It's been a whole month since Metsuhai was reinstated to fight once more. Putting it all on the line every single day. Swinging his blade with might and accuracy. Sending devastating energy beams. Using kicks, fists and acrobatic maneuvers, whatever it takes to get the job done. And when he wasn't at war he was working hard to gain more power. Training vigorously, keeping himself in top shape. Yet no matter how hard he tried, what approach he adopted, and how much pressure he put on himself the golden glow wouldn't come back. He even went to the library, reading various books for hours with no success what so ever. Eventually he got Lezners authorization to read the sorcery books in the restricted section. I don't get it. What the hell am I doing wrong, maybe I'm mistaken. Maybe its demon magic, I might never awaken it ever again. Using demon magic was out of the question no matter the cause. Metsuhai didn't completely give up, but he accepted his situation as it is. After all, it was pretty good. Well, good if we don't count the poison spreading through him, slowly laying waste to his entire body. His whole arm was now corrupted, visibly a bit swollen and darkened. Not everything was bad news though. Doctor Kin thought up a new recipe to keep his problematic patient alive longer, still mainly relying on the blue amethyst powder. The arm was hurting constantly, sometimes badly. But it didn't stop Metsuhai from slaying demons with no mercy.
When it gets really really bad I'll go to the worst hot spot and fight until I drop. Maybe Inferno itself. Metsuhai wondered if any human ever actually went in there.
Chizue, who Metsuhai got to meet a few times, was visibly worried about his condition. Though he did manage to convince her this was a temporary degradation and that he was feeling better. Lying to Chizue felt bad but Metsuhai didn't see any other choice. They were getting closer by the day, which would have made Metsuhai so happy if only he had a future.
They went on missions together from time to time and had long night conversations about life on a weekly bases, usually seating in a cheap pub or on the edge of the docks.
They tried as much as possible not to be spotted by anyone from the capitals high society.
This would stir trouble, not only for Chizue, whose reputation might be damaged (though she claimed not to care, Metsuhai wouldn't allow it) but also for Metsuhai, who preferred to keep a low profile, otherwise Kagehiroto might come to finish what he started once. After all, Metsuhai was supposed to be guarding the city wall to his last day.
Today however Metsuhai took a rare day off fighting and training. He sat in his usual spot in the park, leaning over the chessboard, deep in thought.
His opponent was Yamius, who simultaneously played on two other boards against John and Alex. He was winning all three games, preparing to earn a lot of money (at least in comparison to their tiny typical bets) due to Johns unique challenge.
"Have you lost the will to fight?" Yamius calmly asked Alex as he moves his rook to a position from where it attacked two of Alexs pieces.
"John, this was a terrible idea!" as usual Alex blamed others for his mistakes.
"Well, I'm not defeated yet!" exclaimed John, moving his knight "remember, as long as one of us wins, we all win." John was in his usual lively mood. He was completely sober and actually had no idea he confessed that night which seemed so distant now.
Metsuhai picked at the boards of his opponents. Alexs position was collapsing. John was hanging in by a thread. Metsuhais own position was not promising either. Metsuhai leaned back and took a deep breath. "I am at a loss here."
"It's too early to give up!" insisted John.
"I'm not talking about the game. I'm still playing," said Metsuhai, moving a pawn forward. "Chizue- sans birthday is approaching and she invited me to her party in the palace…"
Before Metsuhai finished his sentence John chocked and all gazes turned to Metsuhai. Finally Yamius got distracted from the games. But it was Alex whose reaction was most extreme.
"That's Ms. Arisu sama for you!...
…Just because you knew Kagehiroto sama and I heard it didn't end well, doesn't mean you can call her in such a friendly manner."
"I was surprised too," admitted Yamius "but Alex, notice the details. He said she invited him to the palace, from what it sounds like, personally."
"I know her too," proudly insisted Alex "as a palace guard I met her several times."
