36 Light Meets Darkness Part 4 (1/2)

An angel stood before them which was certain to bring death upon anyone who faces him. Now that the angel has transformed into something that could be described as deadly, everyone's feeling of fear and anxiousness had increased gradually. One mere touch from this angel could consider you to be dead. If you do survive it could totally be considered as a miracle.

Vincent looked at his ally which was impaled by a blade from the ground. The blade still had his ally impaled, therefore his ally was like being hung by that blade leaving his arms and legs dangling.

No question required, it was already obvious that he was dead. It was truly a gruesome sight when considering it was his ally that was the victim. Blood crawling down the blade and slowly producing a pool of blood. That said, there's no point in healing him anymore, for the dead cannot be restored by healing magic.

A few seconds right after the angel said his declaration of ending everything now. An enormous wave of ice suddenly approached the angel and consumed him whole. The ice which consumed the angel has sharp edges, as those edges broke, the ice continued on encased him. The body of ice has electrical effects on it and it was so wide, also it was so tall which was probably about eight meters tall.

However, it would seem that was not even an issue for the angel. It looked like the angel merely flapped his wings a little then the ice which trapped him broke apart. After that, the angel turned to look at the one who cast the magic of ice.

The caster of the ice element shrugged as he saw the angel turned at him. He felt something heavy crossed his heart, perhaps it was a surge anxiousness which struck him caused by the gaze of the death angel.

Then the angel made his move. For a moment, the caster of ice thought the angel just disappeared – no, that is precisely what happened. In his eyes, it was as though the angel disappeared, that was because the angel's movements were too fast for his eyes to follow.

It wasn't like that. Before, he could follow the angel's movements even for just a little. For now, however, he couldn't. Instantly, he concluded that the angel is now indeed serious.

Suddenly, he saw that the angel was now before him and in an instant, he took a step back with his eyes widened in surprise. In reflex, he waved his hand in the hopes to stop the angel. As he did that, a wave of ice rose from the ground right in front of the angel and blocked his way.

The angel was right before the wave of ice so it was sure that the ice also hit him directly. However, just as the wave of ice blocked their sight from each other, instantly the ice broke. With it, the angel appeared.

Immediately, the angel extended his hand and had his blade pointed at the man.

The man's name was Dylan Roen. When he was still in his early teens, both of his parents died in a terrible car accident. Because of that, both his parents died and he was left all alone. Dylan found it difficult to live on when there was no one there to support him when he was young, most of all it was difficult when he has no parents around.

Eventually, one of his parent's relatives took him in and supported him in his daily life needs. However, even all of that, he has been all alone, or rather that was how he always felt. Even in his house, he would stay in his room most of the time. At school, he didn't interact well with the others. Perhaps because he prefers to be alone, or maybe something else.

When he graduated from college, he immediately went to look for a job. Eventually, his impressive talent in magic was discovered by a member of the order so he was asked to join. At first, he was reluctant, however, he gave a lot of thought into it.

His job was not all that great and salary was low even though there was a lot of work. Also, his affinity in ice magic was splendid, it would be a waste not to put it to good use. Besides, they would be protecting the word when the time comes, so why not. He thought at least he would have a good thing to do in his life. Also, the pay was good so that would be a great help to the family who took him in.

That said, he still prefers to be alone even though in the order. He was somewhat distant to the others. Then eventually, he met a girl who was also a member of the order. She was so beautiful and charming, because of that he felt something in his heart. It was warm like in a very good way and somehow different, in other words, it could be called love.

He thought that he should ask her out when there's a chance. Until this day, he has yet to do just that. However, he still hoped he could do it. But it seems it's pointless to hope for something like that now. He thought that he could feel happier when he got closer to that woman. But it was apparent it will never happen.

A blade bringing certain death approaches him.

I guess this is where it ends then.

He thought.

He had no choice nor chance to avoid death now. He thought it would fine. He had nothing to lose when he dies anyway.

As the blade approached his skin, he slightly smiled. And at that moment he felt joy, not because he finally gets to die and leave his lonely life, but because he finally gets to see his father and mother again. He would be very happy when he gets to be reunited with his family, even if it is in the afterlife. And he was certain they would see each other, so he gladly took the blade which had plunged into his chest.

As his life was slowly draining, in his own eyes he saw a light. With that light, he saw two people. One was a woman, and the other was a man. Then, at that moment when he got a glimpse of them, they were the ones he wanted to see. The never felt so happy. Even though he was dying, he still felt joy which stretches to the stars. Perhaps one could say he got a happy death.

His eyes closed and there he died.

”… He's smiling?”

The angel quietly said that no other people could hear.

Immediately after that, several attacks came landing upon the angel again.

