823 Clash at the Gates of Heaven Before anyone could react, the creature spoke, its voice echoing with a resonance that seemed to reverberate throughout the heavens.

"Welcome, travelers, to the gates of Heaven," it intoned, its words filled with a sense of solemnity and reverence.

Ren and the others exchanged uneasy glances, unsure of how to respond to the creature's greeting. They had heard tales of angels and divine beings, but to encounter one giant eye was new.

As they stood before the creature, they couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and trepidation. They were on the threshold of a realm shrouded in mystery and wonder, a place where mortal beings dared not tread.

"Are you the guardian of this place?" Desira asked, crossing her arms and sizing the angel up and down.

The Guardian of Heaven's Gate nodded solemnly. "Indeed, I am the guardian of this sacred realm."

"And I suppose you wouldn't allow us entry into the Heavens?" Malifira inquired, her voice laced with amusement.

The Guardian's single eye narrowed, its gaze falling upon Azazel and his warlords with suspicion. "That's correct. Heaven is not a place for mortals, especially those of demon and devil descent."

Despite the intricate carvings and ornate armor adorning the Guardian's single eyeball and the majestic wings adorning its back, Ren couldn't help but shiver involuntarily at the sight of it. There was something inherently intimidating and scary about the celestial being, a primal fear that seemed to grip his very soul.

But with a reassuring tap from Malifira's hand on his shoulder, Ren felt a wave of calm wash over him, dispelling the [Fear] that had momentarily taken hold.

"Be cautious. That eyeball has the ability to instill fear, despite your armor and resistance," Malifira cautioned with a chuckle. "But fear not, within my domain, such tactics are useless. Did you get the pun?"

Ren couldn't help but crack a small smile at her attempt at humor, though he was unsure whether to laugh or not given the seriousness of the situation.

"And what if we refuse to leave?" Azazel challenged, a toothy grin spreading across his face.

"First, wipe the puke off your mouth. It's unbecoming of the leader of the Netherworld," Elena interjected with a wry sigh, gesturing towards the remnants of Azazel's earlier bout of nausea.

The Guardian's eyes darkened, its demeanor turning ominous and menacing. "Then I will have no choice but to remove you forcefully!"

As the tension in the air thickened, Ren and the others braced themselves for a confrontation. They weren't going to go back empty handed now. They wouldn't back down easily, especially when their goal lay just beyond the Guardian's reach.

As tensions escalated and the Guardian made its move, a palpable sense of danger hung in the air like a suffocating shroud. Its giant eye glowed ominously, emanating an otherworldly aura that sent shivers down the spines of Ren and the others.

Before anyone could react, a wave of petrification magic surged forth from the Guardian's eye, threatening to immobilize them in their tracks. But Elena was quick-witted, and sprang into action. With a swift incantation and a flourish of her staff, she countered the petrification magic with a powerful spell of her own, breaking the Guardian's hold over them.

"Fools!" the Guardian thundered, its voice echoing through the heavens with an air of superiority. "Resistance is futile! This is my domain, and you have no power here!"

The Guardian unleashed its domain, a powerful aura that enveloped the area with an oppressive force. Within its radius, Ren and the others felt their strength wane, their stats plummeting to a mere fraction of their former power.

Ren gritted his teeth as he felt the effects of the Guardian's domain take hold, his muscles straining against the weight of the magical suppression. He could see his companions struggling as well, their movements sluggish and labored under the immense pressure.

The battlefield had been leveled in an instant, they have the numbers, but it would take a while before they could defeat the Giant Eye who had massive HP. Encountering a being with such massive HP was a first for Ren, but upon closer inspection, he noticed that its other stats weren't as impressive. Nevertheless, despite the seemingly insurmountable odds, Ren and his companions stood firm, refusing to yield to the Guardian's intimidating presence. They were resolute in their desire to rescue Lorelai, no matter the obstacles that lay in their path.

As the Guardian loomed overhead, its gaze filled with scorn and disdain, Ren and the others prepared themselves for the fight of their lives. Despite the debilitating effects of the Guardian's domain weakening them, Ren and his companions remained undeterred, launching into battle without fear.

"Lord Azazel, stay here," Desira commanded, her tone firm as she prepared to launch an attack.

"Huh?" Azazel protested, reluctant to remain on the sidelines. "I can help too."

"You're weakened at the moment. You'll only get in the way," Iraelyn interjected, transforming into her dragon form to intercept the Guardian's attack.

Azazel scowled at the dismissal. "Is that how you treat your Lord?"

But nobody paid him any mind as the battle with the Guardian commenced.

The battle with the Guardian was fierce and intense, with each side unleashing their most powerful attacks in an effort to emerge victorious. Ren and Evie fought side by side with the warlords, their movements synchronized as they faced off against the Guardian. Meanwhile, Desira and the others reveled in the exhilaration of battle, their eyes gleaming with excitement as they clashed with such a formidable opponent.

It had been years since they had faced an entity of such immense power, and the exhilarating thrill of battle surged through their veins once more.

Despite the Guardian's immense HP, Ren and the others pressed on and fought hard to reduce it. Desira launched devastating spells, while Elena unleashed swift and precise strikes with her bows. Iraelyn, in her dragon form, soared through the air, delivering powerful blows to the Guardian's defenses. Meanwhile, Ren, Evie and Vivi channeled their magical energy, supporting their group with, magical attacks, buffs and healing spells.