Dark Lord of Tartarus - Chapter 36

Chapter 36






An angel stood before them which was certain to bring death upon anyone who faces him. Now that the angel has transformed into something that could be described as deadly, everyone's feeling of fear and anxiousness had increased gradually. One mere touch from this angel could consider you to be dead. If you do survive it could totally be considered as a miracle.

Vincent looked at his ally which was impaled by a blade from the ground. The blade still had his ally impaled, therefore his ally was like being hung by that blade leaving his arms and legs dangling.

No question required, it was already obvious that he was dead. It was truly a gruesome sight when considering it was his ally that was the victim. Blood crawling down the blade and slowly producing a pool of blood. That said, there's no point in healing him anymore, for the dead cannot be restored by healing magic.

A few seconds right after the angel said his declaration of ending everything now. An enormous wave of ice suddenly approached the angel and consumed him whole. The ice which consumed the angel has sharp edges, as those edges broke, the ice continued on encased him. The body of ice has electrical effects on it and it was so wide, also it was so tall which was probably about eight meters tall.

However, it would seem that was not even an issue for the angel. It looked like the angel merely flapped his wings a little then the ice which trapped him broke apart. After that, the angel turned to look at the one who cast the magic of ice.

The caster of the ice element shrugged as he saw the angel turned at him. He felt something heavy crossed his heart, perhaps it was a surge anxiousness which struck him caused by the gaze of the death angel.

Then the angel made his move. For a moment, the caster of ice thought the angel just disappeared – no, that is precisely what happened. In his eyes, it was as though the angel disappeared, that was because the angel's movements were too fast for his eyes to follow.

It wasn't like that. Before, he could follow the angel's movements even for just a little. For now, however, he couldn't. Instantly, he concluded that the angel is now indeed serious.

Suddenly, he saw that the angel was now before him and in an instant, he took a step back with his eyes widened in surprise. In reflex, he waved his hand in the hopes to stop the angel. As he did that, a wave of ice rose from the ground right in front of the angel and blocked his way.

The angel was right before the wave of ice so it was sure that the ice also hit him directly. However, just as the wave of ice blocked their sight from each other, instantly the ice broke. With it, the angel appeared.

Immediately, the angel extended his hand and had his blade pointed at the man.

The man's name was Dylan Roen. When he was still in his early teens, both of his parents died in a terrible car accident. Because of that, both his parents died and he was left all alone. Dylan found it difficult to live on when there was no one there to support him when he was young, most of all it was difficult when he has no parents around.


Eventually, one of his parent's relatives took him in and supported him in his daily life needs. However, even all of that, he has been all alone, or rather that was how he always felt. Even in his house, he would stay in his room most of the time. At school, he didn't interact well with the others. Perhaps because he prefers to be alone, or maybe something else.

When he graduated from college, he immediately went to look for a job. Eventually, his impressive talent in magic was discovered by a member of the order so he was asked to join. At first, he was reluctant, however, he gave a lot of thought into it.

His job was not all that great and salary was low even though there was a lot of work. Also, his affinity in ice magic was splendid, it would be a waste not to put it to good use. Besides, they would be protecting the word when the time comes, so why not. He thought at least he would have a good thing to do in his life. Also, the pay was good so that would be a great help to the family who took him in.

That said, he still prefers to be alone even though in the order. He was somewhat distant to the others. Then eventually, he met a girl who was also a member of the order. She was so beautiful and charming, because of that he felt something in his heart. It was warm like in a very good way and somehow different, in other words, it could be called love.

He thought that he should ask her out when there's a chance. Until this day, he has yet to do just that. However, he still hoped he could do it. But it seems it's pointless to hope for something like that now. He thought that he could feel happier when he got closer to that woman. But it was apparent it will never happen.

A blade bringing certain death approaches him.

I guess this is where it ends then.

He thought.

He had no choice nor chance to avoid death now. He thought it would fine. He had nothing to lose when he dies anyway.

