Chapter 97 – Rachel Schwarzer

The Golden Samael was almost identical to the old Samael Halochassis that Adzeel Schwarzer used to wield. However, several modifications had been made to its appearance. Two magnificent dragon heads now rested on the armor’s shoulders, their golden scales gleaming beneath the light. A pair of enormous golden wings extended from its back, each feather seemingly forged from solid metal. The armor radiated an overwhelming presence, its polished surface reflecting the surrounding battlefield. Despite its familiar design, this new version possessed an entirely different aura, one that made it clear that Alexander Goldheart had transformed the Halochassis into something uniquely his own.

“You motherfucker!” Apollyon shouted, his voice echoing throughout the underground hall. “First, you stole my wife! And now, you stole my Halochassis!”

Alexander responded with a hearty laugh. The sound reverberated against the stone walls, carrying an almost mocking amusement that only intensified Adzeel’s anger. He casually examined the golden armor surrounding his body, seemingly unconcerned about the man standing before him.

“You were right about the Halochassis,” Alexander said with a grin. “I modified it to fit my powers. When the First Prince died, I knew that I would need it.”

He raised his golden sword, its magnificent blade catching the light as he pointed its sharp tip directly at Apollyon. The weapon hummed with an unfamiliar energy, and golden sparks danced along its edges. Alexander’s expression remained composed, as though he were discussing an ordinary matter rather than preparing to fight a former Halochassis user.

“And for the last time, I never stole your wife. She cheated. It wasn’t me,” Alexander said.

“Fuck you!” Apollyon roared as he surged forward.

His heavy armor thundered against the ground with every step, sending small fragments of stone scattering beneath his feet. The massive buster sword in his hands swung forward with tremendous force, its blade cutting through the air with a deafening whistle. However, Alexander remained completely unfazed by the incoming attack. He coated his golden sword with blazing golden flames, causing the surrounding air to shimmer from the intense heat.

With a swift movement, Alexander unleashed a devastating flame slash.

The golden fire tore through the underground hall, illuminating the battlefield with a brilliant flash. Apollyon attempted to brace himself against the incoming attack, but the sheer force of the slash overwhelmed his defenses. The flames struck his helmet directly, producing a deafening metallic crack that echoed throughout the chamber. His armor shattered almost immediately, sending fragments of blackened metal flying across the floor. When the golden flames finally dissipated, Adzeel’s face was exposed beneath the ruined helmet.

“Graaaah!” Adzeel roared as he jumped backward, desperately trying to regain his footing.

His boots scraped against the stone floor, producing a harsh grinding sound as he steadied himself. However, he immediately launched himself forward again, refusing to surrender despite the damage inflicted upon his armor. With both hands gripping his enormous buster sword, he delivered a powerful downward attack aimed directly at Alexander’s head.

The massive blade descended with enough force to split the ground beneath them.

Alexander effortlessly intercepted the attack with his golden sword. The collision produced a tremendous metallic clang that reverberated throughout the underground hall, accompanied by a shower of sparks that scattered across the battlefield. Despite the immense weight behind Adzeel’s strike, Alexander barely moved an inch. His golden armor remained completely steady, while Apollyon struggled to maintain his grip against the overwhelming resistance.

On the other hand, Azazel continued executing their battle plan. Taking advantage of the distraction, Shin activated his Triple Accel skill, causing his surroundings to blur as he accelerated across the battlefield. His armored feet barely touched the ground as he maneuvered around the two combatants, searching for an opening in Alexander’s defenses.

The crimson gem embedded in Azazel’s chest glowed brightly, supplying the energy necessary for his rapid movements. With a sharp turn, he made another detour and successfully reached Alexander’s back. The golden dragon wings partially obstructed his view, but Shin quickly adjusted his position before raising both magnum pistols.

He aimed directly at Alexander’s back.

However, Alexander immediately reacted.

The Golden Samael’s body began transforming, its golden armor shifting and expanding as enormous scales emerged across its surface. The two dragon heads on its shoulders grew larger, their jaws opening wide as golden flames gathered deep within their throats. Within moments, Alexander had transformed into a gigantic two headed golden dragon.

“Aaaah!” Azazel cried as the twin golden fire breaths struck him directly.

The tremendous heat engulfed his entire body, forcing him backward with terrifying momentum. His armor crashed against the underground hall’s stone wall, producing an earth shaking impact that sent dust and shattered debris cascading from the ceiling. The collision left behind a massive crater, its edges fractured and blackened by the scorching flames.

Azazel’s Hybrid Armor immediately extinguished.

