Over One Decade Ago (SAVING TALUS).
"When Providence tests you it is never to destroy you. When He removes something in your possession, it is only in order to empty your hands for an even greater gift."
Ibn al-Qayyim (d. 1350).
Lupus and Ungar breathed heavily before the all-inspiring might of Massamale and her master Corona. "Many of you two are a couple of weaklings," said Masamale. Ungar stood slightly behind Lupus. Lupus snarked: "So Ungar, you have any secret attacks you're hiding from the rest of us, It would be time to show the rest of the class." Ungar laughed: "Sorry I don't have anything new to show off." Lupus laughed: "Lucky for you I have a technique that might just save us. If you can distract these two for 2 minutes we'll be okay, the other three have been taken care of so it's up to you." Ungar: "2 minutes?" Lupus retorted: "I need two minutes to charge up the attack, just two minutes, can you handle it?" Ungar replied: "Got it." Massale laughed: "What are you too faggots doing, you think you have a chance… in fucking hell."
Ungar adjusted his stance, head tilting slightly—an unspoken signal of readiness. His voice came out in that strange, resonant tone that didn't need a mouth to form words. "Two minutes… I'll make them feel like two hours." Massamale's eyes blazed crimson, her aura warping the air like molten glass. Corona stepped forward, her calm voice carrying the weight of a guillotine "Massamale… end them before they get clever." Ungar's body angled forward, a slight vibration running through his frame—his version of a grin.
"Come on then, gods and monsters—show me something worth the bruises."
The ground erupted as Massamale lunged, claws raking the air, sparks of black fire raining down. Ungar slid under her swing, palm striking the ground to vault himself upward with a spiraling kick, his heel smashing into her jaw in a burst of silver sparks. Corona flicked her wrist, sending streams of molten light twisting toward him, but Ungar darted through them, the streaks igniting the battlefield into glowing rivers of heat. Lupus knelt in the center of the chaos, eyes closed, Spirit Howl energy spiraling around him in a slow, terrifying crescendo. His breath became a steady drumbeat in the air. Every second was a mountain to climb.
Ungar intercepted Massamale's next strike, slamming his armored head into her chest with enough force to send a shockwave through the scorched earth. "You're going to hate how long two minutes feels." Corona's expression didn't change, but her eyes narrowed. She raised her staff, channeling a sigil of collapsing suns above Lupus's head. Ungar darted between them, smashing through the spell before it could drop. "Sixty seconds!" Lupus roared, the Spirit Howl now bright enough to cast monstrous shadows across the burning ruins. Massamale steadied herself, wiping blood from her chin with the back of her claw. Her smile was pure malice. "Then you're already dead." She vanished in a blur— —and reappeared directly before Lupus. Lupus smirked and chuckled and then said quietly: "I hope you're ready…" His fist charged up with pure blue energy, and he yelled: "FIST OF THE BLUE DRAGON!! 青龍の拳!!" The Chinese blue water dragon appeared around his fist and he lunged forward, Masamale screamed in horror.
Masamale coughed up blood, "How dare you… you…will…pay." She collapsed face fist in the dirt. Corona laughed: "What a weakling, you think that little stunt will save you." Lupus began to laugh hysterically, almost tyrannically it actually even scared Ungar, he seemed to think, "has Lupus gone to the dark-side again?" But Lupus clarified: "You think that's my only surprised, I have one more." He began to scream and howl as energy began to engulf him he got stronger and stronger, and eventually their aura cleared and he had purple fur: "Behold Quill Lupus: Gear 1." Lupus lunged forward the wolf king was in full swing and he was ready to battle now with this power up.
The battlefield was still glowing from the remnants of Lupus's shield, the purple wolf's form slowly dissolving back into a storm of flickering embers. Massamale's claws twitched against the molten earth, her body trembling, every breath a ragged snarl. Corona stood her ground amid the chaos, her robes barely singing despite the maelstrom. The golden rings of her staff spun slowly, each one dripping light like liquid metal. She wasn't rushing in — she was watching. Calculating. Lupus tilted his head toward Ungar, the electricity dancing across his purple fur lighting up his grin. "I'll keep Massamale down. You keep her"—he nodded toward Corona—"from getting clever."
Ungar's voice rumbled, that strange resonance filling the air again. "Two-on-two, then." His form blurred, appearing at Corona's flank before she could blink. His first strike was a spear-hand aimed at her ribs, but she stepped aside with impossible grace, the blow slicing only through the shimmering afterimage of her gown. "Fascinating," Corona murmured, turning her head without moving her feet. "You move like you're in a dozen places at once." Ungar's helmet tilted slightly — his grin in motionless metal. "Try a trillion." Massamale lunged for Lupus, roaring, but she was slower now. Lupus slipped around her strikes like water slipping past rocks, every counterpunch exploding with purple lightning. One claw of hers finally caught his shoulder — and Lupus laughed through the pain, twisting into a rising knee that folded her over with a shockwave.