As the blade approached his skin, he slightly smiled. And at that moment he felt joy, not because he finally gets to die and leave his lonely life, but because he finally gets to see his father and mother again. He would be very happy when he gets to be reunited with his family, even if it is in the afterlife. And he was certain they would see each other, so he gladly took the blade which had plunged into his chest.

As his life was slowly draining, in his own eyes he saw a light. With that light, he saw two people. One was a woman, and the other was a man. Then, at that moment when he got a glimpse of them, they were the ones he wanted to see. The never felt so happy. Even though he was dying, he still felt joy which stretches to the stars. Perhaps one could say he got a happy death.

His eyes closed and there he died.

"… He's smiling?"

The angel quietly said that no other people could hear.

Immediately after that, several attacks came landing upon the angel again.

Lightning enchanted bullets hit the angel's armor however, none were effective. As it happened, multiple barrages of golden light all landed on the angel, however, when the dust faded a little it was apparent that the angel was still undamaged. Following that, large vines came rushing towards the angel and two vines slammed the angel, however, the angel slashed the two at once.

Instantly after that, a vine began to wrap around the angel in hopes to hold him again. However, quickly they realized that was a useless effort and quite possibly be foolish. The angel merely spread his wings slightly and vine which was supposed to wrap him got cut. Indeed, it was foolish and useless, but they thought that at least they tried – or rather, the caster tried.

Having to gain the angel's attention, the angel turned to look at the caster who used vines to wrap him. The caster shrugged in surprised and fear as the two of them looked at each other. At that moment, the caster's chest began to feel heavy as though he felt the pressure of being gazed by an overwhelmingly powerful being.

That was not the only reason he felt his chest was heavy. The other reason was that he had never felt more afraid. He was now more afraid than before, perhaps because death itself has turned an eye on him. He began to profusely sweat, he began to breathe shakily, and he can barely blink his eyes as he looked at the angel.

However, when he managed to blink once, he was struck by great surprise. When he blinked his eyes, the angel suddenly disappeared from where he was just now. In shock, he frantically took a step back. He already knew what the angel was going to do at the moment he disappeared.

"No!"

The man cried in panic.

As he cried, he sent several vines in the area around him in hopes of stopping angel that was sure to kill him. He didn't stop there, behind the vines, he conjured woods around him to add more protection because he thought that those vines weren't enough. No, those weren't enough, to begin with. He only hoped that the obstacles which were protecting him can give even for just a few seconds to find a chance to survive this. In contrast, he sent protection all around him instantly because he didn't know where the angel will be attacking from.

However, for just after a second or perhaps slightly more the obstacles were brought into existence, a part in front of him was destroyed. In shock, his breathing stopped without noticing it himself.

"Stay away!"

He conjured large vines to attack the angel and to hold him to give himself a chance to escape. However, those were taken out in an instant by the angel. At that point, his death is inevitable.

Immediately, the angel grabbed him by the throat and choked him then lifted him up.

"Your vines entangling me is annoying and irritating."

The man being choked was Brian Berosa. He lived an average life. They were wealthy enough to obtain their daily needs. His early life was not all the great nor interesting. It was just how a normal life is.

He finished college and went to expand their business until they ended up having business with a company which was under the Order. Eventually, his talent in magic was acknowledged. He agreed to help the order in their endeavor to protect the world. In addition, if he joins, it would bring great benefits to his family's business as well as can give a better life to his family.

However, he still thinks his life is not all that great and interesting. Well, that was until he met a certain woman. When he first laid eyes on the said woman, he felt like the world around has begun to have color and the woman looked like she was shining in her great beauty. He felt like his life became whole and complete, he never felt so alive.

He courted the woman which he sometimes described as a goddess. Eventually, they got married.

However, they only got married recently. At this time, they have only been married for three weeks. They haven't yet got a lot of time together as couples – no, it was not just that. It was like they barely even started as a married couple. They haven't even yet started to have a family. They only got to live in their own house for such a short time, too short. There are still countless things they wanted to do and achieve together, experience together.

