Seraphina awoke with the first light of dawn filtering through the blinds of her bedroom. She blinked awake, feeling an odd sense of clarity. As she stretched and shifted, she realized with surprise that her wounds from the night before were gone. Her body felt as though it had been fully restored, the pain and soreness from the fight completely absent.

She propped herself up on one elbow, staring at her hands in disbelief. “So, this is what being a reaper is like,” she murmured to herself. “Fast recovery, huh? That’s not too shabby.”

After a quick breakfast, she decided to make the most of her day. With her enhanced abilities, she had an opportunity to push herself further. She hit the gym, running through a rigorous routine—one that included every exercise she could think of. From weightlifting to shadowboxing, she pushed her body to its limits. Despite her determination, the physical exertion didn’t seem to be enough. The moves were becoming familiar, but they lacked the edge she needed.

After a grueling session, Seraphina slumped onto a bench, panting. “This isn’t working,” she admitted, staring at her reflection in the gym’s mirrors. “I need more… expertise.”

Determined to find a solution, she picked up her phone and dialed Michael. He answered after a few rings, his voice gruff but still steady.

“What do you need?” he asked, his tone businesslike.

“I need a favor,” Seraphina said, rubbing her neck. “I’ve been training, but it’s not enough. I need you to help me with more advanced combat training.”

There was a pause on the other end of the line. “You’re asking for my help?”

“Yes,” she replied, her patience wearing thin. “And don’t make me beg. Just show up.”

Michael’s tone softened slightly, a hint of amusement in his voice. “Fine. I’ll come by later. Be ready.”

True to his word, Michael arrived at her training facility in the late afternoon. He surveyed the space with a critical eye before turning to Seraphina. “Alright, let’s see what you’ve got.”

Seraphina gave him a determined look. “I’ve been training hard. I’m ready.”

Michael raised an eyebrow. “Sure. Let’s start with something basic.”

He proceeded to demonstrate a series of combat techniques—each move precise and fluid. Seraphina tried to mimic his movements, but her actions were stiff and clumsy in comparison.

Michael watched her with a mix of amusement and irritation. “You’re trying too hard. Relax. Your movements should flow, not just be a series of mechanical actions.”

Seraphina gritted her teeth. “I’m trying! This isn’t as easy as it looks.”

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Michael smirked. “That’s the point. It’s not supposed to be easy. Now, try again. And this time, don’t look like you’re about to break into a dance routine.”

Seraphina’s face flushed with frustration, but she nodded and went through the motions again. The training session was intense, with Michael pushing her to refine her technique and improve her form. Despite the rigorous nature of the session, there were moments of unexpected levity. Michael had a knack for making sarcastic comments that made Seraphina grit her teeth.

“Nice try,” Michael said, deadpan, as Seraphina fumbled with a particularly difficult maneuver. “You almost looked like you knew what you were doing.”

Seraphina shot him an irritated glare. “Just wait until I get this right. You won’t be so smug.”

Michael chuckled, a rare sound that seemed almost out of place given his usual demeanor. “We’ll see. Keep going.”

As the session progressed, Seraphina’s movements became smoother and more confident. The training was hard, but she could feel herself improving. Michael continued to push her, correcting her technique and offering a mix of sharp critiques and occasional praise.

By the end of the day, Seraphina was exhausted but satisfied. She wiped the sweat from her brow and looked over at Michael. “Thanks. I needed this.”

Michael gave a rare, approving nod. “You’re welcome. Keep practicing, and you’ll get there.”

Seraphina managed a tired smile. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

As Michael left, Seraphina took a moment to reflect on the day’s events. Her training had pushed her limits, but she was grateful for the progress. With Michael’s help, she was starting to feel more prepared for the challenges ahead.

She glanced at her reflection in the gym mirror, feeling a renewed sense of determination. The road ahead was still uncertain, but she was ready to face it—one step at a time.

As the day faded into evening, Michael stood atop a tall building overlooking the city. The bustling streets below seemed distant, the hum of urban life a mere background noise to his contemplative mood. The sunset bathed the skyline in hues of orange and pink, casting long shadows across the cityscape.

A rare, genuine smile played across Michael’s face—a brief, fleeting expression of satisfaction as he reflected on the day’s events. For a moment, he felt a sense of contentment he hadn’t experienced in a long time. The training with Seraphina had been tough, but it marked progress, and that was something he rarely allowed himself to acknowledge.

His moment of peace was abruptly interrupted when a familiar voice broke the silence.

“Is that a smile I see, Michael? How delightful!”

Michael turned to find God materializing beside him, his appearance as casual and whimsical as ever. The divine being seemed almost too pleased with himself, a knowing grin on his face.

Michael’s smile faltered, replaced by his usual stoic expression. “What are you doing here?”

God floated effortlessly above the rooftop, his gaze fixed on Michael with amusement. “I was just passing by and couldn’t help but notice your unusual display of happiness. I must say, it’s a rare sight.”

Michael’s eyes narrowed slightly. “I’m just enjoying the view.”

God chuckled, his tone light and teasing. “Ah, of course. Enjoying the view and letting your guard down. How very uncharacteristic of you. I must say, it’s nice to see you not brooding for once.”

Michael sighed, returning his attention to the city below. “I’m not brooding. Just reflecting. It’s been a long time since I felt like I made a difference.”

God floated closer, still grinning. “And now you’re feeling all warm and fuzzy inside? How delightful! I’ve missed these little moments of vulnerability from you.”

Michael shot God a sidelong glance, trying to suppress a smirk. “Don’t get used to it. I have a reputation to maintain.”

God laughed, the sound echoing around them. “Oh, Michael, don’t be so serious all the time. Even the most stoic of angels need a break from their usual gloom. It’s good for the soul.”

Michael’s expression softened, though he tried to keep his tone gruff. “I’ll keep that in mind. But don’t expect me to turn into a ball of sunshine anytime soon.”

God’s laughter faded into a more contemplative tone. “Just remember, even those who work in the shadows need a bit of light now and then. It’s what keeps them going.”

With that, God vanished in a flicker of divine light, leaving Michael alone once more. The smile had disappeared, replaced by the familiar seriousness that accompanied him.

Michael continued to gaze out over the city, the moment of levity now a memory. Despite his usual demeanor, he felt a subtle shift within him—a reminder that even amidst the endless duties and battles, there was room for a small spark of hope.

As he turned to leave, he took one last look at the setting sun, its colors reflecting his own fleeting sense of contentment. Whatever lay ahead, he knew he would face it with the same resolve, but perhaps with a newfound understanding that even in the darkest of times, there was still light to be found.

End of chapter 14