Uriel finally figured out how Samael was healing so fast. “This…shouldn’t be possible,” he whispered, voice trembling. “How did you do that?”

  Samael chuckled, aura crackling like lightning. “You finally figured it out? Impressive. But it’s too late. The fight is over.” His grin radiated absolute confidence.

  Uriel lowered his gaze as if accepting defeat—then a slow smirk formed on his lips. Samael’s confidence faltered.

  “You made a mistake showing me your trick, Samael.” Uriel straightened, his tone calm and dangerous. “I’m like you now.”

  Samael’s eyes widened. He punched instantly, aiming straight for Uriel’s face, but Uriel regenerated his missing hand mid-swing and caught Samael’s fist.

  “That’s rude,” he chided, grinning. “You didn’t let me finish. Like you, I can replicate what I see.”

  He countered with a newly formed right-hand cross. Samael blocked it, but the impact forced him several steps back.

  Uriel raised his fist. “Time for round four.”

  Samael’s jaw tightened.

  In the distance, the angels murmured anxiously.

  “How are they healing so fast?” Ariel asked.

  Metatron exhaled slowly. “It’s… complicated. Samael accelerated his healing.”

  “With Time Manipulation?” Ariel pressed

  “No,” Michael answered. “Not even manipulating the narrative of time would work on Deuteronomy or Leviticus. They are both permanent.”

  “Then how?” Gabriel asked.

  Metatron hesitated. Even saying it felt absurd. “They used Divine Flash to reduce the healing time.”

  The angels stared in disbelief. The use of Divine Flash for anything but attack was unheard of.

  Gabriel shook his head. “But that should be impossible. It only works with spells that have been enchanted on parts of the soul.”

  “Desperation makes even the impossible possible,” Metatron said quietly.

  And Samael had indeed been desperate. Uriel now matched him in power and speed—and his unique talent amplified fire spells while giving him fire immunity. It was why Samael had been injured so brutally. His pride wouldn’t allow defeat, forcing him to evolve mid-battle.

  Samael drew two fingers through the air. Multiple seals shimmered into existence across the sky.

  He’s trying to avoid close combat, Uriel realised. Fine. I’ll close the distance.

  He widened his stance and formed a massive seal beneath his feet.

  “Like I’ll let you,” Samael muttered, snapping his fingers.

  A volley of intensified light beams shot toward Uriel. Uriel conjured a solar shield; cracks formed instantly under the barrage.

  “Why isn’t brother using his grace?” Ariel questioned.

  “He can’t,” Jophiel said grimly. “Uriel is immune. It’d only empower him.”

  “This is bad… how can he win?” Ariel whispered.

  Azrael rested a hand on her trembling shoulder. “Trust Samael.”

  Michael added, “He must have a counter. He always does…”

  He continued watching the fight intently.

  As Samael’s barrage continued, Uriel’s shield began to fail.

  “He’s using Genesis to create weak points...clever,” Uriel muttered. But the moment the shield fell, his speed seal shattered, launching him forward.

  Samael conjured an ice pillar to block him. Uriel skidded to a halt, just in time for spikes to erupt from the ground. He retreated, scowling as Samael carved another glowing line in the air.

  More beams rained down, and Uriel recast his solar shield, making adjustments for the weak points Samael was creating. He conjured another seal, and this time, it broke faster, giving him intense speed. The moment he took a step forward, his face smashed into an ice pillar.

  Blood ran down his face, but he didn’t slow. He leaned his head back and smashed it into the ice pillar, shattering it. Light erupted from his wounds, and he grinned while charging.

  Samael’s eyebrows rose. He’s tanking the hits now?

  Uriel weaved through the spikes as he closed the distance, ignoring the light beams that failed to scratch him.

  Samael’s eyes narrowed. His durability is…increasing? No matter, my plan is coming to fruition. He snapped his fingers, and all the seals fused to form two slow, glowing spheres drifting in the distance.

  The spheres didn’t attack Uriel; they aimed for his previous location.