"So Metsu san, sounds like a lovely party is waiting just for you. What seems to be the problem?" (John)
"At the party I'll have to avoid Kagehiroto sama," Metsuhai said the last word gritting his teeth "but for now I'm more worried about the gift. Chizue and I are closer than you guys think. But don't spread this around… Anyway, she has everything and receives a mountain of presents yearly from the richest, most influential people in the order. How can I compete with that?"
"Perhaps you should get her something she can't usually have because she is rich," suggested John as he moves his bishop hesitantly "though I can't think of a good example aside from food, and that's not relevant."
"No no no!," objected Alex, "You are getting it all wrong, it's the other way around. Rich people like fancy stuff, the kind of things they see around them every day. Antiques, gems, watches that cost millions. Race cars of rare models, stuff like that."
"And where will he find those millions?" argued John.
"You are looking at this the wrong way," Yamius provided a more useful advice, "You know young Arisu sama better than we do. Find something she needs personally. Whether she knows she needs it or not. Now, it's your move Metsuhai kun."
Metsuhais battlephone rang, ending the conversation. Metsuhai quickly accepted the call.
"Emergency mission Fugughuu. Get your battle gear and head out at once to helipad twenty- four. You are not working alone this time, your partner will brief you on the details. Hurry up, time is of the essence." Ever since Metsuhai started working for Ando again, their relationship was no more than official. Ando was quite cold to Metsuhai, but he knew his value as a soldier.
"Yes sir," answered Metsuhai, leaving his friends behind.
"Good job Metsuhai, you just saved our money!" John called out to him as the distance grows.
…
Metsuhai (in full battle gear) ran in decent pace until the large chopper was within sight. It was already preparing to take off, its propellers swiftly rotating and emitting strong sound. At the entrance to the vehicle stood a soldier wearing army uniform, bulletproof vest and a helmet. He carried a massive military backpack, so big Metsuhai could fit in. The soldier held an unusually large gun of a model Metsuhai wasn't familiar with. Straps of ammunition were piled across his chest forming a large crest. Grenades were attached to his belt. Surprised Metsuhai recognized his comrade from past days.
"Takeo?"
"Redavoi Metsuhai, glad to see you, jump in."
"I know we are in an army, but don't you think you are taking this a bit too far?"
"This is how I fight. I put holes in my enemies before they manage to move. Now let's go."
Metsuhai climbed into the transport vehicle and strapped himself to the chair. A women wearing a purple dress set in the chopper with her back to him, looking to the front of the helicopter. She wore a gentle white kerchief above her heir. She was slightly shaking, obviously scared. He didn't recognized her at first. Takeo jumped in, positioning himself near Metsuhai.
"I heard you got in trouble Fugughuu."
"Don't remind me."
"I had better luck. I'm an Efrator now. That makes me in charge here."
Metsuhai didn't answer. Though this wasn't that bad. The chopper took off, leaving ground.
"Tell me Metsuhai" roared Takeo to overcome the engine noise, "How was it, facing Mordon?"
"Like riding a rollercoaster going up the sky… tell me Takeo," Metsuhai changed the subject "Are bullets that affective against the more experienced foes that develop resistance and then immunity?"
"Every day for hours I prepare, enchanting my stuff with powerful faith magic, making them deadly to any foe…"
"…Oh yeh, the mission description. Actually, this is the first time I'm really in charge. It goes like this… a warrior has been wounded in battle. Not the common soldier that the order can ignore. A son of nobles or something…" I hope it's Kagehiroto.
"…the area is infested by those bastards and the soldier is for now successfully hiding. We bring a medic with us. She is supposed to give him first aid. She has to be protected at all costs." The shaking women turned around, revealing a familiar adorable face.
"Akiara?!"
"Metsuhai?!"
"I'm surprised to see you here," admitted Metsuhai.
"It's my first field mission. I'm nervous. I don't know what to expect."
"Believe me, you will not forget what you experience today. I am talking from personal experience. But don't worry too much, I will keep you safe."
Akiara was still shaking when she returned to her previous seating position. She blushed and spoke with trembling voice. "With you at my side, there's nothing I fear."
