“(Azgal)!” screamed Ifrit as he grabbed a sword lying on the floor and did what he previously did. The sword was quickly engulfed by hellfire flame, one hot enough to cause Azgal to realize the danger and quickly dodged, in the process releasing his grasp on Anubis’s throat.

“(Now that’s more like it!)” said Azgal with a crazed grin in his face. “(You finally appeared, Ifrit Schelkz)!”

Azgal quickly used his own hellfire weapon that was shaped like a battleaxe, readying himself to fight against Ifrit. The hellhound kept his stance up, but then stumbled upon a familiar body on the ground: Sammael, twitching due to the seizure caused by his efforts to keep Azgal from killing Anubis.

“(Sam…. Oh, no),” said Ifrit, horrified.

“(Don’t look away when you’re facing an opponent!)”

Azgal rushed forward, not giving time for Ifrit to prepare himself. Ifrit already knew that this would not be a fair fight. Both fought for survival, and that was not a competition. It was who could survive by outwitting the other. While Azgal had tenacity and resistance, Ifrit had his own…and Anubis, who attacked Azgal from behind after he recovered. Azgal roared when he felt the joints of his ankles being slashed by Anubis’s sword. He felt the pain, but instead of being annoyed, he laughed.

“(Come on, Ifrit. That wound won’t be enough!)” he taunted. “(Fight with everything you have. Do all the underhanded tactics you know! Either you win or you die as a fool! Survive this onslaught! Throw away everything you have to be on the top! That is what it means to be a demon of violence!)”

Just as he said that, however, Anubis walked to his side, brandishing his khopesh and glared at the Infernal. Rhynsa also readied his weapon along with Wepwawet.

“(If he wants us to cheat, then I’ll be glad to),” said Anubis.

“(Hey),” said Ifrit as he noticed how focused Anubis was. “(You seem to be doing okay. You look like you have regained your eyesight).”

“(I haven’t, but I can still see your outline),” said Anubis, turning his head towards him. “(You know, after seeing how you look like, you’re certainly my type).”

“(In your dreams),” said Ifrit with a chuckle. “(Nice sword you got there).”

“(And sexy, too).”

“(Let’s keep the flirting down and focus on this goat, okay?)”

“(What’s the plan?)”

“(You break his legs. I’ll go for the head).”

Acknowledging and confirming each other’s roles, they rushed towards Azgal, who was ready to tackle the two hellhound princes.

Anubis and Ifrit worked together well as they did their part distracting and keeping Azgal’s attention occupied between the two of them. Rhynsa and Wepwawet contributed by trying to shoot while Azgal was least expecting it. Soon enough, the Infernal became overwhelmed by the efforts of all four of them.

However, Azgal was far from being defeated. Even with the four keeping him busy, he still managed to counterattack. He grabbed Anubis and threw him towards Ifrit, who was already going to cut Azgal down. Not wanting to hurt his friend, he released the hellfire sword and grabbed Anubis just as Azgal prepared to cut both. Anubis reacted first. He concentrated towards Azgal’s side abdomen and used his ability to make his weapon pass through the Infernal and pull it, causing him to bleed out, all while Ifrit was stunned by Anubis being thrown at him. After Ifrit recovered, he quickly returned to the fight.

Elsewhere, Maximillian and Sahia witnessed the intense fight as they returned to the battlefield after safely escorting the refugees to Maximilian’s estate. They soon realized that the fight against the Infernal was not the only one that could potentially cause trouble. Arnulfe’s fight against Camazotz caused more property damage than Azgal against his opponents, with the two crashing through buildings, to the ground, and even towards the bystanders who did not expect them. To their surprise, Arnulfe fought equally against Camazotz, while four highly trained fighters, one of which wielded the power of fire, could barely keep up with one caprine demon.

They soon assumed that the bat demon was not as powerful as the Infernal, who had become the greatest concern to the defenders. The fight against Azgal turned out to be something the attackers were also concerned about, as it was clear that the collateral damage was not exclusively aimed at the defenders.

