The possessed body of the Imp dived towards Cole, screaming across the forest with frightening speed. Like with the Kobolds, the Devil seemed to improve the physical abilities of whatever body it hosted. Luckily, he had been expecting it, and a Hallowed Blast flashed out before him, creating a momentary barrier between them.

Unfortunately, the surge of adrenaline had got the better of him. In his fear, the young man had completed the rune too early, releasing the divine energy before it could scorch the Devil. The flying monster reared back just in time as it saw the flash, fanning its wings out like twin parachutes in order to halt its momentum. There was a short hiss, as the tips of its wings were singed, but other than that, the monster was unharmed.

Cole used the opportunity to pull out one of the spears slung across his back. The enchanted spear holder did its job well, keeping them stuck inside until he grabbed hold of the shaft. The spear came free easily, sliding out with a smooth motion. Now he didn’t feel quite so defenceless.

He held the weapon with two hands, tip pointed out at the Devil. The monster’s eyes flickered to the shiny metal, before staring back into Cole’s own. It darted forward, slashing a claw at the spear’s wooden shaft. He jerked it out of the way, before responding with an attack of his own, jabbing its tip at the monster’s scaled arm. The spear made contact, but it scraped off, unable to penetrate its tough scales. He was a bit jealous, protection like that was some serious stuff, only a strong Hallowed Blast was able to make it through, and that was only with the intrinsic advantage the magic seemed to have over the Infernal.

Cole darted back, quickly applying Runic Strength to his arms. He also refreshed his Runic Speed, ensuring that it wouldn’t run out when he needed it most. Luckily, he felt fine, there was no pressure or pain building up behind his eyes. He’d been given ample time to recharge his abilities after Strike Force Talos had basically carried him through all the enemies.

But now the roles were reversed. Only he had the power to put the Devil down for good.

Cole went on the offensive, running forward and thrusting the spear at the monster with strength that was now supernaturally empowered. This time it found purchase, lodging right into the chest of the Devil. It snarled in pain as boiling blood welled out around the wound, which stained the head of the spear as he pulled it out. He changed angles, striking towards one of the enormous flapping wings. If he could bring this thing to the ground he’d have a good chance at catching it with a Hallowed Blast. He successfully struck the Devil once more, puncturing straight through its wing, which was much less tough than its normal skin. But of course, it couldn’t be that easy.

As he stabbed it through, the Devil’s wing flapped once more to keep it in the air, the motion wrenched the spear, sending it slipping straight out of Cole’s hand. The spear tipped down, tearing open a wide rip in the wing, but it was now out of his control. The Infernal dropped to the ground, unable to keep itself in the air properly. The young man was slightly annoyed as he watched it pull the spear out, annoyed at losing a new weapon so quickly. He'd expected it to toss it into the woods, but instead the red tinged tip of the spear was spun around, pointing right at him.

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‘Damn it’ he thought. ‘Can I go one fight without losing my weapons?’

Sighing, Cole pulled out a second spear. If he lost this one, he’d be down to his last.

Luckily, Malena decided to join back into the fight. A whistling sound marked two consecutive slashes, which sheared the Devil’s wing off completely. The monster retorted with a burst of flame, forcing her to dart back with her supernatural speed. The red haired woman had a fierce grin on her face, which was no doubt influenced by the red aura that had sprung up around her body. Tamika had begun applying her buffs once more, proving herself to be an effective support mage.

Cole steeled himself as the crippled, possessed body of the Imp came at him once more. A dodge saved his eye from becoming shish kabobbed, and a returning thrust of his spear gave him a satisfying bite into the monster’s flesh once more. He quickly withdrew the spear, careful not to lose it again. As he stared into the Devil’s eyes, he could almost feel its rage and anger. He knew in that moment that it wanted nothing more for him to be dead.

But there was something else. Something mixed in with the hatred and malice. As the Devil opened its jaws to sent flame washing out, Cole knew what he saw.

The Infernal was afraid of him. Of what he could do. Of the power he held.

The young man twisted out of the way of the flames, but even his Runic Speed wasn’t quite quick enough. He watched as the burst raked across his arm, turning it a weird white colour. Strangest of all, he couldn’t feel a thing. Suddenly a green glow suffused it, what could only be healing energy mixing in with the light of his Runic Strength. The damage almost seemed to reverse, white flesh turning black, then fading into red. Only then could he feel the pain, a searing sensation that made him want to scream. The healing process continued for a few more seconds, before ceasing entirely. The injury wasn’t completely gone, but he couldn’t complain. Tamika had just saved him from having to fight with third degree burns.

The Devil seemed incredibly angry that its flames had not succeeded in killing the young man, and made to leap at him, one wing flapping uselessly. Out of nowhere, there was a sharp whistle, and it stopped as a huge nodachi was thrust out of the middle of its stomach. It stopped to look down at the blade, before grasping it with two scaled claws. The metal of the blade began to glow red, then a deep orange, then lightening further until it was white-hot. Cole could see the blade moving as Malena tried to withdraw it, but the Devil had a firm grip.

A few more seconds, and the part of the blade the Infernal was grabbing was blazing a brilliant white. Then it snapped off. The Devil had an almost joyful snarl on its face as it was released from the skewer. It was now free once more. Magic Missiles hammered into its scales as Tao tried in vain to slow it down, but in its frenzied state the monster didn’t even seem to notice, uncaring as the body of the Imp it was possessing was degraded further.

All Cole could do was stare into those flaming eyes. He almost gave up then and there. How could they beat an enemy like this? Nigh unkillable, able to reincarnate? He had no chance of getting a proper Hallowed Blast off, even Malena couldn’t hold it down.

Then a ghostly arrow flew through the air, seeming to almost suck the sound from the area. It passed through the Devil’s body, striking the ground just behind it and lashing it firmly in place with a phantom chain.

This was his chance.

Hands carved out golden runes, lines in the air that were quickly becoming twin Hallowed Blasts, something that had proven to be a deadly combo.

Cole rushed forward, holding the runes in each hand. He slammed his palms into the monster’s skin, ignoring the pain as his skin began to sizzle, one hand gripping its chin, the other pressed into its chest. All he could see in the Infernal’s eyes was fear.

Then the divine energy came forth into the world, filling the young man with an elating rush that let him ignore the pain of burning flesh.

Golden light blinded him for a second.

Then it was gone, the soul of the Devil vanishing with it.

The charred body of an Imp, now unrecognizable, dropped to the ground, leaving him with empty, smoking hands.

A few seconds later, Cole too dropped to the forest floor.

If he was feeling poetic, he might call it a blaze of glory.

He preferred a single word.

Victory.