This last statement filled Metsuhais heart with warmth but the responsibility for this innocent woman weighed heavily on him.
It wasn't a very long flight.
"Were landing," declared the pilot loudly. Takeo smiled a wide and confident smile. A shockwave went through the chopper, as if experiencing turbulence. "We are taking heavy fire!" shouted the pilot in panic. The chopper shook again, twice as hard. Akiara screamed and who could blame her, it felt like they're gonna crush any moment. As everything around them shakes violently, Takeo removed his seatbelt and jumped to his feet. Metsuhai followed. Takeo opened the entrance door, letting in the cold merciless wind, shaking his huge backpack. As the propeller rotates above his head Takeo shouted "four!" The backpack opened on its own and a massive machinegun flew right to Takeos hands. Takeo readied his small canon.
Metsuhai overcame the wind and despite the shaking, got to Takeos side. He peaked on what was happening below. It was a small group of firestarters, constantly throwing fireballs on them from a rooftop. They looked so small from this distance. One fireball flew meters from the chopper. Feew, missed. A direct blow will tear the chopper to pieces. I would probably survive although it's arguable. Maybe Takeo. But the pilot and sweet Akiara would stand no chance. Takeo began firing. On the ground, the firestarter who launched this fireball clenched his fist with force and far away, near the helicopter, the fireball detonated in midair. Sending flames and wind, shaking the chopper once more. Takeo lost his balance, falling out of the chopper, still holding his heavy weapon. Metsuhai reacted fast, extending his arm and barely grabbed Takeos shirt with the tip of his fingers. The military uniform started to tear. With great effort Metsuhai pulled Takeo back in. Takeo breathed in relief, "Thanks man". Another fireball was making its way to Metsuhai and the others. It was aimed well this time. Metsuhai released a small white beam, taking out the ball while it's far with a strong blast. Takeo began shooting once more. "I have you now!" he declared as the enchanted bullets take out one foe after another. Soon they were all corpses filled with holes.
…
Takeo, Metsuhai, and Akiara were standing on the ground. She was quite shaken, standing close to Metsuhai. She held a large backpack with a red cross on it. The choppers propeller was still rotating lightly behind their backs. The chopper had landed in a wide street. Here it will await their return. Metsuhai could feel demon energy all around them. This area really was infested.
"You have to work fast, time is of the essence," the pilot, a young helmet wearing man, spoke "We don't know how much longer our target will survive."
Initially I thought I'll have to do all the 'heavy lifting' in this mission since Takeo relies on hot weapons. After all, hot weapons aren't seen much at the high levels of anti-demon fighting and are generally disrespected in the order. But this guy clearly has the talent. His weapons and bullets are strong, he aims and shoots well- hitting enemies this far from a moving shaking helicopter is a feat of its own. Is it because he loves firearms? Or perhaps some genetic disposition? Who knows. Either way he might be the best hot weapon enchanter in the order.
Metsuhai turned to Takeo who readied his machinegun. "First let's decide on a plan," suggested Metsuhai, looking for a second at Akiara "It's not logical to just charge without thinking." When he turned to Takeo again he wasn't there. From behind the corner Metsuhai heard machinegun fire. Takeo was walking in the middle of the street, shooting everything that moves. Metsuhai sighed. "We have to go after Mister James Bond," he told Akiara. She nodded and they started running. I think he completely forgot about us. Metsuhai led, with Akiara close behind him.