Lightning enchanted bullets hit the angel's armor however, none were effective. As it happened, multiple barrages of golden light all landed on the angel, however, when the dust faded a little it was apparent that the angel was still undamaged. Following that, large vines came rushing towards the angel and two vines slammed the angel, however, the angel slashed the two at once.

Instantly after that, a vine began to wrap around the angel in hopes to hold him again. However, quickly they realized that was a useless effort and quite possibly be foolish. The angel merely spread his wings slightly and vine which was supposed to wrap him got cut. Indeed, it was foolish and useless, but they thought that at least they tried – or rather, the caster tried.

Having to gain the angel's attention, the angel turned to look at the caster who used vines to wrap him. The caster shrugged in surprised and fear as the two of them looked at each other. At that moment, the caster's chest began to feel heavy as though he felt the pressure of being gazed by an overwhelmingly powerful being.

That was not the only reason he felt his chest was heavy. The other reason was that he had never felt more afraid. He was now more afraid than before, perhaps because death itself has turned an eye on him. He began to profusely sweat, he began to breathe shakily, and he can barely blink his eyes as he looked at the angel.

However, when he managed to blink once, he was struck by great surprise. When he blinked his eyes, the angel suddenly disappeared from where he was just now. In shock, he frantically took a step back. He already knew what the angel was going to do at the moment he disappeared.

”No!”

The man cried in panic.

As he cried, he sent several vines in the area around him in hopes of stopping angel that was sure to kill him. He didn't stop there, behind the vines, he conjured woods around him to add more protection because he thought that those vines weren't enough. No, those weren't enough, to begin with. He only hoped that the obstacles which were protecting him can give even for just a few seconds to find a chance to survive this. In contrast, he sent protection all around him instantly because he didn't know where the angel will be attacking from.

However, for just after a second or perhaps slightly more the obstacles were brought into existence, a part in front of him was destroyed. In shock, his breathing stopped without noticing it himself.

”Stay away!”

He conjured large vines to attack the angel and to hold him to give himself a chance to escape. However, those were taken out in an instant by the angel. At that point, his death is inevitable.

Immediately, the angel grabbed him by the throat and choked him then lifted him up.

”Your vines entangling me is annoying and irritating.”

The man being choked was Brian Berosa. He lived an average life. They were wealthy enough to obtain their daily needs. His early life was not all the great nor interesting. It was just how a normal life is.

He finished college and went to expand their business until they ended up having business with a company which was under the Order. Eventually, his talent in magic was acknowledged. He agreed to help the order in their endeavor to protect the world. In addition, if he joins, it would bring great benefits to his family's business as well as can give a better life to his family.

However, he still thinks his life is not all that great and interesting. Well, that was until he met a certain woman. When he first laid eyes on the said woman, he felt like the world around has begun to have color and the woman looked like she was shining in her great beauty. He felt like his life became whole and complete, he never felt so alive.

He courted the woman which he sometimes described as a goddess. Eventually, they got married.

However, they only got married recently. At this time, they have only been married for three weeks. They haven't yet got a lot of time together as couples – no, it was not just that. It was like they barely even started as a married couple. They haven't even yet started to have a family. They only got to live in their own house for such a short time, too short. There are still countless things they wanted to do and achieve together, experience together.

And now, death has taken hold of him. He doesn't want to die yet especially when thinking about his wife. He could have felt different if he knows they have a chance against this angel of death. He could have accepted the coming of death more easily if things were different. However, he knows, from the very beginning that this was not something that could be won. That was why he was reluctant in approaching the strange beings.

They had a choice to fall back and live to see another day. However, that foolish Vincent chose to approach the beings which completely destroyed an entire town, plus that foolish Vincent was so confident they have a chance. How foolish, how stupid.

Of course, he had a choice himself not to approach. However, he couldn't bear to leave his allies behind. Perhaps that was just not the reason, perhaps he hoped they could manage to fight against the strange beings. Perhaps he believed a little they have a chance. If that were the case, then he can easily call himself a fool. What a mistake it would be to hope and believed they could prevail.

Even so, he couldn't just easily accept his own death. There must be a way to live through this. At least, he should try something to gain another chance to live. Even if it means kneeling and begging. Even if it means to set his pride aside. Even if it means making a deal with the devil. For the love of his life, he will do anything.

”P-Please… d-don't… I b-beg y-you.”

The angel slightly tilted his head. With it, the angel lowered the strength he used on choking the man, enough to let him properly breathe and talk a little.

”I'll do anything. P-Please, spare m-me.”

”Brian! Hang on, we'll save you!”

A shout came to Brian's ears. Hearing that voice only made him feel irritated and anger began to fill him up.

”Shut up! You can't do anything!”

Then Brian shifted his eyes back to the angel.

”Please. I'll do anything. I'll follow your everything comma—”

”Don't be mistaken. You'll die, just like the others. The master has no need for the likes of you.”

