The storm roars as the wind thrashes violently! Lightning strikes the top of the castle! Highlighting the void of the grant ravine, they can no longer be seen. Tiny cracks of light begin to glimmer on the far horizon, signaling the approaching end of the night.

The shrieks and shouts by Annabelle become muffled in Leo's ears. His pulse begins to rise, the strength behind his fists starts to diminish.

The rain continues to pour its somber heart out. Leo stands in shock, unable to remove the emptiness evading his soul. His brothers, the very people he worked with arm and arm for many decades, are now gone. Although they weren't related by blood, these business partners quickly grew respect for each other, through the dirty and despicable job that they had, they've obtained something they never believed people like them deserved, camaraderie. A second chance to bring joy into their life from the miserable job they had.

A thief is a thief, regardless of who they are or their reasoning, and they've committed acts worse than a thief. They're irredeemable, and they have accepted that fact a long time ago.

He might be asking for too much, but . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

("Getaway!!") ("Monsters!")

("Ahhhhhh!!")

("Stay away from me!!")

(Tiny creatures rush into the darkness of the night, amongst the heavy rain. One of the villagers shoots an arrow, striking one of the creatures before they have a chance to escape!)

(Into the forest they go, littered with tons of unknown and terrifying monsters. The leaves violently sway by the heavy current, and the endless void consumes them. Cold, the night was cold, they huddled together in a small den to provide the limited warmth they had.)

(A quick flash of a thunderbolt startles them, as the monsters nearby groan and moan. They were at the very mercy of the night, they shivered together, and cried together. )

(Monster . . .)

(From amidst the forest, a roar echoes across the trees, louder than any other roar they've experienced thus far. Their hearts were racing, as the voice got louder and louder.)

("AAAAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!")

(Their shoulders jump! They close their eyes and hug each other ever tighter!)

("DAMN YOU!! DDAAAMMNNN YYOOUU!!")

(The voice in question begins to let his anger onto a tree, each hit trembles the ground as the tree soon timbers.)

(" I'LL FUCKING KILL YOU ALL!! I'LL FUCKING MURDER YOU ALL! JUST YOU WAIT! YOU SONS OF BITCHES WILL PAY!!! I'LL MAKE SURE OF IT!!")

(His knees give up on him, as he falls defeated. Staring into his two hands with disgust.)

(The trio observed the being silently for quite some time, his grief slowly blows away their fears. A peddle slips from out of the den and onto the floor, creating the most terrifying noise they've experienced.)

("Who's there!?" Shouts the voice.)

(They instantly hide inside the safety of the den! The next few seconds drove them mad! A light source was heading their way!)

(Before they could run or escape, something blocked their entrance.)

(It was a man, no, he was absurdly tall, and had the face resemble more of that of a monster. He stood before them, blocking their only way of escape and flashing a lantern right at their faces.)

(They were small and frightened. Huddling together for dear life.)

("Children huh, and not human ones too. . . The mother must be close, I better lea-")

("We don't have our mothers . . . not anymore, we're the only ones who managed to escape.")

(The man's eyes widened, shocked by the reply he never expected to receive.)

("Wait, you guys can speak our language?")

(The oldest one nods.)

("Yeah, one of the village girls taught us how to speak, but she stopped visiting us recently . . .")

(The man stands firm, still a little confused that he's talking to children inside this hellhole. This forest is far from safe, they are monsters lurking, hunger beasts that can only be imagined in your worst nightmares. Having a simple death here is but a miracle, no man would ever dare enter the forest alone, let alone a group of children.)

("Where's your home? Where do you belong to?" Asks the man.)

(The kids take a pause, letting the question sink in.)

(" . . . We don't have a home, none of the villages nearby accept us . . .")

(The man observes the children, noticing one of the kids bleeding from an arrow wound. Shivering as the rain pours harder. The man grunts and turns away, none of this is his problem nor his concern. It's a cruel world, they've just experienced it a little sooner than later. He begins to take his leave, but before doing so, throw his cloak onto the boys.)

("Hide under there, the water doesn't get through it.")

(He gives the boys a farewell gift before departing.)

("W-wait! C-can we come with you!" Shouts one of the kids.)

(The man instantly stops, letting out an annoyed sigh before turning around. The children have already gone out of their little den, pleading with the man. Their desperation is evident on their faces, they want somewhere to belong.)

(The man stays quiet, quite angry at himself for even stopping in the first place. He gazes into their eyes, they don't appear intimidated by his stare.)

("Nothing good will happen to you guys if you follow me. it will only worsen your lives," said the man.)