And now, death has taken hold of him. He doesn't want to die yet especially when thinking about his wife. He could have felt different if he knows they have a chance against this angel of death. He could have accepted the coming of death more easily if things were different. However, he knows, from the very beginning that this was not something that could be won. That was why he was reluctant in approaching the strange beings.

They had a choice to fall back and live to see another day. However, that foolish Vincent chose to approach the beings which completely destroyed an entire town, plus that foolish Vincent was so confident they have a chance. How foolish, how stupid.

Of course, he had a choice himself not to approach. However, he couldn't bear to leave his allies behind. Perhaps that was just not the reason, perhaps he hoped they could manage to fight against the strange beings. Perhaps he believed a little they have a chance. If that were the case, then he can easily call himself a fool. What a mistake it would be to hope and believed they could prevail.

Even so, he couldn't just easily accept his own death. There must be a way to live through this. At least, he should try something to gain another chance to live. Even if it means kneeling and begging. Even if it means to set his pride aside. Even if it means making a deal with the devil. For the love of his life, he will do anything.

"P-Please… d-don't… I b-beg y-you."

The angel slightly tilted his head. With it, the angel lowered the strength he used on choking the man, enough to let him properly breathe and talk a little.

"I'll do anything. P-Please, spare m-me."

"Brian! Hang on, we'll save you!"

A shout came to Brian's ears. Hearing that voice only made him feel irritated and anger began to fill him up.

"Shut up! You can't do anything!"

Then Brian shifted his eyes back to the angel.

"Please. I'll do anything. I'll follow your everything comma—"

"Don't be mistaken. You'll die, just like the others. The master has no need for the likes of you."

Then the angel began to slowly exert force again.

"No! I don't want to die. I still want to see my wife. P-Please!"

"I'm afraid I can't let you live. There shall be no witnesses."

A cold voice reached his ears which determined his fate.

Brian began to shed tears. At his dying moment, he felt anger, regret, and hatred. With all the emotions welling him, he unleashed those feelings towards the man who caused all of this to happen. The foolish and stupid man who chose to blindly advance without thinking about his followers.

"T-this is all your fault Vincent! You and your f-fucking pride! Because of you! I'm going to die! You're the reason why I won't get to see her anym—"

The angel broke his neck cutting the man's resentful words.

"So sad…"

The angel said while sounding like there was a mix of sarcasm in it. And the angel let go of the man.

"You bastard!"

Zoey exclaimed and she began to run towards the angel.

Maya on the other remained quiet. However, she was also angry at the same time sorrow for her fallen comrades. Then she turned invisible.

Vincent hesitated from charging in. John immediately noticed this.

"Vincent! Let's go."

"R-Right."

The angel saw their approach and he immediately pointed his sword to Vincent.

At that moment, Vincent felt something on the ground. Instantly, he recalled that the angel is capable of raising blades from the ground. Thus, he immediately jumped back, and blades did come up from the ground. His shoes were slightly touched by the blades, bull all was good.

As all that happen, Zoey had reached the angel. She wasted no time and she immediately jumped to kick down on the angel. Her metallic boot glowed as she filled it with power. Then she gave force and did a downward kick.

She felt it hit something – no, it did it something. But she was so shocked by what she saw.

The angel caught her foot with his left hand. The impact should have done damage on him, but it was apparent there was nothing. The angel was unaffected whatsoever.

Instantly, the angel swung his blade on her right leg that was held by the angel.

"AAAAAAGH!!"

She screamed in great pain as she fell to the ground. Zoey looked at her leg and her eyes widened.

The angel cut her leg and a load blood was continuously spilling out of it.

She looked up and saw the angel holding the cut part of her leg. Then the angel threw it aside.

Zoey turned around and crawled away from the angel and with it, extreme pain as blood freely spilling from her leg.

"AAAGH."

