Chapter 55: Contemplation

In the luxurious confines of his chamber in Rhinopolis, Lucius, the fallen Demon God, was deep in thought. Staring into the swirling fires of his grand hearth, he mused aloud, "The boy, Harry. Bearing the protection and blessings of an angel, no less." He chuckled, the sound dripping with malice. "The universe does have a twisted sense of humor. Sending this world's answer to my chaos in the form of a mere boy."

He stood up, pacing the room, his memories diving deep into the celestial hierarchy. "Sentry Angels, the lowest of their lot; then the Celestial Knights, those insufferable warriors; Dominions, Virtues, Seraphim and then... Archangels." His voice held a particular edge at the last word.

"Archangel Michael," he spat, remembering the treachery. "Him and his two other sanctimonious comrades caused my descent to this wretched realm." He snorted. "Angles, powerful as they are, have their limits. This world might conspire to favor the boy, throwing treasures and ancient techniques in his path, but against me?" He paused, a wicked grin forming on his face. "He's but a lamb awaiting slaughter. That Sentry Angel guarding him will be torn apart if it dares cross my path."

Meanwhile, in a remote high oak tree forest, Harry's awakening was far less grand. Groggily sitting up, memories from the previous battles flooded his mind, the weight of losses threatening to drown him. Tears streamed down his face as he recalled the sacrifices: Professor Cedric, King Heinrich, Knight Grandmaster, Pope Benedictus and more. The names of his fallen comrades echoed in his mind. "Twice now," he whispered, voice choked with emotion, "Twice, Lucius has torn everything away."

Ann, her own face streaked with tears, approached him. "Harry," she murmured, pulling him into an embrace. Eleonora joined the hug, her usually fierce eyes soft with empathy. "We still have each other," she whispered.

Far from the forest, in a grand hall with towering pillars and shimmering mosaics, Sage Magus Ludvig stood at the center, fervently addressing a gathering of Sages. "Lucius, the beast of apocalypse, must be stopped!" His voice echoed through the chamber. "Will you stand by and let our world crumble?"

Murmurs filled the hall. The fear Lucius instilled was palpable. Then, breaking the tense silence, a powerful voice rose, "I'll stand against Lucius!" It was the renowned Sword God, revered by the sword sect as it's diety. His declaration inspired a ripple of courage, with several Sages nodding in agreement, ready to confront the looming darkness.

The landscape, however, told a grim story. Black flags bearing the red Phoenix flew high and proud, a testament to the Empire's relentless march. City after city had fallen; nearly half the continent was now under Lucius's shadow. The world braced itself, hoping for a glimmer of hope amidst the encroaching darkness.