The atmosphere of the Sky Citadel was unlike anything Throk, Neptune, and Spink had ever experienced in the depths of the ocean. For a brief moment, they felt out of place. The city shimmered with serene harmony, its inhabitants adorned with glimmering wings and peaceful expressions, radiating an unexpected joy. They were welcomed with warm smiles and kindness, as if they were long-awaited guests. The citizens of the citadel greeted them as though there was nothing but peace in this celestial realm—but to Throk, that calm was unsettling.
- Throk:"Something here is wrong," he murmured, eyes sharp as they walked through streets bathed in golden light.
Neptune nodded silently while Spink observed everything with a mix of distrust and wonder. As a Pukain, she was used to earth and forests, and the celestial glow of the citadel made her feel as if she were in a dream.
- Neptune:"It's strange how warmly we're being welcomed, considering where we come from," he said in a low voice. "I feel like there are secrets behind those smiles."
Guided by instinct, the three decided to rest in a tavern tucked away on a quieter street. The place was cozy, lit with soft, warm light—a stark contrast to the chaos they had faced in the ocean's depths. In one corner, an angelic man with long white wings and piercing eyes watched them. His presence was both comforting and mysterious. He was Warley, one of the angels who inhabited the Celestial Citadel.
As soon as they sat down, Warley approached. His posture was relaxed, but a serious gleam lingered in his gaze.
- Warley:"We don't often have visitors like you here," he said, his voice low and deep, almost a whisper. "There's a reason for the apparent calm of this place... but secrets can't be hidden forever."
Throk furrowed his brow, sensing the weight of an imminent revelation.
- Spink:"Secrets?" Spink leaned in, curious. "What are you talking about?"
Warley glanced around to make sure no one else was listening, then sat down with them.
- Warley:"You need to know what happened recently. A human... was here, in the Citadel. The 100 Divines hunted him relentlessly. He managed to evade them for a while, but it seems he had a different fate in mind."
- Neptune:"So Midoki really was here?" Neptune could barely believe it.
Warley nodded.
- Warley:"Yes. But he wasn't running just to survive. He made his way to Mount Olympus—which is madness. The Divine Sanctuary is forbidden, even to the 100 Divines. They're not allowed to set foot there... by higher command. Midoki must have discovered that, so he risked going to the mountain. But by doing so, he sealed his fate. The Zodiac Envoys are far more dangerous than any of the 100 Divines—perhaps even one of them alone is stronger than all the Divines combined. Whatever awaits him there... it won't be a simple battle."
A heavy silence fell as each of the three processed Warley's words.
Throk rested his chin in his hand, deep in thought.
- Throk:"So Midoki went to Mount Olympus... And what does that mean for us?"
Warley gave a faint, sorrowful smile.
- Warley:"For you? It means things are far from safe. The 100 Divines may have stopped hunting Midoki, but that doesn't mean they've abandoned their other duties. And if they find out you're here, they'll likely try to capture you as well."
Before they could ask why, a loud sound cut through the air. Heavy, ominous footsteps echoed, and the tavern door slowly creaked open, revealing the silhouettes of three angels, their armor gleaming under the tavern's light. Their wings were immense, their eyes glowing with ruthless authority. They were members of the 100 Divines—the most lethal guardians of the Citadel.
- Unknown Divine:"The three intruders in the corner," one of them said, his voice like restrained thunder. "You are under our custody."
Throk rose slowly, eyes blazing with fierce determination. He wasn't going to surrender easily. Neptune stepped forward, already in a battle stance, and Spink, though usually cheerful, was tense and ready to fight.
- Throk:"If you think we'll just go with you, you're deeply mistaken."
- Another Divine:"This isn't a matter of choice," the second angel replied, his voice cold. "You will come—with or without resistance."
The tavern's air thickened, as if the very celestial light of the Citadel was about to be snuffed out by the battle looming ahead. But before they could act, a chilling sound filled the air—a deep hum that reverberated through the walls. Neptune, always alert, was the first to step outside, followed closely by Throk and Spink.
When they emerged, what they saw left them stunned.
Above them, dozens of high-ranking angels hovered in the sky, all clad in sacred armor with stern expressions. Their massive wings filled the horizon, blocking out the natural light of the heavens. Every one of them belonged to the 100 Divines, and now, they had all gathered to capture Throk and his companions.
- Spink:"I think we're in deeper trouble than we thought," she murmured, eyeing the angels that surrounded them.
Throk, always the leader in times of crisis, felt the weight of responsibility settle heavily on his shoulders.
- Throk:"This will be harder than I imagined... but we're ready."
Neptune let out a heavy sigh, preparing for the inevitable fight.
- Neptune:"May the grace of Poseidon guide us."
The sky was charged with tension, and the Sky Citadel, once so peaceful, now became the stage for an epic confrontation. Warley, watching from afar, knew the battle was about to begin—one that could decide the fate of far more than just Throk, Neptune, and Spink.