She did her best to bear the pain. However, how much effort she did, it still hurt, and it hurt, even more, every little movement she makes.

As that happened, the angel turned his head and looked behind him as though he sensed someone from behind him.

Suddenly, the angel spread his wings. With it, countless short blades came shooting from his wings in a wide area.

Amidst all that, several blades seemed to hit something and it appears there was blood. Then, a woman appeared stabbed my several blades while trying her best to stand. This woman just appeared out of nowhere. Needless to say, this was the woman who had the ability to turn invisible, the one named Maya.

"You may be light on your feet. But I can sense you, and besides, your walking on soil."

Indeed, she was walking on land. Even though she was invisible, walking on a soil leaves a mark on your movements. Even a little mark is enough to determine a person's approach. A normal person would find it difficult to notice Maya especially when she was light on her feet, however, the angel was different, totally different.

"[Chain Healing]!"

Vincent immediately cast his healing magic that can heal the both of them in one cast. However, the angel didn't give them a chance to heal, not even a bit.

The angel immediately shot a large greatsword towards Zoey. She was so shocked as she felt the sword pierce her body. With no more strength to spare, she fully laid on the ground.

With her eyes half open, she saw nothing but the flat land and above it, a dark sky. It would seem it was about evening.

In her dying moment, the joyful visage of her parents flashed before her eyes. Tears began to come out of her eyes. With it, she recalled what she said to her parent, about coming back. It brought pain within her heart, the pain of the blade which pierced her body could not even begin to compare.

It would seem she won't be coming back. The thought of not seeing her family again was so painful and so sad. However, the thought of that her parents won't be seeing her again, them learning of her death and be filled with sorrow and grief was much more painful than anything else. She doesn't want to see her mother and her father cry, she doesn't even want to think of the sort.

Then she recalled what her parents said to her for when she comes back, regarding to think about what her parents said to leave the front lines and try and reach her dreams. The dream of being a champion in a running sport.

Indeed, how she greatly dreamt about being one. A champion in a big competition. How amazing and wonderful it would be to reach an achievement like that. How would it feel to reach the dreams she so wanted to reach? Almost her entire life, she wondered how it would feel. Almost her entire life she craved to reach that said dream.

In the past, she was so passionate about joining running competitions. In her school, she would join the competition when there was one. However, in her early times, for magic is not allowed to be used, she must run in her own effort. However, many times she would lose, sometimes third place, second place, but she didn't lose hope. She honed her skills and gave it her all. How she loved running especially knowing she can achieve something great in it.

In time, she gradually improved until to point she never lost again to any competition. However, when she graduated from college, she could no longer join any competition. She needed to find jobs and learn the ropes of how it would be to earn a living. Sometimes, she would watch the Olympics on TV and sometimes imagine herself joining in the competition and imagining the scene when she wins.

Eventually, she discovered that her father was a member of the order. She discovered that the world was threatened every century. She saw an opportunity to do something big, something that would help a lot of people. She thought that she might not be able to reach her dreams, so at least, she could do something for the world. Perhaps that really was the reason, or perhaps, she joined just to cover and satisfy her desire even for just a little.

Even so, she thought, with her current age, it would be unlikely that she would be able to join any big competition. However, realization struck her in her dying moment. How could she be so unthoughtful? Her parents still wanted her to reach her dreams despite everything. Perhaps her parents still thought that there will be a way. A way for their child to reach her dream, together they might find a way. But it would seem it was too late.

She was dying. And she knows, she was definitely going to die. Even though Vincent was the one who ordered to come here, she didn't blame him. It was her own choice to follow. Also, she believed that what Vincent decided was the right thing to do. If no one was going to face these strange beings, then who will?

It was her duty and responsibility to fight those which threatens the world. At least, she tried her best. She had no regret.

Thank you for everything, mother, father.

Those were her last words in her thoughts, then her eyes closed with wet tears on her skin.