Corona, meanwhile, caught Ungar's arm on his next strike, her staff flashing with a glyph of golden light. The force sent him skidding backward, boots digging trenches in the scorched ground. "I see now," she said, her voice cool and even, "why he keeps you close." Ungar dropped into a crouch. "Keep watching. It gets better." Lupus slammed Massamale into the ground again, her body cracking the earth beneath them. She didn't get back up this time — her aura dimmed to nothing, her eyes closing as she slipped into unconsciousness. Corona raised her staff, the air around her vibrating with dangerous intent. She looked down at Massamale's still form, then back up at Lupus and Ungar. "You've taken my blade," she said evenly, "but the hand that wields it is still steady." Lupus and Ungar both faced her, standing side by side now, purple lightning and shimmering afterimages weaving together in the heat-distorted air. Corona's eyes narrowed, and the golden rings of her staff began to spin faster. "Let's see how steady you are when the sun itself turns against you."
A quick intermission:
"قالت عائشة: كان رسول الله -صلوات الله وسلامه عليه- يخصف نعله، ويخيط ثوبه، ويعمل بيده كما يعمل أحدكم في بيته، وكان بشراً يفلي ثوبه، ويحلب شاته، ويخدم نفسه."
("Aisha said: The Messenger of Allah… would repair his sandals, sew his clothes, and work with his own hands like one of you in his house; he was a human being who mended his garment, milked his sheep, and served himself.")
The Sealed Nectar (Ar‑Raheeq Al‑Makhtum) by Ṣafī‑ur‑Raḥmān al‑Mubārakpūrī.
Lupus began to charge up an attack, "GET READY FOR A FIST OF THE BLUE DRAGON!" Corona yelled: "Filthy cur in your place, you fight only for ego, you are beneath a goddess!" Lupus laughed: "You think I fight for my pride alone, you know nothing. I fight for my family, my children, my wife, my friends, everything I've built. I need to be the strongest so I can always protect them and their property. With all my heart and soul. I will never give up. I will never give in. If I ever claimed that I wanted to sit upon the Throne of God then even the best isn't good enough. I must strive to be better. I must never stop." Lupus began to sweat as he was breaking down. Ungar began to shout to stop. But Corona overpowered him; it looked as if Lupus would be defeated. Corona smiled but as the smoke cleared Imam al-Tayyib stood there holding a knocked-out Lupus in his arms. Ungar looked up: "The Imam?" The Imam smiled looking down at Lupus: "You did great Lupus, I'm so proud of you. I took a lot to say what you just said, you spoke from the heart." The Imam flew down to Ungar, "Make sure to heal him old friend." Lupus' wife Ashley landed, she was in tears with three of her children behind her, "Lupa, Jr. and Kazan." The Imam insisted: "Don't worry you're husband is fine." The Imam turned around and walked slowly towards Corona.
He walked slowly towards her. And he said, "My most noble student has yet to arrive, the Fisherman, she has long since surpassed me, if you can defeat me then perhaps you have a chance against her." Corona laughed: "Is that some kind of joke?" The Imam didn't say another word not for a moment he whished his arm to the side and the clouds parted, yet the rain began to fall. A voice seemed to whisper, "Every drop of water was brought down by an angel larger than this world, yet they all fit in the same space, within the same intellect." He looked to the sky with a stoic yet peaceful and sirene expression. "He smiled, my my, they've come." In the distance Lupus' wife Ashley, his daughters Lupa and Kazan, an anthromorphic white dog with a slobbering happy face, "his name was Tik," along with Uvia, the Rainbow-Rangers and...….. Bairam. Ungar was concerned "Bairam?" Uvia replied: "I revived him from the Demon World." Lupus slowly woke up after Ungar had healed him. He looked to his side, he noticed the blue cloth clad saint, he said as he got his bearings, "the Imam..."
The Imam walked closer, Corona at first smirked. But then she began to grow angry, she didn't know why but something about this man began to make her madder and madder until she unleashed her fury, "TAKE THIS MONGREL!" The Imam disappeared, he appeared behind her swiping her in the back with his palm she flews backwards but after she caught her balance she went on the offensive. The rain was falling harder now, each droplet shining like quicksilver as it struck the shattered battlefield. Corona's aura flared violently, her body wreathed in a corona of molten light. Her staff spun like a wheel of judgment, the rings clashing together with a sound like the tolling of a thousand bells. She roared and rushed forward, the world bending under her speed. Her strikes came in torrents—staff spinning, light exploding, each blow meant to shatter mountains.
The Imam did not retreat. His movements were small, precise, like ripples crossing still water. A single hand parried entire storms of force, a tilt of his wrist turned searing blasts into scattered sparks. Where her fury was fire, his defense was water—endless, calm, and impossible to grasp. Corona's scream shook the sky. She leapt high, her staff spinning so fast the rings melted into a singular blazing sphere. She hurled it down like a miniature sun to end everything in its path.
