Volk: Kit, take this. You should be able to control how powerful a shot is with your fire power.
Kitsune took the gun hesitantly, eyeing it like it was some foreign object.
Kitsune: I... I don't know how to use this.
Volk sighed, taking the gun back and swiftly showing her the basics, his movements precise and experienced.
Volk: Just make sure the safety's off.
Kitsune swallowed hard, gripping the weapon tighter. A... alright then.
Volk: Let's move forward.
Lykos, Okami, Volk, and Fidi pressed ahead with two of Skylos' clones flanking them. The first wave of monstras charged in—a brutal wall of fifty centaurs thundering toward them. Lykos lunged forward, slamming his axe into the ground. The impact sent a shockwave rippling through the battlefield, toppling centaurs and sending debris flying.
Okami unleashed Star Diamond, hurling it forward like a spinning sawblade. It whirled through the centaurs, slicing through them with sharp, clean cuts. Volk stood at the front, smashing into the enemies with his shield, sending them stumbling back for the others to finish off. Fidi darted around the battlefield, his spear a blur as he pierced through centaur after centaur.
Fifteen minutes passed, the ground now littered with defeated foes. Then, the next wave arrived—mixed monstras of all shapes and sizes, snarling and howling as they descended.
Kitsune tightened her grip on Volk's gun, inhaled deeply, and let her fire power surge through it. Eight bullets. Twenty-four kills. She was getting the hang of this. A wolf spirit materialized beside her, its spectral eyes gleaming as it leapt into the fray, tearing into anything that got too close. With flames licking at her hands, she unleashed torrents of fire, reducing monstras to ash.
Sobaka hovered above, hands crackling with electricity. He unleashed powerful bursts of lightning, frying enemies who ventured too close to his allies. Occasionally, he called down lightning strikes, decimating clusters of monstras in one fell swoop.
Skylos pushed his clones to their limit, sending them into battle wielding the sledgehammer Volk had given him. Each clone fought fiercely, crushing monstras with heavy, devastating blows. Alepou stayed behind the frontlines, her focus unwavering as she cast protective bubbles, shielding anyone who was on the brink of being overwhelmed.
But despite their efforts, the waves kept coming—stronger, fiercer, more relentless. They were starting to feel the weight of the battle pressing down on them.
Fidi leapt back, his Telum splitting into multiple smaller spears. With a flick of his wrist, they shot downward in a straight line, impaling enemies in rapid succession. Lykos swung his axe in a wide arc, his blade carving through flesh and bone as he tried to keep the horde at bay. Okami switched focus, stretching upward to take down aerial threats, catching harpies mid-flight and dragging them down to their deaths.
Volk slammed his foot into the ground, sending out a shockwave that knocked a swarm of monstras off their feet. But even as they fell, more took their place. They were being pushed back, losing ground.
And then, disaster struck.
A banshee screeched—a horrible, ear-piercing wail that sent chills down Lykos' spine. He barely had time to react before it lunged at him and Fidi. Fidi raised his spear in time to block the attack, but Lykos wasn't as lucky. The banshee's claws ripped across his throat, a spray of crimson marking the air.
He staggered back, eyes wide in shock. Then, the horde swarmed him.
Alepou's instincts kicked in instantly. She bubbled Lykos, sending monstras flying as they tried to tear into him. Sobaka saw the danger and hurled lightning into the mass, incinerating as many as he could. Fidi wasted no time—his spear flew through the remaining monstras, taking them out before they could do any more damage.
Lykos slumped within the bubble, barely breathing.
Fidi's mind raced. Shit... if he's gonna live, then there's only one choice.
Fidi: I'll make sure he lives. You guys handle the rest. If I don't come back... assume the worst. And make sure to destroy Hel.
Before anyone could argue, Fidi grabbed Lykos, and in the blink of an eye, they were gone.
———
A dimly lit room. Five figures surrounded Fidi as he reappeared, holding Lykos in his arms.
Hel: Fidi... you're actually alive.
Fidi barely had time to breathe. I come in peace. I'm here to claim the favor you owe me.
Hel scoffed. If that favor is to save the kid, forget it.
Fidi: Please. He didn't do anything. Your vendetta against Accalia doesn't have to include them.
Hel's expression darkened. They made it personal when they refused to make a deal with me.
Fidi's fists clenched. You owe me!
A long silence. Then, Hel exhaled sharply. Fine. But only because of that. Put him on the floor.
She stood up, approaching Lykos with slow, deliberate steps. You better not try anything. You know you're surrounded. She extended her hand, a dark glow forming around her palm. To heal him, I have to give him my grace for a few minutes. I'm sure you know that.
Lykos' throat began to mend, his breathing steadying.
Fidi exhaled in relief. This isn't a trick. I just want the kid to live... Maybe you'll finally give them another chance. Especially Volk. You never gave him a chance.
Hel snapped her fingers.
Hel: The relationship between my son and me should not matter to you... Now—
A shadow moved behind Fidi. Before he could react, a war scythe pierced his chest, slicing down through his body.
Fidi gasped, blood pooling at his lips as he collapsed forward. Hel watched him fall, unimpressed.
Hel: The favor is complete. I no longer need you interfering.
Lykos' eyes shot open just in time to see Fidi's body hit the ground.
His hair darkened. His clothes shifted. His breathing turned ragged.
———
Back at the battlefield, Okami drove his sword through the final monstra, watching as its body dissolved into nothingness. The group collapsed onto the ground, catching their breath. The bodies of their enemies had faded, but the weight of the fight still lingered.
Alepou clutched the necklace Lykos had given her, fingers trembling. Skylos sat beside her, trying to offer comfort, but she was too lost in her own thoughts.
An hour passed. No sign of Fidi.
Volk: Shouldn't he have been back ages ago?
Alepou stood suddenly and walked into the house, locking herself in a room.
Skylos: Ale...
Volk sighed. Give her a second.
Kitsune: What are we gonna do if they don't come back?
Okami: We're gonna make sure Hel is a name no one remembers.
Volk: Yeah...
Sobaka: Fidi did say to expect the worst...
Three hours passed. Still nothing.
Okami: I think we've waited long enough.
Volk: Yeah. Tomorrow, we head directly to ground zero. We're gonna kill a goddess.
That night, Volk woke from a nightmare. He got up, searching the house and the surrounding area.
No sign of Fidi. No sign of Lykos.
He went to the kitchen, poured himself a glass of water—then crushed it in his grip.
"Can't I catch a fucking break!?"
Alepou walked in, her tired eyes gazing out the window. Volk exhaled sharply.
This fight was far from over.
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