Instantly after the angel shot a great sword to Zoey, he shot another greatsword towards Maya who was barely managing to stand. As the sword pierced through her body, she was pushed back because of the force given by the shooting sword.

At the moment, she felt weak, as though her life was draining – in fact, that is the case.

She fell to the ground. The sharp blade dug the ground as she fell. She saw nothing but the dark sky. She felt the rough soil on her back as her thick red blood smeared the ground.

As she looked at the sky, the figure of her father flashed on her mind.

When she was young, she didn't have a lot of time to be with her father. Her father was in the military and was a high-ranking officer. She was very hard working in her studies and all of her grades were high. She was one of the smartest in every class she was in.

In her early college time, her father and mother began to have a complicated relationship. As time passed, both of them were always quarreling and arguing in their home. Because of that, Maya sometimes cried alone and not letting anyone to know. It was painful to hear and see her parents being like that.

Later on, it was discovered that her mother was with another man. Yes, her mother cheated. Maya couldn't understand why her mother would do that to her father. Her father was working so hard for the both of them. Maya understood that it wasn't easy to be in the military and her mother should've understood too. However, her mother still cheated. Maya only felt hatred towards her mother, she resented her.

Eventually, her mother and father divorced. Even through the passing time, she still resented her mother. Her father was in pain after what her mother had done. So, how could she forgive her? Because she resented and hated her mother, Maya chose to be at her father's side. Besides, her mother was at fault.

Then, later on, she recalled the stories her father told her. Then, her father decided to tell her about the order. Shortly after that, she decided to join the order.

In contrast, a few years past while she was in the order, her father retired.

At first, she wanted to join the army to be like her father and she realized that after she graduated from college. Indeed, she could've chosen that path, however, in the end, she chose to join the order.

She thought she could do more in the order, more than being in the military, she could help more people by protecting them. Also, the other reason why she chose to join the order was so that she could impress her father and make him happy for her, in other words, she wanted to make her father proud.

Indeed, her father became proud of her in how far she reached within the order. Because of her abilities, she passed every requirement needed to be able to join in the frontlines. She saw just how happy her father was for her when he heard she passed. How good it felt seeing her father smile and happy for her. How good it felt seeing her father proud of her. It was a joy of a father seeing his daughter reached and achieved something great, it was as like a father has finally obtained a dream for his child. That was what she craved for, the one she desired.

In her recollection of her sweet memories of her father. Tears began to flow from her eyes. She cried because she doesn't want to die yet. If she dies, her father will be left all alone. Who is going to take care of him when he gets old? What about their plans to explore?

Her father will be filled with sorrow and grief. She doesn't even want to think about something like that. It was so painful in her heart. It was like several swords were stabbing her heart and soul.

She did not want to die yet. She did not want to leave her father all alone. She still wanted to be with her father. And she realized it all clearly in her dying moment.

As she gradually closed her eyes still wet from her tears. She spoke one word within her mind.

…Father…

Then, Maya died.

Shocked facial expression was so clear on John's face – no, it was not only him but also Vincent. Their eyes were all wide open as they witnessed all of that.

Does this angel even have a heart?

The two females were already gravely injured and the way they were wounded was horrible.

Zoey's leg was cut with no mercy. Her feet were one of the most precious things to her. Running was one of what she loves most on doing. How skillful she was on using her feet. Vincent and John could barely begin to imagine what she could have felt in losing her leg. Not only that, in her last moments, she was in a very dire state.

She desperately tried to crawl away with loads of blood spilling out of her dismembered leg. Vincent and John could not even take it to look at her suffering. How they wanted to help her. If they saved her, Vincent could have restored her leg with healing magic. However, it was all too late to save her. No, it was not that they were too late, it was only because the angel didn't give them a chance to save her even for just a bit.

Then, instantly right after Zoey was struck by a sword. Maya was killed in a cruel and ruthless way. She was stabbed by numerous blades, and that alone was already more than a horrible sight. Vincent and John saw that Maya was indeed in great pain, the sight was enough alone to determine she was in great pain.

