Kairos tightened his jaw, his sharp glare bouncing between the assembled leaders. "You think a handful of clans and some misplaced faith in that man will tip the balance? Against Paradise? Against the might of the seraphs? You're clinging to a fleeting hope—a delusion."
Atrum's smirk widened, his posture unshaken. "Hope and delusion can often appear the same to those without vision. But we've seen what you refuse to admit, Kairos. Power doesn't always lie in numbers or status. It lies in resolve... and in those who inspire it."
"You speak of resolve like it's a weapon," Kairos scoffed, crossing his arms. "Hass alone is enough to crush all of you. Even you must admit his strength is unparalleled among seraphs."
"True," Aelius interjected, his calm voice a stark contrast to the heated tension. "Hass is powerful. But tell me, Kairos, Kurogane—did Hass face Lyon? Or did he withdraw the moment the All-Father called him back? Strange, isn't it?"
