"You said we needed a bomb crafted with mana, right?"

Asura nodded while sprinting after Lydia, who managed to gain distance before him.

"Yeah, but gettin' through his bones would take a lot. That fucker is made out of... whatever that metal is in that guy in the cartoons. Was it called vibrationium? Ah, whatever-"

"Focus, Asura! Our lives and the cities are on the line!"

Wain smacked the side of Asura's hand with his palm. The ogre's head didn't move this time. Instead, it remained still as a statue. However, he instantly regretted the action as pain shot through his hand.

"Usually, Mel smacks me. Never expected you to turn on me."

"Dude, there's a huge ass snake after us! What did you expect?"

"Woah, the holy man is cursing now."

"I swear-"

"Calm yourself asswad. The snake moved, but he won't recover for a good fifteen minutes."

Holy fire burst forth from Asura's mouth. Wain studied the ogre from behind as Asura continued to sprint.

"How come you know so much about the Apocalypse?"

"I fought the asshole in the past, like I said before. That fucker invaded the ogre realm at some point."

Wain belched, and from his mouth, more blood erupted onto Asura's back.

"Agh! Gross... What the hell's up with you?"

"I... I used too many herbs. My body must be rejecting the pure mana."

Out of sight, Mel spoke up as Lydia carried her,

"We are wasting time with this conversation..."

Lydia looked back to watch Wain fall forward onto Asura's back. His face was tense and focused as if trying to power through intense pain. Slumped over, his grip was weak as he clutched onto Asura. To Asura, he seemed feverish as he shivered slightly while resting against him. Lydia turned back to look for their comrade's location.

"I agree, Asura and Wain, the fighting is pointless. We need to make a plan to sever his head at this point or buy enough time for an Archknight to return."

"I doubt an Archknight is coming."

Lydia's eyes narrowed,

"What's-"

"Think about it. No preparation. No warnings. No communication. The cathedral collapsed without resistance. Sure, we were caught off guard, but it's too convenient. Where were the corpses of the people in the cathedral?"

"Are you accusing us?"

"No, not you, Lydia. Just think for a moment without all the adrenaline pumping into your skull. Someone's fucking with communication, or the temple became really shit at responding to attacks. The humans are awfully unprepared nowadays for shitty situations."

Mel responded with anger,

"You don't know anything demon. All your kind do is murder and eat humans. All of it started when you showed up-"

Wain gasped and interrupted her with a demanding tone in his voice,

"Stop it, Mel. He's got a-"

Wain stopped as intense pain shot through his skull. Clutching his head, he winced as the pain kept him from breathing. To Asura's surprise, his eyes turned purplish-pink for a moment. A sweet scent of quotidian mana became present but faint.

"Wain!"

Lydia spun around to find Wain agonizing in pain on Asura's back. Wain bit down onto Asura's shoulder as if it were a cloth in his mouth.

"We need to heal him now!"

"I AM!"

"Me and Mel can help!"

"And do what? Wait for Jormungandr to come to whoop our asses? I'm already healing him! We have to keep going. The biting doesn't hurt, and he doesn't feel like he will die. Whatever took hold of him just now isn't lethal..."

Asura mumbled to himself, "I hope."

"We can't just leave him-"

"We've been running for about five minutes now, we take another five, and we have five to deal with shithead McGee back there without Ash or Rose. Earlier, you mentioned that we needed a crafted bomb of mana. Well, I assume you have an idea of one, by the way you asked. So let's fucking go there, then help Wain. He's dead anyway if we can't deal with Jormy."

Wain gasped as breath entered his lungs once again. After a few deep breaths, Asura felt confident he would live.

"See? He's fine."

"I-"

Lydia stopped talking as she continued to run forward. "What's going on right now? Why am I being unreasonable and impatient?" she thought as she studied the road. Far down the road, the largest sign on the block came into view. On the sign, dangling from the side, bold black lettering read, "A Quick Way to Heaven."

Up ahead was the location of Rose and Ash. At the corner of an intersection before them sat a movie theater. Before they split up, they chose the location due to its visibility. The large signs broadcasting the newest movie could be seen from multiple angles and far distances.

"They're up ahead!"

"We got about seven minutes till that fucker gets up. Where is the bomb?"

Lydia tried to speak again, but she faltered once more. Down the road at the end of the long street, she could make out the silhouette of a woman watching them. An oppressive haze shifted in her mind as she peered at the woman. The moment was subtle, as brief as a small gust of wind passing by, but enough to clarify what was occurring.

"We're being manipulated right now. There's more than one enemy here..."

Asura looked at Lydia, then followed the line of her gaze. Far down the road lay rubble and waste, but no signs of life remained amongst the chaos. The civilians were either dead or hiding within the walls that would soon be their coffin if they could not stop the Apocalypse's rampage.

"Who's manipulating?"

