Chapter 1.3: Gone and Began

Meanwhile, Gabriel invoked his mystical arts to further confound their enemies. He chanted, "Diligence of God: Spell Reflection," creating a protective barrier around himself and his fellow Archangels. The spell went into action, trapping Beelzebub, Satan, and Asmodeus within the cube of molten daggers.

With the Arch Demons temporarily incapacitated, Jophiel, Camael, and Raphael wasted no time. They swiftly took flight, heading towards Bethlehem in their urgent mission to rescue the people.

However, Lucifer, sensing their approach, summoned the formidable Mad Dragon, Dracul, to intercept them. With a menacing growl, Dracul launched an assault on the trio. Raphael instinctively pulled Camael out of harm's way, but Jophiel, undeterred, pressed on, determined to confront the monstrous beast.

As she closed in on Dracul, her spear, imbued with divine energy, was launched with lightning speed. Yet, a malevolent spell cast by Lucifer prevented the spear from penetrating the dragon's hide. With a swift and powerful motion of his tail, Dracul struck Jophiel, sending her tumbling towards the entrance of Bethlehem. She lay unconscious and vulnerable.

Dracul prepared to strike again, but Leo, the mighty Lion of Heaven, intervened with a thunderous roar. The dragon hesitated and retreated, respecting the authority of the celestial lion.

Leo approached Jophiel cautiously, concern etched across his noble visage. He inquired, "Are you alright, your highness?"

Jophiel remained unresponsive, her consciousness lost.

"She's unconscious; there's little we can do for now," Leo observed. Turning to the angels, he commanded, "Angels, ensure that Archangel Jophiel is placed in a secure location."

"Yes, Lion of Heaven!" the angels chorused in response.

Azrael, the Angel of Death, joined the angels, assisting them in carrying the unconscious Jophiel to safety. They soared over the tumultuous battles raging in Bethlehem, striving to find a place secure from the clutches of the devils. Eventually, they spotted a small island a considerable distance from Bethlehem and hastened toward it.

Upon reaching the island, they encountered a modest house. Azrael knocked on its door, hoping for refuge and assistance. 

The old man who had opened the door to the angels was taken aback by their celestial presence, his eyes wide with astonishment and fear.

"May I help y-"

"Good lords! It's you angels!" he exclaimed, his voice trembling with fear.

The angels noticed the old man's shock, and Azrael replied to his inquiry, "Yes, we are angels. And this is Archangel Jophiel. She fought valiantly but was overwhelmed. She's desperately trying to return to protect and evacuate the people in Bethlehem."

The old man was alarmed, his eyes darting towards his telescope. "What happened to Bethlehem?"

Azrael solemnly explained, "Bethlehem is in the midst of a fierce war. The forces of darkness seek to conquer the world."

The old man peered through his telescope, confirming Azrael's words. "Yes, you're right. Nazareth is now in dire straits."

"May we come in?" Azrael asked.

The old man invited them inside, and the angels carefully placed Jophiel on a bed as she remained unconscious.

"Please take care of her for a while, sir," Azrael requested.

The old man assured them, "Leave it to me."

"Thank you for your kind hospitality," Azrael said gratefully as they exited the house.

As they stepped outside, one of the angels noticed a presence watching them from the shadows. He turned to investigate, but when he called his companions, the observer had vanished.

"Somebody was watching us," the angel reported. "It must have been the devils."

"We can't ignore this," he continued, after his fellow angels agreed.

Some of the angels stayed behind with Azrael, while the rest followed the vigilant angel as they tracked the unseen observer.

Upon their return to the battlefield, the devils had ravaged Bethlehem, destroying homes and taking hostages. The mighty Lion of Heaven and the ferocious Mad Dragon continued their colossal clash, causing further devastation to the already embattled city. Bethlehem now bore a grim and horrifying image, far removed from its serene and peaceful appearance. The Archangels fought fiercely against the Arch Demons, while high-ranking angels and devils engaged in brutal combat. The terrified cries of the people resonated through the air as they witnessed the chaotic and terrifying events unfolding around them. Some among them valiantly tried to resist the devils, only to meet a merciless end.

