That early morning, Alkea awoke with a newfound determination burning in his chest. He would become the next Nagid HaMalakhim—no matter what. But one name stood in his way: Aria.
She had been blessed by her grandfather just before his passing, a gesture that many believed marked her as the true heir. And Alkea knew it. He couldn't afford to take chances. If Aria stood between him and the crown, then she had to be eliminated—quietly, completely.
Akiva, for her part, had long put aside her grief. She was no longer the fragile girl mourning her family. She had grown—sharpened by loss and fueled by purpose. She trained in secret, knowing that most of the palace, and much of the kingdom, stood behind Alkea. It was only a matter of time before he found a way to get rid of her. He had always despised her. His father had trained him to be the best, to outshine all competition—and Aria was the only one left who could challenge him.
Then came the opportunity.
A council of the Wise Ones was called. During the meeting, held within the great hall of the palace, Alkea painted Aria in the worst light possible. He even enlisted the palace maids to carry out his scheme. One of them stormed into the chamber, weeping and trembling, claiming the princess had destroyed her clothes in a fit of cruelty. Her performance was flawless.
The Wise Ones were stunned. They had only ever heard good things about Akiva. But with multiple maids repeating the same tale, doubt took root.
Alkea knew exactly what he was doing. He couldn't banish her himself—not without cause—but now that he had poisoned her reputation, no one questioned it when Akiva was cast out of the palace.
That night, as she was driven into the cold darkness, Alkea stood watching, a cruel smile on his face. He had succeeded. Akiva's name was tarnished. Her royal status, shredded. With the people's trust in her destroyed, Alkea had bought himself time—time to prepare for the title he believed was rightfully his.
But it wasn't enough.
"She must disappear from the kingdom entirely," he muttered to himself. "It's not enough for her to be disgraced—she must be condemned."
He plotted something bigger, something unforgivable. He would frame her for treason, a crime so grave it would erase her from history.
Meanwhile, Akiva wandered the outskirts of the kingdom in tattered clothes, forced to survive on scraps. She knew her enemy—and her enemy knew her. Still, she clung to hope. Her family's honor had been shattered, but not lost. She had overheard part of the council's discussion before she was cast out. The new Nagid HaMalakhim had not yet been chosen. There was still time.
Tradition dictated that the next leader be chosen from Philadelphia's royal family—her family. But with her exile, the people believed Alkea was the only eligible heir.
She had to act quickly. If Alkea succeeded in his plan, she would be gone forever. But there was one man who could change everything—one person who even Alkea could not touch.
The Warrior Archangel.
As long as he had not yet been replaced, his actions could only be challenged by one—the future Nagid HaMalakhim. And until then, he was untouchable.
Aria clung to that fact like a lifeline. If she could align herself with the warrior, if he were to protect her—she would be safe.
She found him near the cliffside temple where angels often stood watch over the kingdom. Their eyes met. She had known him since childhood. He had once been close to her father.
Stepping forward, she locked eyes with him and said, "I've come to call in the favor you owe my father."
He raised a brow. "Where are your manners, young lady?"
She bowed quickly. "My apologies, sir."
His eyes scanned her, from her torn robes to the determination burning in her eyes. "You've been through more than most. Speak."
"I want you to take me under your wings. Protect me. I know your actions can't be questioned—except by one. And until he's named…"
The Nagid HaMalakhim had yet to be chosen, and the warrior archangel still looked unconvinced. Akiva pressed on.
"It's between me and Alkea," she said, her voice steady. "He knows you were friends with my father. When he gets the chance, he'll strip you of your position. You won't be safe either."
The warrior archangel fell silent, considering her words. Then he gave a solemn nod. "Very well. I shall help you—but not as a protector alone. I will train you to become the Nagid HaMalakhim yourself."
"Yes, Sensei," Aria replied with a small smile. "That means I'm staying with you for now."
From that day forward, she trained under his guidance, pushing her body and mind beyond their limits. She prepared for the trials ahead, knowing that the day of choosing was drawing near.
News soon reached Alkea. Akiva had found sanctuary—worse, a protector he could not touch. Fury surged through him like wildfire.
"What gives him the effrontery to protect the one I cast out?" he growled. "Let him enjoy it while he can. Once I ascend to my rightful position, I'll show him his place."
Still, he knew he needed to prepare. This century's choosing would be different. In times past, loyalty and faithfulness to the Lord had determined the new leader. And in that regard, Alkea was a clear favorite.
Until now.
This time, there were two eligible heirs from the Church of Philadelphia.
Tradition dictated that only men had ever held the role. The trials required endurance that many believed only men could survive. But during a council meeting, something unexpected happened.
The Warrior Archangel stood to speak.
"The Lord's blessing was promised to the Church of Philadelphia," he said. "The royal lineage was granted a divine favor. Gotham—Aria's grandfather—was given a wish. A blessing to bestow upon his offspring. That blessing shall not be ignored."
