At Samael’s command, the angels braced themselves as The Trial commenced—an unforgiving crucible designed to push them beyond their limits.

  The angels shared silver-white hair and eyes, their only distinguishing traits lying in their physical builds.

  The first challenge struck without warning: a sudden gravity wave distorted the air, disrupting their flight. Three angels lost control, spiralling out of bounds before they could recover. To pass this trial angels had to control their flight to prevent themselves from going out of bounds. As they got to the next room the second challenge began.

  This challenge unleashed a relentless barrage of energy blasts from all directions. Two more angels were eliminated on the spot, while the rest instinctively activated [Genesis], conjuring protective shields just in time.

  "Is this all they've got?" Adriel muttered, unimpressed.

  Gabriele smirked. "I know, right? I was expecting a challenge."

  Only the two of them found it effortless; the others struggled to keep up.

  The next challenge pitted them against swarms of lightships in aerial combat. The ships moved unpredictably, their attacks curving erratically and piercing through shields. Adriel and Gabriele managed to evade but took minor injuries. Those who relied solely on shields without countering were eliminated.

  Gabriele twisted mid-air to dodge another blast, her eyes narrowing as she watched three more angels fall. "This test is insane!" she barked, scanning the chaos.

  “We need to strike back—now!” she urged Adriel.

  Both fired massive beams of light using [Genesis], but the ships evaded effortlessly, launching retaliatory attacks from their blind spots.

  Adriel clenched his fists. “They’re reading our moves before we make them.”

  A massive explosion erupted nearby. Instinctively, he shut his eyes, expecting to be eliminated. But when he reopened them, he was still flying.

  “I’m… still here?” he muttered, confused.

  Then he spotted Gabriele, intercepting the incoming light blasts, detonating them before impact.

  She gritted her teeth. “I could use an assist—now!”

  Adriel rushed to help. “This is getting us nowhere,” he muttered, scanning for another way.

  She shot him a glare. “You think?”

  Gabriele’s gaze darted around. "If Samael were here, he'd know a better move," she murmured, then suddenly her expression lit up. "I got it!" She surged forward with renewed determination.

  “You better not be bluffing,” Adriel muttered.

  She unleashed: “[Chronicles: Divine Counter].”

  The moment the light blasts approached, she redirected them back at double their speed and power, obliterating four ships instantly.

  She clicked her tongue. “Almost had it.”

  The remaining angels, who had taken refuge behind them, stared in awe.

  “Oh, that’s it…” Adriel realized. “I thought countering wouldn’t work because of the erratic movement, but I was wrong.” He lunged at the last ship, preparing to counter, but just as his hand met the attack, it curved toward his face.

  Boom!

  The explosion engulfed him.

  Gabriele’s breath hitched. “No…!”

  As the smoke cleared, Adriel hovered above the wreckage, unharmed.

  “What—? Oh! Divine Absorption—smart.” Gabriele exhaled in relief.

  Adriel brushed the dust off his shoulder. “Didn’t even break a sweat.”

  “Pride doesn’t suit you—”

  A deafening scream interrupted her. The arena itself was collapsing, dragging the eliminated angels into the abyss. Panic set in as the remaining competitors bolted at full speed.

  “Samael, you went overboard,” Ariel remarked as they observed.

  “We lost the last generation because they weren’t prepared. I won’t let that happen again.”

  “Even so, this is too much,” Michael added.

  “Don’t worry, the two angels we need will complete this trial.”

  By the end of the preliminaries, only five remained.

  Gabriele frowned. “We’re down to five. This is bad—the real trials will be even tougher.”

  Adriel smirked. “If we stick together, we might stand a chance.”

  She folded her arms. “You do remember it’s not a team effort in the end, right?”

  “This time is different. Two generals died—we need two replacements.”

  Gabriele considered it. “I suppose you’re right. Fine—when this trial is over, let’s fight to see who’s stronger.”

  “I’ll play along, but don’t expect to last long.”

  “We’ll see.” Despite her confidence, she knew Adriel was formidable. Still, she believed her mastery of Chapters gave her an edge.

  The first real test was brutal: battling perfect clones of themselves. These clones had one directive—destroy. A draw meant failure. Victory required total annihilation. Different rooms were provided for the angels in this test.