Leo, the Lion of Heaven, bore a scratch on his chest, a testament to the fierce struggle he waged against the relentless Mad Dragon. 

"Long time no see, former old friend..." Dracul's voice echoed with a sinister tone.

"Dracul," Leo responded with a mix of sorrow and determination.

"As well as you, Leo," Dracul chuckled ominously.

"It's such an awful reunion we've had," Leo admitted.

"It doesn't matter. We are now different," Dracul replied bluntly.

Leo couldn't help but acknowledge the transformation. "Well, I guess it is... since you're a Dragon now."

"Feel the lava of Hell, Leo!" Dracul roared.

Dracul unleashed a torrent of fiery lava onto the ground, causing the earth to tremble. In response, Leo let out a powerful roar, his magnetic waves intensifying.

Meanwhile, Lucifer had managed to destroy the cube that had imprisoned the Arch Demons, setting them free. The battle between the Archangels and Arch Demons raged on:

Uriel invoked her divine power, commanding, "Light of God: Majestic Flame."

Mammon countered with his insatiable greed, using, "Greed of Sin: Ray of Greed."

Gabriel drew upon his immense strength, radiating, "Strength of God: Holy Presence."

Satan channeled his wrathful energy, manipulating, "Wrath of Sin: Shadow Manipulation."

Zadkiel embodied righteousness, unleashing, "Righteousness of God: Holy Wind of Braveness."

Belphegor, fueled by sloth, swung, "Sloth of Sin: Cleave of Mystic."

Asmodeus, driven by lust, wielded, "Lust of Sin: Repel of Mace."

The celestial powers collided with a deafening explosion, obliterating the southern district of Bethlehem and reducing its buildings to ruins. The Archangels were taken aback by the destructive force they had unleashed, momentarily distracted from the battle. In that moment of vulnerability, the Arch Demons seized the opportunity and incapacitated Uriel, Gabriel, and Zadkiel. The three Archangels were lifted into the sky and suspended there.

While this transpired, Dracul's massive tail struck out, hitting both Jophiel and Raphael. Jophiel was struck on the face by the Mad Dragon's tail, rendering her unconscious.

Dracul closed in on Leo, encircling him with his fiery wrath. With a mighty effort, he hurled the mighty lion into the sea. As Leo struggled to free himself from the water's depths, a colossal creature emerged from the ocean—a massive serpent dragon known as Leviathan. Leviathan coiled around Leo, constricting him and preventing him from breaking free.

The tides of battle had turned, with the devils gaining the upper hand. Lucifer observed the unfolding chaos with elation, his sinister laughter echoing through the tumultuous battleground. 

"What a shame to see this, Angels… of Father!" Lucifer mocked as he surveyed the chaotic battlefield. "No one was left, whether it was an angel or an archangel, including this annoying cat." His eyes fixated on Leo, who was struggling to break free.

"Leo." Lucifer sighs in pity. "I deeply apologize for the reunion you had with Dracul," He summoned his spear. "But don't worry. Your existence will be paid off."

Leo's struggles intensified as he desperately sought to free himself, but Dracul had joined forces with Leviathan to fully immobilize the mighty lion.

Lucifer reveled in the spectacle, taunting Leo, "Shush! Be a good boy."

As Lucifer prepared to deliver a devastating blow with his shadowy spear, the angels and Archangels pleaded for restraint.

"Stop it, Lucifer!" Gabriel implored.

"Don't do it!" Raphael exclaimed.

"Such a graceless act!" Uriel condemned.

Lucifer, however, silenced their pleas with disdain. "Keep your mouth shut, wingless doves."

The atmosphere grew tense as Lucifer unleashed the spear, hurtling it toward Leo with deadly precision. But in that critical moment, Leo let out a deafening roar that resonated through the heavens. The sky responded, lighting up with an otherworldly radiance. Lucifer's spear was deflected by an ethereal sword that appeared from the heavens, saving Leo and the others.

Leo was suddenly released from his constrictions, and in an instant, he vanished, along with the Archangels and Angels, reappearing safely amidst the people of Bethlehem. With remarkable speed, Leo eliminated the devils that had infiltrated their ranks, vanquishing them in the blink of an eye.

And then, in a dramatic entrance, Michael, the great Archangel, appeared before Lucifer, his presence commanding attention.