(The kids nonetheless get closer.)

("We don't care! We promise we won't get in your way! We'll train and become helpful to you! Just please don't leave us!")

(The man almost wishes he could cover his ears. Their voices are annoying to him, even more so because he understands their struggle. His hands start forming into fists, angry that he's not moving his ass. Those kids aren't his problem! He shouldn't concern himself over what happens to them!)

("Fine! Do it, it's not my problem if you die on the battlefield!")

(The boy's eyes brighten with so much joy! Finally having somewhere to belong to!)

(With a new beginning on the horizon, they have one last question to ask him.)

("What is your name sir.")

(The man rolls his eyes, clearly done with this whole conversation.)

("Yokubo, the name is Yokubo")

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ever since that day, they've been working for Yokubo exclusively, despite the grueling task they're assigned to on the daily.

Their work isn't for the pure of heart. They take up the jobs that no sane person would want. Torture, massacring, conquering, disturbing the peace in the name of war, and training others only to see them die on the battlefield.

In the eyes of others, they're nothing but a bunch of savages, and they're completely right. They are, that's who they are, the only version of themselves that life allowed them to be.

But even so, was it too much to ask for a little bit more time, a little bit more time with

them . . .

And with Alice . . .

It's been a weird relationship with Alice, they never got along well, but they also never hated her outright, even when they knew this day would come. That they would become mortal foes. They could never muster the strength to hate her fully.

Ever since Yokubo brought her to them by Annabelle's request. They worked her up to the bone, training her solely to turn her into a knight.

But unbeknownst to them, something started to manifest.

Redemption.

She let those who knew nothing but kill and misery . . . feel human.

She isn't like the soldiers they've trained up till now, she was different. And they grew to understand that difference over time.

They taught her what she needed to know to survive in life. The basic skills of combat and swordplay, riding a horse, and surviving any environment she finds herself in. Before they knew it, they even taught her stuff that wasn't related to battles such as cooking and hunting.

She was their student, but before long it became more than that.

It's strange, helping the person that will confront you one day, but then again, you would want the best for your child.

For once in their life, rather than taking the life of another, they got the opportunity to take part in one's life.

Proving to themselves that they are more than just a bunch of killers.

It's painful, it really is, he's never had this much hesitation with fighting someone. To say that he wanted to kill her would be a lie, but he can't go against his master's order. Even if he's secretly rooting for Alice to win, he owes his entire life to Yokubo.

But for that very reason, he needs to be tough on Alice, to go all out without holding anything back. To prove to him that she's capable of protecting herself and those she cares about in this cruel wretched world.

However, it appears that it was too much to handle. She wasn't up to the task, and she'll never get a second chance.

The rain continues to pour hard, letting out its final cry before it washes away like the night.

Mask, Roy, those names will forever be smeared into his heart. In honor of their deaths, he will carry on. He will live for their sake and never forget them for the rest of his life.

And for Alice, in honor of her death, he will make sure that Annabelle's remaining days will be spent in peace, and free. Her struggle and her determination will not be in vain.

All that's left to do now is complete the mission, finish it for his brothers in arms. He can mourn for them later, right now, taking Annabelle to a safe location is the number one priority.

Leo sheaths his sword and makes his way towards Frank and Anna, who are at the very end of the corridor. He walks past countless fallen soldiers, all marked with the signature of the reaper. Their last moments of life are fully displayed in the terror possessing their faces. To say they were killed is an understatement, if anything, their deaths were their salvation from the reaper's grasp.

The night is almost over, he just has to do this final task, and it will all be over.

As he continues to walk down the corridor, the ground starts to tremble. His legs stop in place as the earthquake harshens. An unnatural sound starts to creep through the walls, quickly rising in volume and shattering the windows! Leo's body moves on its own, gazing outside of the window. He stands speechless for a moment, completely forgetting the task at hand.

He witnesses the aftermath of an explosion at the center of the castle, where Yokubo and the reaper are battling it out. The titans are holding nothing back anymore, a full-on deathmatch, that's how monsters fight after all.

He quickly remembers the objective and faces away from the windows. The rain quickly resumes as it fills the space caused by the shocking wave. He begins to make his way towards the two, before abruptly stopping again.

His ears pick up on something, something faint, but distinct.

He's greeted with silence as he remains still, waiting for the noise to rise again.

But it never does . .

Seconds pass, and the sound never resurfaces again. It might have just been a pebble rolling down the brick walls.

It could just be him being paranoid, just for good measure he examines his surroundings.

