A sudden, sweet fragrance wafted past Asura, startling him into an abrupt jerk upward. "Where am I? Agh!" He squeezed his eyes shut, clutching his head with two of his hands as a sharp headache exploded from the sudden movement. "Shit, this hurts..." Even with his eyes closed, the blinding light pierced through his eyelids, making it feel as though they had never been shut.
Desperate to ease the pain, he covered his eyes with his lower hands to shield them from the overwhelming brightness. "Come on! I don't have time for this!" Asura tried to open his eyes again, but the light struck with brutal force, causing him to scream out in agony as he staggered back and fell to the ground. "FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! FUCK!" His fists pounded into the dirt beneath him in frustration.
"The longer I sit here, the more likely all my friends die..." Suddenly, a voice, calm and ethereal, reached his ears, surprising him. "Cease the vile language. I am sorry to have caused you such pain in this holy place. Open your eyes, and witness His glory."
Shaking with determination, Asura pushed himself off the ground, his hands pressing into the earth. A strange sensation pricked his palms, and when he opened his eyes, he was left breathless. Beneath his fingers, lush green grass spread like a carpet, impossibly vibrant, as though it belonged to a different world entirely. "What is this place?" Asura muttered, his eyes wide in awe. Spinning in place to find the voice's source, Asura looked around but saw no one.
He stood in what appeared to be a meticulously maintained garden, surrounded by colossal trees that towered overhead like pillars, reaching far into the sky. "Holy shit, those are some big trees…" Asura paused, whipping his head around as if the voice had heard. "Sorry, voice in my head... My bad." He was met with only silence. Guess that old man is getting to me even in death.
The trees, so far in the distance, dwarfed anything Asura had seen before. They easily put the tallest skyscrapers in the human city to shame. Their branches, impossibly long, were draped in autumn colors—reds, yellows, oranges—glistening as they swayed in a gentle breeze. Asura was awestruck.
The canopy of leaves stretched so wide it seemed to swallow the entire sky, casting a soothing, shaded veil over the land. But Asura's awe soon gave way to confusion as he looked up, searching for the source of the blinding light that had nearly blinded him earlier. There was nothing. The blue sky beyond the leaves remained clear and unclouded, yet there was light, as if it had no origin at all.
The flowers on the ground were equally extraordinary. Roses, tulips, sunflowers, dahlias, snapdragons, and countless other vibrant blooms dotted the garden, their colors almost too bright for Asura to believe. They stood tall under the soft, almost otherworldly light that filtered through the canopy of leaves.
As he wandered through the flowerbed, Asura's eyes were drawn to a solitary lily, lying dead among the sea of life around it. Hm. Why are you the only one dead? He wondered. Where's the keeper of this garden? Is this heaven? I must be dead. There's no other explanation. He kept walking, but no answers came.
"Am I trapped in here?" In the distance, Asura noticed something he hadn't before. There were tall, towering bushes that formed walls that encircled the garden, creating a thick fence designed to keep intruders out. The flowers nestled into the foliage, their colors scattered unpredictably across the green wall. High up on the tall shrubs, blue and white flowers swayed in the wind. "Those flowers must be huge if I can see them from here..." He stated, amazed by the beauty of this ethereal place.
Lost in the tranquility of the garden, Asura's mind wandered. He became oblivious to the dangers still lurking beyond this peaceful place. The overwhelming beauty and warmth of the garden began to numb his worries, easing the pain he'd grown so used to. Normally, pain was his constant companion. He fought because it was the only time he could escape it. With every punch that struck his face, the pain subsided.
But here, it faded, almost as if he were back home, enjoying a rare meal prepared by his mother. A longing for warmth filled him. Wait, I don't have a mother… Confusion gripped him as he tried to push away the feeling that threatened to consume him. The longer he lingered in this garden, the harder it became to resist. "Where am I supposed to go? I drank a cup, but now what, Wain?" He asked as he fought against the garden's charm.
"So, it was Wain who let you in..." A deep, resonating voice, rich and powerful, thundered through the air. Its tone reminded Asura of a father's, stern but with a gentle care. Asura froze. He whipped around, trying to find the source of the voice, and his eyes landed on a large throne nestled between the trees that had once obscured his view. "Where did the tree go?"