Lucifer's displeasure was evident as he commented, "The great Archangel is here again before my eyes."

"But it's pointless, even if you're here," Lucifer asserted confidently. "Everything goes as planned."

Lucifer summoned all the devils with a thunderous call. "Sinful Devils! Attack Michael at once!"

The devils unleashed a relentless barrage of attacks on Michael, their former celestial sibling. His heart ached for them, remembering the time when they were all angels together in heaven. Michael couldn't help but feel a sense of pity, knowing that their fates had taken such a dark turn.

"Forgive me, my fellow former siblings in heaven, but this is the fate we had," Michael lamented.

With a radiant display of divine power, Michael invoked the "Light of God: Art of Heaven." His magnificent wings emitted a blinding light that left half of the devils temporarily blinded, causing them to cry out in anguish. The others managed to shield their eyes, including Lucifer and the Arch Demons.

"Ah! I can't see… I can't see!" the devils cried.

As the brilliant light faded, Lucifer seized the opportunity to engage Michael in a furious hand-to-hand combat. Michael's heart raced as he grappled with his adversary, fully aware that a single misstep could prove disastrous.

Lucifer unleashed a dark and malevolent black beam, the "Pride of Sin: Fire of Black Art." The beam shot forth from his palms, racing toward Michael with deadly intent. In a desperate maneuver, Michael soared away from Bethlehem to minimize the potential harm to the city. He knew that the power they wielded was enough to lay waste to the entire town.

Lucifer pursued Michael relentlessly, the two celestial beings locked in a cataclysmic battle high above the Earth's surface. Lucifer continued to fire beams, each one aimed at Michael. Despite his agility, one of the beams struck its mark, sending Michael tumbling through the sky.

Recovering quickly, Michael summoned his mighty axe and closed in on Lucifer. In response, Lucifer conjured his trident, and a tempestuous storm gathered in the skies, shrouding them in darkness.

Their titanic clash created shockwaves that resonated through the skies, sending ripples across the Nazareth and even reaching the distant realm of Netherus. The entire Earth seemed to bear witness to their battle.

In the town of Santero, onlookers watched in awe as the two supreme beings engaged in combat. The people began to cheer for Lucifer, their support echoing through the air.

Meanwhile, the Archangels continued their mission to evacuate the people of Bethlehem. They successfully led the townsfolk to the safety of basements, shielding them from the intense battle between Michael and the Fallen Angel.

However, a troubling question lingered in the minds of the Archangels. Gabriel voiced their concern.

"Where's Jophiel?" she asked.

"Yeah, I haven't seen her since she was struck on that dragon," Uriel added.

Raphael was quick to inquire with the other angels through telekinetic mind transmission, "Angels, has anyone seen Jophiel?"

"We haven't, your highness," replied one of the angels.

Azrael, however, had a different answer. "Me, your highness," he said.

Raphael's concern grew as he asked, "Where is she?"

Azrael responded, "I spotted a small island quite a distance from Bethlehem. Upon investigation, I found a small house inhabited by only an elderly man." 

The old man, recognizing Jophiel, agreed to take care of her and ensure her safety. Azrael conveyed this to the rest of the Archangels.

"The old man will look after Jophiel, and we can return here without worrying about her," Azrael informed the group.

Raphael nodded in agreement. "It's crucial that Jophiel is safe. Let's proceed with our mission."

With that settled, the four remaining Archangels—Raphael, Camael, Uriel, and Zadkiel—prepared to face the six Arch Demons. They were resolute in their determination to confront the malevolent beings.

Gabriel spoke with conviction. "As the four Archangels left, aside from Michael and Jophiel, who is currently in dire circumstances, we must confront these six Arch Demons. We, the Archangels, possess the power to face them. May God bless us in this battle."

The Archangels wasted no time and launched a coordinated attack on the Arch Demons. Their voices resonated with divine power as they invoked their abilities.

"May the Power of Divine within us," they chanted in unison.

With a burst of energy, they unleashed a massive golden spiral sphere, the "Grace of God: Circle of Justice," aimed directly at the Arch Demons. Beelzebub reacted swiftly, summoning a colossal beetle to shield them from the impending attack. The beetle absorbed the force of the sphere and exploded, engulfing both devils and angels in its fiery blast.

