Calm before the storm

Azrael's weary body stirred to life, his muscles protesting with every movement as he rose from the unforgiving darkness of the ground. Blinking away the blurriness, his vision sharpened, revealing a sight that stirred a sense of familiarity deep within him—the imposing presence of the Watcher's Gate.

With a certainty born of recognition, Azrael scanned his surroundings, calling out for the one person capable of transporting him to this mysterious realm. "Mortimer?" his voice reverberated through the silence.

"I am here, Your Grace," came Mortimer's reassuring reply, his figure seated upon the regal throne that seemed to await his presence.

A glimmer of realization flickered in Azrael's eyes. "So, my dark ki has finally reached the threshold," he mused.

"Yes, Genesis has significantly amplified its power," Mortimer confirmed, his voice filled with a mixture of reverence and caution.

Azrael's gaze shifted to the ground beside him, where Genesis lay, seemingly waiting for his touch. The blade exuded an aura of otherworldly darkness, its sheath crafted from an enigmatic material that seemed to devour even the faintest traces of light, as if drawing upon the very essence of darkness itself. Azrael's fingers gently grasped the hilt, his touch both reverent and purposeful, as he carefully inspected the weapon before him.

With a steady hand, Azrael drew Genesis from its sheath, revealing a blade shrouded in absolute darkness. Its presence commanded attention, exuding an aura of power that sent shivers down Azrael's spine. The edge of the blade glistened with an unrivaled sharpness, as if it could slice through the very fabric of existence itself.

As Azrael examined the blade, his gaze fixated on the intricate engravings that adorned its surface. The script was unfamiliar, belonging to no known language, and yet it resonated deep within him. The words etched into the blade seemed to speak directly to his soul, transcending linguistic barriers.

"From this blade all was created, and by this blade all will end."

The weight of those words settled upon Azrael, enveloping him in a profound realization. They were not mere words or symbols nor warnings or threats; they held a weight far greater than that of any prophecy or omen. It was the immutable truth of his destiny, an unyielding decree that he was fated to fulfill.

In that moment, Azrael understood that Genesis was not just a weapon; it was the embodiment of cosmic forces and with each passing second, he felt the weight of his responsibilities grow heavier, as realities past, present, and future converged upon him.

"I'm sure you have a lot of questions," Mortimer began, his voice carrying a weight of wisdom and patience. "We have a lot of time, so ask away."

Curiosity filled Azrael's eyes as he pondered the mysteries that surrounded his journey. "What happened when you disappeared?" he asked, eager to unravel the truth.

Mortimer's expression softened as he explained, "I simply ran out of reserved dark ki and had to enter a slumber until you accumulated enough to awaken me. Though my slumber was not plagued by the torturous abyss you endured, it was a state of deep rest and preservation."

Seeking further clarity, Azrael inquired about Ava. "What did you do to her?"

Mortimer's gaze shifted towards Ava, who now lay on a grand bed in her human form. Azrael marveled at how she had obtained such a luxurious resting place within the Watcher's Gate.

"I recognized her potential," Mortimer began, his voice filled with conviction. "She possesses formidable strength and the capacity for evolution. I bound her soul to the Watcher's Gate, placing her under your command, much like everything else within these darkness. Although I also had to force her into a promise to aid you"

The proposition of unbinding Ava's soul was put forth, but it would result in her demise. Azrael considered the options, weighing the value of her companionship.

"I don't mind her staying with me for now," Azrael responded, his voice carrying a hint of fondness. "But the choice ultimately lies with her."

Ava's eyes met Mortimer's gaze, her response laced with playful banter. "Unlike some months ago, you're not annoying enough for me to choose death over staying with you," she remarked, a mischievous grin forming. "But let's see how it goes. I might change my mind in the future."

In that moment, a sense of camaraderie and determination enveloped the room, setting the stage for the next chapter of their intertwined destinies.

Azrael's expression turned grim as he delved into the more unsettling matters at hand. He recounted his encounter with the enigmatic being that had observed him, its eyes closed yet perceiving him with absolute clarity. It had posed a question, asking if he was ready for the journey he had chosen to embark upon.

Mortimer's countenance remained composed as he responded, his voice carrying a weight of solemnity. "That is the Watcher, an entity of unparalleled magnitude."

Azrael's brows furrowed with curiosity. "So the higher beings are already aware of my existence?" he inquired, seeking clarification.

Mortimer's gaze held a deep intensity as he explained further. "The Watcher transcends the realm of mere higher beings. It is a supreme existence, possessing unfathomable knowledge. It has been aware of you since the very beginning, comprehending what you were, what you are, and every conceivable path you could traverse in every possible future."

An air of reassurance permeated Mortimer's words. "Rest assured, the Watcher harbors no hostility towards you," he affirmed.

Azrael nodded, acknowledging the Watcher's lack of animosity as he contemplated his next revelation. "Yet in the abyss, there was someone, something of unimaginable power, darkness, and malevolence. It was beyond my understanding, and it implored me to free it from the depths of the abyss."

"That's Vordril, the bane of reality. He was the first and only being to be trapped in the abyss eons ago. Back when 'the Former' was still the leader of the Tribunal, Vordril wreaked havoc, indiscriminately destroying universes as he pleased," Mortimer explained, his voice laced with gravity. "His punishment was eternal imprisonment within the abyss."

Azrael absorbed this knowledge, realizing the enormity of the entity trapped within the abyss.

"And just like Ren, if you can overcome him, you will be able to harness his formidable strength," Mortimer continued, his tone resonating with a mixture of caution and anticipation.

Azrael's curiosity was piqued. "How do I achieve that?" he asked, his eyes fixed on Mortimer.

Mortimer nodded, a gleam of determination in his dark voice. "I will teach you, Azrael. Along with many other crucial skills. But first, I have heard from the wolf that you have an important fight ahead of you."

Azrael's expression hardened as he affirmed the significance of the upcoming battle. "Indeed, it is of great importance."

Curiosity got the better of Mortimer as he probed further. "And what makes this fight so crucial?"

Azrael glanced at Ava, who spoke up with a hint of mischief in her voice. "He got beaten up by a white-haired Princess, and now he seeks revenge."

Azrael quickly interjected, clarifying the true importance of the encounter. "The white-haired Princess she speaks of possesses the abilities of the Watcher's Dagger. If I can defeat her and make her obey my orders, I will be able to fully utilize her powers."

Ava expressed her confusion. "You think defeating someone like her will make her obey your commands?"

Azrael smirked confidently. "Yes, because by defeating her, I will become the number one student at Ryzel Academy and the leader of any squad I choose. Naturally, I will select Cyval Squad, which being the princess of Cyval she has no choice but to join and follow my lead."

Mortimer observed Azrael's calculated strategy with a hint of amusement. "It seems you have everything planned out."

Azrael nodded resolutely. "Yes, I have considered every angle."

Mortimer stood up from his throne, a sense of purpose emanating from him. "Well then, let us begin your training. We have much to cover before the decisive battle."