Inferno Of Desire

Chapter 56: Quest for Knowledge

The Sanctuary’s grand hall was filled with the hushed murmurs of both the Celestial and Abyssal forces, gathered for a rare moment of unity.

On one side, warriors in shining armor and radiant wings, representing the strength of the Celestial Realm, sat in formation.

Opposite them were the Abyssal forces, dark, fierce, and formidable, each demon and entity radiating the powerful, chaotic energy of their realm.

In the middle sat the Guardians of Faith — Seraphine, Azrael, Lirael, and Kael — each carrying the heavy weight of being the bridge between these two opposing forces.

Azrael exchanged a glance with Seraphine, who sat beside him, her calm demeanor a contrast to the tension that hung in the air.

Aethor, their ally from the Abyss, stood with his arms crossed, his glowing eyes scanning the Celestials across the room.

To his right, Lady Caelara and Uriel stood tall, maintaining a dignified stance as they prepared to share their strategies.

Gabriel, Michael, and the remaining Celestial commanders watched the Abyssals with caution, their every movement sharp, ready to defend at any moment.

There had been clashes, arguments, and moments when it seemed like the fragile alliance between the realms would collapse entirely.

But now, they had all come to the table, hoping to form a plan that could save not just their realms but the balance of all existence.

Michael stepped forward, his golden armor shimmering in the dim light. His voice cut through the murmurs, commanding attention. “We sit here, united by a common threat. The Voidbringer looms over all, and yet... I fear we are deceiving ourselves. How do we propose to fight a force we know so little about?” His piercing gaze swept over both Celestial and Abyssal warriors. “We are ignorant, blind to its true power and purpose. We march into battle with hope, but hope alone will not win this war.”

A few Abyssals growled under their breath, their impatience barely contained, but Michael’s words struck a chord.

He continued, his expression hardening. “I will not lead my forces to their deaths out of ignorance. The Voidbringer is not an opponent we can challenge without knowing its strengths and weaknesses. We can not walk into this battle blind.”

His words echoed through the hall, leaving a heavy silence in their wake.

Uriel exchanged a glance with Lady Caelara, who nodded subtly.

The forces on both sides seemed to mull over Michael’s concern, the Celestials nodding in agreement while the Abyssals held their silence.

It was then that Elder Varyn, a respected elder from the Celestial Realm, rose from his seat.

His ancient form was cloaked in white robes, the weight of centuries of knowledge evident in his deep, weathered eyes. “Michael speaks the truth,” Varyn began, his voice soft yet filled with authority. “But there is someone who may hold the answers we seek. Someone who knows more than even the Black Archives themselves. A being who has seen the rise and fall of empires, who understands the intricate balance of the realms — Zephyros, the Oracle.”

The mention of the Oracle sent a ripple through the room. Gabriel’s brow furrowed, and Aethor straightened, the name clearly resonating with the Abyssal leaders. Seraphine leaned forward, intrigued by the name. Even Azrael, usually composed, showed a flicker of interest.

“Zephyros?” Gabriel echoed. “I thought he was just a myth.”

Varyn shook his head slowly. “No myth. He is real. Zephyros resides in the Nexus Sanctuary, a place that exists between realms. It is not easily found, and only those in true need, those with a dire purpose, will find the path to it.”

The hall was quiet, save for the crackling of flames in the torches that lined the walls. Seraphine’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully as she considered the elder’s words. “And you believe this Oracle will know how to defeat the Voidbringer?” she asked.

Varyn’s gaze met hers. “I believe Zephyros will open our eyes to things we can not yet see. If anyone can help us understand the true nature of the Voidbringer, it is him.”

There was a moment of contemplation before Azrael spoke, his deep voice commanding attention. “Then we have no other choice but to seek him out. We can not go into battle blind as Michael said.”

The Abyssal forces, initially skeptical, began to nod in agreement. Aethor looked to Azrael and Seraphine. “The Oracle, if he truly exists, may be our only chance to gain the knowledge we need.”

The decision was made. They would travel to Nexus Sanctuary, a place of mystery that few had ever seen. It was a journey none of them would take lightly.

The path would be perilous, but it was their only option if they hoped to face the Voidbringer on equal ground.

Azrael rose, signaling the meeting’s end. “We set out immediately. We will find Zephyros, the Oracle, and learn what we must to defeat the Voidbringer.”

The forces from both realms began to stir, preparing for the next leg of their journey. As the Celestials and Abyssals moved about the Sanctuary, the tension that had existed between them seemed to ease, if only slightly.

They had a common goal now, a shared purpose. And for the first time since their uneasy alliance began, there was a sense of unity, however fragile.

Seraphine lingered by the doorway, watching as the two sides prepared to leave. Azrael joined her, his eyes scanning the Celestial and Abyssal forces alike. “Do you think they’ll be able to hold together long enough to see this through?” he asked.

Seraphine’s expression softened as she glanced at him. “They’ll have to. If we are to defeat the Voidbringer, this alliance is our only hope.”

Azrael nodded, his gaze distant as he thought of the journey ahead. Nexus Sanctuary awaited them, and with it, the Oracle who might hold the key to saving all realms.

They had taken a step closer to understanding the threat they faced, but they knew the hardest part of their journey was still to come.