(Seth's past-life comrades have sworn an unbreakable vow—to find and destroy Raziel, the false angel who orchestrated Seth’s torment. But their enemy is not one they can simply cut down. Raziel’s reach extends far beyond the heavens, his influence woven into the very foundation of the world. To strike at him is to declare war against an empire of faith, law, and divine tyranny. And yet, they have no intention of stopping.)
This chapter contains themes of divine corruption, celestial tyranny, and a growing rebellion against false gods. Themes of righteous fury, systematic oppression, and uncovering the hidden strings of power are heavily present. Reader discretion is advised.
?? SYSTEM NOTICE: ? TRACKING TARGET: RAZIEL, ARCHANGEL OF RUIN. ? INFLUENCE LEVEL: GLOBAL. ? WARNING: DIRECT ACTION AGAINST TARGET MAY INVOKE DIVINE RETRIBUTION.
The campfire crackled in the dead of night, but none of them found its warmth comforting.
Cassius sat rigidly, his fingers tightening around the hilt of his sword as he stared into the flames.
The others were equally silent.
Each of them was lost in their own storm of emotions, wrestling with the weight of what they had discovered.
Finally, it was Lorien who spoke.
"Raziel’s reach extends beyond what we imagined."
Her voice was steady, but her crimson eyes burned with something colder than rage.
"Every kingdom that ever declared war on Seth… every noble family that moved against him…
She exhaled, her fingers digging into her palms.
"They were all following orders."
Cassius’ grip on his sword tightened.
"Raziel."
The name tasted like poison on his tongue.
The one who had played god.
The one who had commanded Seth’s downfall.
"So he’s been pulling the strings all along?"
Lorien nodded.
"He enforces what he calls ‘the Balance.’ A world where power must always be controlled, where no one can rise beyond their place."
Cassius let out a slow breath, his chest tightening.
"And Seth… he was a threat to that Balance."
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Lorien’s silence was answer enough.
"That means Raziel still has forces in play."
Cassius’ voice grew colder, sharper.
"If we’re going to take him down, we need to know where to strike first."
?? SYSTEM NOTICE: ? SEARCHING FOR RAZIEL’S NETWORK… ? LOCATIONS IDENTIFIED: THREE PRIMARY POWER CENTERS.
Lorien stood, reaching into her satchel and pulling out a map—one far older than any kingdom still standing.
She unrolled it before them, her finger tracing across three marked locations.
"These are Raziel’s primary centers of power."
The first was a cathedral, its towering spires carved from white stone.
"The Sanctum of Illumination. A religious stronghold. Every major holy order in the world follows Raziel’s decree, even if they don’t realize it."
The second was a fortress, its high walls etched with divine runes.
"The Tribunal. A council of high-ranking warriors, knights, and inquisitors who serve under Raziel’s will."
And the third—
Cassius stiffened.
"That’s a noble city."
Lorien’s gaze darkened.
"Yes. The Heart of Dominion. Where the mortal rulers who serve him gather."
Cassius exhaled, his fingers digging into his palms.
"So he controls the faith, the law, and the rulers."
His jaw clenched.
"No wonder he destroyed Seth. He saw him as something that could break his perfect little order."
?? SYSTEM NOTICE: ? OBSERVER RESOLVE HAS STRENGTHENED. ? RAZIEL’S HOLD OVER THE WORLD WILL BE TESTED.
The wind howled through the ruins of their temporary camp, but none of them felt the cold anymore.
Because something had changed.
Their grief had not faded.
But it had hardened.
They had spent too long believing in the world’s justice.
Believing that Seth’s fate had been an unfortunate tragedy.
Now, they knew the truth.
It had never been a tragedy.
It had been a crime.
And the one responsible was still out there, still watching, still controlling.
Cassius’ breath came out slow and measured, his grip steady.
"Then we bring him down."
Lorien’s eyes flickered with deadly focus.
"One piece at a time."
The crimson-haired woman clenched her fists, eyes still wet with unshed rage.
"And when we reach Raziel…"
She exhaled, voice laced with cold fury.
"I want to be the one to carve that false light from his throat."
Cassius met her gaze.
His own burned with the same fire.
"We all will."
?? SYSTEM NOTICE: ? NEW PATH UNLOCKED: REBELLION AGAINST THE FALSE HEAVENS. ? OBJECTIVE SET: DESTROY RAZIEL’S NETWORK OF CONTROL. ? WARNING: DIVINE RETRIBUTION IS INEVITABLE.
End of Chapter 13: The Chains of Heaven
?? Author's Note: This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and settings are purely imaginary. This novel contains dark themes meant to enhance the story and character development. Reader discretion is advised.
