Krisian stood before them, his presence commanding. MG stood by his side, his expression calm but resolute. Krisian's voice was strong, unwavering. "MG, my brother, my light. And Michael, my shadow. I stand here with Sillax."
His gaze turned toward Perfani, and the others gathered. "So, you want me to convince you why you should trust me? Fine. I will say this once, so listen well."
A surge of shadow energy pulsed around them, forming runes in the air. "All of you here are here for a reason. You are either an Onyx Court descendant or a Celestial Court descendant. And not only that—you have all suffered. You have endured hell, terrible pain. Some of you were mistreated as slaves; some were lied to since birth." His eyes locked onto Zak and Alpha.
"Some of you—your parents were killed because of their powers. Others were slaughtered, and their families faced injustice." He turned to Michael, Perfani, and MG. "Not because of anything else, but because of the corruption in this kingdom."
His voice grew stronger. "I am rebuilding the Onyx Court and Celestial Court, not just because of their origins, but because of their purpose. The Celestial Court was meant to fight in the name of justice. The Onyx Court was meant to destroy and eliminate the corrupt without rules. But over time, that purpose was lost."
He stepped forward, his golden eyes glowing with determination. "I want you not because you are descendants, but because of what you have endured. I will fight with you as your leader, but more than that—I will not tolerate injustice. All species will rise again, and all rulers who oppose true justice will fall."
His voice echoed with finality. "I promise that every one of us, and those who have suffered before us, will receive the justice they deserve."
A tense silence followed Krisian's proclamation, the weight of his words sinking into those gathered before him. The air crackled with energy, a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty. Some shifted uneasily, while others clenched their fists, their expressions hardened with years of suffering and loss.
Perfani stepped forward, his sharp gaze locked onto Krisian's. "Words are powerful, but they are not enough. We have heard speeches before. We have seen promises crumble. Why should we follow you? What makes you different?"
Krisian met Perfani's challenge head-on, his golden eyes unwavering. "Because I do not ask for your loyalty blindly. I ask for your conviction. If you do not believe in this cause, you are free to leave. But if you stay, know this—no longer will we cower in the shadows. No longer will we watch as our people are slaughtered, our homes destroyed, our existence erased. The world has turned its back on us, and now, we turn to each other."
A murmur spread through the group, uncertainty giving way to contemplation. Zak and Alpha exchanged glances, their past pains surfacing in their eyes. MG placed a steadying hand on Michael's shoulder, while Sillax watched with quiet intensity.
Michael exhaled sharply, stepping forward. "We've all lost something to this kingdom's corruption. But vengeance alone will not unite us. What is your true vision, Krisian? What future do you see?"
Krisian took another step forward, his voice resonating with an authority that sent chills through those listening. "A future where power is not dictated by bloodlines, but by the will to change fate. A world where strength is not used to oppress but to protect. A world where no child has to grow up fearing the very system meant to guide them."
His shadow energy pulsed again, the runes in the air glowing brighter. "I will not promise that this path will be easy. We will face enemies more powerful than us, and there will be times when doubt will creep into your hearts. But mark my words—together, we will shatter the chains that bind us. We will forge a new order, one that serves the people, not the oppressors."
Silence stretched, but it was no longer filled with doubt. It was the quiet before the storm, the moment before a decision was made that would change history.
Perfani exhaled, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "You speak with the fire of someone who has seen the truth. I do not follow leaders. I follow ideals. And if yours remain true, then I will stand with you."
Zak nodded, stepping forward. "We fight not just for ourselves, but for those who can no longer fight. If this is truly the beginning of a new era, then I will see it through."
Alpha crossed her arms, her piercing gaze unwavering. "I have no love for the system that created me. If this is the path to its destruction, then I will walk it with you."
One by one, the others followed, stepping forward, pledging their strength to the cause. The room was no longer filled with individuals seeking solace—it was filled with warriors ready to reclaim their fate.
Krisian nodded, satisfaction gleaming in his golden eyes. "Then let the Gathering of Courts begin."
As I speak, Zeref, my dear friend, has found the five Lights of the Celestial Court. As for the Onyx Court, three Shadows remain, and I, Michael, will be the one to retrieve them. And as for you, Zak, Alpha, and Perfani, you will begin your training. We are preparing for a war, one where we must all awaken to our true selves."
