The Guardian of Paradise

"Well, I guess we should find a place to settle down now, right?" Doug suggested.

"No," Micheal said. "Let's walk around until we find somewhere to sit and talk."

The group nodded, blending into the nature of the Land of Paradise. Despite the weight of their mission, it was impossible not to be awed by the sheer beauty surrounding them. This place felt like an entirely different world—even though it existed on the same Earth they knew.

After a few minutes, they spotted a cozy coffee shop tucked between two sleek marble buildings. The warm atmosphere from inside contrasted with the city's perfection, giving it a more welcoming feel. Without a word, they stepped in.

The café was bustling—three employees worked behind the counter, moving efficiently as they brewed drinks for around seventeen customers scattered throughout the space. The interior was a mix of rustic and modern—polished wooden floors, sleek black tables, and dim, hanging lights that cast a soft ambiance over the place. The air was thick with the rich, earthy scent of coffee beans.

As they found a table near the back, Doug stepped up to the counter to order.

"Ew, I hate the smell of coffee," Madison muttered, wrinkling her nose.

"I've never had it," Tucker admitted. "Is it good?"

Shirley wordlessly tapped Tucker's shoulder, shook his head, and gave a slow thumbs-down.

By the time Doug returned with their drinks, Micheal had already steeled himself.

"Alright, listen up," he said, his voice low but firm.

The casual energy in the group shifted instantly. Everyone leaned in.

Micheal took a deep breath. "This is Choreees. Do not let the Land of Paradise fool you."

A brief silence followed, the distant hum of conversations and clinking coffee cups filling the air.

"You need to have your guard up every second that we're here. This place might look perfect, but it's a facade." His fingers tapped against the table. "Nobody here knows who I am. That's because I was transported into the future by CORE's technology."

Shirley scoffed. "Yeah, still need the full story on that one."

Micheal ignored him and pressed on. "Choreees has two guards." He paused. "One in the Land of Paradise, and one in the Land of Flames. These two aren't just some enforcers. They are absolute powerhouses—nearly as strong as CORE himself."

Their names weighed heavily on his tongue.

"Cael and Asura."

Silence. The names meant nothing to most of them, but Micheal could still feel their presence in his bones.

"I don't know if they're still alive," he admitted. "But I do know that CORE is. A few years ago, I saw him in a newspaper article, still leading his campaign alongside the Seven Kingdoms."

The information settled over the group.

Finally, Micheal exhaled. "I want to kill CORE. But with just us?" He shook his head. "That's impossible."

Tucker scoffed, leaning back in his chair. "Wasn't possible until I got here."

Shirley smirked. "Nice one Tucker."

Micheal gave them both a sharp look before continuing.

"We need more people. If we want even a chance at taking CORE down, we have to gather a rebellion—people who share our goal. With a strong enough force, we can make this mission possible."

The weight of the moment hung between them.

Then, finally, Madison broke the silence. "So… where do we start?"

Micheal exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples. "That's where I'm stuck," he admitted. "I have no idea where to start. We need people, but I don't know where to find them, let alone how to get them on our side."

Before anyone could respond, a shift in the air stopped them cold.

The steady hum of the city faded as a crowd began gathering in the plaza ahead, all moving toward the massive angel statue they had seen when they first entered the Land of Paradise.

Then—A beam of heavenly light struck down.

The statue glowed with an ethereal radiance, its golden-white surface shimmering as the light intensified. Then, from the sky, a figure began to descend.

His silhouette was unmistakably human—a boy. A tall one.

As he lowered, his features became clear. Short, curly hair crowned his head, a golden halo floating just above it, pulsing softly. A silver necklace glinted against his chest, and at his waist, a greatsword rested, its hilt decorated with intricate engravings.

His attire was both simple and regal—a loose tunic and pants, layered with an ornate kimono-like robe that fluttered as he landed. But the most breathtaking thing about him—

Were his wings.

Great, pristine white wings stretched out behind him, each feather reflecting the divine glow of the statue. They were massive, yet impossibly elegant.

Micheal took a step back, his breath catching in his throat.

His hands clenched into fists, his heartbeat roaring in his ears.

"No way."

Madison's gaze flicked between Micheal and the descending figure. "Who the hell is that?"

Doug swallowed hard. His voice was almost reverent.

"Cael." He exhaled. "The Guardian Angel of Paradise."

So that's Cael, huh?" Tucker muttered, clenching his fists like he was ready to charge in.

Madison, however, had a different reaction. "He's cute."

Shirley shot her a disgusted look. "You need help."

Meanwhile, Cael landed gracefully atop the angel statue, his every movement deliberate, almost too perfect. He stepped forward, gazing down at the citizens below with an air of quiet authority before descending to the ground with effortless ease.

"Commoners who dwell in Paradise," he announced, his voice calm yet commanding. "I have come to visit."

There was something unsettling about the way he spoke—like every word was carefully chosen, every syllable rehearsed. Even the way he stood felt too precise, too calculated.

Then, without warning, he froze.

His gaze snapped toward the exact coffee shop the group was in. His golden eyes gleamed, unreadble.

Then—his hand moved.

In a single, fluid motion, he unsheathed his sword and swung.

The group barely registered what had happened. There was no sound, no warning—just the sudden rush of air as the entire top of the coffee shop vanished.

One second, there was a roof. The next, there was open sky.

The breeze hit their faces as debris settled around them, the stunned silence hanging thick in the air.

Gasps rippled through the crowd, but Cael remained unfazed. He exhaled, sheathing his sword with an air of disinterest.

"Hmph. Maybe I was just seeing things."

And just like that, he turned away.