The next day, Dead End assembled for training. Tension hung in the air, each member sensing the gravity behind Samael’s calm demeanour. They couldn’t hide the fear in their expressions.

  The trembling hands,

  The goosebumps on their souls,

  And their pounding hearts.

  “I hope you’re ready. Uriel, step forward,” Samael commanded.

  Uriel hesitated, concern flickering in his voice. “Master, are you sure you’re alright?”

  Samael reassured him with a confident tone, though he concealed a night of intense conflict. "No need to worry about me; I'm perfectly fine.”

  I dealt with that white-haired man last night, and I doubt he'll show his face again.

  Uriel nodded and stepped forward, inhaling deeply to steady his nerves.

  “Ready?” Samael asked.

  Uriel’s eyes sharpened. “Always.”

  The angels watched closely, eager to dissect Uriel’s performance. Samael interlocked his fingers, casting his [Divine Territory]. In a blink, Uriel vanished.

  Inside, chaos greeted him. Samael’s territory—an evolved, merciless version of Fafniel’s—bombarded him with relentless slashes. Uriel gritted his teeth, each second a brutal test of will. Just as consciousness threatened to slip, he was yanked back into the training room.

  His injuries heal rapidly, and Samael approaches him.

  “You lasted five minutes,” Samael said, his tone unreadable.

  Uriel’s chest heaved.

  Five minutes. Without knowing the target time, it felt both too long and not long enough.

  “Congratulations. You passed.”

  Uriel blinked, stunned, then broke into a grin. Relief and pride surged through him like lightning.

  “Fafniel, you're up,” Samael called.

  Fafniel stepped forward casually, offering Uriel a nod before vanishing into the territory. When he returned, he dropped to one knee, bloodied but smirking.

  “Four minutes and fifty-nine seconds,” Samael said. “One second short.”

  “I know,” Fafniel replied, his grin too self-satisfied.

  Uriel’s eyes narrowed. One second? That’s too close to be a coincidence.

  Then realisation struck him. He lost to me on purpose? Why?

  Samael too came to the realisation and questioned him.

  “Why did you lose on purpose?”

  Fafniel shrugged. “To make sure Uriel gets the training you promised. He’s not ready for my full strength.”

  Samael raised an eyebrow. “A bold move. Hope you won’t regret it.”

  “I won’t,” Fafniel said, returning to the line.

  Uriel stepped forward, eyes locked on Fafniel. “Wait. How did you know about our deal?”

  Fafniel didn’t look back. “Saw it when I entered the zone. Also saw what happens if we fight now. Spoiler alert—you lose.”

  Uriel clenched his fists, fury rising. He took a step forward, but Samael's voice sliced through the tension.

  << Control yourself, >> He said telepathically. << If you fight him now, he’ll humiliate you. >>

  Uriel forced himself to step back, rage simmering under his skin.

  “It’s my turn,” Jophiel announced, unbothered by the tension.

  “Try not to embarrass the title of archangel,” Samael said dryly. He cast his territory again.

  Jophiel lasted four and a half minutes. When she returned, she collapsed, bloodied, panting.

  “Not bad,” Samael said, healing her with a touch.

  As she rejoined the line, Fafniel couldn’t resist. “You call yourself an archangel, yet lowly angels outperformed you? Pathetic.”

  Jophiel spun, fury blazing in her eyes—but a shockwave struck Fafniel before she could retort, slamming him into the wall. He crumpled, unconscious.

  The room erupted with cheers.

  “Watch your tongue, especially when addressing your superiors,” Samael said, standing over him.

  Jophiel dusted herself off. “You know he’s unconscious, right?”

  “Damn, that was brutal,” Adriel muttered.

  Gabriele stared wide-eyed. “He barely used any mana...”

  “Gabriele, you’re up,” Samael announced, as if nothing had happened. Seeing her nerves, he added gently, “Your pass criteria are different. Just give it your all.”

  “I will, my Lord,” she said with a determined nod.

  Samael cast his territory. Gabriele vanished. The others cheered her on, especially Adriel.

  Moments later, she reappeared, unconscious and bloodied.

  Uriel rushed forward. “Master, did she pass?”

  Samael paused. “She lasted just over two minutes.”

  A beat of silence.

  “She passed.”

  Cheers erupted. Samael healed her, and Gabriele opened her eyes to the sounds of celebration. Pride warmed her chest as she returned to the others, smiling despite the pain.

  “Last but not least, Adriel. Step up,” Samael called.

  Adriel stepped forward without hesitation.

  “Give it your all,” Samael warned. “If I sense you’re holding back, you’re off Dead End. Permanently.”

  “Understood,” Adriel replied firmly.

  Samael cast [Divine Territory].

  Jophiel couldn't help but express her amazement, saying, "It's truly remarkable how effortlessly he casts [Divine Territory]. This chapter is known to be one of the most challenging, yet he makes it seem so easy."

  If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  Uriel beamed with pride as he nodded in agreement, saying, "Master's strength is unparalleled."

  Gabriele nodded. “Just being near him makes your soul strain to grow. He truly is the Light Bringer.”

