Chapter 9 The Final Battle

The chapel was eerily silent, save for the faint hum of divine energy crackling in the air. Samuel, Mother Superior, and Father Cedric stood in formation, their eyes locked on the towering figure of Ishtar, the demoness who had plagued the convent for months.

Behind them, Hageo knelt, his hands trembling as he prepared to summon the Jailer. The weight of the incantation was heavy, but he knew it was their only hope. "I call upon the presence of Abaddon, Guardian of the Abyss," Hageo began, his voice steady despite the strain. "Heed my request. Let me call upon one of your servants, the Jailer, to aid us in this quest." As the words left his lips, the air grew thick with power. Seals and sigils erupted across the chapel floor, their glowing patterns weaving a complex tapestry of ancient magic.

The very walls seemed to tremble as the abyss responded to Hageo's call. Mother Superior was the first to move. With blinding speed, she charged at Ishtar, her blade aimed squarely at the demoness's head. Ishtar raised one of her hell blades to block, but the force of Mother Superior's strike sent her staggering back. Samuel stepped forward, his eternity gauntlet glowing with a golden light. With a roar, he slammed the gauntlet into the ground, sending a shockwave through the chapel. The impact stunned Ishtar, her movements slowing as she struggled to regain her footing. Father Cedric seized the opportunity. He raised Symphony, its tip glowing with divine energy. "Holy Crescendo!" he shouted, thrusting the weapon forward.

The spear pierced Ishtar's side, eliciting a guttural scream from the demoness. But Ishtar was far from defeated. With a snarl, she summoned six additional hell blades, and four new arms sprouted from her body. "You think you can imprison me?" she hissed, her voice dripping with venom. Her gaze locked onto Hageo, who was visibly weakened from the summoning. She lunged at him, her blades poised to strike. Samuel moved faster than thought. He threw himself in front of Hageo, his gauntlet raised to block the attack.

The impact sent him skidding back, but he held his ground. "Hold on, brother," Samuel grunted, his voice strained but determined. Hageo clenched his fists, summoning every ounce of his remaining strength. His body began to glow with a radiant light as he grew in size, his divine power surging. With a thunderous roar, he pummeled Ishtar to the ground, his fists striking with the force of a falling star. Samuel, Mother Superior, and Father Cedric rushed to his aid, pinning Ishtar to the floor. The demoness thrashed violently, her hell blades slashing wildly, but the combined strength of the four heroes held her in place.

The abyssal chains Hageo had summoned began to coil around Ishtar's body, their dark energy searing her flesh. Beneath her, a portal to the abyss opened, its depths swirling with an inky blackness. From within the portal emerged a skeletal knight clad in ancient armor, its hollow eyes burning with an eerie light. "It's the Jailer!" Samuel shouted, his voice filled with both awe and relief. "Step away from Ishtar!" Hageo commanded, his voice echoing with authority. His companions obeyed, retreating to a safe distance as the Jailer approached. The skeletal knight wrapped its bony arms around Ishtar, its grip unyielding.

The demoness screamed in fury, her struggles growing more desperate as the chains tightened. But the Jailer's power was absolute. Slowly, inexorably, it began to drag her toward the portal. Hageo raised his scepter, its tip glowing with a brilliant green light. "I summon the Astral Blade!" he declared. The light coalesced into the form of a massive blade, its edge shimmering with celestial energy. With a final, determined cry, Hageo hurled the blade at Ishtar. It struck through, impaling her through the chest. Ishtar's screams echoed through the chapel as the Jailer dragged her into the abyss.

The portal closed with a deafening roar, leaving the chapel in silence. The convent was finally free from her evil. For a moment, no one moved. Then, as if released from a spell, the four heroes collapsed to their knees, their bodies trembling with exhaustion. Samuel was the first to laugh, a deep, hearty sound that broke the tension. Mother Superior and Father Cedric joined in, their laughter mingling with his. Even Hageo managed a weary smile.

The sisters of the convent, led by Elena, rushed into the chapel, their faces filled with relief. "You did it," Elena whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "You saved us." Mother Superior stood, brushing herself off with a wry smile. "You boys need a bath," she said, wrinkling her nose. "You both smell like the abyss." Samuel chuckled, stretching his arms. "Finally, some water," he said, his tone light despite his exhaustion. "It's been months since we returned from the Holy City.

We barely had time to rest before we got your call." Hageo nodded, his expression softening. "Aunt Celine, Mom says hello, by the way," Samuel added, yawning as he curled up on the floor like a child. Mother Superior—Celine—rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her fond smile. "Since you were a kid, you've always been like this," she said, grabbing Samuel by the arm and dragging him to his feet. Father Cedric watched the exchange with a curious expression. "So, you're Celine," he said. Celine blushed faintly but quickly composed herself. "And you're the new owner of Symphony," she replied, changing the subject. Hageo turned to Cedric, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Before I became the conduit for Abaddon, I was the owner of Symphony," he explained.

"But when the Guardian of the Abyss chose me, I had to pass it on." Cedric nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I see. It's an honor to wield such a weapon." The group made their way out of the chapel, the weight of their victory settling over them. As they walked, Cedric turned to Hageo with a friendly smile. "After we clean up, how about some coffee? I've got a lot of questions to ask." Hageo returned the smile, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten. "Of course, Father. No problem." The convent was at peace. The sisters went about their duties with renewed hope, and the heroes took a moment to rest, knowing they had earned it. As the sun set, casting a warm glow over the convent.

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