The majestic expanse of the Divine Domain stretched out before the newly born angels as they gathered at Heaven's Gate. The gate was an awe-inspiring sight—a towering, shimmering archway adorned with celestial runes that pulsed with divine energy. Beyond its glowing threshold lay the mortal realm, a world far removed from the serene beauty of the High Heavens.

Henry stood among the ranks of his fellow angels, his wings rustling slightly in the anticipation of what lay ahead. The Censer-Staff of Sacred Light was securely in his grasp, its presence both comforting and intimidating. Around him, the other angels whispered quietly, their voices a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

"Is this your first mission too?" a nearby angel, a tall figure with a sword that gleamed like sunlight, asked in a low tone.

Henry nodded, his eyes fixed on the grand archway before them. "Yes. I've never left the Divine Domain before," he replied, his voice steady despite the apprehension he felt.

The angel smiled, a faint glimmer of camaraderie in his eyes. "Neither have I. But we're in this together, right? Under Suriel's guidance, we'll be fine."

Henry forced a small smile in return, though his thoughts were elsewhere. He glanced around, catching sight of Archangel Suriel at the front of their formation. She stood tall and composed, her presence commanding the respect of all who looked upon her. There was no doubt she was a formidable leader, but Henry couldn't afford to rely on anyone but himself—not if he wanted to achieve his true goals.

Suriel's voice cut through the murmurs, clear and authoritative. "Angels of Boltia, the time has come. Our mission is to cleanse the corruption that has taken root in the mortal realm and restore balance to the forest. Remember, we are the instruments of the Goddess's will. Stay vigilant, stay united, and let no darkness taint our light."

The angels straightened at her words, their expressions a mixture of determination and reverence. Henry felt the weight of her gaze as she swept her eyes over the group, ensuring each angel understood the gravity of their task. When her eyes met his, there was a brief flicker of something—concern, perhaps—but it was gone as quickly as it had appeared.

With a graceful motion, Suriel turned towards Heaven's Gate. "On my command, we will pass through the gate and enter the mortal realm. There, we shall fulfill our duty to the Goddess Boltia."

As she spoke, the shimmering archway began to hum with energy, the runes glowing brighter as the gate activated. A soft breeze, tinged with the scent of distant forests, wafted through, carrying with it the promise of a world in need of their aid.

Suriel raised her hand, and with a single, commanding word—"Now"—she led the angels forward. One by one, they stepped through the archway, disappearing into the light.

Henry took a deep breath and followed, feeling the strange, almost electric sensation of passing through the gate. For a moment, everything was white—a brilliant, blinding light that filled his vision and seemed to stretch on forever. Then, with a sudden jolt, the world came back into focus, and he found himself standing in the heart of the corrupted forest.

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[The Goddess's View]

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High above, far from the turmoil of the mortal realm, Goddess Boltia observed her newly born angels through a shimmering pool of water in her grand temple. The divine liquid mirrored the scene below, showing the angels as they emerged from Heaven's Gate into the corrupted forest.

Boltia's eyes narrowed as she watched them. Despite her earlier display of warmth and guidance in the Weapons Hall, her true feelings surfaced in her private sanctuary. She was the Goddess of Nature, a being of immense power and authority, and these newly born angels were but fledglings—tools to be used, shaped, and, if necessary, discarded.

"Look at them," she murmured, her voice dripping with disdain. "So eager, so naïve. They think themselves important, essential to my work. But they are nothing without me."

A celestial attendant, a lesser deity who served her, dared to speak. "Goddess Boltia, they are your creations. They serve your will."

"Of course they do," Boltia replied, her tone sharpening. "But they are replaceable. Only the strong will rise, and the weak will fall. Let them prove their worth—or fail."

Her gaze lingered on Henry as he stepped into the mortal realm, clutching the Censer-Staff of Sacred Light. A small, cold smile played on her lips.

"Especially that one," she added. "He holds ambition in his heart. I can see it, feel it. It will either elevate him—or destroy him. Either way, he will serve his purpose."

With a wave of her hand, the image in the pool dissipated, and Boltia turned away, her thoughts already shifting to matters she deemed more significant. For her, the mission was a test—one that would reveal which of her creations was truly worthy of her divine favor.

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Suddenly, a rustling sound echoed through the trees, and Henry's heart skipped a beat. Out of the shadows, a creature emerged—a twisted, monstrous wolf, its once-majestic form now a grotesque mockery of nature. Its fur was matted and dark, its eyes glowing with a malevolent red light.

The angel beside Henry instinctively raised his sword. "Corrupted creatures… be ready!"

Henry's grip tightened on the Censer-Staff, but a moment of doubt flickered through his mind. He had chosen this weapon because the system had assured him it was the best fit, but now, faced with the reality of combat, he realized he had no idea how to use it effectively.

"System," he thought urgently, "how do I use this staff? What abilities does it have?"

The system responded instantly, its voice calm and precise. [The Censer-Staff of Sacred Light is a powerful weapon designed to purify and protect. It has two primary abilities: Purifying Light and Sacred Barrier.]

The system continued, providing Henry with detailed instructions. [Purifying Light allows you to channel divine energy into the staff, releasing it as a burst of holy light that can cleanse corruption and harm any dark entities it touches. Sacred Barrier creates a protective shield around you and your allies, blocking dark forces and providing temporary sanctuary.]

Henry took a deep breath, absorbing the information. He could feel the sacred energy within the staff, waiting to be unleashed. The wolf snarled and lunged at him, its teeth bared and claws extended.

"Now or never," Henry muttered to himself. He focused on the staff, willing the sacred light within it to respond. The censer at the top began to glow, and with a surge of energy, Henry thrust the staff forward.

"Purifying Light!" he commanded, and the staff obeyed.

A brilliant burst of light erupted from the censer, enveloping the wolf in a radiant glow. The creature howled in agony as the light burned away the darkness within it. In moments, the wolf collapsed, its form dissolving into nothingness as the corruption was purged.

The angel beside Henry stared in awe. "You… you did it!"

Henry nodded, though his heart was still pounding. The system's voice cut through his thoughts again. [Well done, Henry. Remember, the Censer-Staff's power is immense, but it requires careful control. Do not overextend yourself.]

Henry nodded again, this time to the system. "Understood. I'll be careful."

But even as he spoke the words, a spark of ambition flared within him. The power he had just unleashed—it was intoxicating. He could feel the potential of the staff, and with the system's guidance, he knew he could wield it to its fullest.

As the light faded and the forest grew quiet once more, Henry steeled himself for the battles yet to come. He was just beginning to understand the power at his fingertips, and he intended to use it to its utmost potential.