It had been twenty-seven days — not even a full month since the agreement was made — when an unexpected visit arrived at the gates of the Obsidian Legion's castle.
A royal entourage stood before the towering fortress, armored knights bearing the crest of their kingdom. But before they could even approach the main gates, a squad of tanks under General Protector Alexander's command blocked their path.
"Halt!" the lead tank declared, lowering his spear. "By order of General Alexander, no one passes without permission. State your name and your purpose."
The king stepped forward, his royal cloak swaying against the desert wind."I am the King of Valmorion," he said firmly. "I've come to negotiate with King Rafael regarding the agreed time."
The tank's tone remained strict."You're too early. The agreement was set for one month. Go back now."
But before tension could rise, a radiant light descended from above. A golden-winged figure appeared, landing gracefully between them. It was Uriel, his divine aura scattering the sand in all directions.
"Let them pass," Uriel said calmly.
The soldiers immediately stepped aside, their armor trembling at the sight of an angel.
The king's eyes widened.
An angel… after three hundred years?Impossible… Angels vanished after the Demon–Angel War.
His thoughts raced.
We barely made it through the desert… so many monsters, so much loss. This must work — it has to.
As the massive iron gates opened, the royal party was met by a majestic sight. A grand red carpet stretched across a vast throne room, lined with rows of armored knights holding their swords upright in perfect formation.
At the far end sat King Rafael, calm and imposing upon his obsidian throne. Beside him stood Gabriel, Uriel, Arabella, Vladimir, and Alexander — each radiating a presence strong enough to silence the entire hall.
The King of Valmorion walked forward and bowed slightly."King Rafael," he began solemnly, "I come before you today with a request."
Rafael's eyes narrowed slightly."What kind of request?"
The King took a breath."I wish to form an alliance with you. We can provide gold, food — anything you need. Just please… accept our plea."
Rafael leaned forward, sensing unease in the King's voice."You seem troubled. Tell me, King of Valmorion — what worries you?"
The King's expression turned grim."In our kingdom… a mage and a newly registered guild known as the Obsidian Legion accepted a mission to raid a demon general's base. After their success, the Demon King was enraged. He has sent one of his commanders to our borders."
He clenched his fists."Our hero, Lyra , who once deflected that commander's attack, is now struggling to defend the kingdom. The barrier she erected will break in two days. That's why I came early… I beg for your aid."
Rafael's brows furrowed slightly."Lyra…?" he murmured. "No, that can't be. Our Lyra is only eighteen… this must be another."
After a moment of thought, Rafael gave his command."Fine then. I will send Uriel to aid your kingdom against the demons."
Uriel stepped forward, his wings spreading behind him like a banner of light."I am Uriel," he said with a calm bow. "Your enemies will fall."
The King's shoulders eased in relief."Thank you, King Rafael. You have my gratitude."
But Rafael's tone turned sharp again."As you said earlier — you will provide gold and food for our alliance and protection. Is that true?"
"Yes," the King replied without hesitation.
Rafael smirked slightly."Good. Then a tribute of one hundred gold coins per month will suffice. Is that acceptable?"
The King paused for a moment, torn, but his people were at risk — he couldn't afford to hesitate."I… agree."
"Excellent," Rafael said. "You will decide what kind of food you'll provide soon. Now, Uriel — go. Cleanse their lands of demons."
Uriel knelt briefly."As you wish, my king."
And with that, the angel spread his wings and took to the skies, his radiant light vanishing into the horizon — flying straight toward the besieged kingdom of Valmorion.