After seven days with their families, the Archangels gathered once again, now at the gates of the castle.

  None of them said a word, as they knew that what they were about to do could cost them their lives. The thought of whether they were worthy of obtaining the Seal echoed in their minds, and even with that fear and uncertainty, they had no choice but to risk their lives to find out…

  —Friends… —Miguel began.

  But before he could continue, Uriel interrupted him:

  —You better keep that stupid idea to yourself of thinking you're going in there alone, understood?

  —But Uriel… —the leader replied, surprised by her reaction.

  —She's right, my friend. We're all here, and we're all going in no matter the cost —Sariel added.

  Miguel felt great joy knowing he wasn't alone.

  Uriel also added:

  —It’d be really boring to wait out here while you burn in there.

  The young warrior's sarcasm broke the tension of the moment, sparking laughter and easing the pressure, giving them the courage to enter.

  Meanwhile, in Arcan, Shemihaza and the generals waited for the result of their plan...

  —Do you think this will work? —Artaqof asked 'El with doubt—. You know that seal was placed there long ago by unknown powers, and maybe it's a waste of time to think they can open it...

  —Relax. If they die, we’ll find another way out of here, but something tells me they’ll succeed —'El replied confidently—. Keep in mind they also carry the legendary weapons, and not just anyone can…

  Seeing Shemihaza’s pensive expression, he asked:

  —Don’t tell me you’re having doubts too?

  —No, I’m just wondering… what will happen once the seal is opened? —the Patriarch said, visibly concerned…

  Meanwhile, the young warriors, now inside, began searching for the mysterious seal, completely unaware of the consequences. They only knew what the Arcanian had told them conveniently.

  The plan was for the Archangels to open the seal to imprison the Titans; however, it would also break the pact among the cities of AN, giving the Arcanians the freedom to choose their own path. Also, by moving the seal from its place, they might doom the planet to an uncertain future… or perhaps to its destruction.

  The seal took the form of an ancient-looking reliquary forged in gold and fire, perfectly fitting in one’s hand. It was located at the center of the castle, floating between two golden columns protected by a powerful and ancient magic. Only someone worthy could approach without being completely annihilated. The reliquary held a mysterious power inside—said to be the very force of the universe, capable of both destruction and creation.

  Certainly, no one knew the true effect or consequence of opening it. But to accomplish this task, they would first have to grasp it and carry it with them along the invisible path that would lead them to the Sternentor. Once at their destination—perhaps that distant planet—they would have to find the Titans and recite the incantation inscribed on its structure, so it could unleash its hidden power. A nearly impossible feat, as the Titans were not beings that a simple Archangel could subdue.

  —There it is! That must be it… —at last, the young warriors had found the place.

  Sweat ran down their faces and hands, and even though they were smiling, the tension on their faces was obvious.

  —Well then… what are we waiting for?

  Their eyes were fixed on that ancient and mysterious object as they approached the ring of fire surrounding the columns.

  At that moment, the legendary weapons began to shine brightly and, leaving their wielders, flew toward the flaming circle, positioning themselves around it. The warriors understood what was happening, and Rafael said:

  —It seems even the weapons that chose us want to see if we’re worthy of doing this, so we have no choice but to go forward.

  —Looks like it —the others agreed.

  Once they approached the ring of fire, it opened to let them pass...

  Seeing this, Uriel regained her confidence and said:

  —Excellent! Turns out we worried for nothing.

  However, just as they were about to retrieve it, Rafael and Sariel sensed something wrong. Gabriel noticed and asked:

  —Friends, what’s wrong?

  —This can’t be… something’s not right here…

  —What are you saying? —the others grew alarmed.

  Then Sariel confirmed, shouting in desperation:

  —I sense a powerful, aggressive energy in this place! We must get out of here now!

  Suddenly, the ring of fire closed completely, giving them no time to react, and they began to burn and be struck down. They could no longer see the exit, and the fire consumed them slowly. Their screams of pain were terrifying. Miguel, the only one able to use his protective barrier, was the first to fall, and the others soon followed, losing consciousness.

  But Rafael, who could see the hidden, was able to distinguish between the consuming flames the two columns and the reliquary shining at full power. So he rose up and pressed forward, even as his friends seemed lifeless…

  Find this and other great novels on the author's preferred platform. Support original creators!

  —We’re not going to die here! —he shouted furiously as he advanced, being devoured by the flames—. We’re not going to die here! I WON’T ALLOW IT!

  In that moment, a great power burst from his burned body, and like a lightning bolt, his great axe—his legendary weapon—cut through the overwhelming fire and flew into his right hand, restoring all his energy. The warrior, leaping over the columns, grabbed the reliquary with his left hand, immediately dispelling the protective magic and the flames. Their wounds quickly healed, and everyone was able to breathe again. They had just passed what was perhaps the hardest trial so far.

  The legendary weapons returned to their owners, filling them with energy and strength, covering them with their battle garments.

  Rafael’s companions stood and, in a gesture of respect, surrounded him, placing their hands on him and thanking him with tears, for they understood they had been saved from certain death.