  As Uriel closed in, an icicle lance shot towards his head. He lunged forward while ducking, avoiding the attack, but pillars surrounded him, forcing him back. A final pillar appeared behind him, trapping him mid-retreat.

  Then ice lances rained down on him; he dodged most of them, but one pierced his foot clean through.

  Uriel grunted, burned the pillar behind him to escape the pillars that surrounded him. After healing, he hid behind an ice pillar with a grin on his face.

  A chill ran down Samael’s spine, and he immediately shot down the ice pillar, but it was too late. Uriel already clasped his hands.

  Samael’s eyes widened.

  A Divine Territory? No, an instantaneous—

  Before he could complete his thought, his brain went blank.

  The angels look on in shock, wondering why Samael stopped moving. Asmodiel, Gabriel and the rest of Dead End instantly recognised the spell: The one Asmodiel used on Uriel.

  Asmodiel gritted his teeth. He stole my move. I will have to steal one of yours, too.

  Knowing a regular instantaneous Territory wouldn’t work on Samael, he used a Pact that increases the cast time but makes the Territory significantly stronger. Due to this, Samael lost consciousness for one second. Enough time for Uriel to turn the tide of their fight.

  Samael woke to a Divine Flash inches away from his sternum—yet he couldn’t move.

  Baked in the instantaneous Territory, Uriel added Time manipulation to slow Samael after he awoke. He was helpless.

  The angels froze, wondering if Samael was about to lose.

  Samael’s eyes flicked sideways, and he noticed the two slow-moving spheres were at Uriel’s start position, and then he smirked. In an instant, Uriel was transported to his original position.

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  He and the rest of the angels looked confused.

  Uriel’s brows jerked upwards. What just—

  The spheres detonate against his ribs, dropping him to a knee.

  Uriel coughed, his soul trembling.

  The angels were stunned.

  Samael exhaled shakily. That was close. I almost felt…fear.

  Uriel rose, teeth clenched. I had him; that was the perfect attack. Next time, I won’t fail.

  “Lucky,” he spat, lunging.

  Samael intercepted him mid-charge, punching Uriel’s midsection. He slammed into the dome, crashing to the ground.

  What was that punch? Uriel pondered. It was even stronger than his Divine Flash.

  “You should know by now. I never do anything without reason,” Samael declared as solar energy erupted from his soul.

  Michael blinked. “How did he hurt him with heat?”

  Metatron’s silence said everything. He finally spoke, awestruck:

  “Those two spheres…he used a Heavenly Pact. A cunning fighter indeed.”

  The archangels, Fafniel and Asmodiel, understood immediately. The rest listened as Metatron explained.

  “Those orbs temporarily sealed Uriel’s heat immunity to their mana signature, meaning…”

  “Samael can use flames or his Grace, and it would work on Uriel,” Azrael spoke.

  Terror dawned on the angels as they understood.

  Uriel pushed himself off the dome, struggling to his feet. “I’m not done yet.”

  “You look done to me.” Samael clasped his hands. “Let’s make it permanent.”

  He grinned widely, but nothing happened, then shock filled his features.

  Uriel chuckled. “Can’t open it, can you? I sealed it earlier. You are never going to trap me again.” Uriel clasped his hands, but nothing happened either.

  “What? You sealed mine, too?”

  Michael folded his arms. “Their Territories are sealed. They’ll have to finish it the old-fashioned way.”

  Metatron nodded. “Let the final round begin.”

  The angels watched, breath held.

  Jophiel prayed for Uriel’s victory, while Ariel prayed for Samael’s.

  Samael taunted, “I beat you without my Grace. Now I’m using it, it’s over.”

  Uriel’s voice boomed: “I told you—I…never…give…up. Uriel: Light of The Lord!”

  His white flames burn hotter, and they fuse with his blue solar energy. Then the fused energy engulfed his soul.

  Samael shielded himself from the scorching heat. “Good. Come at me with everything.”

  They collided, fist meeting in a blast that shook not only the dome, but all of Heaven. The angels watched in awe as the two titans continued their intense battle.

  As the collisions continued, Samael and Uriel staggered back. They lunged forward, preparing to throw another.