  Adriel took a ruthless approach. He baited his clone into a false sense of superiority, intentionally holding back and taking hits before striking its sternum with full force.

  The clone staggered, coughing up blood.

  Adriel smirked. “Checkmate.”

  With [Genesis], he forged a bomb within his clone’s soul—and detonated it instantly. A shockwave erupted, tearing through the arena.

  Michael observed and nodded. “Let me guess—he’s one of the winners.”

  Samael smiled. “Indeed. Impressive, isn’t he?”

  Michael nodded. “He is—far more than the last group.”

  Azrael smirked. “And Jophiel? Let’s not forget how dreadful her performance was.”

  Jophiel tensed, fists clenching. “You know what, I’ve had enough of—”

  Uriel’s hand landed gently on her shoulder, steadying her. “Ignore him. He’s not worth it.”

  Azrael scoffed, eyes narrowing. “Since when did you become an authority? Know your place, little angel.”

  “I stand as Samael’s equal. I deserve the same respect.”

  “Oh?” Azrael grinned. “You think you’re impressive? I’ll humble you soon enough.”

  “Enough,” Samael commanded. “Settle this after the trial.”

  Uriel smirked. “I’ll enjoy beating you.”

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  Azrael simply smiled, offering no reply.

  Meanwhile, Gabriele had used a different strategy. She redirected all her clone’s attacks and stored their energy to create an [Ultimate Domain], bending the battlefield to her advantage and eliminating any chance of her clone’s victory.

  Gabriel nodded approvingly. “Impressive. Both she and Adriel had overwhelming wins.”

  Jophiel interjected. “One more angel cleared it—someone from my squad.”

  “Really? What’s his name?” Ariel asked.

  “Darriel,” Jophiel smirked. “Azrael, I don’t see anyone from your squad.”

  The archangels erupted in laughter. Furious, Azrael slammed the table, but before he could lash out, Gabriel effortlessly pushed him back into his seat with one hand.

  “Relax,” Samael said, a smirk playing on his lips. “No need to throw a fit. Just because Jophiel has an angel in the finals and you don’t doesn’t mean she isn’t weak. You, of all people, should know better than to get angry over someone bragging about their underling’s success.”

  Azrael’s rage cooled, his scowl twisting into a smirk.

  “Master! Why did you do that?” Uriel interjected. “He deserved that insult—she didn’t.”

  Samael remained calm. “Uriel, what do I value most in my archangels?”

  “Strength and skill,” Uriel answered without hesitation.

  “Exactly. And Jophiel lacks both. If she doesn’t improve, she will be demoted.”

  A heavy silence settled over the table.

  “No archangel has ever been demoted,” Michael said, stunned.

  “That’s because past generations were almost evenly matched,” Samael replied. “But now, Jophiel is a liability. I nearly died because of her weakness. That won’t be tolerated.”

  Tears welled in Jophiel’s eyes. Without a word, she turned and fled.

  “That was cruel,” Ariel snapped before hurrying after her.

  The others fixed their gazes on Samael, their expressions hard.

  “Do you disagree?” he challenged.

  Silence.

  “…Didn’t think so.”

  “I agree she’s weak,” Michael said, “but that weakness is on you.”

  Samael’s eyes narrowed. “What? That doesn’t even make sense.”

  Michael folded his arms. “Think about it. You never trained her, never helped her improve—and it nearly cost you your life.”

  Gabriel stepped forward, his tone sharp. “I remember you saying we all had the potential to surpass you. And yet, you’ve never trained us to do so. You complain that we’re weak, but you refuse to strengthen us. Some leader you are.”

  He turned away. “Watch the trial yourself. We’re leaving.”

  Without hesitation, the other archangels followed, commanding the angel generals to do the same.

  Samael sat in silence, their words echoing in his mind. Though he would never admit it… Gabriel wasn’t entirely wrong.

  The arena changed as the second trial began, pitting the three angels against an army of fallen angel fragments in a large hall. Adriel and Gabriele attacked from different directions, carving through the enemy ranks.

  “Hey! This is supposed to be a team battle!” Darriel called out, struggling to fend off the horde alone. He fought valiantly but was caught off guard by a brutal punch to the stomach, sending him to his knees.

  “You are weak,” one of the fallen fragments sneered.