For now, go rest," Krisian said, his voice softer but still firm. "I know it has been a long journey." As they turned to leave, he gestured toward Sillax. "Show them to the secret room where they will stay."
As the others departed, Krisian turned to MG and Michael. "Stay. I want to talk to you."
Once they were alone, he addressed Michael first. "I have located the next three Onyx Court descendants. They are three sisters—twins—the Fates. They reside in Meliora and are known as the Witches of Fate, or the Gemini Goddesses. They are incredibly important, but retrieving them will not be easy. You will have to fight harder than you did when you faced Chonow to find Zak, Alpha, and Perfani. That is why you will not go alone. MG will accompany you."
Michael's expression darkened. "No. What if something happens to you while we're gone?"
Krisian smirked, shaking his head. "Do not worry. Sillax will be here. She is highly protective, and Vordimoth will not suspect a thing. She will take his appearance if necessary. You have two weeks to complete this mission."
Michael hesitated but eventually nodded. "And what about Zak, Perfani, and Alpha?"
Krisian folded his arms. "I will assign them their roles tomorrow. As for you, Michael, you will be assigned to a demon. And MG, you will be assigned to an angel."
Michael frowned. "Didn't you say demonic energy is dangerous?"
Krisian nodded. "That is true. But for the Onyx Court, they cannot be controlled—they can only be harnessed to make you stronger. I will assign you a parent demon so that it does not harm you."
MG turned to Sillax, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "And what about Sillax?"
Krisian's expression softened slightly. "Sillax is not a descendant. She was part of the Celestial Court herself—cursed long ago. But I have removed that curse. She now grows like a normal person. She is human again. You can say she has already been assigned an angel. But you, MG, have not."
He straightened, his gaze serious. "Tomorrow, we will visit the temple. There, we will assign you both. But for now, go get some rest."
The first light of dawn broke over the horizon as Krisian, MG, Michael, Zak, Alpha, and Perfani arrived at the sacred temple. The towering structure stood as an ancient monument to the past, its golden spires glistening under the rising sun. The air around them hummed with energy, a presence that made the very ground beneath their feet feel alive.
Krisian stepped forward, his voice steady. "This is where your true journey begins. The temple will test you, not only in strength but in will. It will determine if you are worthy of your assignments."
Michael and MG exchanged glances, tension in their eyes.
"Step forward," Krisian commanded. "And be ready. This temple will reveal who you truly are."
The Trial of Light and Shadow
The golden spires of the temple stood against the rising sun, its sacred halls humming with an unseen force. Ancient runes pulsed along its towering walls, whispering forgotten truths. The air was thick with power—a place where warriors were forged and legends were broken.
Krisian stood at the entrance, his golden eyes flickering like embers in the dim morning light. MG and Michael stood before him, their expressions unreadable. They knew what this was. They knew what they were about to face.
"This temple will reveal your true nature," Krisian said, his voice unwavering. "You will not just be tested. You will be judged."
Michael exhaled, rolling his shoulders. "Let's get this over with."
MG remained silent, his piercing blue eyes studying the towering doors ahead. A part of him already knew—this was more than just a trial. This was fate.
"Step forward," Krisian commanded. "And may you return as more than what you are now."
The two warriors walked toward the temple's entrance. The moment they crossed the threshold, the doors slammed shut behind them, sealing them in darkness.
The Forgotten Path – Entering the Trial
The air was thick, suffocating, as the temple swallowed them whole. The floor beneath them cracked open, splitting into two separate paths.
Michael turned to MG, smirking. "Guess we split up here."
MG nodded once. "Stay alive."
"I always do."
Without another word, they walked their separate paths.
As Michael stepped forward, the air around him twisted into black tendrils, pulling him into the abyss.
MG walked into the light—and the walls of the temple vanished into golden radiance.
Two warriors. Two destinies.
The trials had begun.
Michael's Trial – Facing the Devourer of Essence
Michael landed hard, his boots hitting the blackened stone floor of a vast, empty void. Shadows slithered along the ground like living things, whispering his name. The air was alive with something ancient—something watching.
Then, the darkness stirred.
A towering figure emerged from the abyss, its body shifting like liquid shadow, its golden eyes burning with a sickening familiarity.