She was drenched in blood because of the numerous stabs of blades as she tried her fullest to remain standing. Worst of all, she was struck by another blade which caused her death immediately. That was an unwatchable scene especially when she was one of their allies, comrades, friends.

Now, only Vincent and John remained. As the last survivors, the both of them bore the most pains in their hearts. Every single one of their allies was killed, how painful it was as they all witnessed that.

John looked at the last two victims back and forth. He was unable to easily believed all this. Maya and Zoey both possessed great promise, great future. In spite of all that, they were both killed by the damn angel. How could something like this happen?

Anger began to escalate on John too quickly. He had already seen a lot of his allies died. Thus, the last two death angered John to the point he was about to burst out, hence he can no longer control himself.

"You fucking bastard! You've done enough! I'll kill you!!!"

John continuously fired his enchanted pistol to the angel. However, the angel merely stood straight while facing John who was blinded by rage.

"How the hell are you still unaffected you fuck!"

Countless attacks landed upon the angel from his allies who died. In addition, those attacks were so powerful that would might be enough to level an entire town. However, in spite of all that, the angel still had his defenses on. It was unbelievable, but John had no choice but to believe it.

"You're persistent. Impressive, that's how it's supposed to be when there is no other choice."

The angel said in a manner that he was complimenting John genuinely. However, that only made John much more irritated. John kept firing and when he runs out of bullets, he would immediately grab another magazine to reload.

Then the angel continued.

"However, you should know that no matter what you'll do, you won't stand a chance. No, it seems you've already realized that."

Indeed, John had already realized and acknowledged. After all that he had witnessed and the fate his allies met, how could he not believe something like that? Even the most stupid and idiotic person could realize something that was so plainly and clearly obvious.

"Anyway, even when you do manage to miraculously kill me. Someone else will dispose of you, so no need to worry."

John shifted his eyes to the other strange beings which were the allies of the angel.

Indeed, the angel was right. If they do manage to kill the angel, his allies will certainly come in to finish the job. Right now, even for just a look, John can now clearly judge that those other beings are indeed strong way beyond himself and Vincent. Mostly, the one wearing the black trench coat with blazing azure eyes leaking through his mask seems more powerful than the others, it was just a feeling he was getting from that person, however, just judging from everything that happened, it was certainly the case.

However, that didn't mean John would just stand there and do nothing. At the current situation, there was no chance of escape for him, so it was better to fight. Besides, it would be an ideal way to unleash all of his rage.

"AAARGH! DIE!"

He unleashed a shout that would be called a battle cry while pulling the trigger of his weapon will all his might.

Then, as the angel seemed to have enough, he made his move. In an instant, he already got close to John and the angel grabbed his throat then plunged his sword into John's belly.

"John!!!"

Vincent quickly rushed over to John as he cried his friend's name.

Having to hear Vincent shout, the angel turned to look at Vincent. Then he let go of the sword leaving it stuck through Vincent's body. The angel waved his arm and a sword came shooting towards Vincent. However, Vincent saw the blade coming and he immediately parried off the incoming sword and there was a small flash of golden light came from Vincent's sword as it clashed with the incoming sword. Then the sword which was shot by the angel flew off by afar.

However, that didn't end there. As soon as the angel saw that Vincent parried the sword, he immediately shot another one. However, the same thing happened.

At that moment, John realized that something like this must not go on. If this continues, Vincent might die – no, he would surely die. He must do something to stop something like that from happening. Thus, John tried reached for the angel's right arm which was shooting the swords.

John Resas's late family bloodline was a member of the order, so at a young age he also joined the order. He invested a lot for the order, kinds of support, his blood, his sweat, and his power. He even took in a lot of talented individuals and made them strong in order to fight when the time comes.

He was happy in his life. However, he was even happier when he met his wife Lisa. Eventually, the both of them fell in love with each other, then later on married each other.