  Darriel’s fist tightened as he gritted his teeth. “I won’t let my Lady down,” he growled, channelling his determination into his next strike. Wind slashes tore through the fragments around him.

  Adriel smirked. “Not bad, but I can’t let you outperform me.”

  “Second chapter: [Exodus 1st and 3rd Commandment: Light of Heavenly Chaos].”

  He clapped his hands. The fallen fragments were engulfed in light—their heads bursting instantly.

  Gabriele was shaken. Does he use more than one chapter? Just how strong is he?

  Adriel turned to the sky. “Lord Samael, is that it? That was barely a warm-up.”

  Samael’s smile twitched. “Too easy, huh? Then try this.”

  With a wave of his hand, the fragments merged into a massive fallen angel. It roared and lunged, striking Adriel in the chest and sending him flying.

  “What is that thing?!” Gabriele gasped, creating a shield.

  The fallen angel shattered it effortlessly, tearing through her guard. His punch struck with such force that it blew past her arms and nearly caved in her skull. Blood sprayed across the battlefield.

  Darriel sprang into action, spreading his wings as he conjured a tornado.

  The fallen angel merely flexed its aura—instantly dispersing it.

  “You just had to piss him off, didn’t you?” Darriel shouted, preparing another attack.

  The fallen angel let out a deep, distorted laugh. “You think you can defeat me?”

  Before Darriel could react, it struck him down with brutal force. In an instant, he was transported beside Samael.

  Samael looked down at him. “It seems you weren’t up to the task.”

  Darriel clenched his fists. “Damn it... I thought I could win.”

  Samael hesitated, Gabriel’s words lingering in his mind. Instead of mocking, he extended a hand. “Why are you on the ground crying? You are an angel—a warrior. Act like one.”

  Darriel wiped his tears and stood. Samael caught the disappointment in his eyes and softened slightly.

  “You’re not weak. You’re the third strongest angel in the army. Train harder. Surpass them.”

  Darriel nodded. “Thank you, Lord Samael. That’s why I’m watching their fight.”

  Meanwhile, Gabriel and Adriel healed themselves with [Job: Healing].

  Adriel narrowed his eyes. “This won’t go down easy. We move as one.” He unfurled his wings.

  “Agreed,” Gabriel replied, doing the same.

  The fallen angel chuckled, a low, menacing sound. “Still standing? Pathetic. I’ll finish you—just like I did Darriel.”

  Wait… it killed Darriel with one attack? Even I can’t do that… Gabriel thought, frozen in fear. Can I beat such a being, she questioned.

  Adriel, however, grinned. “Forget plans. Forget strategy. Let’s just win this thing.”

  His words stunned everyone—even Samael.

  “Lord Samael, is he insane?!” Darriel exclaimed.

  Samael grinned. “Hold on… he might be onto something.”

  Gabriele smirked, “You know what, let's do it, we’ll throw everything we have till it stops moving.”

  They lunged at the fallen angel. Gabriele summoned jagged spikes from the earth, impaling it, while Adriel struck with lightning-fast blows. The creature thrashed, retaliating with a vicious counterstrike—only for Adriel to reflect its attack tenfold, obliterating its head in an instant.

  “It’s over. [Exodus 1st and 3rd Commandment: Light of Heavenly Chaos],” Adriel chanted.

  Before he could clap his hands, agony shot through him. He coughed up blood. The fallen angel’s head regenerated in a blink, and with ruthless precision, it drove its fist through his gut.

  “[Judges: Divine—]” Gabriele began, but a brutal backhand sent her sprawling, unconscious.

  The fallen angel gathered energy in its palm, sinister power crackling around it. “This is where you die.”

  Samael sighed, already turning away. “Disappointing.”

  Humiliating. Lord Samael isn’t even watching… I must—I must win! Adriel thought, forcing himself up despite the searing pain. Blood dripped from his midsection, yet his mana roared, shaking the battlefield.

  Samael’s gaze snapped back to him.

  Driven by sheer defiance, Adriel’s power surged—evolving, pushing him beyond his limits.

  The fallen angel fired its blast. Adriel swatted it aside like a mere nuisance. Shock flickered across its face. Snarling, it lunged, unleashing a relentless barrage.

  Adriel weaved through every strike with inhuman precision. Despite his wound, his movements remained fluid—effortless.