[Hybrid Armor at 0%]

[Warning: Low Power]

The crimson gem embedded in Azazel’s chest began emitting a rapid series of beeping sounds. Its once brilliant glow flickered weakly, struggling to maintain its remaining energy. Shin could feel the sudden loss of power throughout his body, as though the armor had become nothing more than an incredibly heavy metal shell. His breathing grew labored while the oppressive heat continued to linger around him.

“Don’t tell me… It shaves off not only health, but also energy?” Azazel cried.

Alexander then reverted to his human form, the enormous golden dragon disappearing beneath a brilliant flash of light. His golden wings folded behind him as the armor returned to its humanoid appearance. Without giving Azazel any opportunity to recover, he raised his golden sword above his head.

A gigantic golden slash descended toward Azazel.

Shin desperately crossed two energy swords in front of himself, attempting to withstand the incoming attack. The moment Alexander’s blade struck his weapons, an explosive burst of golden sparks illuminated the battlefield. The impact sent a violent shockwave through Azazel’s arms, forcing his knees to bend beneath the tremendous pressure.

However, Alexander’s strength continued increasing with every passing second.

“This… is… too… heavy….” Azazel muttered through gritted teeth.

His energy swords trembled violently as he struggled to maintain his defensive stance. The overwhelming pressure threatened to crush his remaining defenses, while the warning beeps from his crimson gem grew increasingly frantic. His armor was already powerless, leaving him dangerously vulnerable against Alexander’s relentless assault.

Meanwhile, Alexander simply smiled.

He seemed to thoroughly enjoy watching Azazel struggle beneath his overwhelming strength. His golden sword continued pressing downward, forcing Shin to expend whatever strength remained in his exhausted body. The Chosen One appeared almost delighted by the prospect of defeating his opponents through sheer superiority, his expression betraying neither fatigue nor hesitation.

However, before Alexander could completely overwhelm Azazel, another voice thundered across the battlefield.

“I told you already! I am your opponent!” Adzeel roared.

The former Holy Knight surged forward once more, his damaged Apollyon Halochassis burning with renewed flames. His enormous buster sword ignited, enveloping its entire blade in a raging crimson fire. The heat radiated across the underground hall, and the surrounding shadows flickered beneath its intense glow.

With a furious battle cry, Adzeel unleashed another flaming buster sword slash toward Alexander.

Alexander spread his arm toward the incoming attack. The golden armor covering his forearm shifted and unfolded, its metallic plates rearranging themselves with a series of mechanical clicks. Within seconds, his entire arm transformed into the enormous head of a golden dragon. Its gleaming scales reflected the purple flames surrounding Adzeel, while its jaws opened wide enough to swallow a person whole. A deep rumbling sound emanated from its throat as it prepared to unleash its power.

To Adzeel’s astonishment, the golden dragon head began absorbing Apollyon’s purple flames. The raging fire twisted violently through the air, its dark violet tendrils being drawn into the dragon’s open jaws. The flames gradually disappeared, leaving nothing but faint wisps of smoke drifting across the battlefield. Alexander then casually redirected his transformed arm toward Azazel’s armored stomach, who was still struggling to maintain his defensive stance.

“Since Mister Schwarzer here is eager to dance with me, then you should get out of this,” Alexander said with an amused grin.

Before Azazel could react, the golden dragon head unleashed its devastating attack.

A brilliant explosion erupted from its jaws, resembling a miniature golden sun bursting into existence. The blinding light flooded the underground hall, followed by a tremendous shockwave that violently shook the entire chamber. The sheer force of the blast swallowed Azazel completely, sending him hurtling through the air like a rag doll. The surrounding walls crumbled beneath the overwhelming pressure, their stone surfaces disintegrating into countless fragments. Dust and debris filled the atmosphere as the underground passage was obliterated, creating an enormous tunnel that extended all the way toward the surface.

Azazel was undoubtedly sent flying by the attack. His armored body disappeared into the newly created passage, leaving behind a trail of shattered stone and lingering golden flames.

“Raaaaah!” Adzeel roared furiously.

Despite witnessing the devastating attack against his comrade, the former Holy Knight refused to back down. He reached behind his body and revealed another enormous buster sword, its dark metallic surface immediately becoming enveloped in raging purple flames. The weapon crackled with unholy energy, casting an ominous violet glow across his damaged armor. Adzeel gripped both swords tightly, preparing to unleash another desperate assault against the Chosen One.

However, Alexander was already moving.

With a casual swing of his golden sword, he unleashed a devastating slash that struck Adzeel’s left arm. The blade sliced through the armor with terrifying ease, severing the limb before Adzeel could even complete his attack. A sharp metallic crack echoed throughout the hall, followed by the sickening sound of flesh being torn apart.

“Kaaaaaah!” Adzeel cried in agony.