Satan's wrath surged, and Beelzebub transformed into a Bug Seraphim while Leviathan assumed the form of a serpent. They advanced on Zadkiel and Raphael, pushing them back until they collided with the gate. Meanwhile, Beelzebub conjured a swarm of bugs with his "Gluttony of Sin: Tornado Bug Stream."

The tornado of insects bore down on the Archangels, threatening to overwhelm them. In response, Uriel and Camael joined forces, unleashing their powers in tandem.

"Fortitude of God: Spin of Stability," Camael proclaimed as she twirled her staff.

Uriel added her strength, creating a fiery vortex that dissipated the tornado bug stream. However, Satan, now in his bull form, charged at Camael, aiming his horn at her. Gabriel intervened, struggling against Satan's brute force as she hurled him into Beelzebub and Leviathan, sending the trio tumbling.

Just as the Archangels thought they had the upper hand, a hail of crystal bullets descended upon them. Uriel, Camael, and Gabriel took the brunt of the assault. Raphael promptly stepped in to mend their injuries.

"Heal of God: Heal Manipulation," Raphael invoked his restorative power, tending to the wounds inflicted by the crystal bullets.

Zadkiel's daggers struck with precision, targeting Mammon, Asmodeus, and Belphegor. Raphael lent his assistance, amplifying the attack. The Arch Demons tried to evade the projectiles, but the daggers found their marks, causing the trio to scatter. They swiftly retaliated by converging on Raphael.

Belphegor changed his focus and unleashed a devastating attack towards Zadkiel. Mammon seized Raphael, coiling his fingers around the Archangel's throat, while Asmodeus manipulated Raphael's hands to hinder his ability to cast healing spells. The corruption of Raphael's healing power began to take hold, and Mammon delivered a forceful kick, sending Raphael sprawling.

Zadkiel, despite being wounded, remained resolute. He executed a backflip, drawing his bow and nocking an arrow. With remarkable swiftness, he aimed at the three Arch Demons.

"Righteousness of God: Rapid Shot."

His arrows struck their targets with precision, forcing the Arch Demons to stagger backward and regroup. Gabriel approached to support Raphael, while Uriel conjured a fiery wall to shield them from further mystic attacks by the Arch Demons.

As the battle raged on, the celestial beings clashed throughout Bethlehem. Meanwhile, Raphael stayed behind to offer support, channeling his healing powers to mend his injuries. Gabriel acted as his protector, ensuring he could perform his duties safely.

Amid the chaos, Michael and Lucifer, riding on Leo and Dracul respectively, entered the fray with a whirlwind of activity. Their immense power clashed, creating shockwaves that reverberated throughout Bethlehem. The battle between angels and devils showed no sign of abating.

Inside the basement, the frightened people felt the vibrations and heard the tumultuous sounds of the battle above. Children cried, and fear gripped many hearts. Selaphiel stepped forward, attempting to comfort and inspire them.

"Dear people of Bethlehem," Selaphiel began, "despite the momentary hold the devils had on us, by the grace of our God, you managed to reach safety. However, as the war continues and our angels and Archangels fight to protect you and your homes, I suggest we turn our fear and frustration into prayer."

"For this moment, instead of mourning or despairing, let us come together in prayer. Through our prayers, we can lend our strength to the angels and contribute to the defense of our beloved home," Selaphiel urged the crowd.

The four high-ranking angels spread their wings and encircled the people, leading them in a collective prayer. Jegudiel raised her hands, infusing the people with courage to pray fervently, joined by Raguel and Anael.

Amidst this sacred moment, the devils outside unleashed a barrage of fire arrows aimed at the angels. Ariel, the Lion of God, positioned himself at the forefront to shield the people.

"Lion of God: Roar of Invulnerability!" Ariel roared, her mighty voice resonating as a protective shield formed, intercepting the fire arrows and safeguarding the praying people.

The battleground raged on as the celestial forces clashed, their powers colliding and causing destruction all around Bethlehem. The angels and high-ranking devils fought fiercely, each side determined to prevail in this epic conflict.

