亚洲综合中美

“He’s dead?”

“I think he is,” Azrael leaned, “-I sure hope he is.”

“Why, are you scared?”

“Obviously,” she focused on the little girl, “-you’re youthful and don’t know the first thing about this man’s legacy. I know all about his adventures, this man who so wrongly attained the powers of a Watcher.”

“Not that scary to me,” the girl shrugged, “-father said not to worry. He said this man is weak, and if push comes to shove, father would send reinforcement.”

“The youth have no respect,” she summoned a dagger, “-move back, I’ll finalize his last rites.”

‘He twitched,’ Azrael pulled and raised her guard, “-bring out the weapon.”

“For a dead guy?”

.....

“My word,” he flipped and pushed himself upright, “-I swear, killing is much more enjoyable than being killed.”

“-GET BA-”

“No use,” he gestured and made a circle, “-you should expect the unexpected, so I say, actions are much unpredictable for one to follow. I mean, look here, you, little one, masterfully delivered a fatal blow if it had been anyone else,” no regeneration, nothing, he stood with half of the torso gone, “-must be a gruesome sight,” he looked down, “-very unfortunate,” *snap,* a bright green light flickered, the lost body parts returned, “-as for you, archangel and the little one of service to Artanos,” he shook his hands and clapped, “-shall we have a round two?”

*CRACK,* the barrier shattered, “-no matter what you say, Devil, I will always outclass the inherent darkness within thy soul.”

“Broke from the barrier?” he smiled; “-I see the fight has yet begun.” The duo shot into the skies with Staxius firm on the ground, ‘-giving lucifer’s wings to Teresa’s lowered my mobility in the air. I’d love to fight there… hovering is just too much work to be bothered with. I’ll suppose I ought to use my lovely wife’s blood.’

“Stand back, little one. You don’t have the experience to fight him head-on. I’ll fight in your stead. Keep those two company, I rather not have interruptions when fighting at full power,” they separated, each choosing their fights. The little one landed before Makina and Enfia, who, crossing one another’s gaze, returned and simply crossed their arms, “-we’re not going to fight.”

“Good,” said the little one, “-I’m too hungry to fight. I will stay until my father calls. Can you guys give me something to eat?”

“Makina, what are you doing?” Enfia interjected and grabbed the angel’s arm.

Makina pulled her shoulders from Enfia’s grip, “-going to get some food for the little one. Want something?”

“How are you taking this so-”

“So nonchalantly?” she narrowed, “-trust.”

‘Trust…’ Enfia turned her gaze at the two imminent pressures. Golden lights embellished the angel of death’s wings. Divine radiance was one to behold. Dignified beauty, there was nothing to be said, ‘-I must trust in the master.’

Meanwhile, on the battlefield. Heavy clouds gathered, “-tell me, Azrael, why are you here?”

“I said it before,” she rolled her eyes, “-to end your life.”

“Then answer me this, archangel of Death. Bearer of the Death title, do you understand the real meaning behind what it is to be Death?”

“Obviously,” she knitted her brows, “-to aid the deceased into the afterlife. Such is my purpose. We keep the order between life and death. You mean to tell me there is more?”

“No,” he returned, “-it is a simple question with many answers. I’m beholder of Death, I am the heir to my master, or rather, was. I wish I was able to inherit his power and be called a God of Death. I, for reasons I shan’t elaborate upon, can’t follow my destiny as his heir. Instead, I am forced to make my own path, to set an example for my own. Death is representative of what a person wants. Salvation, the ultimate ecstasy, a passing fancy, or an accident – it takes many forces, the omnipotent word, Death.”

“Are we going to fight?” she gathered her swords, “-or aren’t we?”

“If it’s a fight you want,” a strange symbol emerged on his forehead. Golden threads spread throughout his face – each pulse shook the air.

‘He’s gaining power, what is he?’

“Azrael, quick question,” he glared with beaming golden pupils, “-were you fighting at full strength?”

“No,” she shrugged, “-limited powers, you know how it goes.”

“I see,” the shoulder slumped, “-I was a fool to get my hopes up. Instead, I will show you the proper way on how Death is enacted.”

“Boring,” she flapped and caught Staxius off-guard, her sword pierced straight through his heart. He dropped out of the sky but landed on his knees – the explosion blew dust and debris throughout the area, “-I won’t make the same mistake,” her murderous gaze reappeared behind with her sword headed for his neck. He staggered forward, narrowly escaping her hand-held blade but, alas, was impaled by ten others.

“I have the advantage of close and long range. You won’t stop me, Devil. Such is the curse of your kin – the divine shall always prosper. Thou art but fools singing the whispers of falsehood.”

“Don’t get cocky,” he pulled out the blades one by one, “-we’re immune to death,” and stepped forward, dipped under her guard, and cleanly pierced her back, impaling her heart in the process. She staggered forward and got some distance.

“What is the point of fighting if neither of us is going to die?”

