[https://i.imgur.com/eY2gF5l.png]

Rising into the skies with a powerful flap of my infernal wings, I surveyed the city below, now engulfed in chaos and flames. The Arch Angels followed closely behind, trailing after me as we soared through the darkened sky. In the distance, the monasteries blazed with fire, their once tranquil halls now consumed by the screams of innocent women and children. The devastation spread further, reaching the heart of the grand cathedral, where a colossal flame, summoned by my own elemental ally, ravaged everything in its path. The people below struggled desperately to combat the mindless inferno.

"You did this?" questioned Uriel, his voice a mix of disbelief and accusation.

A smug grin played across my face as I braced my sword of darkness, anticipating his attack.

"What do you think?" I responded, my voice dripping with dark amusement.

Uriel, his lance firmly in hand, offered a prayer to the heavens before charging at me, leaving his brothers behind.

Having expended a significant amount of mana during my clash with Anauel, I knew I had limited resources left. With most of my magical energy depleted, I had no choice but to engage in close-quarters combat with Uriel. Though he was not particularly skilled in melee combat, his warrior's charisma still held sway, while I excelled in the art of deceitful warfare.

Utilizing my innate ability to manipulate shadows, I concealed myself within a shroud of darkness, causing Anauel to come to a halt, his eyes darting around in search of my presence.

"It's only a matter of time until Michael succumbs to despair... as he rightfully should," I murmured, the words carrying a hint of malice.

"Come out, you fiend of darkness. Your words do not faze me," Anauel retorted, his voice laced with defiance.

Under my breath, I began to chant an incantation, invoking a powerful spell.

"Barrier of Worlds."

[https://i.imgur.com/7fgH3qs.png]

Tenth Tier Magic - Barrier of Worlds

Through this spell, the caster conjures a formidable barrier that serves as a sacred divide between two realms. It effectively seals off access, rendering entry or escape impossible until the spell either concludes or the caster meets their demise. This barrier brought forth by this spell cannot be destroyed with any magic below its tier.

Requirements: Mastery of the Arcane, Lore of the Gods, Mastery of Dark Arts

Mana Cost - 1.5 million

[https://i.imgur.com/lhqCDcB.png]

With the impenetrable barrier sealing off the world around us, I set my intricate plans into motion. Hidden within the shroud of darkness, I meticulously prepared traps, ensuring they would be triggered as soon as Uriel ventured closer.

Uriel, determined to break free from the confines of the barrier, launched a relentless assault upon the magical force that encased him. Yet, his attacks were futile, each one repelled effortlessly.

"You cannot escape now..." I taunted, my voice dripping with dark satisfaction.

"You think you're clever with this? You have no comprehension of the depths you've delved into," Uriel retorted, his voice filled with a mixture of anger and warning.

"What do you mean by that?" I inquired, curious to hear his response.

"As we speak, the celestial realms are in motion. The Sword of Heaven shall soon descend, and when it does, I will strike you down with all the fury our Father bestows upon me," Uriel declared with unwavering conviction.

"Your father is feeble, and so shall be his sword. Just as you failed to vanquish me with your initial surprise, so too shall this attempt fall short," I retorted, my voice laced with contempt.

"Keep hiding in the darkness and continue your incessant blathering," Uriel replied, clearly irritated by my words.

Infuriated by his dismissive remark, I knew it was time to silence him once and for all. With a sinister smile etched upon my face, I readied myself for the final phase of our deadly encounter.

Positioning myself stealthily behind Uriel, I poised my sword for a lethal thrust, aiming directly at his vulnerable back as he turned in confusion amidst the darkness I had woven. I prepared to deliver a decisive strike, but to my surprise, Uriel swiftly spun around, his lance raised in a defensive stance, expertly parrying my attack.

"Most impressive," I taunted, a glimmer of admiration in my eyes as I witnessed his unwavering determination, successfully countering my subsequent assaults.

Taking a step back, I allowed him a brief respite. I reveled in the thrill of battle and saw no need to hasten the confrontation.

"Do you not understand? You are outmatched, incapable of defeating me alone."

His fury burned fiercely within his eyes as he continued, "I do not need to kill you. As I've said before, my purpose is to delay you for as long as possible."

A smug smile spread across my face as I confidently retorted, "Delay me for what? The sword? Cease your delusions. Even if the sword were to be brought here, only I possess the capability to wield its power effectively."

Uriel's eyes widened in a mix of confusion and disbelief, his voice filled with uncertainty. "You're lying! That cannot be true. I... I refuse to believe it."

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A smirk of satisfaction curled upon my lips as I responded, my words laden with a cruel certainty. "Oh, but it is true. Only Godlike beings possess the power to wield the Sword of Heaven. An archangel like you cannot even hope to grasp it, let alone wield its might against me."

Uriel's conviction wavered, his faith shaken by the revelation. He questioned me, desperation lacing his words. "What are you planning? What do you intend to do?"

With a calculated move, I opened my vault and returned my sword to its resting place, stashing it away. Uriel watched, anticipation etched upon his face, as he awaited my next move.

A twisted smile danced upon my lips as I revealed my intentions. "Well, since you informed me that the Sword of Heaven is en route, it only makes sense for me to acquire a brand new weapon to dispatch you. Killing you with that sacred weapon seems far more fitting, don't you think?"

Uriel's composure shattered, replaced by a fierce determination. "I will NEVER allow the Sword of Heaven to fall into your hands!"

Without hesitation, he charged at me with an unwavering resolve, seeking to halt my plans. Recognizing that playtime was over, I decided to put an end to our deadly game.

"Binding of the Damned," I uttered the incantation, unleashing dark magic that sought to ensnare and immobilize Uriel, trapping him within the grip of the damned.

