"…you… were… strong."
"No—no, no, please—" Orcus's pleas were strangled, panic overtaking pride.
Atlas's essence flared. Not mana. Not magic. Pure existence sharpened into a weapon.
[Your heart resonance is heard by Hell]
[Hell accepts you]
[Hell is overjoyed with your strength]
[You are eligible for Domain Authority]
The Guide's laughter echoed faint, smug.
Orcus's eyes widened. He understood, too late. He wasn't fighting a man. Not even a demi-god. He was fighting inevitability incarnate.
Atlas's fist came down.
BOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reality itself screamed.
When Orcus opened his eyes, all was white.
No shadows clung to him. No eyes blinked from his flesh. No mouths whispered from his arms.
He was just himself again—bare, small, mortal. For the first time in ages, he felt the silence of being alone. Surrounded by utter whiteness.
And then—her.
