Yehadiel had been sent to find Asael and Ramael under direct orders from the Patriarch. Their mission was to investigate the source of the mysterious energy that was disrupting the planet's stability. However, both had made direct contact with it—and had chosen to align themselves with it.

  The three were now returning quickly to Arcan, but the energy Asael and Ramael had absorbed began to show serious effects. An insatiable hunger and thirst was one of them, as well as a surge in power and violent impulses. Yehadiel, who escorted them, could sense this energy—its presence unsettled him. And his fear did not go unnoticed by the two now-sharpened minds of Asael and his companion…

  “What is the meaning of this?” Yehadiel thought, increasingly worried. “It feels like their power is spiking… as if they've surpassed mine.”

  “What’s troubling you, Yehadiel?” Ramael asked with a sharp grin.

  “You look uneasy. You’re not… afraid of us, are you?”

  “Afraid of you two? Don’t be ridiculous,” Yehadiel replied. “The only one worth fearing is our Lord.”

  “If you say so…” Asael chuckled mockingly.

  But they were no longer themselves. Their minds were now consumed by one thing—feeding their desires.

  Soon, they reached the temple and headed straight to the main hall, where Shemihaza awaited them, visibly impatient…

  “I thought I gave you two a direct order,” Shemihaza growled. “And the first thing you do is waste time?”

  “I just want to know,” Asael began, “why you sent that useless one to come looking for us. We were carrying out our mission—investigating.”

  At that moment, a voice interrupted them. One of the kingdom's leaders was also present in the hall, though they hadn’t noticed him until now.

  “Is it wise to question our Lord’s decisions?” said Artaqof, the Patriarch’s right hand and one of the most powerful protectors of the Realm. “Especially in my presence?”

  Fear gripped Asael and Ramael’s hearts. Artaqof was a legendary Arcanian, rumored to be one of the King’s mightiest generals, second only to the Patriarch himself.

  “My Lord, forgive me,” Asael stammered, bowing his head.

  “We beg your pardon, mighty one,” added Ramael quickly. “Please forgive Asael’s impulsiveness. I promise it won’t happen again.”

  “It better not,” Artaqof said sternly. “If you value your lives.”

  “That’s enough,” Shemihaza interrupted. “Now tell me—what do you have for me?”

  “If I may, my Lord, I’d like to ask something first,” Asael said.

  “Go on.”

  “Is it true that you allowed Daniel to live outside of Arcan?”

  “You only need to obey my orders, nothing more. As for Daniel, he came to me asking permission, and I granted it. I don’t understand what all the fuss is about.”

  “But do you know what he’s doing there? Are you aware he’s training new warriors?”

  “You’re just bitter that a bunch of kids landed a few hits and bruised your ego,” Yehadiel interrupted.

  “Shut your mouth! Unless you want to die.”

  “That’s enough! Yehadiel, leave us,” Shemihaza commanded.

  “As you wish, my Lord.”

  “Listen to me, both of you,” the Patriarch said firmly. “I don't care what Daniel is doing with his life, and neither should you. What matters is whether you completed the mission I gave you.”

  “I hope you bring good news,” added Artaqof, “and that you didn’t waste time playing with children.”

  “Actually,” Asael said, “we made a very interesting discovery. One that could change the future of AN forever... and ours as well.”

  “You sent us to investigate the dark energy, but someone had already made contact with it before we arrived,” Ramael explained.

  “How is that possible? Who was it?” Shemihaza asked.

  “We followed the trail. It led us to Querb. There, we found him,” said Ramael.

  “This will certainly catch your attention,” Asael continued. “He’s a cherub… but unlike any we’ve ever seen. His beauty and power far surpass those of our usual subordinates.”

  “A prodigy? Perhaps a hybrid?” suggested Artaqof.

  “I don’t know. But he has the entire city under his control—and the best part? He’s planning a revolution.”

  “A revolution?” Shemihaza said with a mocking smile. “Maybe he thinks he can take my place as Patriarch.”

  “Why didn’t you bring him here before our lord?” asked Artaqof.

  “With all due respect, what the cherub truly desires is not your title… but the King’s throne,” Asael replied.

  “What did you say?” Shemihaza’s voice dropped, cold.

  “And you’re telling us this without taking action?” Artaqof snapped.