  Metatron’s sharp hearing picked something up. His head snapped around, noticing Castiel staggering into the training hall—bloody, broken, a massive hole in his chest.

  His face contorted in horror. “Enough!” He roared, rushing to him.

  Samael and Uriel froze mid strike. Shock spread across their faces. The rest of the angels had the same reaction, and they all rushed to Castiel’s side.

  Castiel collapsed into Metatron’s arms, barely alive. Metatron placed his hand on the hole in his chest, and it glowed with a healing spell. However, the spell fizzled out.

  “No…! Why isn’t it working?” Metatron whispered, terrified. I’ve healed worse wounds. What is different about this one?

  Castiel coughed. “My Lord… I need to tell—”

  “Don’t talk! We’ll heal you!” He beckoned the other angels, who gathered around, their collective power pooling in an attempt to save Castiel.

  But nothing worked. Only Samael and Uriel remained still. They recognised the truth instantly. Castiel was already dead; only a Heavenly Pact kept him conscious.

  Metatron tried again, hands shaking, until Samael grabbed his wrist.

  “That’s enough, teacher,” Samael said quietly. “He’s gone.”

  “No!” Metatron cried. “He’s still talking, we can still—”

  Uriel stepped closer. “A Pact is the only thing keeping him here. Please, let him speak.”

  Metatron crumpled, tears falling, and Samael consoled him.

  The angels were hardened warriors who had seen countless battles, yet they stood in silent agony, holding back tears. Another one of their comrades was gone.

  Castiel offered a weak smile. “Don’t…worry, Master. It’s…okay.”

  Samael clenched his fist, struggling to keep his voice low. “Who did this?”

  “Adriel…” Castiel whispered.

  Shock rippled through the angels.

  Gabriele’s fist clenched. So, this is how far you’ve fallen. You must die for this.

  “But he was imprisoned,” Michael muttered. “How—”

  Samael lifted a hand, silencing him. “Where is he?”

  “He…left Heaven. He took…the Adaptation Stone…”

  Samael’s hand shook, and his blood ran cold. If Adriel knows about the stone, then he must have been in contact with an Evil God. So he has fallen, I finally have an excuse to kill him, but at what cost? This isn’t going to be easy, though, if Azazel shares the Power Stone with him, he’ll be…nearly unbeatable.

  “We need to find him now. Or Heaven is doomed.”

  “Agreed,” Metatron muttered through clenched teeth.

  Castiel’s final words trembled out: “Did…I do good…?”

  The angels couldn’t hold back their tears any longer. Castiel’s final words stirred something in them.

  Samael nodded, kneeling next to him. “You’ve earned your place in the First Layer, in Father’s presence. Go in peace.”

  Castiel smiled as his soul dissolved into particles of light.

  The angels bowed their heads to show respect to their fallen comrades, and Samael looked away as the light particles dispersed.

  Samael stood, jaw tight with fury. He placed a comforting hand on Metatron’s shoulder. The moment Metatron met his student’s eyes, he saw the murderous intent within them.

  “Anyone object to me killing Adriel?”

  Silence followed.

  “I’ll take that as a no.” He turned to Metatron. “Check if the boy is safe. We can’t have him get corrupted, too.”

  Metatron froze. He knew I had him in custody? I guess is shouldn’t be surprised, he is Samael after all.

  He nodded and vanished.

  They all wondered what Samael was talking about, but they pushed it aside as Samael spoke.

  “Archangels, follow me to bring death on that traitor. Adriel dies today.”

  Light engulfed their souls, and they flew to Duadel.

  At its border, they found Adriel, or what remained of him.

  His aura was darker, his gaze was twisted with confidence, and a wicked smile was plastered on his face. He was adorned in black and purple garments, with a low V-neck that exposed the Adaptation Stone in his chest.

  Samael sneered. “I’m surprised you came alone. What’s wrong? Tired of immortality?”

  Adriel chuckled. “Tired? No. I have nothing to fear from the likes of you. Today you die for killing my son.”

  The archangels exchanged uneasy glances. They could tell something was wrong. He was about to fight Samael, and he didn’t even take a fighting stance.