He could not find anything out of the ordinary. Both sides are clear, nothing is on the ceiling, and Frank is still in place; they don't appear to have picked up on the sound. It really could have just been his imagination.

Not wanting to keep Frank waiting, he brushes it off and starts walking.

It's then, that Leo stops again. The same noise arises again, but louder.

It's still quite mute, but this time it's clear enough that it can't be tossed aside as simple paranoia. He even notices Anna and Frank reacting to the noise, confirming its existence.

Not too long after, the sound appears once more, even louder than before. Leo can now somewhat pinpoint the location of the sound, outside. He cautiously approaches the windows, while Frank holding Anna back away.

The thumping of his heart contrasts with his cold face. He gulps down his nerves and closes the distance. The seconds are like an eternity, his trembling hands reach for the window stool, facing the harsh storm before him. His fingers unconsciously dig into the stool, his distress rears its ugly face as his body starts to boil! He embraces his fears, and shoves his head outside the window!

Lighting strikes the void! Leo's heart drops, unable to move.

"Annabelle!"

Alice fights through the heavy rain! Her entire life rests upon one hand gripping the sword! On the very edge of being devoured by the void! She narrows her eyes and tightens her jaw! Pushing with her legs on the slippery bricks! Her shoulder nearly snaps by the amount of pressure it has, but she relentlessly pushes forward!

Annabelle's ears perk up, instantly recognizing her sister's voice. Her body immediately starts to fight back! Eager to reunite with her sister!

"Alice!" Her fragile body calls out to her sister!

Alice locates her sister, and leaps with all her strength! She places her all into her sword and her legs as she dangles directly under the abyss! The strong winds push her off course! Nearly making her miss the wall and into the darkness. But she pursues through and slams her sword into the castle wall! The bricks barely hang on, her sword quickly slips through the cracks! Alice reacts fast by placing her feet into whatever she can use as footing to leap once more!

However, she misjudges the slabs around her and places her feet on unstable footing. She quickly loses her balance and falls as the bricks beneath her crumple, vanishing into the darkness of the void. All of her weight is placed on her barely functional hand as she hangs on to dear life! Refusing to glance down!

Alice is right below Annabelle compared to Leo who's on the opposite side of the hallway! It's a race of who gets there first and Leo without hesitation dashes towards Anna!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Yokubo rushes Axel while his mana is down! Having no other option, Axel absorbs all the shadow energy around him and converts it into power! He takes in way more energy than his body can handle! His body gets destroyed by the inside and his biceps grow so much that they explode like an erupting volcano!

With little regard for his health, he zaps across the room and delivers a mighty blow across Yokubo's face! They both crash into the floor with a massive boom! Creating a giant dust cloud!

Axel quickly gets up! But not before Yokubo rams Axel with his tusks! He impales the reaper and takes him for a ride! Axel screams in pain, but soon digs his feet into the ground and grabs the warthog by the tusks!

He delivers a brutal knee into the warlord's Adam's apple! His eyes shrink and instantly stop! He falls to his knees and grabs his throat, trying to scream, but he can't. Axel takes advantage of the fallen warlord and grabs his jaws! A sadistic smile rises on his lips before he bursts Yokubo's jaws open! Axel starts to rip his cheeks in half until a crack rings in both of their ears! Yokubo's body flails! His arm comes swinging and slashes away at Axel's face! He tears an eye and manages to weaken the reaper's grip! Yokubo extends a wing and directly hits Axel squarely in the gut!

He crashes into the wall! His eyes are blurred, but once they focus they find Yokubo sprinting at him! Yokubo lunges forward and bites down on Axel's throat! His mortal flesh is now vulnerable as any other man! Axel is no longer above death!

He tries punching the warlord in the gut! But his jaws continue to clamp down! Axel's throat starts to spill blood as the teeth sink even further! There's no stopping him now!

And yet, suddenly, his teeth halt. His jaws abruptly stop from out of nowhere!

The dislocation of his jaw prevents him from closing shut. Coming off just short from killing the reaper!

Axel breaks one of his horns! And jams it into the warlord's eye! Both the eye and the exposed horn start bleeding like crazy! Chaos ensues as Yokubo lets go of Axel, he thrashes and goes berserk as the deeply rooted horn continues to sink even further!

He yanks the horn off of his eye! Agonizing extensively before Axel jumps and sucker punches him in the face! Yokubo punches his jaw to relocate it! And backhands Axel!