Sitting upon the throne was a being so immense that Asura could hardly comprehend its size. Even sitting down, it towered over him, far taller than Jormungandr, with an aura that made everything else seem insignificant. The being wore an ornate golden armor, trimmed with black leather straps that bound it to its ethereal form.
Atop its head rested a shining golden helmet, but where a face should have been, there was nothing, only a black void, eerily empty. Yet, for some strange reason, it didn't seem wrong. A crest created from a tree grew from the helmet, olive-green leaves sprouting and forming into a mohawk-like shape. To Asura's astonishment, the tree atop the being's head was alive and vibrant.
Its golden armor gleamed, complemented by silver accents that highlighted its intricate design. And then, from its back, six magnificent white wings unfurled, their flawless feathers stretching wide and glowing with an ethereal purity. In its right hand, the angel held a gleaming silver spear, while the other gestured toward Asura. Its voice boomed with every word, carrying through the vast hall. "Why are you here, child?" It asked.
Asura could feel the holy mana radiating from the being, so pure it made the mana from priests and captains seem like pale imitations. The sheer power of the angel was overwhelming, and Asura knew that if it desired, he would be obliterated in an instant. Even if all the monster kings united against the angel, they would all meet death. Responding with a respectful tone, he answered, "I didn't mean to come here! I was told to drink a cup and ended up here." He paused, studying the angel for a moment. "I think I'm dead. Sorry for intruding in this place... If you could guide me to the staircase or room I'm supposed to be in, I'd appreciate it." He answered nervously. "Please don't kill me... and thank you."
He dropped to his knees, pressing his head to the ground. The voice thundered with anger. "Do not bow to me! I am not Judex Divinum, but his servant. I do not seek praise, nor do I deserve it." Asura quickly sprang to his feet, his heart pounding in relief. Thank Judex, it's not… Judex.
The voice continued, "If Judex Divinum stood before you, you would die in his presence, little one. For his beauty would blind the eyes of a mortal if they dared to gaze upon him." The angel leaned forward, its hand outstretched as it pointed directly at the ogre's chest. "Do not mistake me for the Lord Judex Divinum again, or there will be consequences."
Asura stood his ground, a spark of defiance in his eyes. "Then who the hell are you?" He asked, with his hands placed at his hips. The angel let out a low, amused laugh, clearly entertained by Asura's boldness. It replied, "To think you would gain such confidence after being given the knowledge that I am not the creator. Surely, you do not believe you can fight me because I am not the Lord, Judex Divinum."
Asura shrugged, his typical irreverence shining through. He paused, a dark glint in his eyes as a sinister smile curled the corners of his lips. "Well, I've done dumber things in the past." He chuckled softly as if recalling past misadventures. "Fighting something way stronger than me is one of them." Asura's smile widened, the words almost a challenge. "But fighting God? That's not on my bucket list." He leaned forward slightly, his gaze never leaving the towering figure. "So, if you're not Judex Divinum, what the hell are you?"
"I am Uriel, Archangel of War and Wisdom," the being replied, his voice rich with authority. Uriel rose from his throne. As the Archangel stood, Asura was struck by the sheer magnitude of his presence. The Archangel stood as tall as a mountain, easily three times the size of Jormungandr, radiating an aura that made Asura feel small, insignificant like a mere insect.
Uriel spoke again, his tone carrying both authority and curiosity. "To think a monster would drink from my chalice. I gifted it to the humans to provide them protection. Yet no human soul could withstand my power after their past acts. Their sins have consumed them, devouring their hearts."
Uriel's voice shifted, carrying a mix of disappointment and unyielding resolve. "But now, a mere monster stands in my hall, wielding my power. This must be the will of Judex Divinum." The Archangel's gaze lifted toward the heavens as if seeking guidance from something far beyond. Then, his gaze returned to Asura, and the void within his helmet felt as if they had pierced his very soul. "You were once great," Uriel continued, his tone filled with both sorrow and judgment, "a proud servant. But now, you are broken."
