The training dimension, Elysius, was a realm unlike any other. It stretched infinitely in all directions, its skies shifting between a golden glow and a deep celestial blue. The ground beneath Samuel's feet was firm yet ethereal, as though it existed between the physical and spiritual planes. Time moved differently here—an hour inside could be a mere minute in the human world.
Samuel stood in the center of a vast training ground, his body tense with anticipation. His four wings—two fully grown and two smaller ones still developing—fluttered slightly, adjusting to his balance. Across from him stood Elyon, his sparring partner, his expression unreadable.
They had fought once before, ending in a draw, and now they stood facing each other again. But today was different.
Ramiel watched from above, her piercing gaze following every movement. "You've improved, Samuel. But that doesn't mean you're ready."
Elyon smirked. "Ready or not, let's see how much you've learned."
Without another word, Elyon disappeared. A burst of wind followed as he reappeared behind Samuel, his sword slashing down. Samuel barely had time to react—his instincts kicked in, and he spun, blocking the strike with his forearm wrapped in divine energy.
Clang!
The force sent shockwaves through the air. Samuel gritted his teeth, pushing against Elyon's blade. His raw strength was greater, but Elyon was faster, more refined.
"You're strong, but brute strength won't always save you." Elyon pivoted, unleashing a barrage of rapid strikes. Samuel struggled to keep up, dodging and parrying, but he couldn't find an opening to counter.
Ramiel sighed. "Still relying on defense. You need to dictate the battle, not just react to it."
Samuel growled in frustration but took her words to heart. The next time Elyon struck, Samuel didn't just block—he pushed forward. His wings flared, and he drove his fist into Elyon's stomach, sending him skidding back.
Elyon coughed but grinned. "Better. But not good enough."
The battle continued, each exchanging blows, neither gaining the upper hand. Time passed, but even after what felt like hours, they were still evenly matched. Finally, Ramiel raised a hand.
"That's enough. Another draw."
Samuel exhaled heavily, sweat dripping from his brow. He wasn't satisfied, but Ramiel's next words made his breath hitch.
"At this rate, you'll be strong enough to fight a four-winged angel."
Elyon looked surprised but didn't argue. Samuel, on the other hand, clenched his fists. Not strong enough yet. But soon.
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The Demon Realm – A Hidden Threat
Deep within the infernal depths of Nexul'ra, the domain of the demon pillars, a trembling lesser demon knelt before a towering figure wreathed in dark flames. Belial, one of the 72 Pillars of Hell, sat on his stone throne, his glowing red eyes locked onto the sniveling creature before him.
"Repeat what you just said." His voice was eerily calm, but the air in the room crackled with suppressed rage.
The demon gulped. "T-The boy with the Origin, my lord… he has awakened as an angel."
The chamber fell silent. The generals in attendance, all high-ranking demons, exchanged uneasy glances.
Belial exhaled slowly. "And you let this happen?"
The lesser demon flinched. "I… I wasn't in charge of that operation, my lord. B-but I bring the news because I know its importance!"
Belial's expression darkened. He rose from his throne, stepping down with deliberate slowness. The ground trembled beneath his every step.
"You should have stolen the Origin from the demoness the moment she failed. Instead, you let an angel take the boy." His voice was ice-cold, laced with fury.
The demon whimpered. "M-My lord, it was beyond my power—"
Belial raised a single clawed hand, and black chains erupted from the ground, wrapping around the demon's limbs. With a flick of his fingers, the chains twisted, contorting the demon's body in ways it was never meant to bend.
A sickening crack echoed through the chamber, followed by a strangled scream.
"Failures are not tolerated." Belial turned to his generals, ignoring the writhing form beneath him. "The child is already beyond our grasp, but that doesn't mean we've lost. We must move carefully. Let the angels train him. Let him grow. When the time is right… we will strike."
The generals bowed, understanding the command.
---
A Mission in the Human Realm
Meanwhile, back in Elysius, Samuel stood before Ramiel, awaiting his next task.
"Your training isn't complete, but you must learn in the real world too," she said. "There's a mission for you."
Samuel perked up. "What kind of mission?"
Ramiel's expression was unreadable. "A soul in need of protection. You and Elyon will handle it."
A moment later, golden light engulfed them, and in the blink of an eye, Samuel found himself in a dark alleyway in the human world. Rain poured heavily, the scent of wet pavement filling his senses.
Ahead of him, a young boy, no older than ten, cowered as a monstrous shadow loomed over him. A demon, its form flickering between solid and ethereal, reached out with jagged claws.
Samuel didn't hesitate. His wings flared, and in an instant, he was between the boy and the demon. His hand shot forward, gripping the creature's throat.
"Leave." His voice was firm, commanding.
The demon hissed, struggling in his grasp. "You're new, aren't you? Fresh from the heavens—"
Samuel tightened his grip. "I won't say it again."
With a swift motion, divine energy surged from his palm. The demon screamed as its body disintegrated, vanishing into nothingness.
The boy looked up at Samuel, his eyes wide with fear and awe. "Are… are you an angel?"
Samuel hesitated before giving a small nod. "You're safe now."
Elyon landed beside him, shaking his head. "Not bad for your first mission. But you need to learn restraint."
Samuel frowned. "I did what was necessary."
Ramiel's voice echoed in his mind. "Maybe so. But the more you rely on raw power, the more you stray from control. Keep that in mind, Samuel."
As he gazed at the frightened but safe child, Samuel couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning.
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