The Imam raised both hands at last. His palms opened, and the falling star of her strike slowed—not stopping, but held as if caught in invisible currents. For a heartbeat, the battlefield was drowned in gold and silver, light and rain colliding in a blinding storm. When the brilliance faded, they stood facing each other across a scorched crater. Corona's chest was heaving, her knuckles white around her staff. Her hair clung to her face in wet strands, and though her aura still burned, her shoulders sagged from exertion. The Imam was breathing evenly, his robe marked by ash, but his gaze was unshaken. He had not pressed forward. He had not struck back. For a long silence, only the rain spoke. Corona finally lowered her staff, just an inch, but her eyes still smoldered with defiance. "You… are no man," she hissed. "You are a wall that refuses to break." The Imam inclined his head ever so slightly. "And you," he said softly, "are a flame that refuses to fade." They stood, locked in that truth—two forces unyielding, neither victorious, neither defeated. The battlefield held its breath, waiting.
The storm did not end. He put out his hand and Corona rushed towards him but the closer she got to him the further she got away from him. A clear paradox. Ungar was stunned. Lupus looked over at Bairam, "Great I'm going to have to deal with that afterwards." Meanwhile in the air Corona became more and more desperate to the point where she unleashed a giant ball of fiery energy "TIME TO DIE! WITNESS MY TRUE POWER INSECT!!" Down below Imam al-Tayyib simply replied: "OK!" with a calm face. The ball of energy was launched at the Imam but he simply kicked it upwards almost hitting Corona and using tears to stream from her eyes, "HOW DARE YOU, YOU BASTARD?! WHAT ARE YOU SOME KIND OF MONSTER?!" The Imam flew towards her and they began to fight at cosmic levels of speed it actually began to break apart reality. Ungar couldn't believe it, "Like myself both of them are capable of destroying this universe the atoms are slowly drifting apart."
In the battle the Universe began to shake more and more the Commander was holding Talus ransomed in the distance before his court-hearing he ran up to the balcony in terror. "What the hell is this?! Who are these fucking people?!" Talus behind the back of the commander spit out a loogy the loogy grew legs and jumped off the side of the balcony out of the sight of the Commander. Back at the battlefield, Lupus began to leap into the battle not to fight but to mock Corona who was becoming frustrated the Universe stopped being torn apart but Talus flew up. And mocked her, "Well, well, I guess the Saint is more than you can handle. Guess what… you don't have a chance." Corona growled. Lupus had the shit eating cocky grin on his face he was famous for, he gestured in upward motion with his head, and before she could react the Imam slammed down on her head with his elbow. Causing her to crash into the earth. When she lept up she threw out her arms which stablilized all of the atoms in an instant. For some reason something unprecedented happened the Imam grew angry, he flew into a rage. "What did you just do?!" Corona was surprised: "The atoms were bothering me so I forced them to submit, there isn't an atom in this Universe that moves without my permission." Al-Tayyib's fist began to shake as he flew into a rage. "How dare you…" A flash of memories flew across his mind. He said finally: "YOU'RE CREATOR DENIED YOU THAT RIGHT!" Corona was surprised: "You don't have that ability?" The Imam shook his head: "No… I couldn't do it if I tried…" Corona laughed: "Don't be jealous, just beca…" the Imam interjected: "I'M NOT JEALOUS!" He continued: "I wouldn't do it if I could (may the Creator forgive us) I wouldn't even dare to try I only know I cannot do it by necessity." He looked forward: "YOU… APOLOGIZE!!!! YOU'RE LORD THAT DID GIVE YOU THAT RIGHT!!!!"
"Listen Church lady, I'm not taking shit from you, you here me. Fine you're not jealous, but you're a zealous cook, shut up!!!" The Imam grew calm and began to chant, placing his fingers together and finally he unleashed an incredible attack: FIQH AL-QADAR (THE LAW OF POWER). The attack flew straight upwards and created a light that began to shatter the clouds above them straight into outer space. It shot Corona into the stratosphere, it was clear that this fight was over.
The sky was still burning silver from Fiqh al-Qadar when the ground trembled again — not from Corona, but from something deeper. A hollow boom echoed through the air, metallic and cruel. Ungar's helm snapped toward the horizon. "That's not her. That's… war engines." From the north ridge, Federation dreadnoughts emerged from the clouds, their hulls bristling with sigils and cannons. They weren't here for Corona. They were here for Talus. The boy was already bound in their grip, shackled in energy chains. He was dragged into view on a floating dais of iron light, guarded by armored Centurions whose visors glowed red like burning coals. Above them, the Federation Commander stood on a high platform, cloak snapping in the storm wind. His voice carried across the battlefield, augmented by vox-runes. "Imam al-Tayyib. Lupus. Ungar. Stand aside. The prisoner Talus is Federation property. He will answer for his crimes before the Tribunal. Resist… and you join him in chains."