With deliberate slowness, Uriel lowered the tip of his spear, aiming it directly at Asura's heart. "I see why the Lord seeks to use you." Uriel's voice grew heavier, thick with ancient knowledge. "Why have you come, mad one? Why seek the light now?"
Uriel's questions tugged at the edges of Asura's memories, stirring something deep within him, but they only left him more confused. The words felt like an enigma, a riddle he couldn't quite solve. Asura rubbed his neck, a frown crossing his face as he struggled to make sense of it all. "Look, I don't know why I'm here, but I'm missing a hell of a fight." With a grunt, he straightened up, planting his hands on his hips, the familiar bravado settling back into place. "Can you send me back so I can fuck up a giant snake? It's killing those humans you said you protect as we speak."
Uriel's posture stiffened, his displeasure visible, even without a face to read. With a dismissive wave of his hand, Uriel wrote something into Asura's very soul, binding him to an unseen law. "That foul mouth of yours is abhorrent." The Archangel's voice hissed with disapproval. Asura's eyes widened, confused, before he shot back, "What the hell—?"
Without warning, a searing white fire exploded inside Asura's mouth, its flames burning with a ferocity that left him gasping. The pain was sharp but not unbearable, more like devouring something unbearably spicy. His tongue raced inside his mouth, desperate to extinguish the flames, but the fire refused to be smothered. It flowed like liquid, swirling in his mouth, mocking his attempts to put it out.
Frustrated, Asura began spitting the holy fire onto the ground, scraping what he could from his mouth with his fingers. "What the hell did you do to me?!" He asked, demanding an answer. Uriel, now seated comfortably on his throne, rested his helmeted head on his hand, observing Asura's struggles with an air of amusement. He ignored the ogre's question, instead replying with a tone of grim teaching. "It is because of your foul tongue that you shall be punished. For it is written, Guard thine mouth and tongue, so thou may avoid calamity. It is a door to your heart."
Asura, spitting fire and still struggling to comprehend, asked, "What?" Uriel's presence seemed to intensify as the air around them grew heavier. The Archangel's tone turned serious, almost like a weight pressing down on Asura's chest. "Heed my words, little one, for what I say next will determine your fate." Asura froze, the fire still raging in his mouth, though the pain had dulled to a simmering discomfort. His mind raced, trying to grasp what Uriel was saying.
"Will you accept my blessing and allow it to take root in your heart and soul, granting you the strength you need to defeat Jormungandr?" Uriel's words were deliberate, his piercing gaze within the void fixed on Asura, searching for something within him. The air seemed to still for a moment, and Asura could almost feel the weight of the Archangel's gaze digging into him. "Or will you reject my gift," Uriel continued, his voice growing colder, "and face the consequences for trespassing in Judex Divinum's Garden?"
Asura paused, the fire still burning in his mouth, but his attention focused entirely on Uriel. The irritation in his mouth faded as the words sank in. Standing up straight like an eager child, he stared at the Archangel with wide, expectant eyes. "Wait... are you giving me holy mana?"
The very idea of granting the ogre his blessing filled him with bitterness—he had little desire to bestow his power upon such an ill-mannered, coarse creature. Yet, despite the ogre's rough demeanor and monstrous origins, Uriel couldn't ignore the undeniable compatibility between Asura and holy mana. It was as if the very essence of his being was attuned to it. Grumbling under his breath, Uriel finally gave in, his voice laced with irritation. "It appears so."
"Won't it kill me?" Asura asked, his eyes wide with a mixture of fear and excitement. "If Judex Divinum wishes it, it will be done," Uriel replied, his tone unwavering. A wicked grin spread across Asura's face, unable to contain his growing excitement. He bounced on his heels, giddy with anticipation.
"Totally give me that crap!" he blurted out, before quickly correcting himself. "Uh, I mean, yes, I accept the blessing. But, uh, is there a clause? You know, some fine print I need to read?" The radiating mana surrounding Asura shifted, its once-warm touch now turned cold.