He absorbs the blow and retaliates back! They both begin to trade punches! Constantly trying to one-up each other!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Alice lands on the castle wall! Forcefully driving her sword in between the bricks! She belittles the storm itself! The rush of the elements is making her heart pound louder than ever! She climbs and climbs, with her shoulder aching more and more! Alice's grunts and tears become more frequent as she swallows her pain and pushes through! Even though she's at her weakest, she couldn't be more alive! Just a bit more! She's nearly at the window!

Leo dashes across the hall! Completely different from his usual composed self.

"Tail it out of here Frank!"

Upon command, Frank starts to make a break for it! Running as far as he can away from the windows!

The windows shatter! Out emerges Alice!

Fuming with an outrageous amount of energy!

Her eyes glare straight onward, with his shoulders swaying up and down, and with a focus that can break a diamond. Her resolvement matches the intense grip on her sword, with her blood running along the blade.

("The two of you will go through many endeavors throughout your lifetime, but if you guys protect each other, you can overcome any obstacle together, that's what it means to be a family.")

Any person with a purpose, so long as they stay true to themselves, can survive through hell and back. Any person with a dream can face any pain in the world and rise above it.

No longer will she be a prisoner of fear inside these walls, no longer will she be burdened by her past. She will strive, and USE HER PAIN AS HER SOURCE OF STRENGTH!!

"ANNABELLE!!"

Alice screams at the top of her lungs and sprints through the corridor! Her speed is an entirely different level than before! She closes in on Frank and strikes!

"Aaaahhhhhhhh!"

"Ahhhhhh!"

Both Frank and Annabelle get blasted by the impact!

Alice quickly ducks and dodges an incoming sword swing! She kicks his legs to knock him off his feet, but he smashes his hand into the floor and kicks Alice in return! Alice lands on the ground, releasing a frustrated grunt!

Annabelle is within her grasp, just out of reach!

Alice shakes off the hit, and continues the assault!

Annabelle and Frank land on opposite sides, the fall damages Anna's fragile body. She seizes her moment and crawls her way through the sea of corpses. Frank quickly gets up, frantically searching everywhere before sprinting towards Anna! Amongst the chaos, Annabelle grabs a nearby sword and aimlessly strikes behind her!

The devil's luck is at play, as Annabelle somehow manages to hit Frank despite the blind swing.

Frank stays frozen in place, with his distraught face turning paler by the second! His blood runs along with Annabelle's sword, caressing her quaking hands. She doesn't utter a single word, but her face is full of emotion. As Frank drops dead onto the floor. Annabelle instantly vomits her guts out, hyperventilating with a dreadful pitch consuming her ears.

Alice bombards with a series of blows! All faster than the human eye can track! Leo skillfully evades all of her attacks before overpowering Alice with his strength and speed! Despite her best efforts, she's forced to play defense against Leo's onslaught!

There are no cracks through his offense, she can't find a single opportunity to strike back as he quickly breaks through to her! A series of deadly and pinpointed swings find their mark on Alice! From one second to the next, she jumps away before she gets shredded to pieces. Several new cuts spread along her body. Each taking a toll on her as the burning pain only serves to further hinder her.

This is it, the final battle. It all comes down to this, his blade versus hers. Knight versus knight. Student versus master. Everything will be put on the table, and only one of them can come out on top.

Leo raises his sword. His grip tightens as he solely focuses on Alice. His face is fearless, emotionless, and above else ready. With the same glare in his eyes when he faces an enemy.

He's intimidating, and everyone who got to witness this side of him would agree. All the hundreds of people who fought him and died by his sword.

"Alice!"

His stern and cold voice make both Alice and Annabelle flinch!

"FIGHT!! ME!!"

His shout resonates with his heart, he speaks clearer and more determined than ever!

"GO ALL OUT! DON'T YOU DARE HOLD BACK! BECAUSE I WON'T! I ALONE STAND BEFORE YOU AND YOUR SISTER'S FREEDOM! I ALONE AM RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR FATHER'S DEATH! I WAS THE ONE WHO MASSACRES YOUR PEOPLE!! I AM THE ONE WHO'S STOPPING YOU FROM FULFILLING YOUR DREAM!" He nearly crushes his sword with his bare hands as he shouts to the top of his lungs without any care for his vocal cords!

"GET ANGRY!! SHOW ME YOUR RAGE! SHOW ME THAT YOUR DREAM IS STILL WORTH FIGHTING FOR! I WON'T ACCEPT ANYTHING BUT YOUR ABSOLUTE BEST! SHOW ME WHAT YOU'RE MADE OF!!" His voice travels across the entire castle! His feet launch him forward as his mighty battle cry possesses him! Alice, fueled by his words, charges and matches his speed! The grip on her sword almost makes her veins pop!