Talus spat blood, grinning through swollen lips. "Don't listen to him! These bastards don't want a trial — they want me erased!" Lupus snarled, purple sparks still dancing across his scarred body. "Trial? That's a slaughterhouse dressed in law." Ashley held her children close, fear in her eyes — not of Corona this time, but of the endless Federation machine. "They won't stop until they have us all." Ungar's voice rumbled low, like a thunderhead. "Then they don't leave here alive."
But the Imam raised his hand. Calm, steady. "No, Ungar. This is not rage. This is rescue." His eyes turned toward Talus. "He is one of us. And no covenant of stars abandons its own." The Commander sneered, raising his hand. The dreadnought cannons began to glow. "Then you've chosen rebellion." Bairam stepped forward, his voice a growl. "Rebellion? No. Justice." The air thickened as the Federation fleet powered its weapons. Lightning licked the sky. The ground cracked. And for a moment, all was silence — waiting for the first strike. Lupus's grin returned, wild but steady. He rolled his shoulder, his voice sharp as a blade: "Well then… let's go save our brother." The Imam lowered his head, whispering something only the rain could hear. Then he raised his hand, pointing at the Federation line. "For our friend." The ground erupted as the heroes surged forward, the covenant of stars charging as one.
FUN FACT: This final part of the Corona vs. Imam al-Tayyib battle can be read as an Ismaili critique of the Twelver Shia view that the Imams and Prophet Muḥammad have ontological authority over the cosmos (e.g., "controlling every atom of the universe").
Here's the breakdown:
Corona embodies the Twelver position
She declares: "There isn't an atom in this Universe that moves without my permission."
This parallels the Twelver mystical-philosophical doctrine (found in later Shi'i metaphysics and some Sufi-influenced thought) that the Imams, as perfect manifestations of divine will, exercise cosmic sovereignty — not just religious leadership but direct governance over existence itself.
Her attempt to force atoms to submit symbolizes this absolutist interpretation of wilāya (guardianship).
The Imam's rejection of atom-control
Imam al-Tayyib reacts with fury: "How dare you… YOUR CREATOR DENIED YOU THAT RIGHT! … I wouldn't do it if I could (may the Creator forgive us)."
This represents the Ismaili theological stance: the Imam has immense spiritual authority, but his power is always derivative, never independent of God. He guides by knowledge (ʿilm) and esoteric unveiling, not by cosmic micromanagement.
For Ismailis, attributing direct control over atoms to the Imam risks shirk (associating divinity with creation), since only the Creator sustains existence.
The paradox of the Imam's strength
Throughout the battle, the Imam's power is portrayed not as domination of matter but as calm mastery, restraint, and spiritual poise. His defense is likened to water: endless, patient, reflecting the Ismaili ideal that true Imamate is inner authority and guidance, not raw metaphysical coercion.
His final attack, Fiqh al-Qadar (The Law of Power), signifies lawful order (qadar), not arbitrary control of atoms. It frames his role as the interpreter of divine wisdom rather than a cosmic puppet-master.
Corona's downfall as doctrinal critique
Corona's fury, her tears, and her inability to comprehend why the Imam refuses atom-control illustrate the criticism of Twelver excess: in trying to ascribe total cosmic power to the Imams, they reduce divine transcendence and inflate human intermediaries.
Her defeat is not only physical but theological — she is undone by her claim of absolute authority over creation, which the Imam exposes as illegitimate.
Balance of Creator and Guide
The Imam's final insistence that the right to control atoms belongs only to the Creator reflects the Ismaili doctrine: the Imam is ḥujja (proof of God), the living teacher who connects creation to the Divine, but he never replaces God's role as the sustainer of existence.
The scene dramatizes the boundary between exalted spiritual leadership (Ismaili view) and ontological sovereignty (Twelver mystical view).
A New Looming Threat:
The battle was far from over Hermes began to fly towards the battlefield she made a quick detour to lower some of the defense at another part of the city from the move she adopted from Sun Wukong she rode at a dizzying speed. "Don't worry guys, I'm coming!!" As she zip throug the air in another plane for existence. A figure known by many names who we covered before Vados was performing experiments on the goddess Qora harvesting her dream aura. Through a device. He replied to her: "How does it feel, Qora, knowing that the Apollonians have abandoned you?" Qora coughed up some blood and grimly replied: "What can I say I have no hope. There is no God." As soon as she said those words a dark force appeared, a giant eyeball, "How sad, its funny when a man's bones are broken beyond repair they finally give up on their illusive fairy tails." Qora was scarred, her tormentor Vados was frozen in time, "was this something else? Not related to him?" The noice became clearer, "I would like to make a deal, to save the world from that monster, Hermes?!'Qora was shocked.
Far away, in a shadow-cloaked chamber, the figure known by many names—Vados—stood over the restrained goddess Qora. Strange instruments hummed as they siphoned her luminous dream aura into a crystalline device. His eyes glinted with cold amusement. "How does it feel, Qora," he sneered, "knowing the Apollonians have abandoned you?" Blood trickled from Qora's lips. Her voice was hoarse but steady.
