The corrupted forest, once filled with darkness and malice, was suddenly pierced by a blinding beacon of light descending from the heavens. The oppressive shadows that had clung to every tree and creature were driven back by the sheer intensity of the divine light, which cut through the gloom like a sword. Henry and Michael shielded their eyes, momentarily overwhelmed by the brilliance of the light.
As the light touched down in the center of the forest, its radiance softened, revealing the unmistakable form of Archangel Suriel. She stood tall and majestic, her golden wings outstretched and glowing with celestial energy. The very presence of Suriel seemed to banish the last remnants of darkness from the area, and the forest, though still twisted and corrupted, felt momentarily at peace under her watchful gaze.
Henry felt a wave of awe wash over him. This was the power of an Archangel, the might of a being far above the likes of him and Michael. But beyond the awe, there was a sense of calm—Suriel's arrival signified that their mission was complete.
With a voice that carried both authority and warmth, Suriel addressed the angels. "Angels of Boltia, gather to me." Her words were accompanied by a powerful surge of energy as she activated a skill known only to the highest of the celestial beings—Angelic Call.
The effect was immediate. All around the forest, the scattered angels felt the irresistible pull of Suriel's command. One by one, they began to converge on her location, drawn by the divine energy that resonated within them. The light from Suriel's arrival served as a beacon, guiding them back to her.
Henry and Michael exchanged a glance, both feeling the gentle tug within their own spirits. They stepped forward, joining the other angels as they assembled around Suriel. The light surrounding her bathed them all in a soothing glow, and despite the battles they had fought, there was a sense of unity and accomplishment in the air.
Suriel's eyes swept over the gathered angels, her expression one of quiet pride. "You have all done well," she began, her voice carrying easily through the clearing. "The corruption in this forest has been pushed back, and the balance of nature has been restored, thanks to your efforts."
The angels listened intently, their hearts swelling with the praise of their leader. But as Suriel continued, her gaze settled on Henry and Michael, her expression softening further.
"There are two among you who have shown exceptional bravery and skill," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "Henry and Michael, step forward."
Henry felt a jolt of surprise but quickly composed himself as he and Michael stepped out from the group. The eyes of their fellow angels were on them, a mixture of admiration and curiosity in their gazes.
As Henry and Michael stepped forward, the other angels watched with expressions of quiet admiration and curiosity. Suriel's gaze softened as she looked at the two, her eyes filled with both pride and a hint of something deeper—perhaps a recognition of their potential.
"You have both performed admirably," Suriel continued, her voice carrying the weight of her authority. "In the face of great danger, you worked together to overcome the darkness that threatened this realm. Your actions have not gone unnoticed."
Henry and Michael exchanged a glance, both feeling a mixture of pride and humility at the archangel's words. For Henry, there was also a flicker of something else—a quiet ambition, stoked by the praise of such a powerful being.
Suriel's next words, however, caught them by surprise. "The Goddess Boltia herself has summoned you to the Divine Domain," she announced. "She wishes to commend you personally for your deeds."
A murmur of excitement rippled through the gathered angels. It was a rare and significant honor to be summoned by the goddess herself, and the fact that Henry and Michael were being called before her spoke volumes about the magnitude of their accomplishments.
Henry felt his heart quicken. This was more than just a commendation—it was an opportunity. He had always known that his path would lead him to greater heights, but to be summoned by the goddess so soon was beyond anything he had imagined. He glanced at Michael, who seemed equally surprised, though there was a quiet determination in his eyes.
Suriel stepped closer, her presence radiating a calm that eased the tension in the air. "Prepare yourselves," she said gently. "You have earned this honor. When you return to the Divine Domain, you will stand before the goddess, and she will recognize your achievements."
Henry and Michael nodded, their resolve solidifying. The other angels stepped back, giving them space as they prepared to depart. There was an air of anticipation, as if everyone present understood that this moment marked the beginning of something significant.
With a graceful motion, Suriel extended her hand, and a portal of shimmering light appeared before them—an entrance back to the Divine Domain. "Come," she said, her voice filled with quiet authority. "It is time to return home."
Henry and Michael exchanged one last look, a silent promise of solidarity in whatever awaited them on the other side. Then, together with Suriel, they stepped into the portal, leaving the mortal realm behind.
As they passed through the portal, the oppressive weight of the corrupted forest fell away, replaced by the serene beauty of the Divine Domain. The tranquility of the High Heavens enveloped them like a warm embrace, and the air was filled with the soft, melodic hum of celestial energy.
The angels who had remained behind in the Divine Domain welcomed their returning comrades with smiles and words of encouragement. The contrast between the two realms was stark—here, there was no darkness, no corruption, only the pure, untainted light of the heavens.
Henry took a deep breath, letting the peaceful atmosphere wash over him. But even as he felt the serenity of the Divine Domain, there was an undercurrent of anticipation within him. He and Michael had been summoned by the goddess, and he knew that whatever awaited them would be a turning point in their journey.