"RAGE!! GO BERSERK! FIGHT FOR WHAT YOU TREASURE THE MOST!!"

His words rekindle the fire inside Alice's heart! She displays her full warrior spirit just as he intended to!

Both Alice and Leo strike in unison! Their powerful clashes produce sparks in the air! Briefly lighting up a battle that can only be described as one of a kind!

Leo is on a whole other level from the rest! He's even faster than Mask and stronger than Roy! He's a force to be reckoned with! Alice is an uncontrollable beast! Keeping up with Leo of all people and even pushing him to his limits! She's a completely different warrior now, and Leo smiles because of it.

Annabelle watches on from afar, grasping her hands together and praying for Alice. Wishing for only one thing.

Both Alice and Leo push each other to the very extreme! Their blades collide from all different angles as they circle one another! Their past, their internal struggles, their dreams, their hopes, all displayed within this dance of death! They wear their hearts on their swords and let the blades do the talking!

Their fight is fierce and brutal, but also tender and passionate. There's no bad blood between the two, but they swing as hard as they can! Each having their reasons to win and survive!

Rage, fear, sadness, compassion, loyalty, love, all present before each other's eyes! This is the result of an unstoppable force confronting an immovable object!

It all comes to a stop, however, as they let out one final strike! Leo drives his sword downwards as Alice propels her sword up! Pouring their absolute heart and soul into this final attack!

Clash!

Their blades connect! They hold on to dear life as the force nearly blows them away!

"Alice!!"

Her sister's voice repeats in her head as her ears drop-down, a gasp escapes her mouth. The unyielding Leo continues to power through with such ferocity! Passing through Alice's shattered sword!

Her instincts take control, making her slide down and chucking what's left of her sword away!

Just as the battle appears to be over! Alice does the daring and catches the sword with her remaining hand! Shock colors his face as blood drips onto Alice's head. His sword digs further into her palm, Alice's eyes squint with agony as she clutches her teeth, holding in her pain.

Alice thrusts her hips and swiftly kicks Leo in the chin! Knocking his helmet off and stealing his sword! Leo stumbles back, quickly regaining his senses before lowering his head.

Alice gets on her knees and strikes with all her might into Leo's waist! It pierces through the cracks of his armor and right through his flesh! His face instantly goes pale before coughing up blood!

Leo knees Alice in the chest and locks her in a bear hug!

His grip strength skyrockets into insanity! He crushes Alice like a nutcracker and continues to apply more strength! She screams to the top of her lungs as the sound of bones snapping rings across the corridors!

Leo then buries his fangs into Alice's right shoulder! Sinking his sharp teeth deeper and deeper as blood begins to ooze out!

Alice's cries are filled with trauma and pain! She commences to puke out blood as her organs tear one by one!

Out of sheer desperation, she headbutts Leo as hard as she can! Alice manages to stun the knight and follows up with a kick to flee his grasp!

She lands on the ground, on the brim of collapsing.

Leo brushes off the hit, and rips out the sword from his hip!

Alice is now weaponless, and unable to utilize her arms. With her time and stamina rapidly running out, the battle is virtually over. Leo arms himself, ready to strike. Their eyes meet, bidding farewell to each other from one knight to another.

Alice's legs begin to tumble, her shoulders slump down as a smile escapes her lips. A sense of comfort radiates from her, with a glint of happiness and tragedy painting her eyes.

She tried her best, but this is as far as she goes. She's corner now, checkmated, she can't even pick up a sword to fight back.

Leo's legs proceed to move! Preparing his sword for the final strike!

"Alice!!"

From the corner of her eye, her sister calls out to her. Anna staggers back up while pushing through her suffering, cheering for Alice. Her gleaming eyes don't submit, she stands tall and doesn't falter. She's on her last breath, yet she couldn't be more alive! She is the indication that this battle is all but over.

Alice instantly shivers, on the brink of crying tears of joy.

Within the absence of her own motivation to keep on fighting, Annabelle gives her one, because she's not willing to give up on her.

(Wolf pack: Receives a 25% boost in all stats when allied.)

Annabelle tosses her sword towards Alice's direction! Carrying all their hopes and dreams onto Alice's shoulders! Her legs begin charging ahead! With their hearts aligning! For the first time in their lives, they have become one!

(" You guys shouldn't be fighting amongst each other. You two must learn to rely on each other. I ask nothing more in life than for you guys to help each other in times of need.")

"Ahhhhhhhh!!"

"Aaaahhhhhhh!"

(" . . . . I promise you sister . . I'll come back to you . . . And when I do . . We'll both be free . . .")