"What can I say? I have no hope. There is no God." The words trembled in the air. Suddenly, a shadow bloomed. The chamber darkened as a monstrous eye materialized, vast and unblinking, its voice rumbling through the walls. "How pitiful," it intoned. "When bones are shattered and spirits crushed, mortals finally let go of their childish fairy tales." Qora's heart raced. This was no work of Vados—her tormentor himself stood frozen, paralyzed mid-motion.
Her breath caught. Was this something beyond him? The voice grew sharper, clearer, crawling into her mind. "I would like to make a deal… a chance to save the world from that monster—Hermes." Qora's eyes widened, terror mingling with disbelief.
"…Hermes?!"
The voice laughed, "Think about it, take all the time you need." The creature disappeared, before Qora could fully gain her bearings. Vados laughed and said: "You're adorable. Making declarations like that. Truly girl, and I am speaking honestly I found your declaration 'there is no God,' laughable. You say that because you are in pain and you have given up hope. You are a fool. I live as if I never pondered the thought for even half a moment on, 'is God dead, is God real, is God a falsehood, if God is a reality has he failed or neglected us or abandoned us.' This does not matter to me in the slightest, let God rule Heaven if he's up there I desire the world below, all that matters is power. That is what separates someone like me and someone like you… (Vados stared up at the wall with a blank stair and continued) ..."I fight to uphold my eternity to hold onto the world in a limitless way. I have sided with the Void and the Demons because they know better than anyone what it means to achieve power. Once I grow stronger, I will destroy them as well or I will subjugate them until I am their master. There is nothing that can stop me. Let your Apollonians (the Gods of Olympus) reign down hell on this fortress even if they can locate it in the Dream Realms. For I have already won. Soon I will stand before everyone as their liberator. They will be reduced to slavery, and then they need not fear if they ever erred. Once I achieve primacy the people will be free from choice, and I will have achieved my rightful place as ruler of this world. It's a win-win we have different intentions, but in the end me and the people of this world have a common interest."
Qora spit in his face, she gritted her teeth and said, "I changed my mind I honestly don't give a damn if there's a god or not. All I care about is wiping that smug smirk off your face, you arrogant prick." Vados wiped the sweat from his face and laughed, "Pout all you want soon the beast will awaken and this world will bow before my will, I promise you that." A large egg with an eye in the middle of it had tentacles begin to protrude from the egg one of them went directly into Qora's mouth, it wasn't killing her but sucking out some of her magical energy.
The Coming of Gabriel:
Gabriel had once been a golden knight of promise, the pride of the Order of Saint Ardent. Raised in the monastery since childhood, he had been taught that every stroke of the blade was a prayer, every duel a liturgy of devotion. When he rode into battle with his comrades, his golden hair shining beneath his helm and his sword Radiant Oath in hand, the soldiers of the Order felt invincible. He fought not alone but as one among brothers. There was Edmund, his dearest friend, whose broad shoulders and calm presence steadied Gabriel in even the darkest moments. Lucien, the cynical lancer, always found a way to laugh and taunt the enemy, lifting spirits when fear threatened to overwhelm them. And Alaric, the scholar-knight, carried scrolls alongside his blade, determined to record their battles as sacred scripture. Together they formed a living hymn, a harmony of steel and devotion.
The Bond with Talus
On one campaign, the Order crossed paths with wandering warriors, and among them was Talus. Talus the demon but not yet a demon-clansman joined the order but his conversion was not honest. Gabriel remembered the first time he sparred with him: sparks flying, the clang of steel ringing across the camp. The other knights had stopped what they were doing just to watch the duel. Gabriel fought with precision and discipline, each strike measured like the toll of a bell. Talus fought like fire itself—reckless, free, and laughing as though combat were nothing more than a game. Neither yielded, neither faltered. And when their swords finally lowered, Gabriel saw in Talus not just a rival, but the brother he never truly had.
Yet the seeds of discord were planted early. Gabriel believed discipline was the highest joy, that order and law gave meaning to the sword. Talus, however, spoke often of freedom, of fighting with the heart rather than the rule. It was a contrast that fascinated Gabriel, but also unsettled him.
The rift deepened during the campaign against a cult devoted to a minor river god. When the deity rose from the waters, its colossal form made of steel-colored currents, the knights fought desperately to bring it down. Gabriel had leapt forward, Radiant Oath blazing as he drove it toward collapse. But Talus stayed his hand. With words rather than steel, he spoke to the river god, offering mercy. The deity dissolved back into the waters, retreating in sorrow. The soldiers cheered Talus's miracle, but Gabriel's heart hardened. "Your softness will doom us," he told him later, fury burning behind his words. "A god that lives may strike again." Talus only answered with calm laughter. "Even gods can change, Gabriel. Mercy is not weakness." Edmund tried to stand between them, but the wound between their spirits had already begun to spread.