Then, the fruit of their love came into the world. A child was born, and they named the baby boy, Jacob. The young baby boy was so adorable and too innocent, as John looked at him, he felt the boy was giving light to the whole world. It was a light that gave him great happiness. It was a feeling so great that words won't begin to fully describe it.

As time passed. He watched his child grew until adulthood. John and Lisa's bond got stronger every moment – no, it was not just that. Their bond as a family grew ever stronger that no one would be able to destroy that bond. Every moment they spent together were the best memories. And John wanted to treasure it forever.

However, at the current moment, it appears that he won't get to be with his family again. John himself was certain he was going to die, and death was inevitable for him. However, his love and bond with his family won't disappear, even in death.

Even, he couldn't just let his own and the other's death go in vain. At least, he could give hope. A hope for the future, a hope where there will no darkness to overcome the light of the future. A hope to stop the darkness from taking the future of others. And that bringer of hope was present at the scene.

Right before he could reach the angel's arm, the angel shot three swords following each other and all of them had the flat side of the blade facing the ground. The first blade shot towards Vincent, fortunately, Vincent parried the sword. Instantly after that, another blade came but he still managed to parry it off.

However, the third blade was just right behind the second sword, Vincent just swung his sword and the blade was already too close. If he swings, he won't make it in time. Thus, the only choice was to dodge it. And he did just that, however, he didn't fully evade the sword. As he tried to move aside, the blade touched his body at the center part. Because of that, as the blade shot forward, it left a long slit on his body. Fortunately, the slit wasn't deep.

However, something surprising and unexpected happened. What Vincent saw next was a group of knives already flying towards him. Then, immediately, a total of five knives had already stabbed him before he could swing his sword. As he swung his sword, the sword flashed golden light in a second, then the knives blew away.

Instantly after the angel sent numerous knives, John had reached the angel's arm and gave all his might to hold it off. Futile as it may look, it was still better to do something.

The angel looked surprised because he turned his head to look at John. However, John ignored him and turned his head to look at Vincent who had fallen to one knee because of all the damage he received. Then John shouted to Vincent.

"Get out of her Vincent!!"

As Vincent heard that, he quickly looked at John.

"Leave me and get away!!"

"W-what?! No, I'll save you!"

"Don't! If you get close, you'll die!"

"B-But –."

"You can escape on your own. So, go!"

"I can't just leave you!"

Vincent was being stubborn, so John decided to shout as though he was angry.

"Don't be stupid! If you die here now, everything would have been for nothing!"

Vincent's eyes widened for a moment, then John continued.

"If you escape, there will be a chance for another time. You will carry everyone's hope with you. A hope for the future! Now go!"

"That's enough."

The angel spoke in a cold voice. Then he conjured another sword and pointed it at John's heart.

"J-JOHN!!!"

The angel plunged the sword into John's heart.

While in pain, John forced himself to speak for the last time.

"G-Go…"

However, in spite of all that, he was still holding the angel in hopes to slow the angel down.

Vincent's eyes began to moist as he was on the verge of crying. Indeed, Vincent had a way to escape. However, he could only use it unto himself.

Vincent chose to not to use it because he can't just leave his allies and comrades here. He couldn't just abandon them.

However, now Vincent realized that he must escape. John was right. He must escape for his fallen comrades, and bear the hope for the future. It was no doubt that these strange beings will bring a great threat to the world and its people. Thus, something must be done. In order to do that, he must escape. And it was so simple as casting a single spell.

Vincent looked at John for the last time and he nodded. Then after Vincent closed his eyes. He used a spell that will assure his escape and will take him home right away.

"[Teleportation]."

Then, Vincent vanished.

As John saw Vincent was gone. He smiled and chuckled.

"…Hehehe…"

John saw the angel shrugged, perhaps he was so surprised.

When the angel turned to face John again.

John glared at the angel and smirked.

Then, John's eyes slowly closed, and there he died while keeping the smirk on his face.