Alice musters all the strength she has residing and leaps into the air!!

" . . I hear by call upon my blood . ." Alice murmurs under her breath, decompressing her lungs. Her eyes gradually close.

" . . I ask of you my ultimate wish. For the sake of my own and my sister's, for my family, and my race. Grant me power beyond power, speed like no other. I call forth upon the fury and agony of my people. Lend me their strength! Entrust me with their spirit! Bestow upon me their greatest gift!!"

Alice's eyes burst open! Fueled to the core with unrelenting determination! Leo closes the void! Swinging his sword with all his might!

Alice's eyes flare up as she bites down on the handle of the sword!

"NEO ALPHA SLASH!!"

Alice strikes!!

Her sword begins to glow a majestic blue as the silhouette of a wolf consumes her body! The glow vanishes all the shadows and blinds Leo! The wolf dominates him! Paralyzing Leo before it unleashes its fangs onto him!!

Their blades clash!

A flurry of shining spectacles envelopes the battlefield, sending monstrous ripples across the hallway that tarnishes everything it touches!

They both end up on opposite sides of each other, back to back. Their heartbeats are gradually diminishing.

Leo's eyes widen, as his sword shatters into a million pieces. His legs relinquish all their power and he slowly plummets to the ground.

Joyful tears slip from his eyes as a steady smile rises from his lips. His lips that are pouring blood.

He connects with the ground, finally at ease. Able to join his men in the afterlife without any regrets.

Alice stands tall and proud.

Rivaling Leo's grin.

She basks in the moment, with overwhelming emotions flowing into her, even ones she didn't even know she had. Her visibility is becoming blurry due to the tears setting in her eyes. She still can't process what has just unfolded, it's surreal.

Her legs are trembling, throbbing worse than they ever have before. But they soon come to a halt.

Her knees give up on her.

All the remaining energy she has left vanishes before her eyes. Every last drop.

She has completed her promise, her purpose in life . .

She falls to her knees and lowers her sword.

Everything comes crashing down on her all at once, her pain, her injuries, her fatigue. The fallen warrior tumbles down. She lays flat on the ground with her heart pulsing ever quieter. She succumbs to her injuries and doesn't suppress them anymore.

She's finally at peace.

She has released her sister from her eternal torment . .

Alice's eyes slowly close, as they quickly become lifeless . .

With her purpose, now fulfilled . . .

.

.

.

Axel lunges and throws a punch! Yokubo deflects and grabs him by the neck! Dragging the reaper! And chucks him into a near pillow!

Axel staggers back up. Breathing out his last whimper.

The warlord closes the distance between them and spawns a sphere of magic in one of his hands! He shoves it onto Axel's stomach and lifts him directly above him. Blasting Axel into the ceiling!

The roof explodes!

The tip of the castle begins to crumble down onto itself! The ceiling starts crashing down as the audience gets buried by debris! Yokubo emerges from the dust and flies towards Axel!

The storm is fuming!

Clashing thunders light up the dark sky! The heavy rain swirls and thrashes by the fearsome winds!

Axel continues to spiral upwards! Reaching the clouds! He's out in the open like a sitting duck, unable to move or defend himself. He may have many special abilities, but he can't fly.

Yokubo catches up with Axel, smirking. He delivers a final gut punch, taunting the powerless reaper before matching speeds. His arms spring onto Axel's shoulders, firmly locking his hands.

Before tearing Axel's arms!

Giant spews of blood erupt from his shoulder joints while Yokubo hurls his arms away into the storm! Axel riots in pain! As his fluids continue to ooze out his shoulders.

The night roars and goes vicious! Thunder illuminates around them! They soar into the clouds and can no longer spot the castle below them!

Axel's body begins to go limp. No longer obeying his commands as it closes off altogether.

Mana: 0/1,921

Axel's fighting spirit rapidly diminishes before his eyes, his options are quickly running out.

"What's wrong? No longer want to play? Do you now realize the biggest mistake of your life? Challenging me. Don't worry, I'll put you out of your misery soon enough."

Yokubo grabs Axel by the throat and flies even further into the clouds! The lack of oxygen in these heights is weakening Axel. Yokubo breaks through the sea of clouds and arrives at the very top of the storm! Touching the sky!

If Yokubo ever so much as lets him go. Then Axel would be nothing left by the time he touches the ground.

The reaper struggles to stay conscious. Constantly drifting in between the two.

Yokubo pulls him closer and strangles him even more.

"This is it, my fellow brother. I'll be sending you back from where you belong."

Yokubo extends his other arm, preparing to strike!