It was in Black Hollow that the Order's fate was sealed. The cult had lured them into a valley surrounded by cliffs, and when the knights entered, the ambush came swift as thunder. Arrows rained down from the ridges, and false priests unleashed fire and storm upon the trapped knights. Gabriel remembered the chaos as vividly as if it had happened yesterday. Lucien charged ahead, mocking the enemy even as he was struck down. "Tell the saints I died laughing!" he had cried before disappearing under a wave of spears. Alaric, wounded and bleeding, burned his scrolls so that the cult would never twist their record. His last words were little more than a whisper: "The record ends here…" And then Edmund. Loyal, steadfast Edmund. He had stepped in front of Gabriel when the arrows fell, shielding him from a fatal strike. When Gabriel caught him in his arms, Edmund's blood soaking through his gauntlets, his friend's last words carved themselves into Gabriel's soul:
"Don't blame Talus… mercy is not weakness…" Then his hand went limp. His eyes closed. Gabriel was left cradling his brother's body, surrounded by death. In Talus' own mind the intention behind this was not mercy, it was because these warriors were not a significant challenge. He was just as selfish back then as he was until Daniel and Hermes warmed his cool heart.
The Birth of the God-Slayer:
When the battle ended, Gabriel alone remained standing. His comrades lay in the hollow, their blood seeping into the cursed soil. He dragged himself to the ruined chapel of Saint Ardent that stood at the edge of the battlefield. Kneeling before the shattered altar, he plunged Radiant Oath into the ground and pressed his forehead against the hilt. In that moment, grief and rage fused into oath. "If false gods steal our lives, I shall cut them down.
If mercy betrays justice, I shall sever it.
If even my brother strays, I shall strike him down. There will be no mercy for Apostates, Apostasy will be punished by the sword as will Heresy and the Deviants in Creed."
The candles flickered. The stained glass shattered, and crimson light spilled over his armor. To the survivors who saw him emerge from that chapel, he was no longer just Gabriel of Saint Ardent. He was the God-Slayer, a knight who would cut down deities themselves if they dared to stand in his way. From then on, his path was sealed. The laughter of Lucien, the scholarship of Alaric, the loyalty of Edmund, even the brotherhood he once shared with Talus—all of it was gone, leaving only the blade and the vow. This was the Gabriel the world came to know: a warrior forged from grief, driven by the memory of comrades lost, and blinded by an oath that promised justice but delivered only endless blood.
A quick intermission:
"天下大势,分久必合,合久必分.
周末七国分争,并入于秦;及秦灭之后,楚汉分争,又并于汉.
今殿下虽承汉室之裔,而漂泊无依,若欲图王霸之业,宜先择明贤,广结英才.
益州险阻,沃野千里,可为根本;荆州近据江山,控带南北,可为资助.
东结孙吴,北拒曹操,待天下有变,则乘机而起,号令天下,谁敢不应?
此帝王之业成矣.
此乃卧龙之策,殿下意下如何?"
"The empire, long divided, must unite; long united, must divide. Thus it has ever been.
In the end of the Zhou, seven states contended, until they were united by Qin. Yet when Qin perished, Chu and Han contended, until they were again united under Han.
Now, though you are a scion of the imperial house, you drift homeless and without foundation. If you wish to achieve the work of kingship, you must first choose the wise and gather heroes.
In the west, the land of Shu is rich and defensible—it can be your base. In the south, Jing Province controls the rivers and the lands between north and south—it can be your support.
Make alliance with Sun Wu in the east, resist Cao Cao in the north. When the empire grows weary of chaos, you may seize the moment, raise your standard, and call upon the people. Who would dare not answer?
Thus the enterprise of restoring the Han may be accomplished.
This is the strategy of the Crouching Dragon. What does my lord think?"
The Three Kingdoms.
Chapter Two: The Arrival of the Holy Knight Gabriel and the Great Demon King.
Hermes was headed at mock speed and she noticed something strange in the distance, "Heh, I guess they're bringing out the big guns, but if they're gonna play rough, I can play rough too!! Faster cloud!!" It was a large golden airship on the ground. Our heroes were fighting some new faces, horrible demons summoned from the Void in a credulous alliance with the Federation. Above them a giant fleet of golden airships appeared, one bigger than the rest. Scott Greer and Jellal jumped in. Scott Greer asked: "What'd I miss?"
The Judgment Knight Descends:
The winds howled as the golden airships loomed above the charred plain. Silver sparks from the earlier battle still lingered in the air, dancing like fireflies. The crater in the clouds left by Fiqh al-Qadar still steamed with divine heat, but silence had now returned — the eerie silence that comes before a storm. And then the storm came.
From the heavens, a shimmering platform descended, shaped like a gilded cross. Upon it stood a single knight clad in brilliant white armor, trimmed in crimson, the emblem of a burning sword emblazoned on his chestplate. A golden cloak billowed behind him. His eyes, barely visible beneath a winged helmet, radiated a hard, pitiless light. It was Gabriel — known to some as the God-Slayer, to others as the Final Judge of the Federation's Crusader Arm mercenary. Lupus tensed. Ungar grunted, stepping forward. Even Imam al-Tayyib narrowed his eyes. The Federation had many hounds, but this was definitely among the big guns.
