The Angel Fell Twice

Chapter 11. The Battle

As dawn broke, the light was muted by a veil of dark clouds. The two guilds met on a rocky battlefield, the jagged cliffs overlooking the turbulent sea below. The Order of Karma, Arthur at the forefront, stood resolute in their gleaming steel armor, bearing the crest of the endless knot of Karma. Opposite them, the vanguard, led by Ragnar, were shrouded in armor bearing the crest of a crow, their blades unsheathing.

The tension was palpable, the air thick with the weight of impending violence. The sea crashed against the cliffs, a portentous roar echoing the conflict about to unfold. Arthur raised his sword high, the symbol of their cause shining brightly even in the dim light. "For justice!" he shouted, his voice a clarion call to his comrades.

"For dominion!" Ragnar's voice boomed in response, a guttural snarl that sent a shiver down Marina's spine.

The battle erupted with a deafening roar, the clash of swords and the cries of warriors filling the air. Marina, her wings folded tightly against her back, fought valiantly, her blade flashing as she parried and struck with precision. Each swing of her sword was a testament to her rigorous training and unyielding spirit. Around her, the battlefield was a maelstrom of clashing steel, blood, and determination.

Amidst the chaos, Arthur's gaze locked onto Ragnar. The demon warrior stood amidst the fray, his red eyes burning with fury and hatred. Arthur made his way through the melee, his sword cutting a path towards his nemesis. Marina, noticing her leader's intent, fought her way towards them, her heart pounding with anticipation.

Finally, Arthur and Ragnar met in a deadly dance of steel and strength. Their blades clashed, sparks flying as they exchanged blows. Ragnar's immense power was matched by Arthur's skill and determination. The battle between the two titans raged on, each strike shaking the ground beneath them. The clang of their swords was like the tolling of a death knell, ominous and relentless.

Marina, her path cleared by her comrades, watched the duel with bated breath. She saw the opening Arthur created, his maneuver leaving Ragnar momentarily exposed. With a burst of speed, she charged forward, her sword aimed at Ragnar's heart. The moment seemed to stretch into eternity, her heartbeat loud in her ears.

"Marina, now!" Arthur's voice was a lifeline, grounding her in the tumultuous moment.

But as she neared, her resolve faltered. She remembered the sorrow in his eyes at the chapel, the fleeting glimpse of the man he used to be. Her blade shifted out the way of his heart, grazing his bicep instead. Ragnar's eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly recovered, his expression darkening as he turned towards her. The vanguard's men were dropping like flies, and he was cornered. Ragnar seized ahold of Marina's neck. With a swift motion, he lifted her off the ground and stomped towards the edge of the cliff.

"Drop your swords, or she dies!" Ragnar's voice thundered over the battlefield, his eyes glowing with a manic intensity. Marina struggled in his grasp, her hands clawing at his arm frantically, but she was held fast. Her palms glowed golden; attempting to utilize holy prowess, she found it useless against a demon; they dimmed quickly.

Arthur and the members of the Order of Karma froze, their weapons poised. "Do as he says," Arthur commanded, his voice steady but filled with anguish. Arthur, his eyes filled with a mix of anger and helplessness, slowly lowered his sword. One by one, the rest of the guild followed suit, their weapons clattering to the ground.

Ragnar's grip on Marina tightened, his eyes never leaving Arthur's. "You think you can stop me?" he hissed. "You are fools to believe in justice and law in a world so twisted."

Marina, her heart pounding, looked at Arthur with a silent plea. Arthur met her gaze, then Ragnar's. The vanguard began to retreat, dragging their fallen comrades with them, and Ragnar backed away, closer to the cliff edge. His demon wings spread, as she gazed into his eyes.

"You are still too naive... Marina." he spoke, glowering. Raising her up, he flung her off the cliff. "NO!" Arthur yelled, reaching towards her– She crashed through the vines of the elder tree, disappearing from view.