Rhynsa expended all his bullet reserves to fight Azgal, but he soon realized that he would be out of it long before Azgal could be defeated and returned to hell. In fact, he spent all his bullets for nothing, considering that most of them could not even go past the hellfire wall that surrounded Ifrit, Anubis, and Sammael.

Wepwawet already knew this was futile. What wasn’t futile, however, was something he had in mind.

“(I have an idea),” said Wepwawet. “(But you are not going to like it).”

“(At this point, I’ll listen to anything! Just tell me what it is!)”

“(Do you know the ritual that bound Sammael? It’s actually our ritual, but perverted enough that instead of subjugating a demon, it enslaved it. Also, there is one very obvious difference that only I and the other priests knew).”

“(What, then?)”

“(It has demonic rituals mixed with the original, to ensure that the ritual’s permanent. Like I said before, there is no point designing something if it ends up causing suffering in the end. That is our philosophy).”

“(Okay, so what you mean is, you know a binding ritual similar to Sammael’s. Then what are you waiting for?!)”

“(Several problems. That goat is an Infernal, and our ritual is not designed to subjugate something that powerful. This is the part that you won’t like. There is a forbidden ritual we once used. It’s not demonic, I can assure you of that, but this goes against everything you believe in, so if you want to hate me because of it, I can understand).”

Rhynsa started to worry that it was actually the case. Wepwawet had the knowledge of powerful rituals that he wouldn’t be surprised if something similar to what befell Sammael would be possible. However, Rhynsa was glad, though slightly disappointed, that what Wepwawet suggested was not as bad as he imagined, though he didn’t voice his thoughts then. Yet, it still wasn’t something he liked.

All Rhynsa could do, after Wepwawet whispered him his plan, was to sigh and said, “(You’re right. I won’t like it. But I have no better ideas. Do what you must do).”

“(I’m sorry).”

“(Say sorry to the demon once we’re done. We’re still good, Wepwawet).”

Wepwawet nodded, before he proceeded to call the other Jackals. They had just got everything under control, so they were not preoccupied. Thus, they all scrambled towards him. He soon discussed the plan to them, and what they should do. They seemed to understand what Wepwawet was planning.

“(Now, get into position),” said Wepwawet. “(I’ll give the signal. Prepare yourselves).”

The Jackals nodded and quickly got themselves into position. They were standing very close to the hellfire circle, which threatened to burn them if they stepped forward just once. Without delay, they put their hands on the ground while muttering words that were clearly not Hordo, at least for Rhynsa’s ears.

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“(Now, Rhynsa, do you trust your aim? Be serious. This is not the time for witty remarks).”

Rhynsa, confident, said, “(I trust my aim with my life. I miss, I die).”

Wepwawet nodded. “(Good),” he said. “(Give me one of your bullets).”

Rhynsa gave him one of his rifle bullets, which was part of the last magazine stock he had in his rifle, which only had four shots left. Wepwawet quickly did what he did with the previous bullets, where it glowed bright blue. The bullet did not look any different once the glow dissipated.

“(This one won’t melt as easily, but only if you don’t aim directly at Azgal),” said Wepwawet. “(You got one shot at this. Azgal will realize what we’re doing if you miss).”

“(How can a bullet even distract him from Ifrit and Anubis?)”

“(What we do will. Here’s what you need to do. Shoot at the ground. You must ensure that the bullet and both of Azgal’s hooves touched the ground with the bullet between it. You must time it so that they happen at the same time).”

“(You mean, the bullet must hit the ground the moment his hooves were beside it? That’s a very small window!)”

“(Which is why I need to be sure of your aim. This is the only way you can stop him so the ritual can catch him. Are you ready, Rhynsa?)”

“(Seriously),” said the Fuzandre with a sigh. “(We just met and now you’re expecting me to do something like this? You put too much trust on me).”

“(I won’t risk it if you’re anyone else. Anubis trusts you. I might as well start trusting you).”