"Alongside the power, you shall inherit a request from the Lord," he continued, his tone as cold as the words he spoke. "A command carved upon thy heart, and you shall never forget it. From this point onward, your path shall be one that no other can walk. A path that many would call damned."
The Archangel stopped. Asura felt a chill crawl down his spine, the weight of Uriel's gaze settling on him like a divine judgment. Then, he continued, "You shall have my blessing," he said, his voice low and heavy with meaning. "But if you ever stray from the path of righteousness," he warned, his voice like steel, "if you become corrupt, I will personally extinguish the flame within your heart. Brother Death will collect your life on that day."
Asura, momentarily sobered by the gravity of the angel's words, swallowed nervously. He had never considered the possibility of becoming corrupt, but the threat, coming from an Archangel, was not to be taken lightly. Uriel's tone softened, a hint of pity creeping into his voice as he looked at the ogre. "Walk a path of light and love, Asura," he urged, his voice hopeful. "Lead those who have strayed back to Judex Divinum's embrace. You are to be the new sun that will give guidance to the lost."
Asura scratched his head, confusion flickering across his face. "Is this like the Paladin's vow?" Uriel didn't answer right away. Instead, he waved his hand dismissively, and Asura's vision blurred as if the very fabric of reality was shifting. "Your legacy is known throughout the realms, Asura," Uriel said, his voice laden with a strange weight. "Good luck to you. I hope Brother Gabriel was right. Do not disappoint me."
Asura grinned, feeling a rush of pride. "That's rad that an Archangel knows of me! See ya—" Before he could finish, a sudden wave of exhaustion crashed over him. His body went limp, and he felt himself losing control. His knees buckled, and he braced for the hard impact of the ground. But instead of hitting cold stone, he tumbled into something soft. Flowers cushioned his fall with an unexpected tenderness.
Asura blinked in disbelief. The field of flowers around him was a complete surprise. Was this Uriel's doing? he wondered, but the thought slipped away as a deep weariness settled over him. His eyelids grew heavy, the world around him spinning. As he closed his eyes, a familiar image returned as he gazed out into the garden, the dead lily.
Far off in the distance, it stood stark and alone in the vibrant field, a silent symbol of death. It lingered there like a reminder that even in a place filled with life, death would always remain.
Asura woke with a jolt. "Damn, that hurts," He grumbled as he pushed himself off the cold stone floor, the searing pain in his mouth igniting again. Fire raged inside him, an inferno that he spat out in wild bursts, splattering the floor in blazing liquid. "Shit, it even transfers here?" he cursed, more fire erupting in his mouth. The flames continued to lick at the cold stone as he groaned in frustration.
Cursing himself, he muttered under his breath, As... Wait, what if I think it, and it still happens? A bitter laugh escaped him. What a jerk. I bet it does... Whatever, he's an asshole. His suspicions were confirmed when more fire flared, a punishment woven into his very thoughts. Uriel had cursed him, ensuring the flames would burn his mouth every time he swore.
Looking around, Asura saw that he was back in the armory, exactly where he'd been before. The shattered glass from the broken displays still lay scattered on the floor. Nothing was changed. He moved to take a step forward, but a clattering noise stopped him. His foot caught an object, sending it skittering across the floor. The copper chalice, he realized. "How did you get over here... I definitely threw you..." Asura muttered under his breath.
A wicked thought flickered in his mind, and a mischievous grin spread across his face. "What if I...?" Bending down, Asura grabbed the chalice, examining it briefly before dropping it again. He kicked it with all his might, sending the chalice flying toward the ceiling. It struck the stone with incredible force, lodging itself deep into the rock.
"That's what you get for cursing me!" Asura shouted, his voice triumphant as he turned on his heel and dashed toward the entrance to rejoin his allies. But outside, the world was a different kind of chaos as they all struggled to survive.
Lydia stood motionless, her eyes fixed on the oncoming jaws of destruction. Jormungandr, the serpent of the end, charged toward her with unstoppable force, its colossal body thundering across the ground, hell-bent on devouring her. Her breath came in ragged gasps, but the weight of fatigue from hours of running pressed down on her like a crushing wave. Every step she'd taken to escape its pursuit had drained her strength, leaving her with little more than the will to survive. She raised her hand, preparing to summon the last of her power, to snap her fingers and unleash what little energy she had left.