  The arrogance in his posture angered Samael even more, and he attacked first. He launched an explosion of punches, but none of them met their mark. Adriel dodged effortlessly, still grinning.

  “Is that all you’ve got, Master?” Adriel mocked.

  Samael gritted his teeth and threw a Divine Flash. However, Adriel caught it with one hand.

  Samael’s eyes widened. “How…?”

  Adriel twisted Samael’s arm, eliciting a grunt of pain. “I’m no longer Adriel.” He slammed a punch into his chest, launching him through the air. “I am Adamas, the strongest angel to ever live.”

  The archangels stared, aghast.

  Master…lost? Uriel realised.

  He swiftly regained his composure. “Attack!” He shouted. “Buy Samael time!”

  The archangels charged, but they were dismantled easily until only Uriel remained.

  Adamas chuckled as they floated, bleeding.

  “You fools. I just beat your strongest, and you still think you have a chance? Pathetic.”

  “I’m still standing, moron,” Uriel snarled, lunging at Adamas. “I beat you before, I’ll be happy to do it again.

  He unleashed a relentless combo, switching stances and styles in an attempt to find an opening. But Adamas dodged everything.

  “I don’t want to kill you,” Adamas said softly. “I just want Samael. Walk away.”

  “I won’t let you kill my master,” Uriel growled, his fists clenched

  Adamas’s face hardened. “Then you’ll die.”

  He lunged, but a beam of light interrupted him, forcing him to dodge.

  Samael stood, wings fully unfurled, halo blazing.

  “You’re not killing anyone.”

  Adamas smirked. “Your wings won’t save you.”

  “Let’s see about that.”

  Samael attacked, but Adamas struck first. A blow to Samael’s guts sent him flying. Golden blood flew from his mouth.

  Adamas pursued, pummelling him relentlessly. Uriel watched in horror as his master was getting bloodied.

  Samael desperately activated his Lightbringer form. His intense aura pushed Adamas back. However, before he could attack, Adamas closed the distance and landed another blow to his midsection, cracking his golden exterior.

  Uriel couldn’t believe his eyes. Lightbringer isn’t enough? How did he get so strong? Without hesitation, he tried to intervene, but Adamas back-fisted him aside like a child.

  Samael’s Grace flared, turning his skin blue with heat. He launched a head kick, putting all his power behind it.

  Adamas ducked, placing his hand on Samael’s back.

  Samael’s brows jerked up. I…missed?

  In an instant, he was blasted by dark energy, hurling him across space.

  Samael stopped his momentum and roared. He unsheathed Excalibur and turned it into the Sun Blade. It glowed with immense power, and he pointed it at Adamas.

  Adamas still looked unimpressed, and doubt began to creep into his mind.

  What is this? I’m going all out, and he’s still not even trying. Can I even win this fight? Am I…going to lose? Images of his dead comrades flashed in his head. No, not with their lives on the line.

  He swung his blade, amplifying it with Infinity Slash. Space crackled as the blade came down.

  Adamas caught the strike with one hand.

  “What?!” Samael gasped. Even Excalibur was stunned; it urged Samael to retreat, but it was too late.

  Adamas flashed forward.

  A single blow.

  Samael folded around the fist—and vanished into the gate of Duadel.

  Adamas grinned as dark golden sparks flew from his hand.

  He slammed his back on the gate and reverted to base form, floating unconscious, his midsection blown open and his gut floating out.

  Adamas approached to finish him. “You die for the death of my son.”

  Uriel intervened before Adamas could launch the finishing blow with Arondight in hand. Adamas parried his attacks effortlessly and grabbed him by the throat.

  “You want to die with your master? Fine. I’ll send him to you shortly.”

  He drew his fist back.

  Uriel looked in horror, struggling desperately, but he couldn’t break Adamas’s grip.

  Just before Adamas’s kill shot landed, he was blasted away.

  What…was that? He lifted his gaze and saw the figure who struck him.

  “You have a different look in your eyes,” Adamas said, grinning, while rubbing his cheek. “I like it.”