Bleeding demon corpses and bullet-shells were everywhere. This once peaceful neighborhood looked as if neglected for a century: half collapsed houses, smashed windows, debris everywhere, broken street-lamps, leaking crushed water pipes and no person in sight. Well, one person was in sight and was at work. Takeo ran while firing. His bullets piercing demons in an unbelievable pace, leaving a trail of destruction. Crushers, firestarters, goblins, ratman and any other miserable beings caught in his path found their end in the exact same way. Metsuhai practically had nothing to do, well almost. One two legged humanoid grey- skinned abomination escaped Takeos annihilation. It looked like a bad combination of the ugliest dog imaginable with a human figure, except it also had tiny unusable wings and upside- down long sharp ears. Metsuhai easily recognized this weak breed known as familiar. They were the servants and slaves of the dark army. All they had to defend themselves were cat-like small sharp claws and some sharp teeth. This one was making his way to Akiara, like a crow on ground, his movement bouncy in way. It took but one moment- Metsuhai drew his sword and then sheaved it back. At first nothing happened. Then the familiars head flew off his shoulders and rolled away. Blood sprung like a river from the headless body. It collapsed soundlessly. Akiara was shocked, putting her hands on her chest. Her dress wet with blood.
"My apologies," explained Metsuhai "I got distracted. Should have taken him out long before he got this close." Akiara moved her head from side to side in disagreement "no need to apologize." "We are falling behind," Metsuhai pointed to Takeos direction who was getting further and further "Let's go."
Takeo looked around. The initial wave of enemies subsided. Yet demon energy still lingered in the air, and there was no sign of the wounded nobleman. Takeo quickly made his way to an abandoned tall building, going through the narrow passages inside, half blocked by rubble. The machinegun is too clumsy for this area and we have no time, thought Takeo, declaring "Three!"
Simultaneously the machinegun flew out of his hand and into the backpack, while a double- barreled high caliber shotgun flew out of the backpack and into his hands.
Metsuhai and Akiara saw Takeo enter the building and immediately heard gunshots and loud roars. Few seconds later there was silence again. When the couple entered a bit later, all enemies were already dead. Takeo was on the way back down. "I think we found him," he shortly told Metsuhai, running back out of the building.
Metsuhai didn't bother telling Takeo to slow down. He wouldn't listen as it is, and besides, this was working. He'll be fine as long as he doesn't run out of ammunition. His ability to call the weapons to him is really impressive. I guess they are all enchanted thoroughly, including the backpack.
Soon the shooting continued. Once again the heavy machinegun did its job. Metsuhai finally understood why Takeo was considered one of the top fighters in the class, despite his lack of ability with cold weapons. This guy was running non- stop, avoiding enemy counterattack and accurately taking them out with his own personal weapons.
Suddenly the shooting stopped. Metsuhai immediately understood why. Three people were running towards Takeo, holding knives and forks. Metsuhai didn't even need to use his sight ability, which he began calling in his mind 'sorcerers eye', to know these men were possessed. Takeo knew as well, and yet couldn't force himself to shoot innocent people. Luckily there was no need to. Metsuhai charged forward, not even drawing his sword. He avoided the knives and forks skillfully, despite the inhuman speed with which they were wielded. He covered his right hand with white faith magic aura. His open palm smashed into their chests one after the other, sending the energy into them. This was a basic but efficient way of dealing with possession, that Metsuhai saw Chizue using before. Two confused crushers and one hurt firestarter were pushed out of their human hosts. The people collapsed immediately. Before the emerging monsters even considered fighting back, a hail of bullets brought them pain and death.
Akiara rushed to give the previously possessed people first aid. Sure, neither of them was the person they were sent to rescue, but it was Akiaras duty to help those in need of medical attention. Even if it was slowing them down. Akiara knelt near each of them in turn and attended to their wounds.
"They have a pulse. Their body endured tremendous pressure, but they will live, as long as they stay safe from the enemy," Akiara spoke with a somewhat dry voice, as if delivering a report.
She turned to Metsuhai "it was irresponsible to hit them so hard, you could have stopped their hearts, not to mention breaking their ribs."
Metsuhai scratched his head. "Sorry, I must've overdid it a bit."
"We have to keep moving," rushed them Takeo.
"What about these fellows?" (Metsuhai)
"We can't carry them with us." (Takeo)
"At least put them somewhere relatively unnoticeable," softly protested Akiara.
Metsuhai and Takeo dragged the unconscious people to an abandoned alley and hid them behind a torn sofa.
Takeo led the charge into the remaining invaded territory with Metsuhai and Akiara closely following.