"I-... She's gone. I don't know but-"

Lydia freed her hand from underneath Mel and pushed her palm to the side of her head. Mel seemed surprised by the action but simply watched and grabbed hold of Lydia's neck to support her unsupported side. Swiftly, Lydia pumped her electrified mana into her skull, shocking herself. The action blinded her momentarily, causing her eyes to stop working as the electricity ceased her brain's functionality.

For a moment, Mel found herself preparing for the fall as Lydia's body tensed. Her grip tightened as the muscles contracted and stiffened. However, Lydia's mana ceased before her mind was fried from the constant strain and electrification. She shook her head as if to shake away the pain. The blindness faded, and so did the fog.

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

"Holy shit, that hurt."

Asura nodded in acknowledgment,

"I've seen stupider shit... I mean, done stupider shit, really. Why'd you do that?"

"It cleared up whatever that person did to manipulate me."

"Still don't know about this master manipulator, but I'll believe you. I mean, it explains why Mel is a bitch."

"I'll shoot you... I don't care if it costs me my life, you moronic-"

"Stop. The bombs are ahead of us."

"Now we're talking. How big are bombs? Like I said-"

"I know what you said. Their pieces of the portal within the cathedral. The black stones are filled with mana stored within them to power the portals. One of us needs to activate it, but the thing should explode once ignited since the enchantment is broken. Without a purpose, it'll just blow."

"How'd you get those?"

Wain's exhausted voice interrupted Asura's dumb question,

"How do you think... we found the pieces after the explosion..."

The four arrived at the front door of the movie theater. Asura followed behind Lydia as she rushed into the lobby. There, they found two large black stones radiating with intense holy mana within. Each rock pulsed as if unstable, erratic, and ready to burst upon ignition.

"About time you arrived."

Rose stood next to the reception counter, where Ash sat with his back propped up against the counter. Next to Ash, Kane was crouched with his hands pressed against the side of Ash's head and ribs.

"I've been healing him slightly, but his condition isn't improving. The damage done by the mana is severe and will require a Fourth Rank Paladin healer."

Lydia studied Ash's complexion. The deep black lines spreading across his body remained prominent. His pale skin attested to Kane's statement. He groaned and managed to speak a few words,

"I'll be fine. Stop worrying about me. Leave me if you have to."

"We're not leaving you."

Ash shifted his head to look at Kane's blindfold.

"We'll all die at this rate. Stop Jormungandr."

Lydia sighed, knowing Ash was right.

"We need to find two locations to sever Jormungandr's head with the portal pieces. We need to hit his spine instead of using them to slow him down. The bone is what matters.

"The bones are the hardest part, but it isn't what matters."

"What?"

Lydia turned to look at Asura, finding him aiding Wain in standing up against a nearby wall.

"Wain-"

"Quit, we both know I can't rest."

"He's right. We have about three minutes."

A loud, thunderous roar erupted outside the walls, causing an earthquake to erupt and shake the entire building. A few light fixtures fell from the ceiling. The priests ducked while the other lights swayed violently in the air. All around, arcade games and popcorn machines tumbled to the floor, crashing and breaking as the earthquake continued. Wain stumbled, almost falling completely to the floor, but Asura supported him like a steadfast anchor.

Lydia laid Mel against the ground and shielded her with her body. The creaking building let out a crumbling roar as it shifted slightly, releasing dust into the air. Kane incanted, forming a slanted wall to shield them from above.

"Judex Divinum is my protector and my shield. Through Mazriel, the walls of heaven will not fall."

The rubble poured onto the wall, crumbling and exploding as it slammed against the transparent surface with great force. What remained of the rubble slid down the slope. It became evident to everyone their time had come to move. Asura called out as the dust settled,

"Make that two minutes."

The earthquake ceased.

"All of his head needs to be separated. Once his spine is severed, we need to carve his flesh away. The biggest thing is to use the bombs to separate the spine and the skull."

Metal clashed against the pavement outside of the building, growing louder as they approached. Asura leaned outward to peer through the glass doors, finding two metal dogs approaching the building.

"Your dogs are back?"

"They scouted the nearby buildings. There are two good locations with stable enough buildings to drop bombs onto his back to hit the spine directly."

"You were scouting for this the entire time?"

"No. We were looking for locations to blow up buildings alongside him to increase the damage and slow him down, but the two buildings would work great for getting direct hits onto his spine."

Lydia grabbed hold of one of the large rocks, gripping it tightly against her side.

"We can't be too elevated. They have to avoid the rocky spikes down his back that create armor for his spine. Protect and heal Mel. I'll take this one, Asura take that-"

"No, Asura needs to come with me."

Wain pushed himself off the wall and began walking towards the exit.

"Before you argue with me. We don't have time. Mel can take it to the other location."

"Mel's injured."

"I'll do it."

Mel pushed herself up off the ground and back onto her feet. She smiled as if to display her confidence and determination, but the slight quivering from the corner of her lips gave away her uncertainty.

"Why do you need Asura?"

