The Astral Dogma

The book, The Rise of Kings, rested heavily in Belial's hands as he turned to the section about the 2nd Aeon, his sharp eyes scanning its pages with growing intrigue. The text spoke of an age where remnants of ether, left from a primordial source, spread across the realms like wildfire. This mysterious ether awakened a latent power within certain beings, igniting what the text called the primordial factor. From these awakenings, figures of immense power emerged, reshaping their worlds.

"In each realm," Belial read aloud softly, "kings were born. Not mere rulers, but beings who embodied authority over their lands and kin."

The section went on to list the newly arisen monarchs of the 2nd Aeon:

Kings of Angels,Kings of Beasts,Kings of Elves,Kings of Dragons,Kings of Demons,And many others...

Each bore unique powers tied to their domains, commanding loyalty and reverence from their people. These kings did not inherit their positions through bloodlines or conquest—they were chosen by the very nature of their existence, the ether within them elevating them to godlike status.

Belial's heart quickened as his gaze fell upon the section dedicated to the Kings of Angels. The word "angels" burned in his mind, invoking memories of celestial beings described in fragmented whispers and myths within the demon realm. His fingers brushed over the illustration of a radiant figure, its many wings spread wide, eyes like flames burning through the page.

He flipped to the detailed section, beginning with Michael.

Michael

Michael, leader of the angels, was described as a being of unfathomable power and majesty. Often referred to as "The Hand of the creator," he was not only the ruler of the angelic realm but a figure revered across all realms.

The book's description of him sent a chill down Belial's spine:

"Michael appears as a figure of light, his form impossible to fully comprehend. Six pairs of wings extend from his back, each feather brimming with divine energy. His face shines brighter than the sun, concealed behind a veil of blazing ether that no mortal or immortal can look upon directly. In one hand, he wields a flaming sword said to burn with the will of the Creator, while in the other, he carries scales of judgment, symbolizing his role as both protector and arbiter of justice. Surrounding him are countless eyes that seem to see all, unblinking and ever-watchful."

The sheer weight of the description left Belial breathless. Michael wasn't just a king he was more than that—he was a force of nature, a living embodiment of divine authority. The text went on to detail his actions during the 2nd Aeon, where he led the angels in defending their realm from invasions by demons, beasts, and even rogue kings.

Raphael

Belial turned the page, finding himself face to face with the next entry: Raphael, the healer of the angelic kings.

"Raphael is known as the Guardian of Life and Light, the angel who mends both body and spirit. His wings are a soft golden hue, and his presence is said to exude a warmth that can heal even the deepest wounds. Clad in white robes that shimmer like the morning sun, he carries a staff adorned with an eternal flame, a relic said to hold the essence of life itself."

The text described Raphael as a calm and compassionate figure, known for his unwavering dedication to preserving life. His abilities were unparalleled—his touch could cleanse corruption, mend shattered limbs, and even reverse death in rare cases. It was said that during the 2nd Aeon, Raphael ventured across the realms, healing those who had suffered in the wars ignited by the rise of the primordial kings.

Raguel

Belial's eyes narrowed as he flipped to the next page, where he found Raguel. Unlike the radiant and nurturing Raphael, Raguel exuded an air of sharp authority.

"Raguel, the Chief Administrator of the heavenly realm, is often depicted with four wings folded neatly behind her, her demeanor stern and calculating. Her garments are pristine and silver-threaded, symbolizing her role as the overseer of divine law. In her hand, she carries a quill and a ledger said to record the deeds of all beings, mortal and immortal alike. Her gaze is piercing, her eyes like mirrors reflecting the truth of one's soul."

Raguel's role was to maintain order within the celestial hierarchy, ensuring that all angels adhered to their duties. She was described as both feared and respected, her authority second only to Michael's. During the 2nd Aeon, she acted as a mediator between realms, resolving disputes with precision and fairness.

Gabriel

Gabriel's name was the next to appear, and Belial felt a flicker of curiosity. This angel, he knew, held significance even in human legends.

"Gabriel is the Messenger of the Divine, the voice through which the will of the Creator is spoken. Her form is ethereal, with wings as white as snow and a golden horn strapped to her side. Her voice is said to resonate with the harmony of the cosmos, each word imbued with power capable of shaking mountains and calming storms."

The book detailed Gabriel's role as the herald of change. She was often the one who announced the rise of kings, the fall of empires, and the will of the heavens. Her presence was said to bring clarity and purpose, her words inspiring armies and uniting divided realms.

Uriel

Belial's brow furrowed as he turned to the next page, finding the entry for Uriel. Unlike the others, Uriel's section was brief, her story tinged with tragedy.

"Uriel, the Flame of Knowledge, was the chief strategist of the angelic kings. Her wings burned with an orange-red light, and her hands bore the marks of endless creation—symbols of her mastery over both war and wisdom. She was the mind behind many victories during the 2nd Aeon, her strategies unmatched in their brilliance."

But Uriel's story ended abruptly. The text explained that she had perished in a great war, sacrificing herself to secure a decisive victory against an unknown enemy. Her loss was deeply felt, and her role was never truly filled by another.

Belial frowned. The lack of detail about her death was frustrating. Who had she fought? What enemy had been so formidable as to claim the life of an angelic king?

Zadkiel

Finally, Belial turned to the last of the angelic kings mentioned in the book: Zadkiel.

"Zadkiel, the Angel of Mercy, is depicted as a gentle figure with soft, blue-tinted wings. Draped in robes that seem to flow like water, he carries a chalice said to contain the essence of forgiveness. Zadkiel's presence is described as soothing, his voice a balm to even the most tormented souls."

Zadkiel's role during the 2nd Aeon was to bring peace to the war-torn realms. He brokered truces between warring factions, his mere presence dissolving hatred and inspiring reconciliation

Belial flipped through the dusty pages of yet another ancient Book, frustration mounting with each passing moment. He had been scouring the library for hours, seeking any mention of the angel who had sealed the demon realm, but his search yielded nothing. It was a futile endeavor—or so it seemed.

Then he looked at the bottom of the book 

-written by Archangel uriel.

"This is useless!" he muttered, slamming the book shut with a sigh.

The dim light of the library cast flickering shadows on the towering shelves, and the faint scent of old parchment filled the air. Despite his exasperation, Belial couldn't shake the nagging curiosity gnawing at him. The snippets of information he'd come across were intriguing, even if incomplete. They hinted at something far greater, a mystery buried deep within the annals of history. For someone like him, who thrived on adventure and had an insatiable love for uncovering the past, the allure was irresistible.

Belial leaned back in his chair, staring at the pile of discarded books. "An angel… dying," he mused aloud, the words tasting foreign on his tongue. It was a shocking thought. Angels were said to be eternal, untouched by the ravages of time or the cruelty of death. And yet, the mere suggestion of such an event sent a ripple of unease through him. How could something so significant remain hidden from the records? How could he, a demon who prided himself on knowing the histories of both realms, have never heard of it?

He rubbed his temples, trying to piece together the fragments of what little he had learned. The implications were vast, and his mind raced with questions. Who was this angel? Why had their sacrifice been forgotten?

With a resigned sigh, Belial reached for the last book in the pile. Its leather cover was cracked and worn, the title barely legible: The Crowned Heroes. He traced the faded letters with his clawed fingers, feeling a spark of anticipation flicker within him. This was his final lead, his last hope of finding something—anything—that could shed light on the mystery.

Now..Let's see what secrets you hold

opening the book.The pages groaned in protest, but they offered no resistance as he delved into their contents, determined to uncover the truth.