A roar sounded at the horizon. Though it wasn't a demon roar. It was the roar of an engine. An armored vehicle was crossing the street fast.
At first Metsuhai thought those were reinforcements from the order. Then he saw the four ratmen seated in the armored Jeep.
"Step on it you mouse!" shrieked one of the ratmen in the backseat.
"You had to make the commander angry!" the driver complained. Of course Metsuhai and Takeo couldn't hear this exchange of words. The car is too fast. If I go after it I'll go off course. No time to chase ratmen. But Takeo had a different plan in mind. "Five!" he declared and a massive bazooka jumped into his hands. He aimed, placing the bazooka on his shoulder, and with a sharp sound and a lot of smoke a large long missile was unleashed. In a moment it caught up to the armored vehicle and exploded with a powerful bang. The vehicle went off course and turned over with the wheels still rotating. Burning and covered with smoke. There was no surviving this car accident.
Finally they found him, laying beneath a large truck. A young wounded man with panic written all over his face. Except from one goblin (which Takeo quickly disposed of) there was no one around. Takeo pulled the wounded warrior of noble birth from beneath the truck. The rescued man resisted Takeo shouting. "They are coming to get us! Let me go!"
"Who is coming?" Takeo took this seriously. "Reapers! Crushers! Firestarters! They are gonna eat our flesh! Torture us…"
"He is in battle shock," calmly explained Akiara, "Takeo-kun, Hold his arms for a moment."
Takeo did as Akiara requested while she took out what looked like a watch on a chain from her pocket. The watch moved on its own with a fixed rhythm. It seemed to have calmed the wounded man at least for now. Hypnotic amulet I guess. "Flowers, butterflies. So colorful," The nobleman mumbled. Akiara put the amulet back in her pocket.
"I've seen battle shock before. This one is especially bad. I don't know if his mind will ever recover." Akiara went to check the noblemans body, speaking to herself during work. "His leg is broken, he lost a lot of blood and is bleeding bad. I will have to adjust the bone. It will however be painful."
Akiara moved the leg sharply and a loud click was heard. For a second the soldier shouted, but soon he was back deep in daydreaming. Akiara was now binding the leg to stop the bleeding.
"It's a pressure bandage. It will have to be replaced half an hour from now, or his leg will start dying... He will live… it's his mind that is hurt the most."
A loud noise of glass braking caught Metsuhais and Takeos attention. It seemed to have originated from an abandoned warehouse. Before Metsuhai could open his mouth Takeo was on his way. It seems I got guards duty again. Won't make much money out of this mission. Well, it ain't that bad.
Takeo entered the building and as usual, gunshot were heard almost immediately. First it was the shotgun, then the machinegun. Metsuhai didn't hear a single roar. Metsuhai looked at Akiara who was busy, inspecting the noblemans left arm. The gunfire kept raining down. This was too long.
"Something is clearly wrong," Metsuhai told Akiara, gesturing to the warehouse when she looked at him.
"Go ahead. I'll be fine." If she was worried Metsuhai couldn't see it. He rushed into the warehouse.
There was smoke everywhere. Takeo was standing close to the corner, breathing hard and sweating cold sweat. He held his machinegun with one shaking arm and his hurting stomach with the other. His crushed helmet lay on the floor. The floor was littered with shells.
"Where is the enemy?"
"Everywhere damn it!"
Before Metsuhai did anything else, the smoke around them moved. It closed in fast, engulfing everything to the point Metsuhai couldn't even see Takeo. Metsuhai swung his sword reflexively, cutting through absolutely nothing. The smoke counterattacked. A dark grey muscular arm formed, delivering a devastating blow to Metsuhais ribs from a blind spot. Nothing could prepare Metsuhai for this kind of power. It was painful and pushed him to the side. Metsuhai heard the machinegun firing and shouted "No Takeo, stop!" but one bullet did punch through Metsuhais chainmail armor, getting stuck in his spleen. Metsuhai sent his hand deep into his flesh, removing through pain (and with a shout) the blood stained piece of steel. Not that deep and still so much damage. But the smoke wasn't waiting. More blows landed on Metsuhai from all directions despite his best efforts to avoid, defend and counterattack. Every blows was strong and couldn't be ignored, surely leaving a bruise at least. Takeos situation was worse. Since his main attacking weapons couldn't be used without endangering Metsuhai he had to fight using only his commando knife, which did no damage to this deadly opponent. Takeo received crushing blows to weakness points. He spat blood and fell on one knee.