Mephistopheles, his eyes blazing with fury, unleashed his wrath upon the celestial warriors. His fiery dragons roared into existence, breathing streams of fire and lava that threatened to consume everything in their path. Ariel and Barachiel narrowly escaped the fiery onslaught, but the ground was scorched, and the battle became even more chaotic.

As the devils and angels continued their struggle, Cassiel swooped in to rescue his fellow angels, ensuring they avoided the deadly lava. Sariel, on the other hand, employed his divine powers to ensnare the remaining devils in mystical ropes of Enochian magic. The trapped devils struggled in vain as they were swiftly drawn into the searing lava, meeting their fiery demise.

Mephistopheles, undeterred by the losses, called upon his high-ranking devil allies. They gathered together, channeling their malevolent energies into a colossal red spiral sphere. Across the battlefield, the high-ranking angels regrouped as well, merging their angelic powers to forge an enormous silver crystal-sharp arrow.

With a deafening explosion, the two colossal forces collided, creating a shockwave that sent angels and devils alike tumbling across the sky and crashing into the earth. Trees and buildings trembled as the shockwave reverberated through Bethlehem.

The battle for Bethlehem raged on, with both sides showing no signs of relenting. Amidst the chaos and destruction, the fate of the world hung in the balance, and the outcome remained uncertain. 

The angels and devils found themselves amidst the aftermath of the colossal explosion, bruised and battered but miraculously alive. Cassiel and Azrael, though in pain, managed to maintain their sense of humor, reflecting on the unexpected strength of the explosion.

"Yep… that hurts," Cassiel groaned, his voice tinged with a hint of wry amusement.

"Didn't expect that strong explosion," Azrael added, sharing a moment of laughter with their fellow high rank angels.

As the high rank angels chuckled, they appeared unfazed by their dire circumstances, causing irritation among the high rank devils who believed they were being mocked. Mundus, poised for an attack, hesitated momentarily, caught off guard by the angels' reaction.

Meanwhile, the crowd of onlookers fell into a stunned silence, their eyes fixed on the celestial leaders locked in combat. Leo and Dracul clashed ferociously in one part of the battlefield, while Michael and Lucifer engaged in their own intense struggle, each pair representing a titanic battle for control over the fate of Bethlehem and beyond. 

Amidst the cataclysmic clash of cosmic forces, Michael and Lucifer engaged in a fierce battle for the fate of all creation. Their immense power wreaked havoc on Bethlehem, causing widespread destruction and chaos.

As Michael descended upon Leo, he then flew towards Lucifer, maintaining a distance of just five meters between them. With a solemn and pleading tone, he attempted to reason with his fallen brother.

"Brother, this is all meaningless," Michael began, his words filled with a deep sadness. "Conquering all will not satisfy your existence. Our Father has a will for you, and you know that deep down. Your pride has blinded you and led you here."

Michael's voice carried a sense of urgency and a genuine desire to save his brother from his path of destruction.

"I don't want to execute you," Michael continued, his voice unwavering. "Despite everything you've done, you still have a chance to change. Father gives us a second chance, including you, brother. You were once His most beloved creation. His love for you has never wavered."

Lucifer responded with a bitter laugh, his eyes burning with defiance.

"You really don't understand, do you?" Lucifer retorted, his voice laced with resentment. "I fell from grace trying to prove a point. I was banished for eternity in the lowest pits of the Abyss, for trying to show my brethren and our beloved Father how flawed and murderous humans are. And in the end, what did you do? What did He do? You shunned me, spat on me, and exiled me. While you freely let humans pollute and slaughter the planet. They don't deserve to live."

Lucifer's anger and resentment towards both humanity and divinity were palpable. He saw himself as a martyr for his beliefs, and his bitterness had festered over millennia.

"My name will be hated, despised, and loathed by all, god or man," Lucifer declared defiantly. "That gives me power. My name and my identity will never be forgotten, erased, or vanished. I can't die; my existence will keep coming back over and over every time I am remembered by one singular being. I can't die by our Father, death, or even chaos, so why do you believe that you can even kill me?"

Lucifer's assertion of his immortality and the enduring impact of his legacy filled the air with an eerie sense of inevitability.

