The heavens roared as the battle began. Golden light clashed against swirling darkness as Mary, Lela, and Loosie launched themselves at the Archangel and his divine warriors. The battlefield, already soaked in blood, became a storm of steel and energy, shaking under the force of their clash.
Mary's Saber of Mist met the Archangel's radiant blade in a deafening impact. The force sent shockwaves through the ground, kicking up dust and debris. Sparks of golden and icy-blue light crackled between them as they pushed against each other, their weapons locked in a struggle of sheer power.
"You wield a weapon of Heaven, yet you are a creature of the night," the Archangel growled, his strength nearly overwhelming. "You were never meant to exist."
Mary's crimson eyes flared with defiance. "Then maybe it's time the world changed."
She twisted her blade, dispersing the Archangel's energy for a split second, and dashed backward just in time to avoid his counterstrike. His sword cut through the air, leaving behind trails of divine energy that scorched the earth where she had stood moments before.
Lela and Loosie were fending off the lesser angels, their combat styles a stark contrast. Lela's Gáe Bolg spun in deadly arcs, striking with precision and deadly force. Every thrust sent out pulses of energy that distorted the air, forcing the angels back. Loosie, on the other hand, moved like a shadow, phasing in and out of the darkness. She danced between attacks, her daggers leaving trails of black mist that corroded the divine warriors upon contact.
But the angels were relentless. They fought with unmatched discipline, their movements precise and unwavering. No hesitation, no fear—only divine will.
Mary lunged at the Archangel again, aiming for his exposed flank. He pivoted effortlessly, blocking her strike with his radiant blade and retaliating with a forceful swing. Mary barely had time to react as a wave of holy energy slammed into her, sending her skidding across the battlefield.
She gritted her teeth as she forced herself to her feet. The impact had left a burning sensation in her limbs, but she had endured worse. She would not fall here.
The Archangel raised his hand, and the sky responded. From above, a blinding spear of light materialized, descending with the fury of the heavens.
Avalon!
Mary's mind raced as she activated her defensive phantasm. A shimmering barrier enveloped her just as the divine spear struck. The force of the impact shook the ground, but the barrier held, absorbing the devastating power. As the light dissipated, Mary emerged unscathed, her resolve burning even brighter.
"That won't work on me," she said coldly.
The Archangel's gaze hardened. "Then I shall erase you with my own hands."
In an instant, he was upon her again. Their swords clashed at blinding speeds, each strike faster and stronger than the last. Their battle became a blur of movement, neither side yielding an inch.
Lela, in the midst of her own fight, saw an opening. With a determined breath, she activated her Noble Phantasm—Angel Bolt.
Electricity crackled around Gáe Bolg as Lela hurled it toward the Archangel. The spear transformed into a bolt of divine lightning, streaking through the sky with unparalleled speed.
The Archangel sensed the danger too late. The bolt struck his side, sending him hurtling across the battlefield. The ground shattered upon his impact, a crater forming beneath him.
Mary wasted no time. She surged forward, her Mist Blade phantasm activating. Three simultaneous slashes materialized around the Archangel, converging on him from all angles.
A burst of divine energy erupted from his form as he barely managed to counter the attack. Even so, he staggered, golden ichor dripping from the wound on his side.
For the first time, he looked at Mary not with judgment, but with something akin to recognition.
"You are stronger than I expected," he admitted, breathing heavily. "But strength alone will not change fate."
Mary's grip on her sword tightened. "Fate doesn't decide who I am. I do."
The Archangel exhaled slowly. Then, to Mary's surprise, he sheathed his blade.
"You may have defied Heaven today, but this war is far from over." His golden eyes met hers, unyielding. "We will meet again, Mary Innocent."
Without another word, the Archangel raised his hand. A golden light enveloped him and his remaining forces, and in a flash, they vanished—retreating back to the heavens.
A heavy silence followed. The battlefield was still, save for the soft crackling of fading energy.
Lela exhaled, gripping her arm. "Did we… just win?"
Mary watched the sky, her expression unreadable. "For now."
Loosie, still catching her breath, frowned. "They'll come back stronger."
Mary nodded. "Then we'll be ready."
She turned to her sisters, her gaze unwavering. "This war isn't over."
And deep down, she knew—the real battle had only just begun.