"Abriel showed me everything to win this battle. I can't talk about it... You are going to have to trust me on this. I can only say so much before the variable changes, and what I saw doesn't exist... I'm sorry but-"

"We don't have time. I trust you. Mel, take it."

Kane nodded,

"The dogs will lead the way since it'll take too long to explain."

Wain turned to Rose, and with profound certainty, he told her,

"Go with Mel, use your blessing to push his head up for a better shot."

Rose raised an eyebrow, but Wain shook his head,

"I can't say more."

Rose glanced at Wain but never spoke another word. She simply walked away to stand alongside Mel, who had picked up the large mana-infused rock. Mel prepared herself for another round of hell after propping the large object on her shoulder.

Lydia sighed before running out, stating maybe her final goodbye to her crew,

"May Judex Divinum be with us all."

She raced out after the metal dog, leading the way to a building that could possibly become her coffin. Rose and Mel soon departed after their dog, leaving Ash, Wain, Kane, and Asura in the movie theater. Ash pulled himself up off the ground, finding his balance as he got to his feet. After a few groans and his slow movements, it became evident he would become a liability.

"Just leave me here."

Wain took an herb from his bag and lit it with a lighter he had in his jacket.

"We can't. You are the bait."

Ash froze after hearing Wain's statement. Wain spoke the words as if he had no say in the plan. His opinion was irrelevant. There was no hesitation, no regret, or guilt behind the words.

"I guess you're getting revenge today."

"It's nothing personal. Technically, we are all bait. So we die together if we do."

Kane fidgeted with his hands, sliding his thumbs across one another. The chains binding his wrists clanked as the metal shifted from his nervous movements.

"Do we die?"

Asura answered while looking down at the ground,

"Don't ask. You don't want to know."

Wain looked at Kane for a moment before taking a deep breath with the herb of creation pressed to his lips. His eyes were filled with sadness. Then he looked away. From his lips, he breathed out a cloud of smoke that took form, condensing into an enormous cheetah. Upon formation, it let out a loud hiss before lowering its body to the ground.

"That's one big-"

Wain shot Asura an annoyed glare.

"Cat."

Wain shook his head while jumping up onto the back of the cheetah.

"If you want to make amends with God... now is the time."

Wain looked at the three standing around him. Asura laughed and grabbed Ash. Before he could protest, the ogre tossed him up onto the back behind Wain.

"Quit scaring everyone. It'll at least be one hell of a fight to go out with."

Wain smiled, slightly reassured by Asura's confidence. Kane quickly jumped onto the cheetah before being manhandled by Asura as well.

"Does Rose die?"

Wain cast a glance at Kane.

"Don't ask. I can't say."

"Does she?"

"Kane-"

"Does she?"

"If I say, she might, Kane."

"I need to know."

Asura jumped up behind the three.

"Quit asking Kane."

"I-"

Asura grabbed hold of Kane's shoulders.

"Do you want our one and only chance to stop this fucker to slip by? Quit being a fucking idiot and asking. What's wrong with you?"

Asura spat out the holy fire bursting forth from his mouth onto the ground beside him. A flash of purple light erupted, illuminating their room. After a few seconds, a loud thunderous explosion erupted close by.

"He's recovered."

Wain turned to look forward.

"Go."

The cheetah sprang up from the ground, carrying the four out back onto the street.

In the sky above, the black clouds churned and rolled against one another like waves in a sea. The chaotic clashing from the clouds sent bolts of purple lightning across the sky. Flashes of purple light shot throughout the dark sea above, resembling the roots of a tree. Then, the lightning descended from the heavens.

As uncountable strikes crashed into the ground, they each left shimmering afterimages in the air. It became apparent to the humans that one strike would kill them instantly. The supernatural lightning felt alive as it began to whip around as if searching for something.

"He's back and angrier than before. He's pissed, pissed."

A primal blood-curdling roar shook the earth below. Kane shivered from the noise. It was a declaration of a hunt. A predator that would relentlessly pursue its prey to the bitter end. As if death no longer mattered to it. A hatred that consumed its rationality, leaving it only with a grudge that needed to be satisfied.

Ash watched as rain poured from the sky. The thick layer reminded him of a curtain being pulled back, unleashing a relentless storm. It slammed down onto the earth, creating a thick fog that hindered their vision. Wain cursed as the storm raged around them. It was already difficult to dodge the lightning striking throughout the city, but now they had to do it blindfolded.

A voice hissed within their minds.

"If the God of man is truly with you, why shall thee run? What is there to fear? Stand before thy evil. Proclaim your faith and strength before the wicked. To run and to hide is to let me devour thy people. Are you abandoning thy God? Have you no faith in what you believe?"

Suddenly, an enormous slit purple eye emerged within the stormy mist, slithering amongst the buildings.

"Shall thee not walk through the valley of the shadow of death? Is not the Lord with you? Cowards! Is not the God of man to be feared more than me? Can you stand before him after displaying thy lack of faith?"

Ash gripped onto Wain with one hand, and with his other, he grabbed the hilt of his sword.

"HE'S COMING!"