  Adriel eventually returned, staggering but upright.

  “Three minutes, thirty seconds,” Samael noted. “Well done.”

  The others murmured in admiration.

  Samael clapped once. “Time for rankings. First: Uriel. Second: Fafniel. Third: Jophiel. Fourth: Adriel. Last: Gabriele.”

  Gabriele’s shoulders slumped.

  Uriel placed a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry. You’ll climb up next time.”

  But Gabriele clenched her fists. “How do you know? If I’m last again, I’m off the team—and I’m not letting that happen.”

  Samael grinned. “Good. Let that fire keep burning.”

  He turned. “We start tomorrow. Ten sharp.”

  Adriel blinked. “Three hours later than usual?”

  “There’s a surprise,” Samael said, vanishing from the room.

  Gabriele followed his departure with burning resolve.

  The following day, as they entered the training hall, Fafniel groaned. “Ugh. My head’s still ringing from yesterday…”

  Uriel smirked. “Serves you right. Maybe now you’ll respect archangels.”

  Jophiel smirked, nodding in agreement.

  But the training hall was different today—packed with angels and angel generals. Whispers rippled through the crowd.

  “Master, what’s going on?” Uriel asked.

  Fafniel rubbed his temples. “Well... my headache’s gone.”

  Ignoring Uriel's question, Samael commanded, "Go to the centre."

  Dead End complied. Samael turned to the crowd of gathered angels. “Today’s special. Every one of you has a shot at replacing them.”

  Samael pointed at Dead End.

  Gasps filled the room. The members of Dead End froze.

  “If you beat one of them, you take their spot, so who will be first to challenge my students?”

  A silence thicker than stone followed. No one moved.

  Samael’s voice sharpened. “You know, members of Dead End are first in line to become archangels or generals.”

  Still, the crowd held back.

  Samael sighed in disappointment.

  “If that’s the case, you may—”

  “I challenge the number one,” a voice rang out.

  Uriel’s eyes widened.

  As the crowd parted, Asmodiel stepped forward, eyes blazing.

  Samael recognised him instantly. “You again. From the Selection. Are you sure you want to challenge number one? You could always go after Jophiel.”

  Asmodiel shrugged. “Wouldn’t be much of a challenge.”

  Jophiel bristled. “Try me, and I’ll wipe that grin off your face.”

  He ignored her. “So, who is number one?”

  Before Jophiel could lunge at him, Uriel placed a hand on her shoulder.

  “I am,” he said calmly. “And I’ll be your opponent.”

  Asmodiel grinned. “Good. I like a challenge.”

  Asmodiel and Uriel faced off in silence.

  Both warriors sized each other up, running countless battle scenarios through their minds.

  I remember his fight in the Selection… Uriel thought. If it weren’t for Jophiel’s flow state, he’d be an Archangel by now. I can’t underestimate him.

  Uriel cracked his knuckles with a smirk. I’ll end this in a flash.

  Samael raised a hand, and a massive cage descended from the ceiling, enclosing the two.

  “Before we begin,” Samael said, his gaze fixed on Asmodiel. “Uriel’s talent is flame manipulation and complete immunity to fire.”

  His eyes narrowed. “This is a no-holds-barred match. Give it everything you've got.”

  “Yes, sir!” they shouted in unison.

  “Begin!”

  Asmodiel moved first. With a snap, he summoned a towering pillar of fire that engulfed Uriel.

  “What an idiot,” Jophiel scoffed. “Didn’t you just tell him Uriel was immune to flames?”

  “Look closer,” Samael said calmly. “Those flames are enchanted with [Divine Nullification]. Uriel’s talent is useless here.”

  Jophiel’s eyes widened. Her smirk vanished, replaced by unease.

  He figured out a counter with a single sentence? Fafniel observed. Not bad.

  The watching angels were silent, eyes fixed on the blazing inferno.

  Suddenly, the pillar froze over.

  Uriel emerged from the ice, brushing shards off his shoulder. “That was close. Would’ve been embarrassing to lose in one hit.” His tone shifted, sharp and dangerous. “No more holding back.”

  He lunged. Blindingly fast. His fists became a flurry of attacks.

  Asmodiel managed to dodge most, suffering only minor scrapes—but Uriel didn’t relent. The momentum pushed Asmodiel on the defensive.

  Come on… throw that right cross again… Asmodiel gritted his teeth, continuing to block.

  Then Uriel threw it.

  Asmodiel sidestepped, grabbed his arm mid-swing, and hurled him into the cage with a twist of momentum.

  Uriel’s back slams hard before falling to the floor.

  He swiftly stands to his feet, regaining his composure.

  Without pause, he charged, a flame attack gathering in his palm. Uriel braced to block his sternum—but Asmodiel feinted. At the last second, he spun into a brutal right hook to the jaw.

  Uriel staggered, eyes wide, and caught a flame-imbued uppercut that launched him into the air.

  “What is happening?” Jophiel whispered. “Why is Uriel losing?”

  “Did you see that?” Adriel asked Gabriele.