Suriel led them through the golden streets of the Divine Domain, past towering spires of light and flowing rivers of pure energy, until they reached the grand temple of Goddess Boltia. The temple stood at the heart of the Divine Domain, a majestic structure that radiated divine power. Its walls were adorned with intricate carvings of celestial beings, and its entrance was flanked by massive pillars that seemed to stretch up into infinity.
As they approached the temple, the other angels who had accompanied them on the mission were instructed to wait outside. Only Henry and Michael were permitted to enter, along with Suriel, who would present them to the goddess.
With a deep breath, Henry followed Suriel into the temple, the grand doors closing silently behind them.
Inside the grand temple, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, bathed in a soft, golden light that seemed to emanate from every surface. The air was filled with the faint scent of blooming flowers, and the gentle hum of divine energy created a sense of peace and tranquility.
At the far end of the temple, seated on a throne of living vines and blooming flowers, was Goddess Boltia. Her form radiated a serene beauty, her presence commanding yet oddly gentle. The goddess smiled as Henry and Michael approached, her eyes filled with a warmth that belied the cold indifference she often showed when observing them from afar.
"Welcome, my brave angels," Boltia said, her voice as soothing as a summer breeze. "You have done well—so very well."
Henry and Michael both knelt before her, their heads bowed in reverence. The praise from the goddess was overwhelming, and Henry couldn't help but feel a deep sense of pride, even as a small part of him remained wary of her sudden kindness.
"You have faced the darkness and emerged victorious," Boltia continued, her tone one of genuine admiration. "You have restored balance to the forest and protected the harmony of nature. For this, you have earned my gratitude and my favor."
Henry looked up at her, meeting her gaze. There was something in her eyes—something beyond the surface kindness, a glint of power and control that reminded him of the true nature of the divine. But for now, all he could do was accept her praise and the honor that came with it.
"As a reward for your great deeds," Boltia said, her voice taking on a more formal tone, "I shall bestow upon you your true names. Names that will mark your place within the celestial hierarchy and elevate you to new heights."
Henry's heart skipped a beat. He had heard of true names—how they were a reflection of an angel's true nature and the key to unlocking their full potential. To receive a true name from the goddess herself was a rare and extraordinary honor.
Boltia stood, her movements graceful and fluid, as she approached Michael first. She placed her hand gently upon his head, and a soft glow enveloped them both. "Michael," she said, her voice resonating with divine power, "from this day forth, you shall be known as Gabriel, the Messenger of Light."
The glow around Michael intensified, and in that moment, he began to transform. His wings expanded, their feathers glowing with a radiant light, and his form grew more powerful, more refined. The other angels watching from outside the temple could only marvel at the sight, knowing they were witnessing the birth of an Archangel.
When the light finally subsided, Michael—now Gabriel—rose to his feet, his new form exuding a strength and serenity that had not been there before. He bowed deeply to the goddess, his voice filled with reverence as he said, "Thank you, Goddess Boltia. I will serve you with all my strength."
Boltia smiled warmly at him before turning her attention to Henry. She approached him slowly, her eyes filled with a strange, unreadable expression. "And you, Henry," she began, placing her hand upon his head as she had done with Michael, "shall be known as Aetherion, the Keeper of the Sacred Flame."
As soon as the words left Boltia's lips, a surge of divine energy coursed through Henry's body, overwhelming him with its intensity. He felt his very essence being reshaped, his soul aligning with the new name he had been given—Aetherion. The power that accompanied the name was immense, far greater than anything he had experienced before.
A blinding light enveloped him, similar to what had happened with Michael, but there was something different about this transformation. The light was not just radiant—it was intense, almost searing, as if it were purging away the remnants of his former self and replacing it with something far greater.
His wings grew larger, their feathers shimmering with an ethereal fire that flickered with a life of its own. His aura expanded, becoming a beacon of divine energy that filled the entire temple. The other angels outside could only watch in awe, their whispers hushed as they tried to comprehend the significance of what they were witnessing.
When the transformation was complete, Henry—now Aetherion—felt a deep sense of clarity and purpose. He understood now that this was his true nature, the power he had always sought. But even as he reveled in the strength that flowed through him, there was a part of him that remained cautious, aware of the weight of this new responsibility.
Boltia stepped back, her hand dropping to her side as she observed Aetherion's new form. For a brief moment, there was a flicker of surprise in her eyes—something she had not expected. But it was gone as quickly as it had appeared, replaced by a satisfied smile.
"You have both ascended to the rank of Archangel," Boltia announced, her voice filled with pride. "Gabriel, Aetherion—you are now among the highest of my servants, and your power will serve the divine order."
The other angels, including Suriel, were visibly shocked by the sudden ascension of both Henry and Michael. Such immediate elevation to the rank of Archangel was unheard of, and it sent ripples of surprise through the celestial hierarchy.
Aetherion and Gabriel stood side by side, their new forms glowing with divine energy. The transformation had left them both changed, not just in appearance but in essence. They could feel the power within them, the strength that came with their new titles.
Boltia looked upon them with a mix of pride