The room fell silent.
"We all know Gotham wished for Aria to lead," the warrior continued. "Even if she is a woman—let her try."
The council, moved by his wisdom, agreed. Akiva would be allowed to participate.
Alkea stared at the warrior archangel with quiet rage, as if to say: You'll regret this.
Now, the stage was set. The competition would test not only strength, but character and knowledge.
The first trial: To pass through the Valley of the Shadow of Death and return alive.
Both Akiva and Alkea knew what they wanted—and that neither would win easily. Armed with their weapons, they entered the valley.
The valley was no ordinary place. It crawled with nightmarish beasts, ancient spirits, and unspeakable shadows. But beyond all that lurked an old woman—guardian of an orb that contained things unknown, yet deeply desired. It was said that anyone who could retrieve the orb and escape would pass the first test.
Alkea stormed in headfirst, sword drawn, cutting down anything in his path.
Akiva, by contrast, moved with purpose and clarity. Every step was calculated. Her blade was swift, but her mind was sharper.
They each faced horrors. But then, in the depths of that darkness, they both encountered a girl—frail, trembling, and bloodied. She had been tortured by the valley's monsters.
Akiva stopped.
She couldn't leave the girl behind.
Alkea didn't hesitate. He pushed forward, ignoring the child entirely. Soon he saw the old woman with the orb clutched in her withered hands. Without a second thought, he snatched it from her and sprinted out.
The moment he emerged, the crowd erupted into cheers.
"Alkea! Alkea!" they chanted, praising his strength and speed.
But Akiva remained inside.
She knelt beside the injured girl. The child looked up with tear-streaked eyes and shook her head. "My mother… she's still here."
Akiva's breath caught in her throat.
"Then we'll find her," she whispered.
Akiva saw the old woman again—but this time, the orb wasn't in her hand. Confused, she let the girl go, watching her run toward the shadows. Then she dropped to her knees and cried.
The old woman approached, her voice soft and knowing.
"Little child, what brings tears to your eyes, after you have brought me joy?"
Akiva looked up, voice trembling. She explained everything—the girl, the orb, Alkea.
The old woman listened in silence, then gave a warm, almost mischievous smile.
"He did take an orb from me," she said, "but not the orb. Not the one filled with things unknown, but longed for still."
She lifted her hand. There it was—the true orb—shining, glowing with a celestial brilliance. Its light pulsed with a voice that only the spirit could hear.
Akiva's eyes lit up. She reached out, her hands trembling as she took it.
"Thank you," she whispered, bowing her head.
When she emerged from the valley, the sun was high and bright. Alkea stood there, arms crossed, smug.
"You're late," he mocked. "And empty-handed."
Akiva said nothing. She held up the orb.
Its light met the sun's rays and exploded in a flare of radiance so intense that all turned away in awe.
The judges gasped. One of them stepped forward, inspecting it closely.
"This… this is the true orb," he declared.
Gasps rippled through the crowd. The competition was over.
Strength. Character. Knowledge. All had been found.
Alkea's face contorted with disbelief.
"This isn't real knowledge!" he shouted. "She got lucky. We need justice—ask a true question!"
And so, a final test was given.
"What is the true hidden name of the Arrow of Destruction?"
Silence fell.
Both stood frozen. Alkea had no answer—his father had never told him.
But Akiva remembered.
Her grandfather's voice echoed in her mind. The day he was taken… he had whispered it to her.
"Ḥetz Ha-Heres," she said aloud. "That's the name. My grandfather told me before they took him."
The entire arena went still.
All eyes turned to the Angel of the Church of Philadelphia, the only one with the divine right to confirm.
The angel looked at her, then nodded slowly.
"She is correct."
And just like that, the impossible became reality.
A woman—a girl—had become the Nagid HaMalakhim.
The crowd murmured in disbelief. Whispers filled the air.
"Can she handle it?"
"Guess we'll see…"
That night, Akiva visited her grandfather's grave. She knelt, eyes glossy with tears.
"Grandpops… we did it. Your training wasn't in vain. I wish you were here to see it. You'd be proud."
A tear slid down her cheek.
"Your little angel is now the first woman… the first Nagid HaMalakhim. I'll restore our name. I promise."
She looked up at the stars.
"I wish for power—enough to find my parents."
Then down again.
"Goodnight, family. Bye."
Later, she was summoned to a place no mortal had seen.
The Council of the 24 Elders stood before her.
She could only stare—until a force brought her to her knees.
"Stand," one of them said. "We are not the ones you should worship. We too are servants."
Akiva blinked in confusion.
"Your first quest is set," an elder declared. "You must uncover what the devil is planning. The signs show it will be disastrous."
Another elder spoke.
"Observe. Watch closely. Free the humans from the bondage sin offers."
The world had fallen into blasphemy. Acts that aligned with the prophecy in Second Timothy were unfolding.