Gabriel's voice cut through the wind like a sword through silk: "Deliver the heretic. Talus belongs to the Tribunal. You will not shelter him. You will not delay justice. Imprisonment is the least of what he deserves." Ungar clenched his fists, his metalic voice like gravel. "You'll have to pry him from our cold hands, knight. We protect our own." But Gabriel didn't flinch. His boots touched the ground with a final hiss of steam. "No. You protect a curse upon this world. A liar. A blasphemer. A man who dances with demons and calls it 'freedom.'"
Bairam raised his blade. "You speak of crimes. What crimes has he committed that warrant this obsession of yours?"
Gabriel turned his gaze toward him, calm yet burning with sanctimony.
"He has offended that which is sacred.
He has torn the fabric of law with hands stained in false mercy.
He preaches rebellion cloaked in kindness, heresy laced with smiles. That is the most dangerous poison of all. He loathes the one True God and God's call for science, technological innovation, and progress, God barely tolerates prayer how could such a low life be aloud in our midst."
Lupus growled, the Spirit Howl energy bristling off his scarred fur. "You hate him, but you don't even say why. You want him caged, but won't name the charge. This god-damn bullshit, it couldn't be more vague."
"I don't owe you the record of his guilt, you filthy heretic. The goal of the Church is not to subdue heretics and disbelievers, collect taxes for any amount of time, our never ending mission is to destroy all disbelievers of the numerous and countless false sects." Gabriel continued, as he replied coldly. "The Tribunal has spoken. The heavens have watched. His sins are recorded in flame."
Ungar stepped forward, crossing his arms. "You want to punish a man for changing. For becoming better. That's not justice. That's vengeance in a robe." Gabriel's voice grew louder, his aura flaring like a choir of angels burning with fury:
"Better? You think apostasy evolves? That sin matures into righteousness just because it smiles more sweetly? I believe Talus sparred him at the time because the fighter was no challenge, I'm sure his heart may have changed for the better. BUT THAT IS IRRELEVANT! ALL THAT IS NOT FOR THE ONE TRUE GOD AND HIS DOCTORINE OF REASON IS AN APOSTLE OF CHAOS AND THE HELL-FIRE IN THE LAND, AND MUST BE DESTROYED!"
For a few moments, no one spoke. The Ark of Law hovered above the plain, its gilded scaffolding creaking beneath the radiant fury Gabriel had unleashed. The tension in the air was so dense it felt like glass on the verge of shattering. Ungar didn't blink. His broad frame blocked the others instinctively, like a mountain against a storm. Lupus's claws slowly extended, the Spirit Howl rising again, this time in silence. Imam al-Tayyib merely adjusted his cloak, eyes locked on Gabriel, not with fear — but ancient recognition.
Gabriel didn't lower his blade. He didn't breathe. He simply waited — judgment personified. Then he spoke again, softer now, yet no less terrifying.
"Board this ship I want to challenge you to a duel. If you do not comply, this city will become your tomb. I will call down the satellites. I will burn this region from orbit if I must. The Tribunal's patience has its end, and Talus has long passed it."
No one moved.
And then after a moment they all flew up. Gabriel smirked and smiled. When they landed a large red demon like being had landed shortly afterward. "I guess the disgusting mortals have arrived. Wonderful…" Gabriel turned around and bawlked: "Shut up you monster I'm forced to work with you today, but I will destroy you in the future like all the gods, demons, angels, Prophets and others I have laid low. All those that distract from God and the Field of Science and Intellect!" The demon laughed: "Hurry up then Gabriel. I want to devour these souls. Filthy insects, that's the problem with these filthy humans. They have no respect for demonkind. They believe their idols will protect them but nothing will protect you from us," said Gabriel. Gabriel hissed: "I profess no idols," said Gabriel. The Demon laughed: "Fair enough. But your armor will break before us as well."
The knight turned forward, "Just shut up and let me handle this, brute." After a short pause, Lupus stepped forward, "I'll handle this upstart. Listen here boy… You're the one who believes in a false God. You're looking at the true God right here, the one that will sit upon the old man's throne. So here's a warning: give up now," said Lupus. Gabriel began to shake with rage: he began to scream: "YOU DISGUSTING CUR!! I'LL MAKE YOU PAY FOR YOUR BLASPHEMOUS TOGNUE MONGREL!" Lupus laughed: "Well see." Lupus began to power up. At the end of it: "he was in a blue furred form with spiky blue hair with blue lightning coming from his body he said: "Introducing Quill Lupus Gear 2." Gabriel shouted: ""YOU DISGUSTING HERETICS! YOU BLASPHEME THE GREAT CHURCH OF ADRIN AND THE ONE TRUE GOD WITH IDOLS OF RELIGION! And you preach miracles instead of God-Given Reason! Your blood is ripe to be righteously spilled!!"