But just as she gathered her resolve, the ground beneath her shuddered. A low, earth-shaking roar filled the air, and a massive shadow was cast onto the serpent's head. In an instant, a towering tyrannosaurus rex, sculpted entirely from swirling smoke, crashed into Jormungandr's side with a bone-rattling impact. The serpent was sent sprawling into a nearby building, the sound of its body slamming into the structure echoing through the street.
The tyrannosaurus rex, undeterred, clamped its massive jaws around Jormungandr's armored form, its teeth sinking deep into the serpent's scales. The creature held fast, refusing to release its grip as it tore into the monster's flesh with relentless ferocity.
Jormungandr let out a blood-curdling scream as the massive Tyrannosaurus rex thrashed around, its jaws tearing through the serpent's armored scales and ripping chunks of flesh away. The creature's writhing form crashed against the buildings, sending debris flying in every direction. Atop the T-rex sat Wain, clutching the reins with white-knuckled intensity, his grip as desperate as the situation itself. Lydia's voice broke through the chaos, her words cutting sharp and clear. "GET AWAY, WAIN! IT'S COMING DOWN!"
Wain's eyes widened as he struggled to pull the T-rex away, but the looming danger of the collapsing structure left him with no time to spare. With one final, desperate tug on the reins, he wrenched the beast free just as the building came crashing down, the ground shaking with the force of the impact. The enormous structure slammed onto Jormungandr's coiling body, dust and rubble bursting in all directions, obscuring the battlefield in a choking cloud.
Lydia's heart raced as the dust engulfed her, the air thick and suffocating. She inhaled deeply, channeling her mana into her fist, preparing for whatever emerged from the cloud. Her arm crackled with lightning that arced from her skin, wildly bending and shifting with a will of its own.
Within the rolling cloud, a shadow loomed to her left, growing larger with each passing second. She drew her fist back, ready to strike, but then the rumble of footsteps reached her ears, heavy and familiar. If it's footsteps, it must be Wain, Lydia muttered under her breath, a surge of relief flooding through her. She quickly dashed toward the sound, her eyes squinting through the haze.
As the cloud parted, her assumption proved true. The massive form of the Tyrannosaurus rex came into view. Lydia couldn't help but pause for a moment, marveling at the creature Wain had conjured. She knew he could create animals from smoke, but to see one of this size was nothing short of impressive. The tyrannosaurus rex was an intimidating sight, its muscular frame and lifelike movements so real it was hard to believe it was nothing more than condensed smoke. If not for the faint wisp rising from its body, Lydia would have sworn the beast was flesh and bone.
"Wain!" Lydia called out, her voice cutting through the chaos. "I'm good! Are you okay, Lydia?" came his urgent reply. "Yeah! Where are Rose and Ash?" she asked, her gaze darting around. "Rose is a little farther back with Ash. I came to help," Wain answered, his focus unwavering despite the danger surrounding them. "Okay, well—" Lydia began, but her words were cut off as a terrifying shadow loomed overhead.
Jormungandr's enormous head emerged from the swirling dust, its jaws opening wide, aimed directly at them. Wain's heart froze as he watched the serpent charge toward them with blinding speed. There was no time to react. The tyrannosaurus could hardly move in time to avoid the impending attack, and Wain was paralyzed with dread. This is it, he thought, the weight of inevitability crashing down on him. This is where I die.
Then, just as all hope seemed lost, he heard the sharp snap of Lydia's fingers. His eyes flew open in a split second, just in time to witness something impossible. From thin air, a massive, transparent angel materialized, towering just above Jormungandr's head. For a moment, Wain's disbelief held him motionless. The angel's size didn't seem like much compared to the serpent's massive form, but it wielded a two-handed war hammer that seemed disproportionately large in its grasp.
As if the angel had already been mid-swing before it even fully manifested, it brought the enormous weapon crashing down on Jormungandr's head. Time seemed to slow as Wain watched in awe. The force of the hammer's impact was unimaginable. Jormungandr's head was sent skidding across the ground, carving a deep trench into the earth. The serpent's body followed, its momentum carrying it forward until it stopped just a few feet short of where they stood.