  “Yeah,” she replied. “He shifted his soul’s position to force Uriel into throwing that right, then countered.”

  Fafniel’s gaze flicked to Gabriele. “The way he’s fighting… he might be on your level.”

  “No,” Gabriele said quietly. “He’s stronger. He’s outmanoeuvring Uriel.”

  Fafniel scoffed. “Tch. Uriel’s still holding back.”

  Asmodiel pressed the advantage, flame-enhanced fists flying. Uriel narrowly dodged a jab and responded with a sudden elbow to the chest, sending Asmodiel crashing backwards.

  He regained his composure before falling to the ground.

  “Not bad,” Uriel muttered. “But you're getting predictable.”

  He charged, launching another flurry.

  But Asmodiel danced between the blows like smoke.

  What?! Uriel blinked. He’s still moving that well… after I hit his heart?

  He spotted Asmodiel healing his right hand mid-dodge.

  You’re kidding. He blocked that? At point-blank?

  Uriel threw a right cross, only to catch a brutal knee to the face that shattered his nose. Staggering, he tried to regain footing, but Asmodiel was relentless.

  A barrage of punches landed. When Uriel attempted a desperate jab, Asmodiel slipped it and countered with a shot to his midsection that made him cough up blood.

  Uriel retaliated with telekinesis, hurling Asmodiel backwards.

  Asmodiel flipped mid-air, twisting to kill momentum before landing hard on the golden floor. He slid back a few paces, boots screeching faintly against the polished gleam, then straightened with a crooked grin.

  “Using Lord Samael’s abilities already? Can’t beat me with your own talent? Disappointing”

  Uriel healed his injuries silently, staring back. “You’re cocky for someone who landed a few lucky hits. Try landing a hit now.”

  Asmodiel didn’t respond. He began charging a fire blast, hands stacked.

  Jophiel leaned toward Samael. “Why is Uriel suddenly defensive?”

  “It’s Asmodiel’s true talent,” Samael answered.

  “What? Isn’t it fire manipulation?”

  Samael scoffed, "Of course not. Haven't you been watching the fight? Watch closely. It's about to get interesting."

  Jophiel hesitated. “…Fine.” Uriel, don’t lose… Not to him.

  Uriel narrowed his eyes. “How long are you gonna charge that? Come on—attack already.”

  Asmodiel smirked. “You asked for it.” He launched the blast.

  Uriel stepped forward to counter, but a portal opened in front of him, swallowing the flame.

  What the…?

  Suddenly, light erupted around him. Portals opened in a circle, and the same fire blast emerged from all directions.

  Thinking fast, Uriel activated [Genesis X Psalms: Garden of Protection], a radiant barrier flaring to life. Using vector manipulation, he slowed the surrounding attacks just enough to shield himself.

  The blasts collided with his barrier, rocking the arena with echoing detonations.

  That was close… Uriel panted, reinforcing the barrier as cracks began to form.

  Asmodiel didn’t let up. Blast after blast rained down. Uriel’s shield trembled with strain.

  “You can’t keep this up forever,” Uriel said between breaths. “I’ve got more mana than you.”

  But then… silence.

  The blasts stopped. Smoke filled the cage.

  “What’s wrong? Out of mana already?” Uriel smirked—but his eyes narrowed. The smoke was too thick.

  Enchanted smoke…? he realised. Clever.

  He was instantly put on high alert, eyes darting around for any sign of Asmodiel.

  A sharp crack split the air.

  Uriel’s heart skipped. He turned, just in time to see a foot break through his barrier.

  Asmodiel?! How?!

  Uriel was flabbergasted; not only did he not hear a thing, but he didn’t sense anything either.

  Fueled by instinct and the desire to escape, Uriel attempted to transport himself away, but nothing happened.

  It failed? Damn it, Asmodiel must be the cause, he got me.

  Uriel calmly funnelled mana to his head to brace himself, just before Asmodiel’s foot smashed into his face, shattering his nose a second time.

  The force sent him crashing through his shield and into the cage.

  He braced again, trying to absorb the impact’s kinetic energy—but the cage flexed like rubber, then snapped back.

  Asmodiel was already waiting.

  Before Uriel could react, he was launched back, straight toward a smirking Asmodiel.

  The fiery-haired warrior drove an [Infinity Jab] empowered by [Divine Flash] into Uriel’s chest.

  The impact punched a hole straight through.

  “URIEL!” Jophiel gasped, trembling with horror.

  The entire 'Dead End' squad was silent, stunned by the sheer brutality.

  Uriel's soul slumped, eyes dazed. Asmodiel didn’t hesitate.

  He landed a flame-laced left hook, shattering Uriel’s jaw.

  A follow-up high kick dented the right side of Uriel’s face, knocking him unconscious.

  Both strikes were amplified by [Divine Flash] for maximum damage.

  Uriel collapsed.

  But Asmodiel wasn’t finished.

  He grabbed Uriel’s head and slammed it into the ground.

  A brutal and decisive showing, shocking all who assumed Uriel would have an easy victory.