Seraphina couldn't shake the feeling of unease as she walked through the crowded streets of New Eden. The encounter with Michael still lingered in her mind, his words echoing with an unsettling certainty. She didn't believe in destiny or celestial missions, but something about the angel's presence unnerved her.

She glanced at Michael, who walked silently beside her, his expression a mask of grim determination. He seemed out of place amidst the modern bustle, a figure from another time and realm. She kept her distance, her steps deliberately cautious.

"So," Seraphina began, her voice cutting through the silence, "what exactly are we supposed to do?"

Michael's eyes, shadowed with centuries of weariness, turned to her. "Our mission is to locate and neutralize the glitches. Their unnatural abilities disrupt the balance of this world."

"Neutralize," she repeated, her tone skeptical. "And how do you propose we do that?"

"There are two ways," Michael replied, his voice flat. "We can absorb their powers or erase them from existence."

Seraphina stopped in her tracks, her eyes narrowing. "Erase them from existence? You mean kill them."

Michael met her gaze, unflinching. "Yes. It is the most efficient way to ensure they no longer pose a threat."

She crossed her arms, her expression icy. "And you expect me to just go along with this? To become some kind of executioner?"

Michael's eyes darkened, a hint of his murderous past flickering in them. "It is the duty of a reaper. You were chosen for this role."

Seraphina scoffed, resuming her pace. "Destiny or not, I'm not a murderer. If we're going to do this, we need to find a way that doesn't involve killing."

Michael's expression remained impassive. "We will focus on absorbing their powers whenever possible. But be prepared to do what is necessary."

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The sun had set by the time they reached their destination—a rundown apartment building in a less affluent part of the city. Michael stopped in front of the entrance, his gaze fixed on one of the upper floors.

"The first glitch is here," he said, his voice low. "A young woman named Emily. She has the ability to manipulate fire."

Seraphina raised an eyebrow. "And how do you know that?"

Michael tapped his temple. "I can sense their presence and their abilities."

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"Convenient," Seraphina muttered, following him inside. As they climbed the creaking stairs, she couldn't help but feel a growing sense of dread. What kind of people were they about to face? And how were they supposed to "neutralize" them without causing harm?

When they reached the door of Emily's apartment, Michael raised his hand, a soft glow emanating from his palm. The door unlocked with a quiet click, and he pushed it open.

Inside, the apartment was dimly lit, filled with the smell of burnt wood. Emily sat in the center of the room, her eyes widening in fear as she saw them.

"Who are you?" she demanded, her voice trembling. Flames flickered around her fingertips, ready to ignite.

Michael stepped forward, his expression cold and detached. "We are here to eliminate a threat. Your powers disrupt the balance."

Emily shook her head, backing away. "I don't want to lose my powers. They're a part of me."

Seraphina watched the exchange, her mind racing. How were they supposed to convince this girl to give up her abilities? She decided to intervene.

"Emily," she said, her voice steady, "we're not here to hurt you. But your powers are unstable. You could accidentally hurt someone you care about. Let us help you."

Emily hesitated, the flames around her fingers dimming slightly. "How do I know I can trust you?"

Michael's eyes narrowed. "You don't have a choice." He raised his hand, preparing to strike.

Seraphina stepped between them, her heart pounding. "Michael, wait. We need to do this peacefully."

Michael's gaze bore into hers, his patience thinning. "There is no time for peace. She is a danger."

Emily screamed, the flames around her hands flaring up in a defensive response. Seraphina felt the heat against her skin, but she didn't move.

"Emily, calm down!" she shouted. "We can find a way to control your powers without hurting you."

Michael's hand hovered in the air, his face a mask of frustration. Finally, he lowered it. "Very well. Absorbing her powers will be more challenging, but it can be done."

Seraphina turned to Emily, her voice soothing. "Trust me, Emily. We can help you."

Emily's flames flickered and then extinguished as she nodded hesitantly. Michael stepped forward, his hand glowing as he reached out to her. Emily trembled, but she didn't pull away.

The glow enveloped Emily, and her powers were drawn into Michael. She gasped, collapsing to the floor as the last of her flames disappeared. Seraphina knelt beside her, offering comfort.

"It’s done," Michael said, his voice devoid of emotion. "She is no longer a threat."

As they left the apartment, Seraphina couldn't shake the feeling of unease. She had seen the cold, ruthless side of Michael, and it scared her. This mission was far from straightforward, and she couldn't ignore the moral implications.

"You did well," Michael said, breaking the silence.

Seraphina glanced at him, her expression still guarded. "This isn't over. I need more proof before I fully trust you or this mission."

Michael nodded, his gaze fixed ahead. "I understand. In time, you will see the truth."

Seraphina remained silent, her thoughts a whirlwind of uncertainty. The journey had just begun, and she was determined to uncover the truth—no matter where it led her.

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That night, as Michael disappeared into the shadows, Seraphina took out her phone and dialed a number. When the voice on the other end answered, she spoke in a hushed tone.

"I need to report someone. There's a man, dangerous and possibly delusional, who believes he has a divine mission. He's a threat to people with special abilities. Yes, his name is Michael."

She hung up, her heart pounding. She didn't know if the police could help, but she had to try. For her own safety, and for the sake of those who might cross paths with the ruthless angel.

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End of Chapter 2