Several dozen seconds later, the pitch-black abyss had been completely filled.
After the endless whispers vanished, a few more wrinkles crept across the old man in black's face, making his already aged features look even more haggard.
"Alright." Kronos spoke calmly. "The seal has been reversed to before the breach was torn open. It is whole again, and no more contamination will leak out. You can rest assured."
Michael stared into his eyes. "Your lifespan..."
"To toy with time, one must be prepared to be toyed with by time." Kronos said faintly. "Even Supreme Gods cannot escape the restraints of laws... Not everyone can create miracles like you."
Michael fell silent.
After an unknown amount of time, Michael raised the holy sword clenched in both hands once more and plunged it deeply into the crater beneath his feet.
A golden domain instantly unfolded, covering the moon once again and enveloping Kronos as well.
The instant he was shrouded by this Mortal Divine Domain, Kronos seemed to sense something. He froze slightly and turned to look at Michael beside him.
"This is..."
"A miracle that halts aging." Michael spoke expressionlessly. "Your century of lifespan was consumed because of this lunar seal. I do not like owing others favors... Recuperate within this miracle for a few years before returning."
Kronos looked at him with a complicated expression. "You did not need to do this. If this lunar seal broke, the entire Earth would face a Death Tribulation. I was saving myself as well."
"Are you in a hurry to return to Earth?"
"...No." Kronos asked in confusion, "Why do you ask?"
"If you are not in a hurry to return, then recuperate here for a few years." Michael paused before adding, "And while I am gone, guard this lunar seal for me."