414

[Kazan]

Deep within a jagged valley stood a colossal rock gate, faintly aglow, its archway bridging the gap into the distant darkness of the netherworld.

Before the eyes of Forseti, hundreds of demons assembled. Compared to previous battles, their numbers were notably diminished—a clear indication that Kazan's forces were retreating from the mortal realm.

As they launched their assault, a contingent of demons passed through the monumental rock gate, vanishing from Forseti's sight.

The remaining demons, numbering in the hundreds, clustered tightly near the gate. Among them stood a seventh-level demon, unmistakably Kazan, the leader of this infernal horde.

Malachi dashed into the midst of the demons, wielding his longsword. Heaven's fire erupted from its blade, unleashing a torrent of scorching waves into the demon ranks.

"Boom!"

"An angel! An angel is upon us!" The fiery onslaught jolted the unsuspecting demons, heralding the imminent clash.

Forseti and his band of angels followed suit. With a gesture of his right hand, the Sulfuron Warhammer transformed into a blazing drill of flames.

Infused with holy light, the fiery arcs swept through the demon ranks with each swing.

"Boom boom—"

A cacophony of explosions echoed as demons caught in the inferno were reduced to lifeless husks, their blood and debris staining the skies.

Before long, a shadowy figure, almost melding with the night itself, soared out, heading straight for Forseti.

"Your adversary is me!" Kazan roared, brandishing his spear. A thick, dark purple beam of energy shot forth from its tip.

Cloaked in darkness, Kazan was nigh undetectable, yet Forseti's Eyes of Reckoning pierced through the obscurity, anticipating his every move.

With a flash of golden light, Forseti wielded flames with his right hand and conjured a shield of holy light with his left, intercepting the attack just in time.

"Boom!" The dark purple beam collided with the shield of holy light, producing a resounding blast that failed to breach its defenses.

In that instant, the flames reverted from their drill form, coalescing back into the Sulfuron Warhammer in Forseti's grip.

Without hesitation, flames surged beneath Forseti's feet as he charged toward Kazan.

Kazan retaliated with a flurry of spear thrusts, each unleashing dark purple arcs that intersected in a deadly cross aimed at Forseti.

"Boom boom—"

Each arc was repelled by the shield of holy light. In a blink, Forseti closed the distance, the Sulfuron Warhammer wreathed in flames crashing down upon Kazan.

"Boom!" Kazan raised his spear in defense, but the fiery blast from the Sulfuron Warhammer seared his hands, black smoke curling upward.

Undeterred, Kazan conjured a dark purple flame that danced along his spear, countering the Sulfuron's inferno. The malevolent flames spread rapidly, almost quenching the Sulfuron's fire in an instant.

With holy light blazing in his eyes, Forseti tightened his grip. The radiant energy surged from the Sulfuron Warhammer, a subtle golden glow amidst the inferno. Though understated, it sufficed to push back Kazan's demonic flames, gaining ground.

"This is Holy Light..." Kazan muttered, squinting.

"There's more to come." Forseti swung the Sulfuron Warhammer again before Kazan could finish.

Hammer of Justice!

The blazing Sulfuron Warhammer gleamed with holy light, infusing the colossal hammer with unmatched force as it hurtled toward Kazan.

Caught off guard, Kazan hastily raised his spear in both hands.

"Boom!"

The brilliance of retribution blossomed along the spear's length, coursing into Kazan's arms.

For a demon of his caliber, Holy Light burned fiercer than Sulfuron flames, eliciting a cry of anguish as Kazan staggered back, his black wings unfurling in retreat.

Simultaneously, the sheer force of the Hammer of Justice destabilized him, leaving him swaying as he retreated.

Forseti pursued, the flames and holy light of the Sulfuron Warhammer intensifying. With each strike, Kazan faltered, steadily losing ground.

Yet, as one of Hell's mightiest demons, Kazan possessed formidable resilience. Summoning his remaining strength, he weathered the onslaught of Holy Light.

Amidst the tense confrontation, Kazan scanned his surroundings, seizing a fleeting opportunity.

In an unexpected feint, Kazan's obsidian wings fluttered as he lunged, spear thrusting toward Forseti's vulnerable point—mirrored by Malachi's sudden assault, echoing Kazan's prior strategy!

In the confines of time and space, evading both attacks simultaneously proved impossible for Forseti.

Kazan and Malachi grinned cruelly, anticipating Forseti's imminent demise, their malevolent satisfaction palpable.

Forseti's expression hardened, yet he remained composed. Activating the Holy Shield technique, runes of radiant light enshrouded his form.

"Boom!"

The Skyfire Sword and pitch-black spear struck Forseti almost in unison, their impact resounding.

Yet, Kazan and Malachi's triumphant grins faltered into disbelief.

"What?"

To their astonishment, Forseti emerged unscathed, standing resolutely as if untouched by their assault.

Forseti glanced at them, the Sulfuron Warhammer melding into flames, integrating with his right arm. Simultaneously, he drew the Demon Slayer Sword, gripping it firmly.

Sanction!

The blade blazed with divine radiance as Forseti swung, flames and holy light trailing in its wake, a testament to his unwavering resolve!

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