There's no time left! Axel needs to do something or else he'll die!!

. . .

. .

.

But . . What can he do? He's out of mana, his regeneration can no longer protect him. He's missing his arms and his body is too weak to move. There's nothing he can do anymore, he tried his best . .

But his best wasn't good enough . .

Yokubo laughs sadistically before opening his fist! His claws slash the water droplets in half!

It's over!

Yokubo thrusts his hand towards Axel! Meeting death right in the eye!

Axel flails in a last-ditch effort to escape! Doing whatever it takes to survive!

Thunder cries in the background!

Axel's eyes instantly go pale . .

His jaw promptly drops, letting out a mute outcry . .

Yokubo has impaled Axel. His arm sinks further into Axel's chest and breaks out through the back!

The reaper's heart skyrockets into insanity as it pulsates into dangerous degrees!

The raindrops clash with it and combine with the blood pouring from it.

On the other side of Axel's torso, lies Yokubo's hand, firmly holding Axel's heart.

It pulsates in his grasp, like a terrified puppy.

With the reaper's regenerative ability down, aiming for the heart will end him, just like any other man.

Yokubo snickers, toying with the reaper's heart. He has him right where he wants him, and there's nothing he can do about it.

Axel is powerless, and he gives in, shutting off his body and accepting his fate.

"I win!"

Yokubo without any remorse crushes his heart into bloody pieces!

Axel gawks as his soul leaves his body! His eyes turn dull. His body drops dead as the pieces of his heart float and gets devoured by the storm.

His body lies motionless as the warmth inside his torso perishes into oblivion.

"Haha. . HaHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!"

Yokubo burst into laughter! Unable to control himself as he celebrates triumphantly! His howler echoes across the sky! Ringing through the void and into the clouds as the rain and thunder celebrate his victory!

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHHA!!"

"Hehehe. ."

Someone joins his laughter, catching Yokubo by surprise. The warlord opens his eyes and spots an abnormally on Axel's face.

A smile that gets larger by the second. The sky crackles along as the softer voice overpowers the louder voice.

"HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHUAHAHAHAAHAH!!"

The dead laughs beyond the grave. The warlord remains speechless, lost in thought.

" . . How . ."

Mumbles Yokubo, Axel only continues to laugh even harder.

(Ability: Undead Body, activated.)

(Undead Body: This allows the user to receive minimal damage to their body's vital areas. Also allows any body parts to automatically reattach themselves)

Axel pulls his arms from the abyss!

". . Let's play a game . ."

Blood starts to seep from his smile. His arms wrap around Yokubo before clenching each wing tightly.

"Let's see which one of us . ."

Axel rips Yokubo's wings off! Kicking his wrist to free himself!

"DIES FIRST UPON HITTING THE GROUND!!"

Removing his wings, they both descend into a free fall! Turning the tables on Yokubo, Axel now gains the advantage and swings one of his arms way up high into the sky! The thrill and rush of falling both excites and terrifies them!

Axel's severed arm touches the sky! Above the clouds! It begins gathering an insane amount of shadow magic, belittling the storm itself as his hand proceeds to absorb the magic! Being consumed and corrupted by shadow magic, Axel's arm explodes into a gigantic shadow arm!!

"Hhhaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!"

Axel thrashes his arm downwards!!

Boom!

The sound vibrates across the vast sky as his arm finds its mark! Slamming against Yokubo's stomach!!

The impact creates a sonic boom! Creating an explosion of wind and dark magic in the middle of the sky! Rivaling the explosive power of a nuclear explosion!

The warlord's eyes turn snow-white as he vomits an outrageous amount of blood!! His scream soon follows but quickly vanishes as he goes straight into the depths of the Earth!

Diving directly into the audience room and obliterating it! A second explosion follows soon after. Equally as devastating as they both plunge into the floor and smash many levels of the castle, shaking it as if an earthquake had just occurred. Huge puffs of smoke and dust cram what's left of the castle and escape from the giant crater now present above.

The audience room has been reduced to nothing, and many more rooms below it suffered the same fate as well. As the clouds subside, many torture devices are displayed along the walls. Tons of weapons lay scattered across the floor, stained with the blood of its past victims.

From within a cloud of smoke, a pair of gleaming yellow eyes reveal themselves. Along with a sick and twisted cackle, not even serial killers can replicate.

The warlord starts to wake up from his slumber, pain dwells from within the very core of his bones, permanently etched into them.

Cold.

His body is shivering. His tongue is freezing, almost as if he buried his mouth in snow. He brings his hand to his lips, before raising his hand above himself.