He must have a body, I just have to see it!
Metsuhai focused his sorcery magic, channeling it to his eyes. Sorcerers Eye! His eyes glowed with blue, changing his sight. The usual smoke was no longer hiding anything. It's as if his eyes went on a tour to all directions of the room simultaneously. Takeos light orange aura, mostly concentrated in his glowing human figure shined, and so did the smoke-demons cloud-like grey constantly changing figure.
Knowing where to attack, Metsuhai charged with unwavering determination, dodging a smoke fist on the way. He slashed at the cloud only find out to his horror the cloud shape changed in the last second, so fast and drastically his well-aimed assault missed again. This flexible opponent is changing his form so fast I had nothing to cut!
Metsuhai heard about shadows, dark energy beings who were partially non-corporeal, thus able to maneuver in unique ways like changing their size or shape. But this foe had this ability on a completely different level. No wonder Takeo couldn't beat him. He just moved out of the way every single time.
Long flowing arms made of smoke smashed into Metsuhai, one blocked on his shield but this was the diversion. The second blow hit him on the face, bending it hard. Metsuhai was almost knocked off his feet, but retained his sorcerers eye. If physical attacks aren't working…
Metsuhai sheaved his blade and dropped his shield, powering up as much as he could. He aimed his most powerful faith magic attack yet. He had never even attempted to use this much power so fast. An explosion of white power rampaged through the room, blowing the smoke away.
When the dust settled the smoke was still there, at the side of the room. He was hurt and struggling to regain his form. Metsuhai was breathing hard and sweating. That last attack took a lot out of him. He knew this was the perfect timing to destroy the smoke, but he had to regain his breath first. Takeo was breathing hard too. He was badly beat. His lip swollen, his nose broken and beneath the army clothes his entire body was covered with bruises. He collapsed, leaning on the wall, struggling to stand but dropping to his knees in the end.
Metsuhai heard sinister laughter. The smoke began talking with an inhuman voice, sounding sharp like a bird in rage. "You fought well. Better than anyone I fought before. I was actually in danger for a moment there… But the last laugh will be mine."
"One more such blast and you are a goner," boldly claimed tired Metsuhai.
"Yes…" the smoke admitted "…but you are in no shape to deliver…
…you have true sight, look at your chest."
Metsuhai looked down and to his horror realized that a small piece of smoke got caught inside his lungs.
"There's a reason why they call me Invados."
Metsuhai was dragged forward by the lungs, his chest swelling badly. The pain was overwhelming. Metsuhai spat blood as if contaminated by tuberculosis. Metsuhai lost his sorcery enhanced sight. Then the swelling went to the stomach, bashing Metsuhai from within. Then it traveled to his right hand. His pinky turned unnaturally, making a full circle, braking the bone from the joint. It flowed through his body, reaching his back, slamming him hard on the concrete floor.
"You see, once I'm in there is no way back. Does it hurt. Well I'm sure it does. Cause I'm in control now... I can end this any time in so many ways. I can go to the heart or to the brain. But I'm taking my time. I can brake and manipulate every vain, every muscle, every nerve, and I like it…"
Metsuhai desperately looked from side to side, thinking franticly what to do, looking for something to hold on to, anything at all. His now blurry gaze turned to Takeo.
Don't look for help from your commando friend," grinned Invados, "He can barely stand."
Metsuhai shouted in pain. He was in agony and couldn't even think.
