Morning light filtered through the Vanguards' chamber — a rare, peaceful moment after weeks of unrelenting training. But the peace would not last.
The team gathered as Seraphael stood before them, wings folded, eyes burning with cosmic awareness.
"It is time to speak of your next mission," he began.
Kael, standing at the head of the group, his white aura dim but steady, nodded.
"We're ready."
⸻
Mastery and Discipline
Before the briefing began, Seraphael motioned Kael forward.
"You awakened something during your fight with Nullframe — but it is wild, unshaped. If you wield it without mastery, it could destroy you."
Kael closed his eyes, remembering the blinding power — the white form that had surged from deep within.
"Teach me."
The training began — Seraphael guiding Kael through breath, focus, and combat flow. With each strike, Kael's aura grew purer, sharper — no longer a raging force, but a controlled brilliance.
⸻
Nearby, Veyra trained under Seraphael's watch as well — her crystalline flames focused through new forms and techniques.
Her pink eyes flared as she balanced power with grace. Each motion resonated across the chamber, her abilities becoming more precise and lethal.
"You do not need more power," Seraphael told her. "You need sharper intent. Let your will guide your flames — not your emotion."
Veyra absorbed every word — determined to master this awakening inside her.
⸻
On the opposite end of the arena, Orion and Lyra sparred — fast, fierce, but reckless.
With a burst of flame and wind, Seraphael appeared between them, wings flaring.
"Your strength is undeniable," he said calmly. "But you leap in too fast. Discipline will save your lives in the battles ahead — not raw speed."
Chastened, both Orion and Lyra nodded, taking the lesson to heart.
⸻
A Distant Horror
Hours later — as training wound down — Kael suddenly froze.
His eyes widened, glowing pure white.
A vision crashed through his mind — no longer a fleeting flash, but a clear, burning sight:
A vast, shadowed being, hovering above a doomed multiverse — hands outstretched, a massive sphere of energy forming between them. Planets, stars, and realms were collapsing into nothingness.
The being grinned, cruel and amused.
"So many useless worlds…"
With a surge of dark energy — the multiverse shattered.
⸻
Kael's Fury
Kael staggered, breath ragged. His aura exploded outward in a flash of pure white light.
Veyra was at his side instantly.
"Kael?! What did you see?!"
The others rushed to him as Kael clenched his fists, fury burning in his voice.
"A being… is destroying multiverses. It's already begun."
Orion's expression darkened.
"Where?"
Kael shook his head.
"Far… but approaching. We can't wait. We have to stop it."
Zero Step, eyes narrowing, began calculating probabilities.
"Then the mission changes. We hunt this being — before more is lost."
⸻
Resolve
Seraphael's wings flared as he spoke:
"Now you understand. The true enemy is near — and greater than what you have faced."
Kael's gaze burned white.
"Then we strike first. Together."
The Celestial Vanguards readied themselves — the battle for existence drawing closer with each moment.
⸻
End of Chapter 34