"Michael…"
The voice slithered through the air, low and mocking. Michael's hands clenched into fists as he watched the figure take shape—a twisted, monstrous version of himself.
"So this is what I'm facing," Michael muttered, drawing his daggers. "Figures."
The demon smiled—a jagged, unnatural thing.
"I am Tenebrak, the Devourer of Essence," the creature intoned. "I am the hunger that lurks in your soul. The darkness you cannot control."
Michael's smirk didn't waver. "You talk too much."
Then, Tenebrak lunged.
Michael barely had time to react before a wall of blackened tendrils shot toward him. He dodged, flipping to the side, but the shadows moved faster than him, wrapping around his legs.
"You are not in control," the demon whispered, its voice filling the space around him. "You never were."
Michael gritted his teeth, slashing at the tendrils. They reformed instantly, twisting like living chains.
Tenebrak raised a clawed hand.
"Shadow Hunger."
Michael felt it immediately—his own energy draining, his power turning against him.
His heart pounded. The weight of the darkness pulled at his mind, whispering things he didn't want to hear.
"You will never control it.""You were meant to be consumed.""You are not the master of shadows—you are its prey."
Michael dropped to one knee, gasping.
No.
His mind screamed against it.
He looked up, his golden eyes burning. He was not prey. He was not weak.
With a guttural roar, he twisted his blade and slashed through the shadows. The tendrils shattered, bursting apart in waves of black energy.
Tenebrak snarled. "You resist? Foolish."
Michael grinned through the pain."No. I win."
Then, he vanished.
The next second, his dagger was at Tenebrak's throat.
The demon froze, golden eyes widening.
Michael smirked. "I don't need control. I just need to win."
With one swift movement, he drove the dagger forward.
Tenebrak screamed as the darkness collapsed inward, the trial breaking apart around them.
Michael stood victorious.
MG's Trial – Facing the Fallen Seraph
The golden light of the temple burned, too bright, too pure. MG shielded his eyes as the air trembled with power.
Then—a massive, armored figure descended from above.
The sound of shattered wings filled the air.
"You are unworthy."
MG lowered his hand, his breath catching. Before him stood a warrior of light—a celestial knight clad in broken golden armor, his six wings cracked and bleeding energy.
"Who are you?" MG asked.
The warrior raised his blade, its surface glowing with holy runes.
"I am Luxmordis, the Fallen Seraph. And you are not meant to wield the light."
MG clenched his jaw. "We'll see about that."
Luxmordis charged.
Their blades clashed in a burst of white fire, the force of impact sending shockwaves through the temple. MG held his ground, but the weight of Luxmordis's strikes threatened to break him.
"You are not strong enough," the seraph intoned, pushing him back. "You are a warrior of hesitation. You do not know if you belong to the light or to the shadows."
MG gritted his teeth. "I know who I am!"
Luxmordis raised a glowing hand.
"Then prove it."
White-hot chains shot forward, wrapping around MG's body.
And suddenly—he was somewhere else.
Memories flooded his mind. His past. His failures. His doubts. The times he questioned himself. The moments he hesitated when he should have acted.
"You are weak.""You are not worthy.""You are not the leader they need."
MG fell to his knees, his breath ragged.
Luxmordis stepped closer. "You cannot wield the light if you are afraid of it."
MG clenched his fists. His vision blurred.
"I am not afraid."
Then, his eyes snapped open—glowing with divine energy.
The chains shattered in an instant.
Luxmordis hesitated.
MG surged forward, slashing with all his strength.
The seraph stumbled back, his armor cracking.
Golden light poured from MG's hands, power he had never tapped into before.
Luxmordis exhaled, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, he knelt.
"You have passed."
The trial ended.
Outside the Temple – The Awakening
Krisian watched as the golden spires pulsed one final time. Then—the doors to the temple opened.
Michael stepped out first, his body scarred but victorious.
MG followed, his blue eyes shining with celestial energy.
Zak exhaled. "They did it."
Perfani smirked. "Damn. Guess they're stronger than we thought."
Krisian stepped forward, his golden gaze locking onto them. "You survived. Good."
Michael smirked. "Told you I always do."
MG said nothing—but for the first time, he felt it.
He was ready.
krisian say now the rest it you turn