  “No offense, but I could’ve killed him,” said Asael, “but we thought… this might be the perfect chance to do what we’ve always dreamed of.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “I’ve heard enough—I'll destroy you both for betraying our King!” Artaqof roared.

  “You can’t deny it, my lord! I know exactly what you want!” Asael shot back, desperate.

  “I’ll kill you,” Artaqof hissed with fury.

  “Wait, Artaqof!” Shemihaza ordered.

  “But, my lord—!”

  “He seems so sure of what he’s saying… Let him speak. Continue.”

  “If we help the cherub,” Asael suggested, “we might discover what the King is really planning.”

  “I, as Patriarch, know all of the King’s desires. There is nothing He hides from me,” Shemihaza replied.

  “Are you sure?” Asael pressed. “It’s been three hundred years since the King summoned you for a meeting. And I doubt you even know about the existence of a new world.”

  “What? Explain yourself. Now,” the Patriarch demanded.

  “Where do you think that strange energy came from?” Asael said. “What I truly believe is that this energy was used to create a new world—and maybe others too. I think the King knows all about it.”

  “My lord, you don’t need to listen to these lies,” whispered Artaqof.

  “If you really believe it’s a lie, then kill me. But if I’m telling the truth, you’ll regret ignoring it,” Asael warned.

  “Fine. Then answer me this: why do you believe the King would be involved in creating a new world?”

  “I don’t know for sure,” Asael admitted, “but when we came into contact with that energy, I saw it… a new world, very much like our own. A primitive life form exists there, but I could feel a powerful force—so great, I believe the King Himself has been there.”

  “That power caused a massive explosion in the universe, tearing through our dimension. We weren’t invaded—it was just collateral damage. That’s why I believe the only way to confirm this… is to let the cherub proceed with his revolt. And then seize the chance to gain our freedom… to escape to that world the King selfishly excluded us from.”

  “Incredible…” Artaqof muttered, stunned.

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  “That’s what I thought too,” Asael said. “So I’m asking for your permission to act freely… and bring this to an end.”

  “Damn it,” Shemihaza murmured, distressed. “Has all my service been for nothing? After all I’ve done for Him… has He hidden this from me?”

  “Maybe He no longer trusts you,” Ramael added quietly. “Or perhaps… He already has your replacement.”

  At those words, the Patriarch’s soul stirred. His demeanor shifted entirely.

  “No one can replace me. I am the most powerful among the twenty generals. I hold absolute control over the forces of this planet!”

  “My lord, you know we follow you and stand by your side,” said Asael. “That’s why I believe it was a mistake to let Daniel go. Surely, he knows something we don’t… just like that old sage from Serf.”

  “Asael is right, my lord,” added Ramael. “You should let us interrogate Daniel and that old man—make them reveal everything they know.”

  “Artaqof, what do you think about all this?” the Patriarch asked.

  “I believe we should take full control of the situation right now,” the warrior replied. “That would also help us uncover who’s loyal and who isn’t. In the meantime, it would be wise to keep things as discreet as possible.”

  “You’re right. We’ll do that. Send Harmoni to Serf to find out what the sage knows. He trusts her.”

  “I’m afraid Harmoni won’t be able to… because she’s dead,” Asael interrupted.

  “What did you say? What do you mean she’s dead?” Shemihaza demanded.

  “She went to Querb without your permission,” Ramael explained. “She found us speaking with the cherub about the uprising. She tried to take him away. I had no choice… I had to kill her. She could’ve ruined everything. Besides, we learned she had met with Daniel beforehand.”

  “This is getting out of hand,” Shemihaza muttered, exhaling in worry. “Who else knows of her death?”

  “No one, my lord,” Asael replied.

  “Then this is what we’ll do: the two of you will lead the uprising. And I’ll send Yehadiel to Serf.”

  “But my lord, what about Daniel and his apprentices?” asked Ramael.

  “For now… nothing. Let them be. If he has something planned, we’ll let it reveal itself.”

  “Damn it! Why?” Asael shouted in frustration.

  “You’d better watch your mouth and follow the orders of our lord,” Artaqof warned menacingly.

  “I’m sorry, my lord. It won’t happen again,” Asael murmured.

  “With your permission, we’ll take our leave,” Ramael said.

  Once outside, she turned to Asael.

  “I think that went well.”

  “Everything is going as planned.”

  “What’s the next step?”

  “To feed,” Asael answered.

  The two headed toward the land of the beasts and committed unspeakable crimes.