"This is the end…" Lucifer declared, his voice resonating with a sense of finality as he activated his powers.

With blinding speed, Lucifer created countless after-images of himself, moving with a mesmerizing agility. He closed the gap between himself and Michael in an instant, intending to strike down his brother.

But just as Lucifer was about to deliver the fatal blow, Cassiel, one of the high rank angels, flew at the speed of light to save Michael. In a desperate act of self-sacrifice, Cassiel shielded Michael from the deadly attack. However, the tremendous force of Lucifer's assault resulted in the loss of Cassiel's wings, and he too fell unconscious, suspended in the air.

Michael, left with a sense of dread and urgency, struggled to reach out and save his fallen comrade. The battle raged on, and the fate of all hung in the balance.

Cassiel's valiant act left him severely injured, and his unconscious form lay on the ground. As Michael shed tears of sorrow and gratitude for his fallen comrade, he pledged to avenge Cassiel's sacrifice.

"Sorry for being a burden," Michael whispered softly, his voice filled with remorse and determination. "I'll avenge you."

With a heavy heart, Michael turned to Azrael and Zadkiel, issuing them a solemn command, "Azrael, Zadkiel, take Cassiel to Raphael and treat him."

The two angels swiftly obeyed, carefully carrying Cassiel to where Raphael could offer his healing abilities. Meanwhile, Lucifer reveled in his cruel mockery, taunting Michael as he lamented Cassiel's condition.

"Is this your Great Archangel?" Lucifer jeered, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Seriously? What a shame."

Michael's eyes blazed with righteous anger at Lucifer's heartless words. He had endured countless challenges and hardships, but this moment had pushed him to the brink.

"As I always ask you this, Michael," Lucifer continued, his voice a sinister whisper. "Can't you see that death lies in wait on your path, ready to consume all hope...?"

In an instant, Michael closed the distance between himself and Lucifer, delivering a brutal punch to his chest. Lucifer gasped for breath as he was thrown back, crashing into the ocean with a thunderous splash.

"I see..." Lucifer coughed, a wicked smirk playing on his lips. "You've finally shown up, Archangel."

Michael drew the Divine Rapier, a weapon of divine power, and Lucifer's eyes widened as they locked onto the sword.

"Oh! What an accoutrement we have here!" Lucifer exclaimed mockingly. "So the Almighty gave it to you to exterminate me."

He's own smirk revealed his unwavering resolve as he retorted, "That's 'Father' to you, Michael."

The stage was set for the ultimate showdown between light and darkness, and the fate of all creation hung in the balance.

Michael and Lucifer engaged in a fierce battle that transcended mortal comprehension. From the depths of the ocean to the very clouds that shrouded the heavens, their movements were a blur, a dance of light and shadow that left the watching angels and devils bewildered.

As their celestial clash raged on, Jophiel awoke from her unconscious state. Confusion clouded her mind for a moment as she tried to grasp her surroundings.

"Oh no!" Jophiel exclaimed, her eyes widening in realization. "Where am I?"

The old man who had offered her shelter explained the dire situation that had befallen Bethlehem. Jophiel's heart sank as she understood the gravity of the battle unfolding in her absence. She couldn't stay, knowing that her fellow angels and the people of Bethlehem were in peril.

Determination burned in her eyes as she declared, "I must return to Bethlehem."

However, the old man, concerned for her well-being, stepped in to stop her. Jophiel's injuries were severe, and she was in no condition to join the battle.

"You cannot go in your current state," the old man urged. "You must rest and regain your strength."

But Jophiel knew there was no time to waste. She placed a gentle charm on the old man, causing him to drift into a peaceful slumber. With resolve in her heart, she spread her wings and took to the skies, flying with all her remaining strength back to Bethlehem, where the fate of the world hung in the balance.

Lucifer, realizing that he was on the losing end of his one-on-one battle with Michael, made a quick decision. With a graceful leap, he propelled himself backward through the skies. His fingers snapped, a signal that instantly reached the ears of his loyal lieutenants, Beelzebub and Satan.

As the echoes of the snap reached their ears, Beelzebub and Satan wasted no time. They swiftly abandoned their current engagements and took to the air, pursuing their master, Lucifer, who was now retreating from the battle.

