The chamber beyond was impossible, defying the natural laws Gabriel had come to rely on. Stars drifted lazily through the air like dust motes, and platforms hovered over vast chasms that seemed to lead into other dimensions. At the center of it all was an altar flanked by twelve crystalline shards—each humming with a suppressed power.
Suddenly, one of the shards burst open with a violent flare, releasing a towering figure clad in molten armor. The being held a blade of pure plasma that seemed to burn with the very essence of creation.
"Another trial?" Caitlin muttered, preparing her weapon.
"No," Gabriel said, his eyes narrowing. "This is not a trial. This is a sentinel."
The armored figure raised its weapon, and its voice echoed through the chamber. "Only those who carry truth and burden may pass. Prove you are not corrupted."
Gabriel stepped forward without hesitation. "We fight, then."
The clash was immediate. Lightning and fire crackled in the air as Gabriel's divine strikes collided with the sentinel's molten blade. But Gabriel was quick, adapting swiftly, combining his divine power with runic traps to ensnare the sentinel's movements. Aziel joined in, unleashing the raw force of his strength while Nyra bent gravity to collapse the very ground beneath their opponent.
When the battle ended, the sentinel fell to one knee, its form disintegrating into code-like fragments. Its voice, distant yet powerful, echoed, "You are... worthy."
The altar flared to life, the crystalline shards now displaying faces. These were not mere images—they were like Gabriel, scattered across galaxies, waiting. Among them was a woman with silver hair and armor of starlight. Her essence radiated divine precision, and though Gabriel didn't know her, he felt a connection.
Caitlin noticed the way he stared. "Do you know her?"
Gabriel nodded slowly. "No. But I will."
Merlin's voice resonated from behind them, filled with both caution and prophecy. "The final convergence draws near. Your fates are not bound by prophecy alone, Gabriel. They are also bound by your choices. Remember that."
The air outside had darkened. Lucifer was moving, and soon, everything would change.