  —But what are these garments I’m wearing? —Gabriel asked, amazed.

  —My friend, those are the uniforms that identify us as Archangels. Don’t you remember seeing us wear them during the cherub rebellion? Honestly, I’m surprised they came back on their own, probably because a new battle is near —Miguel replied.

  “The battle uniforms worn by the Archangels were forged with materials from the crystals at the core of AN. Made to measure, light yet resistant, they resembled those worn by the generals of Arcan. Gabriel was the last to receive his.”

  With their outfits ready for a new battle, they gripped their weapons firmly and shouted:

  —Let’s go to that planet!…

  The wise man of Serf waited for the Archangels, hoping they would return with the seal so he could teach them how to use the Sternentor.

  Once gathered, Allcan told them that one of them would have to guide the others through the invisible path, and as expected, the only one who could do it was Rafael.

  —I don’t think it’ll be too hard to follow, since the Judges likely left traces of energy. I just hope that reliquary works —the wise man explained carefully, then added—: Please, don’t get lost. Be very careful and remember you are the only protectors our planet has left. You must know your mission is to stop those four and bring back the rebels to be judged along with the traitors. I entrust this to you.

  —Don’t worry, we won’t die —Miguel assured him.

  The excitement and adrenaline were visible on their faces, and in their hearts they felt ready to accept this great challenge. The young warriors stood before the Sternentor, and with Rafael’s power, invoked the opening of the portal. Upon opening, they were filled with awe, for through it they could see the stars and the infinite. Truly, they had never imagined such a thing could exist.

  —Let’s not waste any more time. Let’s go… See you soon, Allcan —and with those words, they jumped in…

  Once inside the Sternentor, the warriors were swept away by its great current through space, and a new journey began for them…

  When the young ones departed, the wise man had decided to return to Serf to inform the ruler about what was to come. But a great earthquake shook the planet, and Allcan, confused, asked himself:

  —What’s happening?

  Suddenly, a voice responded:

  —Hahaha… Don’t you know? Your beloved protectors are responsible for this.

  —And who are you? What are you saying? —asked the seraph.

  —My name is Samael, old fool, and I’m one of Arcan’s generals. I must say, I didn’t expect those brats to be capable of removing the reliquary from its place, but they did… and by doing so, they’ve doomed this planet.

  —What did you say? —the wise man asked.

  —What I mean is, by removing the seal from its place, the magic that protected this world has been broken. And we, the Arcanians, have nothing left to do here. If everything goes as planned, your beloved guardians will open the pendant and seal the Titans… although I must tell you, they too will be trapped by that magic. Hahaha… And I only came to carry out an order —said the watcher.

  The wise man, overwhelmed by what he had just heard, simply looked at him and replied:

  —My work is done. So do what you must.

  —Very well, you’ve done enough. My lord sends his regards…

  Allcan was killed by one of the watchers, apparently sent by the Patriarch.

  Upon returning, Samael went straight to the hall where Shemihaza was:

  —My lord, I’ve fulfilled the mission you gave me…

  After hearing this, Shemihaza stared at him and asked in a surprisingly stern voice:

  —What are you talking about?

  Samael, growing nervous and sweating more than ever, responded:

  —Lord 'El told me that you had ordered me to go to where the portal was…

  Shemihaza, raising his voice and showing clear anger, interrupted him with another question:

  —And what was this mission I supposedly gave you!?

  Samael began trembling, realizing he might have made a grave mistake:

  —What Lord 'El told me… was that I had to… to kill the wise man of Serf…

  At that moment, Shemihaza rose from his seat with a furious look and yelled:

  —YOU’RE AN IDIOT! The next time you do something without consulting me directly… I’ll kill you! Now, get out of here!

  The watcher left without a word:

  —Y-yes, my Lord…

  And from the shadows emerged Artaqof, who whispered mysterious words to the Patriarch:

  —It seems… it has already begun…

  A few hours later, Shemihaza and Artaqof were in the main hall waiting for 'El, who had strangely gone missing. When he arrived, Shemihaza asked:

  —Tell me, 'El… where have you been?

  To which he replied:

  —I’ve been checking the state of the planet and calculating how much time we have left here.

  —I see… Now tell me about the mission you gave to Samael.

  —Well, I thought it was best for everyone to eliminate that old man…

  Shemihaza interrupted him abruptly:

  —SINCE WHEN DO YOU GIVE ORDERS AROUND HERE!?

  'El responded arrogantly:

  —I only did what I thought was best for eve…

  That answer only fueled the Patriarch’s fury:

  —OVERRIDING MY AUTHORITY!?

  A great power burst from Shemihaza’s body, shaking all of Arcan…

  —Listen well, 'El! I don’t know what you’ve been up to lately, but this better be the last time you use my name for your personal actions…!

  —Are you threatening me?

  —And if I am… what will you do about it?

  Looking at Artaqof and Shemihaza with a mocking grin, 'El turned and walked out of the hall…