. The impact shattered stone and air alike, a storm of divinity and defiance.
As the battle raged, Kael watched from the breach above, his heart twisting between admiration and envy.
How… is he matching them?
Azrakar's voice echoed through the chaos, unseen by all but Arhaan:
> "Remember, my heir—Heaven's light blinds itself first."