Chereads / Heaven Will Not Fall / Chapter 18 - Shadows and Arrows

Chapter 18 - Shadows and Arrows

Beelzebub's aura emanates with an overwhelming intensity, an unseen force that grips the very essence of those who dare to stand in its presence. Even the most resolute souls are not immune to its effects; an average person would find their heart racing, their breath hitching, as an instinctual fear takes hold. It's as if the air itself grows heavy with malevolence, an invisible vice that tightens around the mind and soul.

The sensation is chilling, a cold dread that runs down the spine and settles deep within the bones. As Beelzebub's aura envelops the surroundings, shadows seem to lengthen, and the world takes on an eerie hue. It's a visceral reminder of the primal fear that resides within every human, a reminder of the ancient battle between light and darkness.

Beelzebub's words echoed with a chilling confidence, his true form radiating an aura of malevolent power that sent shivers down the spine of any average person who might have felt his presence. "You are lucky to see my true form. It's been a long time since I've been in this form while devouring human souls." In response, Mirai's reflexes kicked in, her dagger propelled with precision towards Beelzebub's throat, but in an instant, he vanished, leaving only an empty space where he once stood.

With a swift and unexpected maneuver, Beelzebub materialized behind Mirai, launching a surprise attack that struck her in the back. Mirai's instincts kicked in, allowing her to evade the blow, although not without a few superficial scratches inflicted by Beelzebub's assault.

Azrael swiftly employed his shadow daggers, entrapping Beelzebub in their ethereal grasp. The encompassing darkness of Azrael's aura enveloped the demon prince, restricting his movement. However, Beelzebub exhibited unexpected strength, shattering the confines of the shadows and advancing menacingly toward Azrael, his malevolent intent clear. In an instant, Mirai's voice rang out in desperate concern, a cry to safeguard Azrael from the impending threat.

With a vicious motion, Beelzebub's razor-sharp claws found their mark in Azrael's arms, piercing through flesh and inflicting a painful wound. Azrael recoiled, instinctively creating distance between himself and the relentless demon assailant. Blood stained his arms, and a grimace of agony contorted his features as he struggled to evade further harm.

Despite his injuries, Azrael's determination to protect Mirai and thwart Beelzebub's malevolent intentions pushed him to keep moving. Beelzebub's fury propelled him forward, his burning desire for vengeance evident in his every stride. Azrael's heart raced as he evaded the pursuing demon, his mind racing for a strategy to gain the upper hand in this deadly confrontation.

Beelzebub's words echoed with malicious arrogance as he relentlessly assaulted Azrael, his attacks fueled by his disdain for the Angel before him. Despite the pain coursing through his wounded arms, Azrael's resolve remained unshaken. He blocked and dodged Beelzebub's strikes with a mixture of agility and grace, his determination to protect Mirai giving him strength beyond his injuries. At the same time, Mirai faced a new threat as Beelzebub summoned a cadre of demons to impede her progress.

Beelzebub's sinister command sent his summoned demons charging towards Mirai, their malevolent intentions clear in their every movement. Mirai found herself surrounded, her path blocked by these fiendish creatures, preventing her from reaching Azrael who was still engaged in a fierce struggle against Beelzebub himself. As the demons closed in, Mirai braced herself, her determination to protect herself and her ally unwavering even in the face of overwhelming odds. The battle had intensified, and the stakes had never been higher as they fought to survive against the relentless onslaught of darkness.

Summoning the power of his Dark shadow daggers, Azrael launched a calculated strike at Beelzebub, aiming to halt the demon prince's relentless advance. The dark blades pierced the air, converging on Beelzebub with an uncanny accuracy. As they found their mark, Beelzebub's movements were momentarily halted, granting Azrael a brief respite to catch his breath and gather his thoughts amidst the chaos of the battle. With his arms wounded from the previous assault, Azrael knew he had to strategize wisely and exploit any openings that presented themselves in this dire confrontation against the formidable Prince of Gluttony.

Amidst the intensity of the battle, Azrael's gaze caught sight of Gabriel's return. A glimmer of hope ignited within him as he understood the significance of the Archangel's presence. Without hesitation, Gabriel signaled to Azrael, a message that conveyed a strategic opportunity. Azrael's mind raced as he comprehended the plan unfolding before him. With a determined nod, he swiftly positioned himself, seeking an optimal vantage point from which he could unleash a powerful and precise arrow strike against Beelzebub. The collaboration between Azrael and Gabriel was a testament to their shared purpose in thwarting the demon prince's sinister intentions and protecting both the mortal realm and the ethereal planes from his malevolent influence.

Azrael's resolve surged as he harnessed a formidable surge of energy, charging headlong towards Beelzebub. His presence seemed to consume the very surroundings, engulfing the area in a shroud of impenetrable darkness. Beelzebub, taken aback by this unexpected onslaught, attempted to counter with his own immense power. His attack swept through the shadows, attempting to disperse them, only to find that Azrael had vanished, leaving behind a void that seemed to defy his understanding. Azrael's strategic disappearance marked the commencement of a new phase in their battle, an intricate dance of darkness and cunning that would determine the fate of their encounter.

Amidst the chaos and the clash of powers, a series of radiant arrows streaked through the air, finding their mark with unerring precision. Beelzebub's confident demeanor faltered as the light-infused projectiles struck him with searing intensity. His triumphant roar was replaced by a guttural scream of agony, his formidable form wracked by the unexpected assault. The arrows, guided by Gabriel's expert aim, penetrated deep into Beelzebub's being, inflicting wounds that radiated with holy energy. Staggered and wounded, the demon prince struggled to regain his composure as his once invincible facade began to crumble.

Beelzebub's enraged bellow echoed through the chaotic battleground as he recognized the source of his torment. Gabriel's resolute response carried a weight of vengeance as he confronted the demon prince who had caused him pain. Azrael, wounded but determined, joined the fray with an unyielding spirit. The exchange of words conveyed their shared determination to bring down the malevolent force before them. With a shared understanding, they prepared to face Beelzebub together, uniting their strengths to eradicate the threat that had disrupted their world.