  They fed on their flesh and drank their blood, while their power and darkness grew stronger.

  The spirits of their victims began to rise into the sky, staining the air and the sun, covering much of the planet in darkness and cold.

  In Portcan, fear spread among the people who witnessed the sky turning black.

  Meanwhile, in Querb, a great army was being prepared for war.

  There were no longer songs or light as before.

  Many cherubim disagreed with the new leader’s ideas, and for that reason, some were imprisoned… others, executed for disobedience.

  Luzbel, the one leading the revolt, had abandoned his peaceful image.

  He even changed his name—no longer Luzbel… now, he called himself Lucifer.

  The visits from the arcanian commanders became frequent, giving him instructions and revealing secrets of Portcan’s army and the kingdom itself.

  They even started sending soldiers in secret to eliminate Daniel and his apprentices…

  “Hello, Luzbel— or rather, Lucifer,” Asael greeted him.

  “I like the name change. And your outfit too. It suits your personality better.”

  “Thank you,” Lucifer replied. “I just wanted to make a better impression. Not to brag, but the new king has to look the part.”

  “I see… and speaking of which, how are the preparations for your little party?” Asael asked.

  “We’re almost ready. I’m just waiting for your instructions.”

  “Perfect. Don’t rush. We’re still tying up a few loose ends. We can’t afford for anything to ruin this, right?”

  “Understood. I’ll keep waiting,” Lucifer replied.

  In the Patriarch's chamber, nothing went unnoticed...

  “Have you noticed anything strange about those two?” Artaqof asked.

  “I have. It seems they've absorbed a considerable amount of that energy,” Shemihaza replied.

  “I don’t know how much longer we can trust them.”

  “Don’t worry. We’ll keep a close eye on them. But I can’t stop thinking about that new world Asael spoke of…”

  “What could the King be planning?”

  “I don’t know. Perhaps… creating a new civilization.”

  “It’s strange… very strange,” Shemihaza murmured.

  “But we mustn’t lose focus. For now, we’ll leave everything in their hands. Meanwhile, we must decide what to do with Daniel and his disciples…

  When the time is right, I’ll summon him. He might still be useful to us.”

  At that moment, a servant entered and informed them that two generals urgently requested an audience.

  “Tell them to come in,” Shemihaza ordered.

  Two figures entered and bowed.

  “My lord, allow us to present ourselves. We have something important to report.”

  “Yomiel and Turiel… What brings two of the Guardians of the Sky before me?”

  “Sir, something terrible is happening on the planet. The sun has darkened, and the climate has changed drastically,” Yomiel said.

  “When did this begin?”

  “Just now. The cherubim are responsible for monitoring the solar stars and the climate. They are supposed to report anything unusual to us,” Yomiel explained.

  “Moreover,” added Turiel, “we felt the spirit of life rising toward us from the land of beasts… pleading for justice. Something is very wrong.

  Don’t you think that as Guardians, we should intervene?”

  “You say the land of the beasts has been attacked?”

  “I’m not sure,” Turiel admitted.

  “But we ask your permission to investigate and handle the situation ourselves.”

  Shemihaza looked to Artaqof. He knew he couldn't stop the Guardians from carrying out their sacred duty. Aware of the consequences, he granted them permission.

  “Very well. You may go.”

  “Thank you, my lord. With your permission…”

  The two Guardians set off toward Querb, but first, they would stop and investigate what had occurred in the land of the beasts… completely unaware that evil was already waiting for them there.

  “Wait, Turiel,” said Yomiel, halting midair.

  “What is it?”

  “I can feel a strong presence coming from that area…”

  “Now that you mention it, Yomiel… you’re right. And it’s not just any presence—it feels… familiar.”

  “We’ll leave Querb for later. Let’s go.”

  Changing course, the Guardians flew directly toward the land of the beasts, following the strange energy and the overwhelming stench of death.

  As they arrived, their hearts sank. Dozens of animal corpses lay scattered across the land. What was once a place teeming with life now looked like hell itself.

  Descending in shock, Turiel whispered:

  “Who… who could’ve done this?”

  “I swear I’ll make them pay.”

  “Yomiel, the energy we’re sensing… it’s coming from that small mountain over there.”

  “Damn them. Let’s go.”

  Furious, they rushed to the source of the dark presence—and there they found them.

  Asael and Ramael, covered in blood, were feasting on the corpse of a great beast.