Blood, his hand is painted in blood.

His heart nearly bursts his ears as an eerie pitch burns his ears off.

He lifts his head, just enough to be able to observe his body. His heart instantly goes into overdrive as his eyes burst wide open.

Everything is coated in red, everything is disfigured. His body no longer resembles a body. Even the best doctors in the world won't be able to fix this mess.

But even that is a second thought to him, as he witnesses his life flash before him. Inside those two menacing spheres of terror. His absolute nightmare.

Mana: 0/1,921

Mana: 3/1,921

Mana: 25/1,921

His mana is finally starting to recover again. His mutilated body reverts to its original form. His eyes shine brighter as he steps outside the shadows and into the light, fully visible and clutching his watch with one hand, showing the clock inside. Stepping rather casually with a creepy smile plaguing his face.

"Your time is up Yokubo~. . Death is paying you a visit . ."

His jarring cold tone strikes fear into Yokubo's weak heart. The warlord tries his best to get up! But his unresponsive body declines his order.

Axel lets go of his watch and raises his two hands. Two blades from the ground get possessed and lift themselves off the floor!

Upon the snap of his fingers, they rotate insanely fast and become saw-like discs! With a mighty laugh, Axel swings his arms and thrusts them onto Yokubo!

They blow the rubble away and easily cleave through the ground! Without having any time to react, the warlord's arms get sawed in half!

He tumbles down with a disturbing cry as his arms flop onto the floor like a fish out of water!

Blood gushes everywhere! Onto his face! Onto his body! Onto the ground! He quickly gets drenched in his fluids!

Axel leaps and rams his two feet onto Yokubo's stomach! Causing him to vomit even more!

"You enjoy inflicting pain on others! And yet you can't take it yourself!!"

Axel begins repeatedly curb-stomping his chest without holding anything back! Each time he does it, even more, blood bursts from Yokubo's mouth! He continues to go all out! Breaking every bone and digging deeper into Yokubo's chest! The warlord wails as he jerks his body from the pain! Unable to take it!

"Feel their pain! Their sorrows, their suffering, have a taste of your own medicine! Experience how it's like to be at the mercy of someone's shoe! Just like the thousands of people you've tortured and killed!"

The floor begins to crack! Breaking more and more as he stomps harder!

Within each hit he unleashes, more anger builds up inside him, fueling his blows! His sadistic laughter erupts into a furious cry!

He grabs Yokubo's remaining tusk and punches the shit out of him! Releasing his frustration onto his face! He pummels the warlord with brutal strikes! Unloading everything onto him!

"Haaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh!!!!! Die!!! DIE!!!"

Yokubo's eyes roll to the back of his head as his body becomes motionless, not even able to flinch or cry as Axel disfigures his head with his punches! He can't even fight anymore, but Axel continues to beat the shit out of him without any remorse!!

"DDDDIIIIIIIEEEEEE!!!"

Axel clasps his hands together and smashes them against Yokubo's face! Breaking his face and shattering the ground!!

They both fall to the floor below! To Axel's surprise, amongst the cloud of dust and rubble, weak screams arise from the haze.

As the dust settles, he finds himself inside a cell, along with a dozen terrified women lining up against the metal bars. Each one of them staring into Axel with lifeless eyes.

Axel gets up, and they instinctively flinch upon his sudden movement. He glares right back into their eyes with an unreadable face. They start to cower under his presence, watching his every movement intently.

He dwells for a good second, before jerking his head over to the warlord.

Yokubo is completely powerless, unable to move or defend himself. The only thing that distinguishes him from a corpse is the occasional limping of his body, the bastard is still hanging on to dear life.

Axel does a motion with his hand, and tons of weapons fall from the sky, scaring the prisoners.

Axel begins to walk towards the door, leaving his work unfinished. The prisoners stay fixated on him, observing his every action, Axel simply passes by without batting an eye.

"Do whatever you want to him."

Remarks Axel, letting the warlord's victims have their fair share of fun.

Upon reaching their ears, their eyes suddenly tilt over to the defeated Yokubo. Their miserable and frightened gazes suddenly turn into piranhas in a feeding frenzy.

They slowly make their way to Yokubo, grabbing the weapons Axel provided them off of the ground.

The warlord's eyes flare up into a panic! Desperately trying to move and fight back, but his body remains motionless.

They all proceed to let out their frustration! Attacking like wild animals as all the warlord can do is shriek and cry! Accompanying by the groans and screams of his sex slaves!

With music in his ears, Axel backhands the metal door wide open and begins to make his way out of the dungeon.

One step closer to achieving his dreams.