As the two paragons sought to conclude their epic showdown with a final, decisive blow, Antaeus found himself standing in the doorway of his dormitory, facing a tall, slender boy with an enigmatic smile that hinted at an underlying disdain.
The boy's golden hair cascaded down his shoulders, framing a face adorned with striking grey eyes.
Nailah, Kazi, Everley, and the rest of the group had awakened by this point, drawn to the commotion in the hallway.
The dormitory hallway was spacious enough to accommodate several groups of people without feeling crowded, providing an ample viewing platform for the unfolding spectacle.
Suddenly, an oppressive aura descended upon Antaeus, accompanied by the golden-haired boy's authoritative proclamation,
"The Heavens themselves decree your downfall, Antaeus Mustafa! I, Zypherion, the Divine Son, have been tasked as their celestial instrument, sent to eradicate all who dare to embrace heresy.
Will you submit to the heavenly judgment of I, Zypherion, or shall I deliver upon you the full wrath of the divine!?"
Antaeus stood tall wearing silky pajamas, his expression one of defiance as he resists Zypherions aura. His eyes narrow slightly, a hint of steeliness glinting beneath their surface.
A faint smirk tugged at the corners of his lips, betraying a sense of intrigue amidst the threat.
His arms hung loosely at his sides, contrasting with Zypherion's rigid stance, suggesting an underlying control amidst the tension.
Raising his eyebrows Antaeus directly questions Zypherion, "Accept judgement? Are with the demons attacking outside?"
"Do you dare liken me, Zypherion, to such lowly creatures? Hmph. My companion and I are using them as a distraction to eliminate you!"
"You can't harm Antaeus !" Everleys screams with shocked expression as she rushes to stand by his side, facing the visibly irritated Zypherion.
"The Heavens Order are getting way too daring, don't you think so, Zypherion? And I'm guessing Seraphiel is close by, right?"
Nailah walked over following Everley, her wild aura flaring with an undercurrent of fiery rage. Her presence added another layer of tension to the already charged atmosphere.
Tenzi looked at Kazi, who clicked his tongue and walked over with Imani in tow. Imani, still looking sleepy, stumbled forward, her expression a mix of confusion and apprehension.
The rest of the students watched the scene unfold, a mix of curiosity, fear, and anticipation etched on their faces.
"Hey, Dan, don't you think we should also help them since we are classmates?" A short boy with chestnut hair and pale skin enquired with a worried tone while looking at a tall boy with brown skin who already had armor on.
SMACK!
"Ouch! Hey—"
Dan raised his finger and pressed it against his lips while glaring at the boy, "sshh, you think any of us here can stand up to him? Can you not feel his aura? He is definitely in the 9th layer of the Early Mortal Astral Realm."
Everyone else nodded, agreeing with Dan's judgment. The oppressive aura emanating from Zypherion was undeniable, a clear indication of his immense power.
"We maybe in the same class but only fools would go against someone like that. Let's just watch the show," Dan continued with a mutter, as a cold glint shined in his eyes.
"Yeah! Let them deal with it," another student chimed in, their voices barely audible above the tension-filled silence.
"Che. Cowards," Zypherion snorts, his disdainful gaze sweeping across the hesitant students. "At least they know their place, unlike some heretics."
"I shall utter this but once, heed my words closely. The sole soul I seek to end is the Cursed Prince, The Defier, one foreordained to challenge the heavens. Any obstruction in our path draws our wrath."
"Enough of this, all you, I appreciate you guys for standing up for me, but this is my fight and mine alone. So back off. You too Everley" Antaeus looks at each everyone of them.
"But—" Everley and the rest try to argue.
"No but's, it's my fight"
"Hmph, let him fight on his own Nailah. It has nothing to with us."
Such words are only spoken by the ignorant, for little did they know that it has everything to do with them. The lines of fate, karma and destiny intwined all of them. Whether they be foes or comrades...only the heavens can know such.
Everley looked on as Antaeus stood in front of her. His frame not as tall as Zypherion but his aura became more noble, more arrogant and defiant, almost as if it wanted to suppress all who stood before him.
Clenching her small hands into fist balls as her thoughts race in her mind, 'One day I'll be standing next to you and not behind, weakness in this world is a sin.'
A hand pats Antaeus's back, prompting him to look behind him, only to see Tenzi's grim face, "It was nice knowing you man !"
Antaeus: ( ￣ー￣)
"Humph, just surrender," Zypherion's mocking voice echoed across the hall, vibrating with disdain. "Resisting is a fool's errand! I stand at the 9th layer of the Early Mortal Astral Realm, while you haven't even mastered the basics of circulating Astral Energy. How will you possibly stand against me?"
His laughter resonated through the space, echoing off the walls like a cruel melody. The oppressive aura surrounding him intensified, solidifying into a tangible force that pressed down on Antaeus with all its might.
Antaeus gritted his teeth, his knuckles white from clenching his fists. Sweat beaded on his forehead, but his defiance remained unwavering. Despite the stifling pressure and the mocking laughter, he would not bend a knee to this self-proclaimed agent of the heavens.
From behind him, Kazi's smirk held a hint of danger. "Foolish Zypherion," he muttered, his voice barely audible. "There's a reason he is cursed. Push him too far, and you might just awaken a power that will lay waste to your puritanical soul."
Zypherion scoffed, his eyes narrowing. "Enough words. My patience wears thin." With blinding speed, he blurred across the space, his hand clamping around Antaeus's neck like a vise. He lifted the struggling boy into the air, his face cold and unforgiving.
Everley's scream pierced the air, her voice filled with panic and desperation. "No! Antaeus! Let him go, Zypherion!"
"You, Everley Adisa," Zypherion addressed her, his voice a low, ominous rumble. "Your 'talent' is not a choice, but a necessity. You have a destiny within our ranks."
He turned back to Antaeus, his grip tightening around his throat. "This is nothing personal, 'Your Highness,'" he sneered. "The heavens offer no forgiveness to those who defy their will. Now die!"
Antaeus gasped for air, his vision blurring at the edges. He couldn't let Everley become another victim of these self-righteous zealots. He couldn't allow this to be the end.
Just as despair threatened to engulf him, a voice slithered into his mind, dark and alluring. 'Hehehe, so you hate the Gods, little prince?' it whispered, sending shivers down his spine.
'No need to respond,' the voice continued, amusement lacing its tone. 'I can feel your anger, your hate, your arrogance! And I love it!'
A sinister chuckle resonated through his mind. 'Hehe, I offer you a deal, little prince. I will help you escape this predicament, and in return, you will grant me a small favor in the future.'
Antaeus hesitated, his mind racing. This was a dangerous proposition, but was it his only hope?