Chereads / AETHONIX / Chapter 18 - Chapter 18 : The Council’s Expectations

Chapter 18 - Chapter 18 : The Council’s Expectations

The air inside the Temporal Rift was thick with the hum of energy, its fluctuating lights casting an eerie glow on the figures gathered in the center. Samuel stood, wings slightly spread, his gaze focused ahead but his mind still swirling with the training he had undergone over the past weeks. The atmosphere felt different now, heavier, as if something had shifted in the celestial realms.

Ramiel stood beside him, her wings unfurled, casting a faint shadow against the golden light. The time had come. Samuel had spent countless hours mastering the fundamentals of his angelic abilities, but now the true weight of his destiny loomed larger than ever.

Before them appeared a sudden flash of light—brilliant and intense—and within moments, five figures materialized before Samuel. These beings radiated authority, their four large wings spreading in a slow, deliberate manner. Each of them had an aura of unmatched strength, but Samuel couldn't shake the feeling that they were more than just powerful—they were seasoned, their very presence a testament to their status as peak supervisors in the angelic hierarchy.

The Council of Four-Winged Angels had arrived.

Though not supervisos, these angels had ascended well beyond the rank of an ordinary four winged angel. They were supervisors, the highest level beneath the keepers of order who didn't interfere in the affairs of the world unless commanded , and their role was to oversee the actions and growth of younger angels.

Ramiel stepped forward, acknowledging the visitors with a solemn nod. "Council members," she greeted, her tone respectful but also revealing a sense of familiarity. These beings were not strangers to her—they were her peers.

The council members regarded her with a knowing look, and one of them—a tall, imposing angel—took a step forward. His four wings folded behind him, and his eyes locked onto Samuel with a gaze that was both assessing and approving.

"Ramiel," the angel began, his voice calm yet filled with an authority that carried through the very air, "you've brought the child with the origin energy to us, as we expected."

Samuel felt a lump form in his throat at the mention of the origin energy. The weight of the title still felt strange to him—he was just Samuel, after all. But here, in the presence of the council, it was clear that his role in the grand celestial scheme of things was far greater than he had ever imagined.

Ramiel nodded but didn't respond immediately, allowing the angel to continue.

The council member's wings fluttered slightly, as if adjusting to the gravity of the situation. "We've heard much about you, young one," he continued, his gaze still fixed on Samuel. "You have potential that many in the Heavenly Realm could only dream of. And yet, you are still just a fledgling angel. It will take time before you can ascend to the ranks of the six-winged angels and eventually the archangels. But even now, your strength is formidable."

Samuel shifted uncomfortably at the mention of his potential. He had heard it from Ramiel before, but hearing it from the council made it feel heavier, more daunting.

Another angel, a woman with a serene expression and wings that shimmered with a soft, ethereal glow, stepped forward and addressed him. "Samuel," she began, her tone much softer than the previous angel's, "tell us, do you understand the significance of your wings?"

Samuel hesitated, glancing at his wings—two fully grown, two smaller, still in the process of growth. "I… I think so," he replied cautiously. "My wings are a symbol of my progress, right? But… I don't know what they really mean beyond that."

The woman smiled gently, her wings fluttering slightly. "Your wings represent your power and your place within the celestial order. They are a reflection of your heart, your soul. As you grow, your wings will grow with you. You are destined for greatness, Samuel, but remember—there is still much to learn. Much to prove."

Samuel nodded, taking in her words. He had always felt that his wings were more than just a physical manifestation of his power, but hearing it explained this way made him realize that they were also part of his very identity as an angel.

Another member of the council, a tall angel with sharp features and an almost regal demeanor, spoke next. "But the real question is: What will you do with the strength you possess? Many angels with your potential are tempted to rush toward power, to claim higher ranks before they are ready. But that path is fraught with danger. You still have much to learn, Samuel."

Samuel swallowed, his thoughts racing. "I want to protect those I care about. I want to do what's right… even if I don't fully understand what that means yet."

The council exchanged looks, and the imposing angel who had first spoken to him nodded thoughtfully. "You've got the right spirit, but we're not talking about ideals, Samuel. We're talking about the truth. As a supervisor, your duties will extend beyond just protection. You'll be responsible for leading other angels, for guiding them. That is your future."

Ramiel stepped in, her voice quiet but firm. "He's still growing, still learning. We can't push him before he's ready."

The council seemed to consider this for a moment before the woman with the shimmering wings spoke again, a soft smile gracing her face. "You're right, Ramiel. He has much to learn. But remember, even a supervisor must serve before they can lead. Your wings will grow in time, Samuel. But for now, take your time. Don't rush toward that destiny."

One of the other council members, a more youthful angel with a playful expression, grinned as he spoke. "We're all still far from reaching the archangels, Samuel. They're in a class of their own, after all."

Ramiel smiled slightly, but there was a flicker of concern in her eyes. "The path to becoming an archangel is long and arduous. It takes much more than just power—it takes wisdom, humility, and understanding. You may be gifted, Samuel, but remember that the most important trait you can cultivate is your ability to listen and learn from those around you."

The council members nodded, their expressions solemn. The four-winged angels were at the peak of angelic authority, but the road ahead for them—and for Samuel—was still long. None of them were archangels yet, and neither was Samuel. The potential was there, yes, but potential was only part of the equation.

As the council finished their brief examination of Samuel, they turned their attention to Ramiel. "We will be watching closely, Ramiel," the imposing angel said, his voice carrying a weight of unspoken meaning. "Don't let him fall to pride. He must continue to grow, continue to learn, and above all, continue to serve."

Ramiel gave a slight bow, her eyes narrowing slightly as she considered his words. "I will guide him. He has much to learn, but I believe he can reach his potential. We all do."

With that, the council's presence began to fade, their wings folding as they stepped back into the light. Before they disappeared completely, the same angel who had spoken first gave Samuel one last, lingering look.

"Don't rush, Samuel," he said, his voice softening. "Take your time. We will be waiting for you when you're ready."

With that, the light vanished, and the four-winged angels were gone, leaving Samuel standing in the center of the Temporal Rift, his thoughts swirling.

The task ahead was clear. Samuel's journey was only just beginning. He had so much to learn, so much to experience, but with Ramiel by his side and the knowledge of the four-winged angels now weighing on him, Samuel could only wonder what would come next.

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