Takeo forced himself back to his feet, as if to defy Invados' words. He took a grenade a pulled off the safety pin with his teeth, throwing it right at the enemy. A leg made of smoke kicked the grenade right back at Takeo. The grenade detonated, throwing Takeo into the wall, cracking it with his back. Wounds opened up on his arms, legs and one shard went right into the side of his forehead.
Takeo collapsed to the floor, mumbling "If only you could keep him in one place for just a bit."
This is not how I wanted to die, thought Metsuhai, But I guess it's out of my control.
"You shouldn't have come here," continues Invados, "You shouldn't have caused me all that damage. And now I'll pay you back- yes I will. I will eat your flesh. I will drink your blood. And then I will go play with the nurse lady outside…"
The last sentence infuriated Metsuhai. Metsuhai rose back to his feet "you leave Akiara out of this!!!"
Metsuhai was full of power again. Red energy covering his entire body. Metsuhai roared and powered up as the flow from the spider mark intensified. He was full of power and rage. Metsuhai unleashed a blast of flames, erupting through the entire damaged buildings floor and even surging to the outside through the broken windows. Metsuhai didn't even care if Takeo was burning as well. All he wanted was to destroy. Invedos, putting his smoke-made arms in front of him desperately trying to defend. He was pushed back, losing parts of himself.
I have to stop. My power is running out and the hate is overflowing. I have to choose a different path. The flames subsided. Takeo as expected was covered in burns but surprisingly still standing. Metsuhai knew he had to act fast. Before Mr. smoke attacks him again from within. Invedos was slowly regaining his form again. Metsuhai forced himself to calm down. In this state I will be dangerous for everyone. I already hurt Takeo so badly.
But Takeo had no blame for Metsuhai. If not for him he would be dead already. He was already preparing for his final stand. "Seven!" he declared. Out of the backpack materialized a long heavy laser canon. It was incredibly illogically huge, bigger than the backpack. Takeo pressed the trigger and the canon began charging. Yellow energy particles began assembling around the frontal edge of the canon.
Metsuhai gathered all the faith magic he could and… hit himself in the chest. Metsuhais armor got torn to shreds and the white power burned deep into his body. The small piece of invados shouted as it was thrown out of Metsuhais body. If faith magic did all that to me, no wonder it hurts demons who are vulnerable to it so much.
Metsuhai pointed his hands towards the reforming adversary and started shooting powerful white beams on him one after the other. He shot and shot roaring with effort. Invados could do nothing but put his arms in front of him with a double block. But gradually the beams became weaker and smaller until finally nothing but sparks came out. Metsuhai was so tired. His breath so hard. He desperately tried to force more energy out of him. Faith magic, sorcery, battle energy, and even demon magic, nothing came out. No. not now!
Metsuhai dug deeper, pushing himself even harder. Few tiny light red beams came out of his palms, fading fast after being released, never reaching the enemy.
"It seems your power finally ran out," said Invados "This battle is over."
"But aren't you forgetting something?" (Metsuhai)
"What?!"
Metsuhai pointed towards Takeo and his now fully charged canon, glowing with power.
"How is he still standing after me hitting him so many times?!"
The big canon released a massive laser blast. Light engulfed everything. Unstoppable, blinding power that went through anything in its path. Light was coming out of all windows in every floor of the damaged building. Invados was no more.
…
Dust and debris fell from the ceiling. The cracked walls of the building were shaking. The floor was tilted, filled with cracks and holes.
"Let's go man!" shouted Takeo, moving towards the exit, his ultimate weapon hidden once more in the backpack.
Metsuhai didn't react, standing with an empty gaze. He had clearly reached his limit and couldn't even move. Takeo grabbed Metsuhai and pulled him up, over his shoulder.
Metsuhai was still stunned but began to awaken as the building caved in behind their backs. Takoe carried Metsuhai out of harms way. Everything Invados did to corner us eventually led to his defeat. He led us to a building to prevent us from escaping, used demon psychology that instead of robing us from fighting spirit actually made me strong, and took his time so we could figure out a strategy. In the end it was the walls that were supposed to contain us which sealed his fate. Without them he would have survived.