A never-ending war between Light and Darkness began over a thousand years ago, when a few high-ranking angels betrayed the Light. Darkness conquered the Celestial Realm—the official residence of the angels. It was their haven, a place where they could rest after long journeys and daily tasks.
Inca, the leader of the Dark Armies, was able to win the war after receiving help from Hell.
They captured and killed all the messengers from Heaven and beheaded the high-ranking Angels of Light. Some were taken captive, but most lost their wings when Inca’s army cut them off. Only a few survived, hiding in the shadows and waiting for the perfect opportunity to pass through the Gate of Heaven to seek help from above. The once-safe haven of angels was now ruined and covered in darkness.
“It’s been two days, but the gate is still heavily guarded,” Neomi said.
“We need to find a way to cross or get out of here, or all of us will end up dead.”
“What about the babies and the children, Amado?” Lara asked.
Baby Archangels destined to protect the realm and mankind were kept in the realm’s nursery. The realm also had a special school for toddlers and a massive training ground where they learned swordsmanship and honed their individual skills and powers.
“Let’s check the academy first. It’s the safest route and much closer to the nursery,” Amado said.
Amado was one of the chiefs of the Archangels—one of the high-ranking angels responsible for the security and safety of the realm.
Aside from himself, who had managed to escape, he had no idea who else was still alive. He was certain others were hiding in the woods, seeking refuge to survive.
“Alright, eyes here. This is the realm’s map. We are currently here,” Amado said, pointing to a marked legend on the map.
“We need to reach this point before the dark ones search the woods. There’s a secret tunnel leading to the academy—one only the generals knew about. We can use it to our advantage. Food and weapons are stored there for emergencies.”
Lara and Neomi nodded, and together they moved immediately. Behind a small hill covered with mold, dried leaves, and rocks stood a hidden door that led to the tunnel. The hill was 1.2 miles from the academy—it would take about fifteen minutes by flight or running, but days on foot.
Amado lit a torch to guide their way. After a minute of walking, they found other angels hiding inside. Some were severely wounded; others had lost their wings, and some had their eyes gouged out. He could hardly believe what he was seeing. Medical angels were busy tending to the injured.
“Amado?! Amado! Thank God you’re alive!” Joonmin cried, hugging him and patting his shoulder. Unlike Amado, Joonmin had lost both his wings. The wounds were clearly from being forcibly cut and were still bleeding. Amado broke down in disbelief.
“Don’t cry, brother. This is not the time to lose faith,” Joonmin said firmly, holding his shoulder.
“What happened to your wings?” Amado asked.
“Xiao cut them off,” Joonmin said quietly.
“He’s one of the rebels.”
The realm had seven chiefs—Xiao, Joonmin, Amado, Tyra, Mary, Luke, and Athena.
“What about the others?” Amado asked.
“Mary and Tyra died protecting the children. Inca has Lucifer’s sword and dagger, and his army used angel-forged weapons to slaughter everyone,” Joonmin explained.
That explained how the Dark Ones were able to harm them. Angels were immortal and capable of healing themselves; only weapons created by God could wound or kill them.
“They captured Athena. Luke is holding her,” Joonmin added.
“Those traitors!” Amado shouted, rage burning through him.
“Lara, check everyone and gather those who can still fight. We don’t have much time. Find another place to hide the wounded—they’ll search this area soon,” Amado commanded.
“Yes, Chief!”
“Listen, everyone!” Amado called out. “I know we are in a desperate situation, but this is not the time to give up. Darkness cannot overcome the Light! Have faith—God is always with us, protecting us. Never lose trust in Him. Stand up and fight! Do not fear death; we already know where we are going.”
He smiled as he finished.
“Those who can still fight, prepare for battle. Those wounded who can still walk, help evacuate the severely injured,” he added.
“But where do we go?” a medical angel asked.
“To the woods,” Amado replied.
“Neomi and Lara will guide you. This place is no longer safe. Move while we still have time.”
“Joonmin, gather all angels who can still fight and distribute the weapons hidden in the tunnel.”
They studied the map and finalized their plan.
As the angels prepared to defend themselves, the Dark Ones were already hunting the survivors.
“The children are all dead, Inca. We slaughtered them all—no survivors! Hahaha!”
“Very good,” Inca replied. “You will receive your reward after the war.”
“How is she?” Inca asked Luke.
“Athena is unbreakable. She won’t submit to darkness easily,” Luke said.
“Then she is useless. Kill her.”
“No—not yet. Others will come for her. Believe me, they will arrive sooner than you expect,” Luke replied with a smile. Inca tapped his shoulder and laughed.
“She won’t last long anyway. She’s losing blood. Keep an eye on her. Even without her wings, she can still defend herself,” Inca said.
“I’ve heard newborn angels are hidden behind this wall,” Inca continued, locking eyes with Athena.
Athena glared back fiercely. Her hands and feet were bound, her wings severed, her body badly beaten—but she was still ready to fight. Her only priority was protecting the newborns. If Inca found them, the realm would fall.
Inca grabbed her face, his claw-like nails digging into her cheeks.
“I truly admire your bravery,” he said coldly.
“Break the wall,” he commanded.
As the Dark Army began tearing it down, Amado and Joonmin rushed toward the nursery. There were twenty newborns inside—seven high-ranking angels and the rest guardians and messengers.
Newborns were dressed by rank: pure white for guardians, blue and white for messengers, and gold and white for high-ranking angels. They were born to protect the realm, serve God, and safeguard mankind.
When Amado and Joonmin opened the door, a massive blast erupted from the opposite side. They shielded the newborns with their bodies and wings.
“Athena!” Joonmin shouted.
The angel armies clashed with the Dark Ones. Joonmin grabbed Athena and carried her into the nursery. She was bleeding heavily.
“Take the white ones,” Athena said weakly. “You and Amado must take them to the human realm. It’s their only chance to survive.”
“What about you?” Joonmin asked.
Amado wrapped a cloth tightly around Athena’s wounds.
“You must fulfill this mission. The Holy Spirit will guide them to parents who will protect and love them,” Athena insisted.
“The white ones?” Amado asked.
“I switched them,” Athena replied. “Now go.”
With her remaining strength, Athena created a portal. Amado grabbed five newborns while Joonmin took two—his injured body allowing him no more. They leaped into the portal.
No one knew where it would lead. What mattered was saving the newborns who would one day defend the realm.
As they neared the light, the pressure intensified. Amado and Joonmin were torn apart—separated and hurled into the air.