  Samael’s eyes narrowed. He’s condensing his mana—using its explosive force to accelerate—while calculating every movement flawlessly.

  Such instinct… that must be his talent.

  A smirk played on his lips. “Magnificent. I want him in my squad.”

  Darriel scowled, jealousy simmering.

  How did he reach this level?

  The fallen angel clenched its fists. It doesn’t matter—I’ll crush him with this next strike!

  It lunged, attacking wildly—but every swing met nothing but air.

  What is this feeling? Adriel thought, his smirk widening. I feel unstoppable. Every attack looks so slow… I can win.

  Effortlessly slipping through the onslaught, he struck back. His counters were swift, brutal, and precise—each blow staggering his opponent.

  I refuse to lose to this fucking weakling!

  The fallen angel leapt back, unleashing a storm of energy blasts.

  Adriel exhaled; his eyes gleamed. “How pitiful… Final Chapter—[Revelations...]” he whispered, his form flickering like a phantom through the barrage.

  A shudder ran through his opponent. The sheer force of Adriel’s aura was suffocating.

  “No…” the fallen angel muttered, panic setting in.

  Desperation took hold—it launched a final, frenzied assault. But Adriel was untouchable.

  “…Ender.”

  His palm slammed into the fallen angel’s chest. Divine energy erupted, crashing into it’s form.

  Adriel staggered, then collapsed to one knee, panting.

  Damn that fucking angel… he almost killed me! If I hadn’t reinforced my chest with magic, I’d be dead.

  The fallen angel coughed blood but forced himself upright, a twisted grin splitting his face. “You thought you won? But I’m the one left standing.”

  “Sixth Chapter—[Judges: Divine Judgment—Execution],” Gabriele intoned.

  A guillotine of light materialized, its radiant blade gleaming above the fallen angel’s neck. A pillory formed beneath him, locking him in place.

  Panic filled his eyes. He thrashed, struggling in vain.

  The blade fell.

  A final, desperate scream ripped through the battlefield—then silence.

  Gabriele collapsed beside Adriel, breathless laughter escaping her lips. “We did it, Adriel… We’re going to be angel generals!”

  Adriel, bleeding heavily, scoffed. “You barely did anything.”

  Darriel, still in shock, muttered, “They can use chapters at such a high level. I can’t believe they beat that thing. Lord Samael—?

  He turned, realizing Samael had vanished.

  “I guess you were right… Lord Samael, did you come to congratulate us?” Gabriele asked, sensing his presence behind her.

  Samael ignored her, walking straight to Adriel. He knelt, extending his hand. “Join my squad. I will make you the strongest.”

  Darriel stared down, silent rage boiling within him. Next time… I will be the one chosen.

  Gabriele’s fists clenched. Did he just offer him a place? I know Adriel was impressive but so was I. Her teeth ground together. Why wasn’t I chosen?

  Adriel hesitated. “But… I’m already in Lord Raphael’s squad.”

  “That doesn’t matter. The strongest angel belongs in the squad of the strongest archangel, don’t you agree?”

  “I… I suppose. But Lord Raphael will be furious if I leave.”

  “I’m not forcing you. The choice is yours.”

  I have to act fast! Gabriele bit her lip—then an idea struck. “Lord Samael, wouldn’t it be fairer if Adriel fought for the spot, it would make him appreciate it more.”

  Samael’s eyes gleamed. As expected, the strong must be pushed beyond their limits, and only I can take them further.

  “A brilliant idea, Gabriele.” He rose to his feet. “Both of you will fight in two Earth days… That should be enough time to catch up, shouldn’t it?”

  Gabriele bowed, smirking. “More than enough, my Lord.”

  Adriel’s fists clenched. “Wait! That was my opportunity! How dare you try to steal it?!”

  “You are too late; you shouldn’t have hesitated. Now, if you want it, you’ll have to fight for it.” Samael turned away. “Besides… she clearly wants it more.” He walks out of the room.

  Adriel’s fury exploded. “Damn you, Gabriele! I’ll destroy you!”

  She chuckled, pivoting on her heel. “We’ll see about that.”

  As she walked away, Adriel collapsed to his knees, pounding the ground in frustration. Meanwhile, Gabriele’s grin never wavered.