Maria stirred awake, the soft velvet of the sky realm's morning light brushing against her skin. She sat up, blinking slowly as she took in the vibrant horizon stretching far above the clouds. A gentle wind carried the scent of starflowers and celestial dew as she stepped barefoot across the floating garden paths.
"So this is the sky realm... It's right above the village? How can they not see it?" Maria asked aloud, eyes fixed on the unseen boundary that separated heaven from earth.
Chronos, ever composed, appeared beside her, arms folded behind his back. His ageless features betrayed only a hint of amusement. "Satori concealed the sky realm from all mortal eyes, per our master's orders."
Maria turned to him, surprised. "Ah, Chronos, sir! You're awake. May I ask... Who is Azazel?"
He chuckled, the sound low and warm like old embers. "I forgot how new you are. I must be getting old."
"It's alright," she smiled, "I forget things, too. Especially when I think too hard. My head gets... noisy."
"I'm glad I'm not the only one, then." He gazed at the skies for a moment before continuing. "To answer your question—Azazel is one of the demonic brothers. Masters of flame and illusion. Azazel in particular is unparalleled with illusions. He could trap someone inside their own dreams... forever, if he wished."
Maria's eyes widened. "Incredible. To think a human could reach such power…"
"It wasn't easy," Chronos said softly. "All of us have endured long roads to become who we are. Pain. Loss. Sacrifice."
"If you're all that powerful… then what about the Three Celestial Apostles? And Angel-sama? How strong are they?"
Chronos fell silent for a moment, then smiled ruefully. "That... is beyond me. Especially Angel-sama. He defeated the Three in battle to earn their loyalty. I cannot even begin to guess at the depth of his strength."
Maria nodded, a reverent hush falling between them.
---
Meanwhile, below the sky realm, unrest was brewing in the village. The crops were withering—yellowing leaves and brittle stalks betrayed the harshness of unblessed soil. While the kingdom's central farms flourished under divine priestly blessings, the outlying villages had only their hands and hope.
Chronos turned his gaze downward. "It seems the villagers are struggling. Their farms need divine aid. This might be your chance."
"My chance?" Maria tilted her head.
"A chance to gain worshippers," Chronos explained. "Restoring your divinity isn't just about power—it's about belief. The faith of others strengthens you."
"But... isn't there anyone else who can help? You, or another of the apostles?"
He shook his head. "We have no other with a domain over nature. Not since the Lord. The responsibility falls to you."
Maria clenched her fists. If this is my path to reclaiming what I lost... I can't let it slip away.
"I will descend and bless the land with the divine light granted to me by Angel-sama."
Chronos smiled. "Then go. Make it grand."
---
Sunlight broke through the clouds like a river of gold, streaming down upon the fields. The dying crops shimmered, leaves unfurling anew as vitality surged through the soil. A divine presence filled the air.
Maria's voice rang clear and soft across the fields. "I have blessed your land. From this day forth, may your harvests be bountiful and eternal."
Villagers fell to their knees in awe, hands raised in prayer. "Praise the Goddess Maria! Thank you for your blessing!"
From behind the fields, a man in dark armor approached—his aura sharp and severe. He knelt before Chronos.
"To think someone other than the Lord himself would wield divine power," he murmured. "I greet you, Lord Chronos."
"Garin. How fares the extermination of the demons?" Chronos asked.
Garin growled, his voice harsh and edged. "Poorly. They multiply like vermin and assault more villages by the day. It should be Akuma handling this—wasn't he their former general?"
"Calm yourself, Garin. Your chaotic energy is rising again."
Garin took a deep breath, closing his eyes. The black aura that coiled around him dimmed slightly. "Forgive me, my lord. I've lost my composure."
Just then, Maria returned. "Mr. Chronos, I've—"
She froze. A bone-deep chill surged through her as she laid eyes on Garin. The air around him was thick with a swirling black force—chaotic, violent, and raw. His crimson eyes flicked to her, his gaze piercing through her soul.
She staggered back, knees buckling under the weight of his aura.
But just as swiftly, Garin pulled it back, sealing his presence once more beneath his cloak of discipline. He bowed slightly.
"I take my leave, Lord Chronos. And I greet the Goddess Maria."
With a hiss of dark energy, Garin vanished.
Maria collapsed to her knees.
Chronos knelt beside her, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. "Rest now, Maria. You've overextended yourself using divine energy on that scale."
"I... I didn't expect... that man," she said, voice shaking. "Who is he? He felt like... like a void made flesh."
Chronos stood, gazing at the fading black tendrils in the wind. "That was Garin. One of the elite combatants under Ares, the War Apostle. He's known as the Elite of Chaos. That's all I can say for now. The rest can wait until you're stronger."
Maria nodded slowly. "I understand... I'll rest."
---
Later, inside the manor, Maria slept peacefully, her dreams untouched by chaos.
---
Morning – Adventurer's Guild
Angel stood before the quest board, his sharp eyes scanning the parchment listings. He tapped one with interest.
"This one will do."
It was a noble escort request—standard, but offering freedom to travel.
Diana, the guild clerk, raised an eyebrow as she processed his selection. "Escorting a marquis, huh? Sounds like a decent challenge. Could be a good opportunity to explore further."
Angel stamped the quest paper. "I'll meet the client now."
As he stepped outside, a thought lingered in his mind. I wonder how Maria's doing...
His expression hardened just slightly. She might encounter him. If that happens... I pray the other Apostles step in. I hope they're watching.
He vanished into the streets, unaware that destiny had already begun to stir.