Two Days Later — Outside the Ruins of Tsukimi Shrine
The sky was clear, but Kazuki felt the weight of eyes from above. He stood before what once was a place of peace, now a cratered ruin with ash-stained stone. A faint hum lingered in the air, guiding him here—the next relic called.
"This shrine was older than the city," Yuna said, scanning the area. "Built atop something… ancient."
Kazuki nodded. "The Vault gave me a vision. There's something buried here. A key to the Obsidian Flame."
He walked forward—then froze.
A figure waited near the shattered gate.
Not a cultist.
An angel.
The Rogue
He had pale gold hair tied loosely behind his back, armor stripped of insignia. His wings—folded tightly—were scorched at the edges. A faint crack ran across one of his gauntlets.
He bowed slightly. "You don't know me. But I know you, Kazuki Azrakar."
Yuna summoned a blade instantly. "Another one of Seraphiel's?"
The angel raised both hands. "Not anymore. I'm called Caelir. Former Watcher of the Seventh Host."
Kazuki studied him. "You're here to kill me?"
"If I was, you'd already be dead."
Caelir reached into his coat and pulled out a sealed vial—filled with silver light that pulsed like a heartbeat.
"This is a fragment of Heaven's Lock. The relic you seek. The angels planned to destroy it before you found it."
He extended it forward.
"I stole it."
Yuna narrowed her eyes. "Why betray your own?"
Caelir looked pained. "Because I watched Seraphiel seal your soul, knowing the truth. I saw what Heaven did. We didn't defeat a monster. We silenced a warning."
Kazuki took the vial.
"And now you want redemption?"
"No," Caelir said. "I want the truth. And I think you're the only one left who can uncover it."
Meanwhile — Celestial Sanctum
Seraphiel stood before the Celestial Mirror. Caelir's betrayal flickered on its surface.
"He's chosen his path," the Archangel murmured.
A subordinate approached, bowing. "Your orders?"
"Send the Oathbound. They will strike at Kazuki and Caelir both."
He turned from the mirror, voice sharp.
"If Heaven's laws must be broken to preserve order—so be it."
Back at the Shrine
As Kazuki took the vial, the ground beneath them shook. The air burned electric. A Heaven-sent portal tore open—divine glyphs spiraling outward.
"They're coming," Caelir warned.
Out stepped two armored Oathbound angels—their faces hidden beneath glowing helms, swords raised high.
No words. No mercy.
Yuna readied her magic. "Time to move."
Kazuki nodded, storing the relic. "We run now. We fight later."
Caelir summoned a burst of light, throwing the Oathbound back.
"I know a place," he said. "One Seraphiel can't reach. A sanctuary built by the angels who broke away long ago."
Kazuki clenched his fist.
"Then take us there. We need answers—and weapons."
To be continued...