“(Hah. Touché),” said Rhynsa as he readied himself. “(Trust between brothers. It would be heartwarming if it wasn’t for this all-or-nothing bet).”

The Fuzandre looked through the scope and controlled his breathing, knowing that if he missed, it would mean certain death. While that was a morbid thought, he must assume that it was the case. So, he purged all doubts in his mind, and just…concentrate. This was no longer the case of life and death. This was the case of a perfect shot.

Relying on his echo senses, Rhynsa could predict what Azgal’s next movements would be. With everything purged out of his mind and his concentration was solely on the demon, he increased his ability to notice slight changes in the sound waves and the reflected waves. We waited for the right moment, also considering Anubis and Ifrit’s efforts to weather him down. He accounted for every single element within that small area, concentrating on one tiny point.

Then Rhynsa found the timing. Without delay, and with his mind set on doing it perfectly, he pulled the trigger.

The bullet went and hit the point Rhynsa chose. As he predicted, both Azgal’s hooves landed at the same time with the bullet lodged in a space between them. It was the moment when the trap was sprung.

The other Jackals already prepared themselves and started the binding ritual the moment they heard the bang of Rhynsa’s rifle, that being the signal Wepwawet mentioned. From the bullet, ethereal, black cuffs sprang out and closed around Azgal’s hooves. Stopping the Infernal in his tracks and almost tripping him when the ethereal chains linking to the bullet was pulled taut. Ifrit and Anubis were as surprised as Azgal was. They did not expect something like that to stop the Infernal.

“(What the hell is that?!)” exclaimed Ifrit as the chains started wrapping around Azgal’s legs.

Anubis looked at Wepwawet, who nodded. Realizing that they were planning something, the Jackal said, “(Ifrit, step away from Azgal!)”

Ifrit did so and quickly saw what the chains did to Azgal. It slowly crept up to him, forming cuffs on each of his limbs which quickly held him down, with the cuffs on his wrists forcing him to put them behind his back. Azgal fought back with his strength, but he soon realized his body started to lose its monstrous strength. The cuffs around his thighs formed chains that pulled him down, forcing him to kneel. Soon, the hellfire circle he erected were also extinguished, abruptly ceasing the dreadful feeling caused by the intense fire.

A collar started forming around his neck and was linked with the cuffs that forced his wrists on his back. The chain link pulled the wrists up, keeping them taut and stopping any reliable movements. Soon, chains started forming from the ritual circle around the demon, with Ifrit and Anubis quickly stepping out of the circle, also carrying Sammael to safety. Azgal let out a defiant roar as he tried to fight against the restraints, but to his surprise, and to everyone’s surprise, it was to no avail. Soon, he could no longer move, forced to kneel by chains and restraints as the circle became smaller and smaller until it was just close enough to Azgal’s body. As a final, humiliating touch, his horns were also cuffed, forcing him to look up to his captors.

“A binding ritual?!” exclaimed the Infernal, bewildered. “But how? I am an Infernal from the fifth circle of hell! I cannot be caught like this! What the hell did you do?!”

“This is not just any binding ritual, Azgal,” said Wepwawet, who was helped by Rhynsa as they approached the immobilized Infernal. “The Death’s Jackals, in our role as guardians of the hell’s gate, knew many rituals a lot of you could only imagine, some of which were designed to stop this incursion from ever happening. But there are forbidden rituals locked within the tombs of previous monarchs. I just happened to track some of them down once I came of age.”

“Are you telling me you mortals have rituals that can subjugate an Infernal?!”

“Those restraints are to subjugate you once the first ritual works. That bullet Rhynsa shot was the catalyst for a banishment ritual, aimed at your shadow.”

“Banishment…?!” Azgal gasped as he realized what Wepwawet meant.

“It’s a death sentence for demons,” said Wepwawet with a very grim expression. “When demons are fatally injured, or when their times are up, they’ll simply return to hell and repeat the cycle after a certain time. This ritual is designed to make you think twice of ever thinking about answering the calls of your summoners.”

“(What is he talking about?)” asked Anubis to Ifrit.