Then the angel began to slowly exert force again.

”No! I don't want to die. I still want to see my wife. P-Please!”

”I'm afraid I can't let you live. There shall be no witnesses.”

A cold voice reached his ears which determined his fate.

Brian began to shed tears. At his dying moment, he felt anger, regret, and hatred. With all the emotions welling him, he unleashed those feelings towards the man who caused all of this to happen. The foolish and stupid man who chose to blindly advance without thinking about his followers.

”T-this is all your fault Vincent! You and your f-fucking pride! Because of you! I'm going to die! You're the reason why I won't get to see her anym—”

The angel broke his neck cutting the man's resentful words.

”So sad…”

The angel said while sounding like there was a mix of sarcasm in it. And the angel let go of the man.

”You bastard!”

Zoey exclaimed and she began to run towards the angel.

Maya on the other remained quiet. However, she was also angry at the same time sorrow for her fallen comrades. Then she turned invisible.

Vincent hesitated from charging in. John immediately noticed this.

”Vincent! Let's go.”

”R-Right.”

The angel saw their approach and he immediately pointed his sword to Vincent.

At that moment, Vincent felt something on the ground. Instantly, he recalled that the angel is capable of raising blades from the ground. Thus, he immediately jumped back, and blades did come up from the ground. His shoes were slightly touched by the blades, bull all was good.

As all that happen, Zoey had reached the angel. She wasted no time and she immediately jumped to kick down on the angel. Her metallic boot glowed as she filled it with power. Then she gave force and did a downward kick.

She felt it hit something – no, it did it something. But she was so shocked by what she saw.

The angel caught her foot with his left hand. The impact should have done damage on him, but it was apparent there was nothing. The angel was unaffected whatsoever.

Instantly, the angel swung his blade on her right leg that was held by the angel.

”AAAAAAGH!!”

She screamed in great pain as she fell to the ground. Zoey looked at her leg and her eyes widened.

The angel cut her leg and a load blood was continuously spilling out of it.

She looked up and saw the angel holding the cut part of her leg. Then the angel threw it aside.

Zoey turned around and crawled away from the angel and with it, extreme pain as blood freely spilling from her leg.

”AAAGH.”

She did her best to bear the pain. However, how much effort she did, it still hurt, and it hurt, even more, every little movement she makes.

As that happened, the angel turned his head and looked behind him as though he sensed someone from behind him.

Suddenly, the angel spread his wings. With it, countless short blades came shooting from his wings in a wide area.

Amidst all that, several blades seemed to hit something and it appears there was blood. Then, a woman appeared stabbed my several blades while trying her best to stand. This woman just appeared out of nowhere. Needless to say, this was the woman who had the ability to turn invisible, the one named Maya.

”You may be light on your feet. But I can sense you, and besides, your walking on soil.”

Indeed, she was walking on land. Even though she was invisible, walking on a soil leaves a mark on your movements. Even a little mark is enough to determine a person's approach. A normal person would find it difficult to notice Maya especially when she was light on her feet, however, the angel was different, totally different.

”[Chain Healing]!”

Vincent immediately cast his healing magic that can heal the both of them in one cast. However, the angel didn't give them a chance to heal, not even a bit.

The angel immediately shot a large greatsword towards Zoey. She was so shocked as she felt the sword pierce her body. With no more strength to spare, she fully laid on the ground.

With her eyes half open, she saw nothing but the flat land and above it, a dark sky. It would seem it was about evening.

In her dying moment, the joyful visage of her parents flashed before her eyes. Tears began to come out of her eyes. With it, she recalled what she said to her parent, about coming back. It brought pain within her heart, the pain of the blade which pierced her body could not even begin to compare.

It would seem she won't be coming back. The thought of not seeing her family again was so painful and so sad. However, the thought of that her parents won't be seeing her again, them learning of her death and be filled with sorrow and grief was much more painful than anything else. She doesn't want to see her mother and her father cry, she doesn't even want to think of the sort.

Then she recalled what her parents said to her for when she comes back, regarding to think about what her parents said to leave the front lines and try and reach her dreams. The dream of being a champion in a running sport.

Indeed, how she greatly dreamt about being one. A champion in a big competition. How amazing and wonderful it would be to reach an achievement like that. How would it feel to reach the dreams she so wanted to reach? Almost her entire life, she wondered how it would feel. Almost her entire life she craved to reach that said dream.

In the past, she was so passionate about joining running competitions. In her school, she would join the competition when there was one. However, in her early times, for magic is not allowed to be used, she must run in her own effort. However, many times she would lose, sometimes third place, second place, but she didn't lose hope. She honed her skills and gave it her all. How she loved running especially knowing she can achieve something great in it.