But it wasn't only man's doing. Demons moved behind the scenes.
The devil wanted the end times to come faster. He was planning something big.
"You must go in as one of them," the elder said.
"Destroy all his works."
"But how?" Akiva asked, overwhelmed.
No answer came.
But soon—it did.
She was summoned by the Seven Angels of the Churches.
It was time.
She was ready.
The powers she needed would now be given.
And so it began.
Akiva stood before the angels of the seven churches. Each one had something profound to say.
The Angel of the Church of Ephesus gave her a simple, yet powerful reminder.
"Don't forget your first love—God."
The Angel of the Church of Smyrna added,
"Always remain faithful."
The Angel of the Church of Pergamum spoke with a warning,
"Stay away from immorality and idolatry."
The Angel of the Church of Thyatira cautioned her,
"Know that there are false prophets. Do not let them deceive you."
The Angel of the Church of Sardis urged her,
"Always keep your spirit alive and active."
The Angel of the Church of Laodicea gave her a final piece of wisdom,
"You cannot serve both God and Mammon. Choose one."
And then, the Angel of the Church of Philadelphia spoke,
"Watch closely. The devil will try to harm you or pull you to his side. Do not let that happen."
The meeting ended, but the next day would mark the beginning of Akiva's new journey.
The following day, Akiva stood on the edge of the mystic Descent. This was a place where an angel would be placed into a human body—through a giant black hole in the earth. It was a place where divinity would merge with humanity.
She had waited for this moment, and now it was finally here.
When she arrived, she saw them—the Angels of the Seven Churches, all gathered before her. The Angel of the Church of Philadelphia locked eyes with her and spoke,
"Naghid Hamalakim, before you enter, know this: During your time in the human realm, you must remain pure. Since you are not male and cannot be circumcised, will you agree to this condition?"
Akiva's heart raced. She nodded,
"Yes, I will."
The angel looked at her approvingly.
"You shall take seven steps. With each step, a power will be granted. In the last, you will jump down, and your journey will begin."
Akiva took a deep breath.
"Let's begin," she whispered, the weight of her decision settling into her soul.
The Angel of the Church of Ephesus spoke first,
"You shall have the ability to dispute between the truth and a lie."
The Angel of the Church of Smyrna followed,
"You shall have the power of the seer—seeing things others cannot."
The Angel of the Church of Pergamum added,
"You shall possess the ability to be straightforward and honest with your words."
The Angel of the Church of Thyatira said,
"You will be able to hear the tongues of other species."
The Angel of the Church of Sardis proclaimed,
"You will have the gift of quick answered prayers."
The Angel of the Church of Laodicea gave her,
"Divine favor, for you will be blessed beyond measure."
Finally, the Angel of the Church of Philadelphia spoke,
"You shall receive the power of endurance, and the power of dreams. With these, your journey will be guided."
" The comforter shall be with you, a small voice in your head."
The angels stretched out their hands towards Akiva, their divine energy flowing into her. With that, she was bestowed with the gifts she needed to embark on her quest.
Her story was now written in the annals of the Naghid Hamalakim.
This news spread quickly to all—Alkea, now the Naghid Hamalakim, was tasked with a mission. He was to go down to earth, study humanity, and learn the secrets the devil was attempting to execute with them. But a condition had been set.
In the past, angels sent to protect the human realm had fallen into temptation, causing them to sleep with human women. This resulted in the birth of giants—beings who wreaked havoc upon the land. To prevent such a tragedy, a new rule was made: all males would be circumcised.
Since Akiva was not male, she would not undergo circumcision. However, the condition was clear: she must remain pure and holy, a virgin throughout her time on earth. Only then could she fulfill her quest.
Akiva, now fully aware of her responsibility, stood ready to face whatever lay ahead.
Her journey to blend with the humans began.
Before leaving, Akiva had met with the Warrior Angel. She asked for his blessings—and he gave them freely, reminding her of the reason she had started this journey in the first place: to restore her family's good name.
Akiva felt the weight of her mission more than ever. But now, with divine powers granted to her, and the blessings of the angels, she was ready.
Her fate—her destiny—was no longer just hers to bear. She was the Naghid Hamalakim.
And the world would soon know her name.
The angels were speaking, their words not understandable to human ears, ensuring she entered the right body. However, she must have forgotten that things were not always going to be easy, especially when enemies sought to make it difficult. Suddenly, Aria felt a sharp pain. Alkea had cast a forbidden spell on the portal, causing her to be placed into the body of a dying vessel, belonging to the wrong family, with no memory of her purpose. As a result, she grew up confused.
In the heavenly realms, it was soon noticed what had happened. However, it couldn't be fixed, for only the one who had caused it could undo it. But Alkea was nowhere to be found—now, she was missing. A verdict was reached: an angel would descend to guide Aria, but she must remain on her path and complete her mission while staying pure