“(Something about a banishment ritual),” said Ifrit, before he turned to Wepwawet and said, “(What does the banishment ritual do, Wepwawet?)”

“(It prevents a demon to return to hell).” Wepwawet paused momentarily. “(Permanently).”

“(You mean, Azgal is…).”

Wepwawet nodded. “(As of this moment, Azgal the Infernal is Infernal no more. Those chains were powered by the blackened soul of a demon. Only when a demon’s soul is cleansed by any means will the chains loosen, or when they finally repent. Either way, Azgal, you are already dead, and believe me when I say your death is not going to be quick).”

“(Shit, Wepwawet),” said Rhynsa. “(You weren’t kidding when you said I wouldn’t like it).”

“(It’s good to know you, Rhynsa),” said Wepwawet with a sad expression.

“(What are you talking about? This demon got what he deserved, anyway).”

“(What did you think about, then?)”

“(That you’ll torture him and turn him into a puppet? If that is the case, then yes, I will just make myself clear that you’re dead to me. But from what it looks like, you are not turning him into Sammael).”

“(Well, that’s…comforting).”

“(But still. You know this ritual, but then, you can’t prevent the Hellish incursion. What went wrong?)”

“(This ritual is designed to capture one demon. And even if there is one that is designed for that, only a crazed Jackal would be insane enough to do that).”

“(And why is that?)”

“(Because hell will be empty, that’s why!)” exclaimed Azgal as he kept struggling.

“(What he said).”

Azgal kept struggling, but even the Infernal knew his fate was sealed. His struggles started to weaken, and after a while, he gave up.

“(This won’t be the end of the incursion),” said Azgal, still defiant, though clearly exhausted. “(The demons have already gathered a massive army. There will be worse demons than I am. I’m sure even you cannot do this to every single demon that wandered the region of Tragoria. You won the battle, but you are still going to lose the war).”

“(That defiance cannot save you from your eventual fate, Azgal).”

“(Yeah),” said Azgal, defeated. “(Better kill me now and spare me the humiliation).”

“(It will be my pleasure).”

Wepwawet took Anubis’ khopesh as Azgal resigned himself to his fate. Only when he was going to swing the sword, however, he dropped it.

“(But that will be far too easy, isn’t it?)” said Wepwawet as his eyes stared at Azgal. “(Here you are, chained down with head held up, unable to even do anything to accept your fate. At this point, all you ever want is just death. For what its worth, death is far too easy for you).”

“(So, that’s your plan all along? Put me on display like a trophy?! Don’t even think about it, you asshole)!”

“(And what are you going to do about it?)” said Ifrit, who joined in the conversation. “(We won. We can do whatever we want. And besides, you still have to answer for him).”

Ifrit pointed towards Sammael, who was barely conscious. Ifrit realized that, from seeing him, that the Barghest’s seizure was fatal. Ifrit wanted to kill Azgal because of this, but then he realized that keeping him alive and powerless was a better suffering one could give to a demon that was so proud of his powers. This was also made clear by Ifrit when he glared at Azgal with his pupils narrowing, indicating anger.

“(That Barghest meant a lot to me than you ever know, goat),” said Ifrit. “(I don’t care if you say it’s funny. To me, it’s not. You killed him. That’s all that matters. You robbed me of the one creature that protected me. Sure, he was a demon. Sure, he was a slave. But to me, he is a friend).”

Ifrit then moved his face closer to Azgal, who stayed defiant even if his body was already weak.

“(So, think about it, Azgal),” said Ifrit, smiling menacingly. “(Thing about the time when mortals defeated you. Life’s a bitch, isn’t it?)”

Ifrit turned around, ignoring Azgal’s verbal threats as he walked towards Sammael’s dying body. He never thought he had what it took to see his enemy suffer. In fact, he felt so…happy. It was like he would enjoy seeing Azgal suffering in his current reality.

But this time he did not want to think of it as a bad thing. This time, he accepted who he really was.

The next step was to know if he went too far.