  The sight filled the Guardians with horror.

  “You… what have you done?” Turiel demanded.

  “You monsters!”

  The once majestic Asael and Ramael now looked like savage beasts, growling as they devoured their prey. A sinister black glow radiated from their eyes.

  “Hello, friends,” Asael said, holding a chunk of flesh in his hand. “Forgive our manners.”

  “Asael, don’t be rude. Why not invite them to join?” Ramael added mockingly, licking the blood from her fingers.

  “You’re right. Forgive me. Would you like to join our banquet?”

  Disgusted and furious, Turiel drew his sword, his voice filled with righteous wrath:

  “You have committed an unforgivable sin against our world and our King.”

  “How unfriendly,” Ramael said with a smirk.

  “I don’t care what twisted reason you had… by the authority entrusted to us, we declare you guilty of extraordinary crimes. The only punishment… is death.”

  “Oh? So you’re going to kill us?” Asael laughed. “I’d love to see you try.”

  “There’s no redemption left for you,” Turiel warned.

  The auras of the four clashed violently. An immense wave of energy burst from their clash, spreading across the region—so powerful it was felt all the way in Daniel’s distant valley.

  “What is this power…?” Rafael muttered, frozen in place.

  The young apprentices in the far-off valley stirred in alarm at the terrifying sensation.

  Daniel, equally shocked, felt the shift deep within.

  “A deadly battle has begun… I can feel it,” he said solemnly.

  He knew something was terribly wrong. The energy of the Watchers was far more corrupted than before.

  He feared that Yomiel and Turiel had uncovered a dreadful truth—and had no choice but to act.

  But in his heart, Daniel also knew… they wouldn’t survive this time.

  The battle in the land of the beasts had begun.

  From the very first clash, the difference in power was undeniable. The Guardians fought bravely, but Asael and Ramael had become something else—creatures driven by corruption, hunger, and overwhelming strength.

  Yomiel engaged Ramael in a fierce exchange of blows, trying to restrain her. But she was too fast—inhumanly fast. With a sudden dash, she pierced his chest with her arm like lightning.

  Blood sprayed into the air as Yomiel gasped, his eyes wide.

  “I failed…” he thought, the crushing weight of defeat sinking in. “I couldn't protect…”

  “You’re pathetic,” Ramael sneered, watching his blood trickle down her hand. “How someone like you was entrusted with such a role… I’ll never understand. But at least… your blood tastes divine.”

  She leaned forward and sank her teeth into his neck, drinking deeply. Yomiel’s light faded, swallowed by darkness.

  Turiel, who was still locked in combat with Asael, saw it happen. His heart shattered in rage and anguish.

  “Yomiel!!”

  In a desperate move, he tried to rush to his friend’s aid, but Asael was waiting.

  “You should’ve paid attention.”

  With a swift motion, Asael unsheathed his blade and, with a single clean stroke, severed Turiel’s head midair.

  Silence.

  The two Guardians fell. Their blood soaked the sacred ground of the beastlands.

  From above, the corrupted Watchers stood in eerie stillness, victorious, drenched in blood, their monstrous forms basking in the aftermath of death.

  “You shouldn't have interfered,” Asael said coldly, lowering his weapon.

  In the distant temple, Shemihaza and Artaqof felt the shift. Their expressions darkened.

  “We’ve sent two Guardians to their deaths…” Artaqof whispered. “I doubt our King will ever forgive this.”

  “I’m sorry, brothers…” Shemihaza said softly, though no one heard.

  Meanwhile, Daniel stared at the sky, his fists clenched. He knew now that there was no turning back. War had begun.

  He gathered his apprentices and, with a grave tone, spoke:

  “The war has started. We don’t know when or how it will end, but the first blood has been spilled. The pain I feel now… is deeper than I can express. And that is why… today we enter the final stage of your training.”

  Inside Rafael, something ignited. He clenched his fists, trembling.

  I curse you, Asael. I swear… I’ll make you pay for your crimes.

  The air in the valley had changed. Anxiety and dread loomed over the group like a dark cloud, but they couldn’t let it consume them.

  Miguel, their leader, raised his voice, calm but firm:

  “Friends, we can’t let this sorrow control us. As long as we’re standing, we’re a reason for hope.”

  “That's right,” Gabriel added. “There’s still hope.”

  And they believed it. Despite the shadows gathering around them… they stood united.