Chapter 87: Arrogance And Ashes

    The rain fell relentlessly, soaking the forest floor and creating a symphony of droplets against the leaves.

    The moon barely pierced the dense blanket of clouds, and the occasional flash of lightning illuminated the dark woods in brief, fleeting moments.

    Arkanos adjusted his gloves calmly, his expression composed as Seraphine held the reins of his horse.

    She shifted nervously, her long cloak dripping wet as the storm continued to rage around them. Her voice trembled slightly as she spoke, clearly concerned despite her attempts to hide it.

    "Lord Arkanos, is this really necessary? You''re taking a serious risk. Do you truly believe you can harm a fallen angel like... him?"

    Without looking at her, Arkanos answered, "Of course."

    Seraphine''s grip on the reins tightened as her worry grew. "But... my Lord, this isn''t like the battles you''ve fought before. He''s dangerous, even for someone as powerful as you. You could—"

    "Do you doubt my abilities, Seraphine?"

    Arkanos turned his gaze to her, his sharp green eyes glowing in the darkness, silencing her words like a blade.

    Her face flushed, and she quickly shook her head. "Never, my lord. I would never doubt you. I''m just—"

    Before she could finish, Arkanos stepped closer and gently placed a gloved finger against her lips, silencing her again. His touch was firm yet surprisingly gentle.

    "Hush now. Your only task is to look after my horse. Stay here and do not interfere."

    He narrowed his gaze.

    "Have I made myself clear?"

    She simply nodded, his finger still placed on her lips.

    "Good."

    Seraphine''s heart raced as he stepped back. The warmth of his finger seemed to linger on her lips. Her fingers brushed against them instinctively, and a soft blush spread across her cheeks. Despite her fear for him, she couldn''t help but smile faintly, the moment staying with her as she watched him walk away.

    In the clearing ahead, Arkanos approached Abaddon. The fallen angel stood tall and imposing, his dark wings folded behind him, their edges glistening in the rain. His presence seemed to warp the air around him, as though nature itself recoiled from his existence.

    The orb detonated on impact, unleashing a massive explosion that shook the ground. The shockwave tore through the clearing, uprooting trees and flinging dirt and debris into the air.

    Seraphine yelped, turning her face away as the blast sent rain flying in every direction. Steam hissed as fire met water, creating a fog that spread through the forest.

    "Lord Arkanos!" she cried out, her voice trembling as she struggled to peer through the haze.

    Abaddon chuckled, his voice cutting through the chaos. "I guess that''s the end of—"

    "Of what exactly?"

    The voice was calm, disdainful, and unmistakable.

    Abaddon''s grin vanished as the fog began to clear. Through the lingering haze, Arkanos''s body became visible. The rain had washed away the smoke, revealing him standing exactly where he had been, entirely unharmed. His clothes weren''t even singed.

    He narrowed his gaze as he said, "You think I''d be done in by such an attack? Please..."

    "Don''t make me laugh."

    "And for your information, that was your first move."

    His gaze became condescending as he said, "Do try to use the others more wisely."

    Abaddon''s eyes narrowed. "I might have underestimated you," he admitted, his tone colder now. "But I won''t make that mistake again."

    With a sharp SCHINK, he drew two obsidian-black swords from a dark rift that appeared on his back. The blades vibrated with dark energy, faint sparks appearing along their edges.

    In that instant, Abaddon charged forward, his speed so explosive it left a crater where he had stood.

    BOOM!

    In a blur, he reached Arkanos and slashed both swords downward in a cross pattern.

    CLANG!

    Sparks erupted as the blades struck Arkanos''s torso, only to bounce off with a metallic ring.