“There is a method to my madness,” he laughed, “-Azrael,” the aura deadened, “-don’t let your guard down,” he jumped and drew Orenmir, the movements hastened, the sidesteps and clever evades overwhelmed the archangel. No matter how much she gathered her swords into barriers and send them as a projectile, there were but misses. It reached a point where her swordsmanship failed, ‘-he’s copying all my moves,’ she sidestepped, ‘-and instantly counters. He lured me on firm ground where he has a clear advantage. I’m not suited for this type of combat,’ sweat rolled down her forehead, they stood at a standstill, each gauging the other’s slight movement, ‘-the moment I turn my back or remotely think about getting air, he’ll strike. We’re fast, we can cover the distance in a flash. I was right not to underestimate him… well, if he’s the intent of fighting till one yields, I best return the sentiment. *Oh god of the Sword, one to whomst I pledge my blade. Heed my call, heed my voice – channel the powers of the ancients, gather forth, souls of the fallen, souls of the defeated. Be heard once more, be heard by the living, follow my voice, follow my soul; Divine-arts – Transference,* a pulse of energy swallowed the very ground, *-Order, release the binds of mercy, release the binds of sympathy. Gather at my wings, the wind of change, for I am she who travels across worlds, one who delivers the fallen to their destination – I am the Archangel of Death. Revoke Binds; Holia Morts,*

Pressure, “-so this is the power of an archangel,” Makina said with hands full of fruits, “-they don’t mess around. Her powers are on level to some lower-tier gods I have met. She’s strong, very strong. Enfia,” she shouted, “-where are you?”

“Over here,” the bushes shook, “-I went to get something at the cathedral. How’s the fight looking?”

“Devil’s about to lose,” said the little one, “-Azrael’s released her real powers. This world is at risk of collapse if she continues to pull mana at the rate she’s going.”

As she said, tears and splits in reality -barely noticeable to the untrained eye, began to splinter.

The multitude of swords at her call merged into a harp. She sat with her wings stretched over the strings, “-for the safety of the world, I will destroy you, Devil,” a complete change in her appearance. Her skin glowed with power, white lines went across her arms and legs – each string plucked sent waves of pure power. One hit and *crack,* instant destruction.

Staxius held his ground, ‘-yeah, not going to fall into her tunes. I know that harp. The ultimate weapon when facing an army. The faster one plays, the more melodies are used, and the stronger the pulses and fiercer the attacks. The swords were her strings-turned blades. She’s full of surprises.’

“Don’t think I’m going to wait,” she strummed – a volley of dense mana shot and landed into countless pockets of void. He dodged, “-too bad,” she played another melody – the color swapped for one light blue, this time hitting his feet and hand, “-the more you run, the easier the job,” she hovered, the place of impact vanished, and he fell.

‘-Man, I’m making a fool of myself,’ he sat and laughed – notes rained, ‘-she hit my foot, and it’s gone, my hand, it’s gone too. What a pain in the ass.’

*I call upon the divine horns to roar. Resonate across the worlds and make thy intent heart – call of the blessed: Egria* he suddenly closed his gestures, ‘-I can’t move… she’s overwhelming my pressure. The divine is hiding terrifying powers. I’m done playing around. I suppose it’s time to make my move.’

She hovered over with her wings plucking the melody, “-are you honestly this weak? I’ve unleashed my true powers and have shown my hand. You don’t feel the need to at least make the fight worth my while? I get that death doesn’t affect either of us, still, I thought we’d be able to put the matter to rest.”

“Don’t boast just yet,” he brandished a sinister smile, *Deep slumber, deep rest, awaken for the chance at retribution. Gate of which stands before mine way, open for thy master has come: Nevermore – Hell’s Gate.* the air thickened, and she immediately took her distance, *Span across the ages, fear is what held peace, fear is what caused War, fear is the root of evil. I, the harbinger of the ultimate fear, have come to spread and reclaim what is mine of right: Nevermore – Terror Gate.* the energy altered form, the mana in the atmosphere split into negative emotions, *Unbound by the laws of Heaven to Hell; unshackle mine power: Nevermore – Annihilation Gate.*

*O’ goddess forgotten by the ages, o’ goddess who spread victory and peace over the souls of true warriors. I, humble vessel for thy Symbol, plea to have a sliver of thy strength,* Nike’s arms slowly ripped the binds of Egria, “-to the foolish archangel, such is the power bestowed,” the energy pulsed, ‘-this is amazing,’ he smirked, ‘-I haven’t felt this way for so long. The death element beats, my deaths have doubled my strength as well as my domain. It is true, I have become one with the Shadow Realm. We’re tied by the shared Death Element. This is the start of a new quest,’ he opened his palm towards Azrael, *-by the Adjudicator’s will, I order thy power’s restraint,* he closed his palm, *-seal.* she dropped, ‘-no one’s going to stand in my way,’ he moved, she landed on Orenmir, smearing blood across Staxius’ face, “-Death comes for all.”