"Come back here, Lucifer!" Michael's voice thundered after the fleeing fallen angel, his determination unwavering. The chase was on, and the fate of the heavens and Earth itself hung in the balance as the celestial beings continued their epic struggle across the skies.

As Michael and Lucifer returned to Bethlehem, the celestial battlefield witnessed an unexpected turn of events. Lucifer swiftly vanished from sight, leaving Michael momentarily stunned by the sudden disappearance of his adversary. A strange void materialized, its ominous presence emanating an irresistible magnetic force that began pulling Michael toward it.

In a desperate bid to secure victory, Beelzebub readied his fearsome halberd, imbued with a sinister curse spell that had been meticulously crafted as part of a grand plan to exterminate the Archangel Michael. With uncanny accuracy, Beelzebub hurled the cursed halberd toward Michael, its path leading it directly to its target.

However, just as the halberd was about to strike the Archangel, a streak of golden light shot through the tumultuous skies. It was Jophiel, who had arrived in the nick of time. Witnessing the impending danger, she moved with breathtaking speed and grace to shield Michael from the deadly blow.

The other Archangels and angels present at the scene shouted in a mix of relief and awe as they beheld Jophiel's selfless act. They quickly rallied, realizing that they needed to respond swiftly to this dire situation.

Raphael, with his unparalleled healing abilities, preemptively readied himself. Gabriel and Camael combined their powers, channeling them into Zadkiel's daggers to unleash a potent force capable of dismantling the void. Gabriel extended his rope, while Uriel approached the cursed halberd, intending to use her formidable flames to melt it away.

Yet, despite their concerted efforts, Lucifer's cunning and the protective enchantments he had placed upon the halberd proved to be formidable obstacles. The celestial beings watched in frustration as their attempts to rescue Michael and thwart the cursed weapon's trajectory were thwarted, and the rope's connection was disrupted, sending shockwaves of concern through their ranks.

In the dire moment of peril, as the cursed halberd hurtled menacingly toward Jophiel and Michael, an unexpected twist occurred. Michael's gleaming sword, which he had brandished earlier in the battle, seemed to respond to the impending threat. In a flash, it was wrenched from Michael's grasp and into Jophiel's outstretched hand.

With the Divine Rapier now firmly in her possession, Jophiel attempted to shield herself and Michael from the impending strike. She raised the sacred blade, aiming to intercept the halberd's deadly path.

The impact was fierce and unforgiving. The cursed halberd collided with the Divine Rapier, resulting in an explosive clash of forces that sent shockwaves rippling through the surrounding celestial battlefield. The Divine Rapier itself, once a symbol of divine might, was no match for the malevolent power of Lucifer's curse. It shattered into two fractured pieces, leaving Jophiel and Michael exposed and vulnerable. And the sacred weapon splits into to two and instantly scatters away. 

Lucifer, reappeared on the battlefield just in the nick of time. His eyes locked onto the perilous trajectory of the halberd, and in a daring act, he dived toward the imminent threat.

"Lucifer?!" Jophiel cried out in shock as she witnessed his swift and daring intervention. In an instant, he materialized in front of her, his dark wings spreading protectively to shield her from the oncoming danger.

The malevolent halberd, fueled by Beelzebub's sinister curse, struck Lucifer's back with a sickening thud. Dark energy erupted from the point of impact, causing Lucifer's wings to gradually disintegrate, vanishing into the abyss. Despite the grievous wound and the destructive force of the curse, Lucifer's unwavering determination allowed him to stay conscious for a brief moment.

Jophiel, still taken aback by this unexpected turn of events, found herself in a state of disbelief. She gazed upon the fallen angel who had just risked his own life to protect her, unsure of what to do next.

The battlefield fell into a profound and unsettling silence. All eyes were fixed on Lucifer's unexpected and selfless act, which had completely altered the course of the raging war. The Archangels, Arch Demons, high-ranking angels, and devils stood frozen in shock and disbelief.

The very embodiment of chaos and rebellion, Lucifer, had just thrown himself into harm's way to shield Jophiel from the cursed halberd's deadly strike. This unanticipated act of bravery and self-sacrifice left everyone in awe, their hearts heavy with the weight of the moment.

