The clash of Abyssal darkness and divine light shook the rooftop like a storm. Kaito's heart pounded in his chest, adrenaline surging through him as he faced the Seraphim. They were relentless—each swing of their radiant swords aimed to tear him apart, each burst of divine energy threatening to obliterate both him and Seraphina.
But Kaito refused to back down. His control over the Abyssal power was growing with each passing moment, and for the first time, he felt that he was truly fighting as Seraphina's equal.
The Seraphim leader stood at the center of the formation, his eyes cold and unwavering. His wings stretched wide, casting an imposing shadow over Kaito and Seraphina. "You resist, but it is futile," he said, his voice ringing with authority. "Heaven's will cannot be defied."
Seraphina snarled, her fiery eyes locking onto the leader. "Heaven has no right to interfere in the Abyss. Your arrogance will be your downfall."
The Seraphim leader raised his sword high, its blade glowing with pure celestial light. "You speak of arrogance, demon queen? You and your vassal are the ones who threaten the balance of the world. The Abyss cannot coexist with Heaven."
Kaito's eyes flicked to Seraphina, seeing the fury in her gaze. He knew this was more than just a battle for survival—it was personal. Seraphina's history with Heaven ran deep, and Kaito could feel the weight of centuries of hatred behind her words.
Before the leader could strike, a voice cut through the air, sharp and commanding.
"Stop this!"
Kaito's heart skipped a beat as Celestia descended from the heavens, her golden wings glowing softly in the night. She landed between the two sides, her arms outstretched as if to hold back the impending clash.
"Father, enough!" Celestia shouted, her voice trembling with emotion. "This isn't the way!"
The Seraphim leader's expression didn't change, but there was a flicker of recognition in his eyes. "Celestia," he said, his voice softening slightly. "You have returned. But it is too late. This human is corrupted by the Abyss. You know what must be done."
Celestia shook her head, stepping closer to her father. "You don't understand! Kaito isn't like that. He's still in control—he's fighting against the Abyss, not for it. If you kill him, you'll only prove that Heaven fears what it doesn't understand."
Her father's eyes narrowed. "He carries the mark of corruption, Celestia. There is no redemption for him."
Kaito watched as Celestia's wings trembled. He could see the desperation in her eyes—the plea for understanding that she had hidden so well before. She wasn't just fighting for him; she was fighting for the very idea that Heaven could show mercy.
"He's not a threat to Heaven or the world," Celestia said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Please, Father, don't do this."
For a moment, there was silence. Kaito's chest tightened, his pulse pounding in his ears as he waited for the Seraphim leader's response.
Then, with a slow, deliberate movement, the leader lowered his sword.
But the tension in the air didn't ease. Kaito could still feel the weight of the Seraphim's presence, their judgment hanging over him like a guillotine.
"You have always been soft-hearted, Celestia," her father said, his tone cold. "But your compassion blinds you to the truth. The Abyss cannot be allowed to take root in this world, no matter the cost."
He gestured to the four other Seraphim behind him. "This is not just about one human, Celestia. The Abyssal forces are rising. The balance between light and shadow has been disrupted. If we do not act now, the consequences will be catastrophic."
Kaito's fists clenched. "We're not the ones disrupting the balance," he said, his voice low and steady. "You think you can control everything from above, but the Abyss is part of this world too. You can't just erase it."
The Seraphim leader's eyes darkened. "You speak of matters you do not understand, human. The Abyss corrupts all it touches. Even now, it twists your soul, whether you realize it or not."
Kaito felt a surge of anger rise in his chest, but before he could respond, Seraphina stepped forward, her voice sharp and commanding.
"The Abyss is no more corrupt than Heaven itself," she said, her eyes blazing with fury. "You act as if your divine light is pure, but I know the truth. Heaven's hands are stained with blood, just like the Abyss. You're no better than us."
Her words hung in the air, a stark challenge to the Seraphim's authority.
Kaito watched as the Seraphim leader's face hardened, his wings unfurling slightly as if preparing for another battle. But before he could act, Celestia spoke again, her voice filled with desperation.
"Please, Father," she said, her hand resting on his arm. "Give them a chance. Give me a chance to prove that the Abyss and Heaven don't have to be enemies. If we keep fighting, we'll destroy everything."
Her father looked at her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. The other Seraphim stood still, waiting for his command.
Finally, he spoke.
"I will give you one chance, Celestia," he said, his voice quiet but filled with authority. "One chance to prove that this human can resist the Abyss. But know this—if he falters, if he shows even the slightest sign of corruption, we will return. And when we do, no force on this earth will save him."
Celestia exhaled slowly, relief washing over her face. "Thank you," she whispered.
The Seraphim leader nodded, but there was no warmth in his gaze. He turned to Kaito, his eyes narrowing. "Remember this, human. The Abyss is a poison. It may feel like strength now, but in time, it will consume you. And when it does, we will be there to end you."
With that, the Seraphim turned, their wings spreading wide as they ascended back into the heavens. The light faded, and the night sky returned to its usual calm.
Kaito stood there in silence, his heart racing as the weight of what had just happened settled over him. Seraphina remained by his side, her hand resting lightly on his shoulder, but her gaze was distant, troubled.
Celestia stepped forward, her eyes filled with sorrow. "I'm sorry," she said softly. "I tried to stop them sooner, but..."
Kaito shook his head. "It's not your fault. You did everything you could."
But even as he said the words, a part of him couldn't shake the fear that the Seraphim leader had been right. The Abyss was growing inside him, and with every battle, he felt its pull stronger than before.
How long could he really resist?