Wain sat in stunned silence, his mind struggling to process what had just happened. For a long moment, he stared at the fallen serpent, waiting for it to move, to retaliate. Lydia's voice cut through his trance. "Move, Wain! Go for the eyes!"
Regaining his senses, Wain's resolve hardened. He gripped the reins and urged the Tyrannosaurus rex forward, aiming straight for Jormungandr's eyes. This was it, Wain thought, his pulse racing in his chest. If he could gouge out one of the serpent's eyes, they would gain a massive advantage, and there was a chance they could end it all.
But as he charged, Jormungandr stirred, raising its colossal head off the ground, its eyes flashing with murderous intent. The serpent wasn't done yet. Wain's determination didn't waver. I have to get that eye! His thoughts screamed as he urged the beast faster. The Tyrannosaurus rex roared, its powerful legs propelling it around the side of Jormungandr's head.
Wain's heart froze as the serpent's unblinking eyes locked on him, wide open, glaring directly at him. No! I have to do this! He barked the command, and the dinosaur leaped into the air, its muscular legs bending before launching them upward with terrifying force. Lydia's breath caught in her throat as she watched the massive beast spring several feet off the ground, a feat she never thought possible for such a creature.
Time seemed to slow as the Tyrannosaurus rex's jaws snapped shut, sinking into Jormungandr's soft, vulnerable eye. Jormungandr roared in agony, thrashing violently from side to side, its massive form shaking the very earth beneath them. With every thrash, the serpent slammed its body against the buildings, crushing them and reducing the structures to rubble. Wain and the Tyrannosaurus rex barely escaped as rubble tumbled around them, the serpent's immense weight threatening to crush them under its monstrous bulk.
Wain didn't hesitate. As Jormungandr writhed in agony, he raced past Lydia, his arm outstretched to catch hers. Their hands locked, and with a swift tug, he hauled her onto the back of the dinosaur. The wind whipped violently around them as they raced to regroup with Rose and Ash, their only hope now to flee before Jormungandr could recover.
Wain's chest heaved with exhilaration, a burst of laughter escaping him as they tore through the wreckage."We did it! We hurt him!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief and relief. It was a small victory, but it was enough. After what had felt like an endless struggle with no signs of success, they had finally made a dent. Wain's heart swelled with renewed hope. He's mortal. Jormungandr can die!
But just as hope flickered, Lydia's hand came down on his shoulder, her words cutting through his triumph. "He's coming," she said, her voice grim. Wain risked a glance over his shoulder, his heart plummeting as he saw Jormungandr emerge from a cloud of dust, its massive form slamming into a building as it gave chase. The creature was already upon them, its speed defying logic. Lydia cursed, her voice tight with fear, as Jormungandr turned its head, revealing a fully healed eye.
The wound they had inflicted, the hope it had ignited, vanished as if it had never been. Terror, cold and sharp, gripped them as Jormungandr gained ground, its jaws snapping just behind the T-rex's tail. "Come on, Asura..." Wain muttered, his voice a desperate plea. "Please hurry up!" Lydia glanced at Wain, his face a mask of desperation, his knuckles white as he gripped the reins. He had sent Asura away, a gamble born of necessity, but now, with Jormungandr bearing down on them, doubt gnawed at him.
"He abandoned us, Wain!" she accused, her voice sharp with fear. "You watched him run!" Wain snapped as if expecting her words. "He's coming back!" Wain insisted, his voice strained. "I sent him away!" Lydia froze, her eyebrows knitting. "Why did you—?"
"Because!" Wain interrupted, his voice rising in frustration. "It's the only chance we have!"
"What do you—" A deafening roar ripped through the air, silencing her question. Jormungandr, its voice louder and more terrifying than before, unleashed a sound that made their ears ring and their bodies tremble. Lydia instinctively covered her ears, her eyes widening in horror as she saw a familiar purple glow ignite in the back of the creature's throat. It was preparing to unleash another wave of flames, and this time, they had no defense.