Guardian Angel and the Queen Beyond the World

The ethereal wings shimmered like the twilight of the Land of Shadows, illuminating the sky as they swept across the entire realm in an instant, within a single Planck time. The earth lamented, the heavens quaked, and a surreal sense of impending collapse permeated the world.

Yet, this was Scáthach's dominion, a divine realm that had transcended the world, existing beyond its confines. Its solidity was not something Aiwass could easily shatter.

Before Aiwass's manifestation, Scáthach had already been on high alert. With a sixth sense surpassing time itself, she preemptively raised her cursed spear to deflect Aiwass's attack. Had she allowed Aiwass to initiate the assault, reversing causality might have been the only way to withstand it.

Even Scáthach couldn't react within a Planck time.

"She's altered the laws of physics!"

With a single strike, Scáthach's profound wisdom discerned the principles and methods behind Aiwass's attack. However, understanding the mechanics didn't equate to countering them. At least in terms of speed, Scáthach acknowledged her disadvantage, as Aiwass had transcended the very concept of velocity by modifying fundamental laws.

Scáthach had long been aware of a presence akin to a "guardian spirit" behind Roy. Now, witnessing Aiwass's full manifestation, a figure resembling an angel, her warrior's blood boiled anew. Her eyes surged with a tempestuous fighting spirit, the natural excitement and fervor of a lifelong warrior encountering a formidable adversary.

The abyssal wisdom she had acquired unveiled Aiwass's true nature: the embodiment of the "Material World," a mysterious entity forged from the universal laws studied by science, a being insurmountable by any within this world.

The "inner side" of the world refers to the "Material World" inhabited by humanity. Whether planetary avatars or alien laws, they are mere fragments of the "Material World," internal organs of this enigmatic "spirit," subject to its alterations.

Within Scáthach's recollection, only a handful, perhaps five, entities who had transcended this universe could challenge such a "spirit." Only those who had surpassed the world, reaching its exterior, could contend with it. (T/N: I see, so True Magic/Sorcery is truly OP in this)

Yet, how many have truly reached the world's exterior? In Scáthach's memory, aside from a magician who briefly resided here, she alone had ascended to this realm as a human. Otherwise, she wouldn't have endured solitary existence here, yearning for someone capable of ending her life, a wish unfulfilled.

In essence, Aiwass is nearly invincible within this world.

However-

"I'm not interested in you, and you're not my opponent in your current state."

Upon discerning Aiwass's essence, Scáthach abruptly lost interest. They operated on entirely different planes; battling such an entity wouldn't bring her joy. She craved visceral combat, flesh meeting flesh, the clash of cold steel, the spray of blood, the cries of severed limbs, but Aiwass couldn't provide that.

Moreover, as stated, Aiwass wasn't her match in this incomplete form.

According to the Kabbalistic Four Worlds theory, the universe comprises the World of Archetype, Creation, Formation, and Material. Though Aiwass is an angel of the Material World, her essence hails from a higher world. She lacks a physical form, descending from a higher plane. To exert influence in the Material World, a crucial medium, a physical body, is required. Aiwass lacks such a vessel, and crafting one capable of containing her is exceedingly challenging.

Thus, Aiwass occupies an awkward position: exalted yet powerless without a medium. One of Aleister's objectives was to create a body for Aiwass, enabling her to intervene in the Material World.

Conversely, Scáthach is ascending from the Material World to higher realms, progressing from a lower to a higher state. Her body, honed through countless trials, grants her strength surpassing Aiwass's current capabilities, despite a lower existential rank.

"Do you truly believe that, Queen Scáthach of the Land of Shadows? This realm lies beyond the world, no longer part of the Material World. Even if your domain operates under 'Material World' principles, here, I can exert some power, unlike in the Material World where I can only observe without influence."

Aiwass's tone was calm and devoid of emotion, interspersed with incomprehensible static. Absent were the human emotions present when speaking to Roy; she resembled a rule-bound machine.

In Scáthach's presence, she needn't display her "human" aspect, as human emotions are flawed. Only in this mechanical state could she remain impervious to Scáthach's scrutiny.

"But you're not my opponent now. If you wish to battle me, first find a physical medium capable of bearing your existence!"

Scáthach's tone grew agitated; her grip on the cursed spear tightened and loosened repeatedly.

She had finally discovered a promising candidate, someone sharing her "abundant talent." She intended to nurture him until he could end her life, fulfilling her humble desire. Yet, who could have anticipated such a troublesome guardian protecting him?

The Holy Guardian Angel Aiwass now fully embodied her title.

"But you must acknowledge, Scáthach! If my sole intent is to protect him, you cannot penetrate the 'physical wall' I've constructed."

Aiwass's voice seemed to drift from a distant horizon, laden with chaotic syllables, some beyond even Scáthach's comprehension. The abyssal wisdom she possessed couldn't fully decipher an entity born beyond the abyss.

"I won't harm him. I believe I've made that sufficiently clear."

Scáthach was not one to compromise. Even knowing Aiwass spoke the truth, she wouldn't exhibit fear or retreat. She always took the initiative, compelling others to yield, never herself.

Engaging Aiwass in such a diplomatic tone was already her limit, a testament to her respect for such a lofty being.

"You can't place complete trust in the words of humans. After spending so much time with a certain man, I came to better understand the lies, the deceptions... and the laughable failures of humanity. Of course, I must also admit the brilliance that lies in how humans continue to struggle forward, even in the face of eternal defeat."

Aiwass's voice, cold and mechanical like that of an automaton, carried an unintentional edge of mockery, not aimed at Roy, but at a man named Aleister Crowley.

Aiwass could see that Scáthach held no intention of harming Roy, but that didn't preclude the presence of falsehood. The abyss had granted Scáthach the wisdom so profound that even Aiwass could not pierce through her true intentions. It was too great a gamble. If Roy truly were to die, Aiwass would have no choice but to return to that isolated island called "Academy City", the so-called Forbidden Island of A Certain Magical Index, and curl up with the other Magic Gods on that tiny, insignificant scrap of land.

Having witnessed the splendor of the vast multiverse, who would willingly return to a cage? More than that, Aiwass did not want Roy to die. He was amusing, a man difficult to part with. He was someone who might yet raise a banner of rebellion against his "father", a scene she still eagerly awaited.

"One last thing: his body is nearing its absolute limit. You don't have the means to heal him. If you still refuse to step aside, then let us fight right here! And together, we'll watch him die!"

Scáthach's voice was cold as ice as she adopted a combat stance. She was the proud Queen of the Land of Shadows, one who would bow to no one. Even if her heart's desire stood within reach, if attaining it meant lowering her noble head, then she would abandon that dream and choose battle without hesitation.

Aiwass fell silent.

What Scáthach said was true, Roy had already been pushed to his limit in the previous battle. Without treatment, only the collapse of his body and soul awaited him.

Even with some of her power restored outside the bounds of the world, Aiwass still lacked the means to heal Roy.

Scáthach would never compromise, but Aiwass was not human. Though she was proud, she could choose to yield.

"…As you wish."

The figure of the Holy Guardian Angel vanished and once more merged into Roy's body.

Seeing this, Scáthach couldn't help but feel both amused and conflicted. She had actually won, not with the spear in her hand, but with her words?

For a moment, Scáthach's feelings were a tangle of irony and introspection, uncertain whether she should feel triumphant or mournful.