[https://i.imgur.com/lhqCDcB.png]

Tenth Tier Spell - Binding of the Damned

This powerful spell invokes necromantic chains that ensnare the target in their relentless grip. These chains progressively intensify, gaining strength from the growing anger and frustration of the target, siphoning their life force. As the tormented souls within the chains wail in agony, they shatter the spirit of all who encounter them, inflicting profound suffering.

Requirement: Mastery of Necromancy, Mastery of Dark Arts

[https://i.imgur.com/Qj0qq7o.png]

Chains emerged from the depths of darkness, swiftly encircling Uriel's arms and legs, their malevolent energy coursing through his body. The tormented souls trapped within the chains wailed in agony, their anguished cries reverberating in the air.

Uriel glared at me, a mix of discontent and seething anger burning in his eyes, as he strained against his ethereal restraints.

"Don't be so hasty now," I taunted, relishing in his futile struggle. "We can't have you meeting your demise before the sword arrives, can we?"

"You despicable creature!" Uriel spat, his voice laced with fury and defiance.

A wicked smile curved across my lips as I continued to provoke him. "You should have sought your father's approval before daring to wield his sacred weapon. It seems you've acted behind his back, unaware of crucial information. How displeased he would be to discover your transgressions. I wonder how you'll explain it to him: 'Father, I was merely acting in your name!'"

"He would never cast us aside," Uriel retorted with a flicker of doubt in his voice.

Chuckling darkly, I responded, savoring the impending chaos. "Oh, but we shall witness his wrath once I seize his coveted sword. The betrayal of his chosen archangel, the theft of his divine weapon... It will be a glorious display of your defiance."

[https://i.imgur.com/7fgH3qs.png]

The barrier that held Uriel captive shattered into fragments, unable to withstand the sheer force emanating from the holy sword of the heavens. Slowly, the divine weapon descended from the skies, its ethereal glow illuminating the skies. The intricately engraved runes adorning its blade spoke of celestial craftsmanship, while its presence alone shattered any magical energies in its vicinity.

Although my own sword possessed the ability to amplify magic, the sword of the heavens surpassed it in sheer power. With a single swing, it could obliterate spells and enchantments below the realm of the Gods themselves, effortlessly dispelling the world barrier I had constructed.

As the divine weapon made its descent, the other archangels descended alongside it, their piercing gazes fixed upon Uriel, who remained bound by the necromantic chains, and me, standing tall in my imposing demonic form, radiating an aura of malevolent power.

"Uriel!" Anauel's voice rang out with concern, rushing to his brother's side.

Uriel's desperate shout halted Anauel's approach. "Stay back! Don't come any closer!"

Raziel, his expression filled with both recognition and apprehension, murmured under his breath, "The chains of the damned..."

A twisted smile played on my lips as I responded, acknowledging Raziel's knowledge. "Ah, so you're familiar with it. As expected of the archangel of magic..."

Raziel couldn't help but voice his disbelief. "Are you telling me that Uriel, known for his calm and decisive nature, is unable to break free from these infernal chains?"

Uriel's expression bore a hint of disappointment, his gaze falling to the ground as I tightened my grip around his neck, lifting him into the air. He struggled against his binds, his strength no match for the necromantic chains' malevolent grip.

"Let him go!" Anauel commanded, desperation lacing his voice.

A cruel chuckle escaped my lips as I turned my attention to Anauel. "And what will you do if I refuse?"

My eyes darted to the sword behind them, as my attention was completely captivated by its resonating energies.

Anauel's eyes blazed with determination. "I will do whatever it takes to save my brother, even if it means facing you alone."

If I can get my hands on the sword and consume its mana, I could tap into its immense power and potentially undergo a transformation. After all, the sword was said to have been forged from the remnants of a fallen god. Absorbing its essence would grant me unimaginable strength... Right....?

However, I couldn't let them know that I was nearing the limits of my own mana reserves. It was a secret I had to keep hidden for now.

"How about we make an exchange?" I proposed, my grip on Uriel's throat tightening to silence his pleas.

Anauel regarded me with caution, his eyes filled with concern for his brother. "What kind of exchange?"

Raziel's eyes narrowed, a glimmer of suspicion in his gaze. "And what is it that you desire?"

A wicked grin stretched across my face as I revealed my proposition. "I want the sword. Hand it over, and Uriel lives."

Uriel's struggles intensified, his voice strained as he pleaded with them, "Don't listen to him! Leave me be! Don't give him the sword!"

I exerted even more pressure on his throat, a cruel smile curling my lips as I watched the light in his eyes begin to fade.

Anauel's expression contorted with anguish and conflict. He glanced at Raziel, hoping for support, but the archangel shook his head vehemently, his eyes filled with suspicion and caution.

"We cannot give him the sword, Anauel," Raziel declared firmly. "If we hand it over, who knows what he will do? We cannot risk such power falling into his hands."

Anauel's gaze hardened with determination, his voice filled with resolve. "We brought the sword here to save Uriel! If we turn back now, we fail him just as we failed Raguil! I won't let him claim another one of us! We must consider his offer!"

"THERE IS NOTHING TO CONSIDER!" Raziel's voice resonated with dismay and frustration. "If we give him the sword, we relinquish any advantage we possess! This act will only grant the demons an opportunity to resume their war, undoing the peace we have fought so hard to establish!"

"Damn the peace if it means we must sacrifice another one of our brothers!" Anauel's voice trembled with desperation and determination.

"I cannot let you do this!" Raziel's voice rang out, filled with defiance and a sense of duty, conjuring forth his spells, prepared to attack.

Anauel's tone turned authoritative and yet his conscious wavered. "Raziel! As your superior and commanding officer, I order you to stand down!"