The air was charged with tension as the realization of what had transpired sank in. The once unrelenting clash between celestial beings came to an abrupt halt, replaced by a haunting silence broken only by the soft sobs of some angels and devils who were unable to comprehend the turn of events.

In that moment, Lucifer's actions had defied all expectations, and the battlefield bore witness to an unexpected shift in the balance of power.

In the wake of this dramatic turn of events, rain began to fall in earnest. It was as if the very tears of heaven were cascading down, washing over the battlefield below. The once-fiery conflict was quenched by the downpour, leaving only the sound of falling rain and distant rumbles of thunder.

Lucifer's consciousness had been extinguished, and he plummeted into the churning ocean below. The mist that shrouded the battlefield thickened, obscuring the view of the celestial beings who had borne witness to the unexpected turn of events.

The devils, weakened and disoriented by the sudden shift in circumstances, gathered in a wide circle created by the Arch Demons. There was a palpable sense of defeat in the air, as the devils shared in the collective realization that their once-mighty forces were momentarily powerless in the face of the divine intervention.

Without another word, the Arch Demons and devils dispersed, retreating from the battlefield. The rain continued to fall, as if cleansing the land of the chaos and conflict that had raged just moments before.

With Lucifer's unexpected act of self-sacrifice and the subsequent retreat of the devils, a sense of awe and relief swept through the ranks of the celestial beings. Michael and Jophiel regrouped with the other angels and Archangels, their wings glistening with raindrops as they stood amidst the aftermath of the intense battle.

Michael, his voice carrying the weight of their victory and the gravity of the losses endured, addressed the assembled celestial beings. "Today, my brethren, we have emerged victorious. The forces of darkness have been pushed back, and Bethlehem has been saved."

The angels and Archangels listened solemnly, their faces reflecting the mixed emotions of triumph and sorrow. The people of Bethlehem, who had sought refuge in the basement, emerged from their sanctuary, their expressions somber. The rain continued to fall, mixing with their tears.

While some of the people rejoiced at their newfound safety, many others were overcome with grief. The once-thriving villages now lay in ruins, and the price of their freedom had been steep. Loved ones had been lost in the battle, and the scars of the conflict would forever mark their lives.

As the angels looked upon the people they had fought to protect, they knew that their duty was not only to defend but also to heal and rebuild. They spread their wings to provide solace and aid to the grieving and wounded, offering their comfort and support to the people of Bethlehem in their time of need.

The rain continued to fall, a symbol of renewal and cleansing, as the celestial beings and the people of Bethlehem came together to rebuild their shattered lives and look toward a brighter future.

In the days that followed the intense battle, the angels worked tirelessly alongside the people of Bethlehem to rebuild their homes and their land. Michael, their leader, made an effort to reach out to the people of Santero, hoping to mend the divisions that had surfaced during the conflict.

However, his attempts to convince the people of Santero to return to their faith were met with resistance, particularly from the Atheists who had found solace in their newfound beliefs. They saw Lucifer's actions as a symbol of hope and were determined to distance themselves from the influence of the Priests, despite the execution of one of their own. Still, they were willing to provide aid to Bethlehem by contributing materials for the reconstruction.

Michael couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness and disappointment at the resistance he encountered. Yet, there was a glimmer of hope in the cooperation between Bethlehem and Santero. Ships from Santero arrived in Bethlehem, carrying skilled Netherusian carpenters who offered their expertise. It was a testament to the willingness of two nations with opposing beliefs to come together for a common cause.

The Archangels observed this collaboration with a sense of respect, recognizing that despite their differences in faith, both sides had found a way to set those aside for the greater good.

Amidst the bustling efforts of rebuilding, Jophiel, one of the Archangels, took a moment to reflect. She flew over the valley, tending to the injured and aiding in the repairs of damaged homes. 

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow across the landscape, she couldn't help but wonder about the enigmatic actions of Lucifer, who had saved her at the last moment.

Sitting on the edge of the valley, Jophiel watched the sunset, her thoughts filled with questions and a sense of gratitude for the unexpected act of mercy from the fallen angel.

"First met you stole my sight." 

"Second met you stole my heart."

  Next Chapter: Meet and Greet