The celestial halls of Solaris' palace radiated a divine luminescence, the air alive with the sweet fragrance of eternal blossoms and the soft hum of angelic wings weaving through the ether. Elicia lounged against a marble statue, her pink-and-white eyes gleaming like twin diamonds catching the light of a newborn star. Her golden wings shimmered faintly, folded with effortless grace, while her white and gold armor—accented by plates on her knees—reflected the hall's ethereal glow. Her pink hair, fading to white at the ends, cascaded like a sunrise over her shoulders. Before her stood Riah, her red-and-white striped hair a fiery banner, her crimson-red and black eyes burning with a warrior's intensity. Vanessa, her abyssal aura curling like a shadow in the divine light, watched the exchange, her presence a quiet tempest in the serene heavens.
"Sando's only grasping the scraps of Solaris' fragmented power," Riah said, her voice sharp as she propped an arm against a pillar, her gaze piercing. "He could be useful, but he's set his sights on Kazimir. No shock there—humanity loathes Kaz now, and as their 'hero,' that's his role. But he doesn't even know Solaris is dead."
Elicia's lips twisted into a wry, almost mocking smile. "Honestly, watching that so-called hero fumble about, he's not exactly shining. He calls you a sinner for standing with Kazimir, yet he's a sinner himself—seeing a succubus like Gendai as 'a girl trying to change.' His words, not mine."
Riah's eyes sparked with amusement, a laugh bursting forth like a flare. "Pfft, ahaha! So, what's your plan for him, Elicia?"
Vanessa folded her arms, a warm yet razor-edged smile spreading as she tilted her head, locking eyes with Riah. "Nothing. I'll do nothing. Whatever fate befalls him, so be it. My hands are tied. He claims he's a hero, but he's wielding that power for fame. He's no Azoth—just a fraud in fancy armor. A cosplayer with a glowing sword, honestly."
Vanessa's thoughts churned as she paused, stunned by the angel's candor. An angel tearing into one of Solaris' chosen? I didn't know Saturas could be this ruthless. That's a first. Elicia's joyful smile held firm, her voice light but cutting. "It's not a sin to speak the truth, is it? Also, Riah, this is your second visit, and still no Kazimir. I'd love to meet him—maybe even test my blade against his."
Riah chuckled, her flames flickering with playful defiance. "This was a spur-of-the-moment trip. Vanessa and I just came to get answers we knew you'd have."
Elicia pouted, her cutesy demeanor clashing with the cosmic power radiating from her. "Yeah, whatever. Maybe I'll meet this special foe—the one Solaris forged a contract with. That's not exactly common, is it?"
Riah and Vanessa exchanged a glance, Vanessa muttering under her breath. "So powerful, yet so… bubbly. I can't wrap my head around this girl."
Riah straightened, her aura flaring briefly. "Well, Elicia, it was great talking, but we're heading back to Vrasnia now."
Elicia nodded, her expression shifting to one of grave urgency. "Take care, you two. But one last thing…" Her voice carried the weight of a collapsing star as they turned to face her. "May we meet again before this war—or in its midst. The world's fate is at stake. I'm holding the seal on Nebula, but it's weakening. She'll break free soon. Tell your group to brace for the worst."
Riah and Vanessa nodded, their faces etched with resolve. Riah summoned her white flames, a portal igniting like a starburst. They stepped through, the divine radiance fading as they returned to Vrasnia's palace, materializing in the chamber where Vanessa's holographic screen cast the White Cataclysm's ominous glow across the crystalline walls.
Kazimir leaned against a pillar, his galactic eyes tracking their arrival. "I was wondering where you two wandered off to."
Riah's smile warmed the cool air, her fiery aura softening. "Oh, I figured you'd notice. We went to the upper world to see Elicia. Sando's power? Just a fragment of Solaris—not the real deal."
Kazimir's expression remained impassive, his voice calm but tinged with mild disappointment. "That's a letdown. I hope his own strength makes up for it, or humanity's in trouble. He'd be a disappointment if he faces a Disciple and shares Azoth's fate."
Vanessa crossed her arms, her abyssal energy swirling. "Elicia's also keen to meet you. She was bummed you didn't come."
Kazimir's lips curved into a faint, intrigued smirk, his black hair with blue-tipped edges catching the aurora's light filtering through the chamber. "I must be quite the foe to pique the interest of Solaris' strongest warrior. Maybe next time I'll meet her. Crossing blades with her would be… intriguing."
Riah's crimson eyes flared with a playful challenge, her flames dancing with anticipation. "Then why not cross blades with me? It's been too long since we last sparred."
Kazimir's stoic facade softened, a rare smile breaking through. "I accept. It has been a while, hasn't it?"
Riah's grin widened, her aura blazing like a supernova. "Yay! Now, you better not hold back just because I'm your girlfriend."
"I promise I won't underestimate you," Kazimir said, his voice warm with sincerity. "How could I? You give me a run for my money, my queen. I'd never look down on you."
"As you should," Riah teased, her striped hair swaying as she stepped closer. "Now…"
Kazimir tilted his head, his cosmic aura humming faintly. "What kind of battle? Just physical skills?"
Riah shook her head, her flames crackling with fierce determination. "No. Let's use our abilities—my flames against your lightning, my light against your void. That's the fight I want."
Kazimir stood still, the air around him thickening with the quiet power of his void. Vanessa watched from the sidelines, her presence a silent anchor as the tension coiled like a gathering storm. After a moment, Kazimir nodded, his voice resolute. "Alright. I accept these terms."