His severed arm fell to the ground with a heavy thud, the buster sword slipping from its fingers and clattering against the stone floor. Blood immediately began trickling from the stump, staining the ground beneath him with dark crimson droplets. The metallic smell of blood mingled with the lingering scent of scorched stone and burning armor, creating an unpleasant atmosphere throughout the chamber.

Before Adzeel could retreat, Alexander seized his face.

His golden gauntlet clamped around Adzeel’s head, forcing him to look directly into the Chosen One’s eyes. The pressure was suffocating, and Adzeel could feel the cold metal digging into his battered face. Alexander’s expression had finally changed. The amusement that previously characterized his demeanor had vanished, replaced by an irritated glare.

“I am tired of your dirty accusations that I took your wife. How many times do I have to tell you, huh? Your wife cheated. It wasn’t me,” Alexander said, his voice dripping with contempt. “Let’s go to the afterlife, and I’ll make you believe.”

Without waiting for a response, Alexander dragged Adzeel by his face and began marching toward the single door standing at the far end of the abyssal hall. Adzeel struggled desperately against his grip, but his battered body could barely muster enough strength to resist. His boots scraped helplessly against the stone floor, leaving streaks of blood behind as Alexander continued walking.

The enormous door slowly opened before them.

Beyond its threshold lay something that appeared almost divine in nature. Brilliant golden skies stretched endlessly toward the horizon, their radiant light illuminating a landscape seemingly untouched by darkness. Clouds formed the flooring beneath the doorway, their soft surfaces gently shifting as though they were floating upon an invisible ocean. A peaceful atmosphere emanated from the mysterious realm, completely contrasting with the destruction and violence they had just left behind.

Alexander continued dragging Adzeel inside.

What awaited them beyond the doorway resembled heaven itself. Golden skies extended as far as the eye could see, their luminous radiance bathing everything in a warm, ethereal glow. The ground beneath their feet consisted entirely of clouds, soft and delicate yet firm enough to support their weight. Smaller clouds drifted lazily throughout the surroundings, creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere that seemed impossible to exist within the mortal world.

Alexander continued walking through the celestial landscape until they eventually arrived at a shallow pool. Its crystal clear water reflected the golden skies above, producing a mesmerizing shimmer across its surface. The gentle rippling of the water was the only sound that disturbed the otherwise peaceful surroundings.

Without hesitation, Alexander threw Adzeel into the pool.

Adzeel crashed against the shallow water, sending splashes in every direction. The cold liquid soaked through his damaged armor, while the impact caused him to grimace in pain. He struggled to sit upright, desperately trying to regain his bearings after being dragged through the mysterious realm.

Adzeel gritted his teeth and clutched his severed arm tightly against his body to prevent further blood loss. However, despite his efforts, the bleeding continued. Crimson droplets trickled between his fingers and mixed with the water beneath him, gradually staining the otherwise pristine pool.

“Now, let’s go talk to your lovely wife,” Alexander said cheerfully.

Before Adzeel could respond, a figure suddenly manifested before them.

A short woman appeared beside the pool, her long black hair cascading gracefully over her shoulders. She possessed kind eyes and a beautiful face, although her expression remained strangely composed despite the unsettling circumstances. She wore a priestess uniform similar to those commonly worn by clerics serving within the cathedral. The immaculate white fabric and golden ornaments contrasted sharply with the bloodied warrior lying before her.

Adzeel immediately recognized her.

“Rachel,” he muttered.

His voice trembled slightly as he stared at the woman he once loved. For a brief moment, the pain of his injuries seemed insignificant compared to the sight before him. His expression softened, revealing a mixture of disbelief, longing, and lingering resentment.

“Adzeel, my love. I’m sorry. I cheated. I love you, but I found the Chosen One more charming,” Rachel said.

Her words struck him like another devastating blow. The gentle tone of her voice made the confession even more painful, as though she were discussing an ordinary mistake rather than betraying the man who had devoted himself to her.

Alexander casually wrapped his arm around Rachel’s waist, pulling her closer toward him. His golden armor gleamed beneath the celestial sunlight, while Rachel appeared perfectly comfortable in his embrace.

“Ain’t that right, my lovely Rachel?” Alexander laughed.

“Yes,” Rachel replied.

Adzeel stared at them in disbelief, his remaining hand trembling as he struggled to comprehend what he was witnessing. The woman he had once cherished was standing beside the very man he despised, seemingly without the slightest hesitation.

Alexander and Rachel gradually leaned toward each other. Their faces drew closer, their eyes briefly meeting before they finally closed the remaining distance between them.

Then, they shared a sweet kiss.

Right in front of Adzeel.