Theo clutched his head as his thoughts spiraled out of control, his wings trembling with confusion.
Theo: Save Karina… or the destruction of the world? What do I even choose?! I'm… I'm confused!!!
---
Meanwhile, deep in the burning pits of Hell, Dave lounged smugly on his throne of smoke and flame.
Dave: I'm sure Theo doesn't know what to choose. He's so confused he'll lose himself… and his angel status.
Ahh—false balance at its finest. I'm certain he'll split apart—his angelic and demonic sides tearing each other apart.
---
Suddenly—
A powerful voice echoed across the earth.
Theo: ALL RIGHT! I'LL HELP YOU… on one condition!
A ripple of black smoke appeared. Dave shot back to Earth instantly.
Dave: What condition?
Theo stood firm, fists clenched, eyes burning with determination.
Theo: Take Karina out of this world.
Dave froze.
Dave: …What?!
Theo: That's all I want.
Dave: No!
Theo stepped forward, shocked.
Theo: What?!
Dave's face shifted—not anger, but something like disbelief.
Dave: Because… I'm not going to pursue my plan anymore.
Theo blinked.
Theo: …
Dave shook his head, half laughing, half sighing.
Dave: I just… can't believe you're willing to sacrifice everything for that woman.
Theo narrowed his eyes.
Theo: What do you mean? Who are you… really?
Dave smiled—softly this time. And then, like a veil lifting, his form changed.
The darkness peeled away. His eyes turned bright, his features glowing with holy light.
Dave: Hmm. I'm Angel Philip. I was only pretending… to test you.
Theo felt his wings stiffen in shock.
Theo: Why do you keep testing me? Haven't I proven myself?
Philip's expression softened.
Philip: You have. You proved everything—and I admire your courage.
I hope you find your happiness, Angel Theo.
Theo: Thank you… Angel Philip.
With that, Philip spread his brilliant wings and ascended back to heaven.
---
As soon as he disappeared, Theo ran.
Theo: Karina? KARINA!!
His voice echoed through the empty roads as he searched desperately—panic burning through his chest.
Then he saw it.
A body lying on the road.
Theo: Huh?! KARINA!!!
He sprinted, dropping to his knees and lifting her gently.
Karina's eyes fluttered open.
Theo: Are you okay? Karina?
But Karina didn't smile.
She didn't reach out.
She only stared at him—cold, blank, unfamiliar.
Karina: Who… are you?
Theo's entire world shattered.
Theo: What?! …Karina?