Chapter 5: Ashkharsh: All Red
*[Inverse Causality]* Uriel pronounced, reversing Linfer’s senses, gaining a few seconds before he could reclaim his body.
Linfer raised his head, and in the sky, thunder crackled.
Golden lightning bolts snaked around Uriel, who was slowly transforming into a trail of pure mana and law. Beside him, Luciel summoned a whirlwind of flames, her blazing sword ready to strike. Both rushed toward Linfer, Uriel becoming a golden lightning bolt and Luciel a white streak.
Linfer struggled to regain control of his body, his mind battling against the invisible chains. Finally, he reentered his physical form, but Celest, already in motion, attacked with a series of rapid, powerful strikes. Linfer, barely back to himself, ignored Celest and, with a dismissive backhand, slapped him violently, sending him flying. Celest’s body collided with Ezekiel mid-air.
Without a backward glance, Linfer slowly descended onto the sea of blood stretching beneath him. With a flap of his wings, he leaped, transforming into an almost imperceptible red line. His claws extended, he lunged toward Uriel and Luciel, ready to tear them apart. But at the last moment, their bodies vanished in a blue flash.
*[Permutation]*!
"Damn!" Linfer growled, realizing he’d been outmaneuvered.
A blinding light erupted from his back. The swirling golden flame Luciel had summoned took shape, becoming a gigantic six-winged bird, surrounded by crackling golden lightning. A piercing cry tore through the atmosphere.
*Keeeeek!*