A New System Quest and A Forced Separation

(Samuel's POV)

As soon as the realization about Project Hades settled between us, the system flashed violently, and new notifications appeared before our eyes.

---

[SYSTEM ALERT!]

⚠ NEW QUESTS UNLOCKED!

Due to the existence of Project Hades remnants in the New World, two unique paths have been assigned.

✔ Samuel's Quest: Abyssal Traces

Mission: Investigate the abyssal energy tied to the origins of Project Hades.

Objective: Find the Forbidden Ruins in the Voidlands and uncover what was left behind.

Location: Voidlands, Outer Abyss Territory.

✔ Henry's Quest: Divine Remnants

Mission: Seek out celestial entities who may hold information on Project Hades' true purpose.

Objective: Enter the Grand Sky Citadel and challenge the High Lords for answers.

Location: Grand Sky Citadel, Domain of the Celestial Rulers.

⚠ WARNING: You must separate for the time being. Each path will lead to vital information needed to uncover the full truth.

---

I read through the mission details, my brows furrowing as I clenched my fists.

"Tch—so we really do have to split up."

Henry exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Looks like it."

I glanced at him. "You sure you'll be fine on your own?"

Henry smirked, his golden aura flaring slightly. "Samuel, we just killed a godlike Abyssal Monarch—you think some celestial bastards are gonna slow me down?"

I let out a short chuckle. "Fair point."

But still… something felt off.

The system had never forced us to separate like this before.

Henry must've sensed my hesitation, because he clapped a hand on my shoulder.

"Relax," he said. "We'll meet up soon. And when we do, we'll put an end to whatever's left of Project Hades."

I exhaled, nodding.

"Yeah."

We bumped fists, sealing the decision.

Then, without another word—

We went our separate ways.

(Henry's POV – Entering the Grand Sky Citadel)

I watched as Samuel disappeared into the Voidlands, his form swallowed by the shifting black mist that made up that cursed region.

Damn system… forcing us to split up now of all times.

I exhaled, turning my attention toward my own path—the Grand Sky Citadel.

It wasn't hard to find.

Even from here, its massive golden towers loomed over the horizon, floating above the rest of the city like a divine throne overlooking the world.

"So this is where the so-called Celestial Rulers hide," I muttered, rolling my shoulders.

My mission was clear—get to the Citadel, find out what they knew about Project Hades, and make sure no one tried to fuck with me in the process.

Simple enough.

I took a step forward—

And instantly, a massive force descended upon me.

The air tightened, as if the entire world was pressing down on my existence.

Then, a voice—calm, yet absolute.

"Halt, outsider."

A group of figures descended from the sky, each radiating an overwhelming divine aura. Their robes shimmered with celestial energy, their weapons humming with power.

I smirked.

"Didn't take long for the welcoming party to show up."

One of them, a tall figure with silver wings and glowing runes across his arms, stepped forward. His eyes locked onto mine, as if reading my entire existence.

"You are not permitted to enter the Grand Sky Citadel," he stated. "Turn back, or be judged by divine law."

I chuckled, golden lightning flickering around my hands.

"Judged? By you?"

I lifted my Sword of the First Dawn, resting it on my shoulder.

"I don't take orders from weaklings."

The celestial warriors tensed.

The lead figure's expression remained calm—but I saw the flicker of uncertainty in his eyes.

"Then you leave us no choice."

He raised his hand—

And the entire sky burned with divine wrath.

---

The Sky War Begins

Oh, so we're doing this now?

I grinned, already moving as the first attack descended from above.

BOOOOM!

A massive spear of divine energy slammed into the ground where I had been standing a second earlier, reducing the area to pure molten gold.

But I was already above them.

"Too slow."

I vanished, blinking mid-air above the lead celestial, my sword already swinging downward.

"DIVINE JUDGMENT!"

A crescent arc of golden lightning tore through the sky, slicing straight for him.

But—

The bastard blocked it.

A golden shield formed around him, absorbing the hit as if it was nothing.

I landed on a floating platform, clicking my tongue.

"Not bad."

The lead warrior lowered his shield, his gaze sharpening.

"Your power is not of this world. But you are reckless."

He snapped his fingers—

And suddenly, I felt something shift.

The air thickened, as if gravity itself had turned against me.

"Tch—what the hell?"

I could still move, but it felt like I was wading through molten gold—slower, heavier.

The celestial warriors charged.

I gritted my teeth, raising my sword just in time to block the first strike.

CLANG!

The force rattled my entire arm, sending a sharp shock through my bones.

"So you bastards do hit hard."

Another warrior teleported behind me, aiming to pierce my back with a spear—

But I twisted mid-air, dodging by an inch before kicking him straight in the ribs, sending him flying into another floating structure.

I exhaled, forcing my aura to expand.

"Fine. You wanna fight?"

Golden flames ignited around me, my Celestial Overdrive kicking in.

"Let's see if you can keep up."