Gabriel took a fast forward when the Demon King abruptly shouted: "GABRIEL STOP!" He stopped and turned around: "What's wrong I can handle this." The Demon King laughed: "Yes I could as well I have no doubt you can. But this mongrel is the strongest one here maybe he'd be a nice appatizer. I'll enjoy eating his soul.... Come on let me have a little fun. After all beating this one for both of us is child's play." This angered Lupus' pride: "What did you say?!" The Demon laughed: "I can power up too pupper, watch this." The demon was originally something like 5'9" he shot up to about 7'5" and then to a staggering 8'3". But other than his height his appearance did not change at all. Lupus was perhaps 5'8 or 5'9" the same as the demon, he scoffed, "so you grew a few inches you didn't power up." The demon laughed: "My my I guess I did grow a few inches. Why aren't we sharp today, you don't miss a thing do you?" Lupus gritted his teeth: "Cocky bastard…" The Demon King Laughed: "Where is my manners to everyone, my name is Demon King Daimao, I'm not affiliated with the Void or the Demon Clan Mozaku that Talus came from so I have no beef with Talus or the Void or the Federation alike but I serve as a king of a tribe of Demons in the lower-heavens of this realm, I also happen to enjoy devouring souls in whatever way I can. You see, the more souls I devour the stronger I become, this is my true height which contains vast amounts of soul but I can grow much larger to accommodate more power, but my regular form will be sufficient enough to defeat an insect like you," said Daimao.
Ungar shouted: "LUPUS!! BACK OFF!! HE'S STRONGER THAN YOU THINK!!" Lupus scoffed: "Let me handle this tin-man, I can deal with his clown." But before he said another word Lupus was knocked 20 km off the airship as he floated over the vast Dream Ocean. Lupus collected his bearings: "What the hell was that, was he holding back??!!" The demon king was now floating directly in front of him with his arms crossed. "Have you had enough or do you still want to incur the wrath of the Great Demon King!!" Lupus starred angrily at Lupus he was knocked back to his original form. "You cocky bastard… I'll teach you not to mouth off to the greatest warrior in the Cosmos." Lupus turned into Gear 2 Quill form and charged the Demon King but the Demon King was ready.
With a thunderclap, Lupus launched forward, claws tearing into the air. Daimao blocked casually with a raised forearm, the impact sending shockwaves across the sea below, splitting the waters into spiraling whirlpools. Lupus spun midair, aiming a spinning kick infused with Spirit Howl energy—but Daimao caught his leg and hurled him down. Boom! Lupus smashed against the water, skipping across it like a stone before flipping upright again, panting. His fur bristled, sparks dancing wildly. "You hit hard, pup. But not hard enough." Daimao's massive frame blurred as he descended, fists like meteors. Lupus raised both arms, blocking the strike, his body screaming from the sheer weight of it. The ocean below cratered inward, swallowing itself before exploding outward in a massive geyser.
Lupus growled through clenched teeth, shoving Daimao back. He roared, unleashing a volley of Spirit Howl blasts, bright spears of lightning that split the sky. Daimao swatted them aside like gnats, his body glowing with absorbed soul-energy.
"You're fast," the Demon King admitted, lips curling in mock approval. "But every blow you land only excites me more."
Lupus darted behind him, slashing across his back. Sparks flew. Daimao barely flinched. He spun, backhanding Lupus so hard the wolf's body twisted midair and nearly plummeted into the waves again. Lupus steadied himself, gasping, his aura flickering. He forced another surge, Spirit Howl burning hotter, brighter. His blue fur seemed almost aflame now. "I'll… break you…" Daimao's eyes gleamed red. "You're breaking yourself, mongrel."
The two clashed again, trading blow for blow in a blur so fast the eye could barely follow. Shockwaves blasted through the storm clouds; streaks of lightning tangled with the glow of their power. The Dream Ocean below frothed and raged like a living beast, churned by their fury. But slowly—almost imperceptibly—Lupus began to falter. His swings slowed. His aura sputtered, flashes of red bleeding into the blue. His breath came ragged, his muscles shaking with every strike. Daimao pressed forward, each attack heavier, crueler, smothering Lupus' resistance. Finally, Lupus staggered, his Gear 2 form flickering. He clutched his side, fur matted with blood, chest heaving. He landed one punch to Daimao, a small amount of crimson red blood exited Daimao's mouth and oozed down his cheek, Lupus wiped it off with his wrist with complete indifference and then laughed. "Is that all you got, if it is I would insist you give up now." Daimao loomed over him, laughing thunderously. "Pathetic. This is the 'greatest warrior in the cosmos'? You can barely keep your form intact."
Lupus snarled, forcing himself upright. His claws trembled, but his eyes still burned. "I'll… never bow to a parasite like you… What a joke… I guess there may be multiple cosmic spheres, just a theory, stay with me here. You must come from where strength is weakness and weakness is strength. OHOHOOOHOHOAHAHAHAHAHA!!! That must be it, the strongest in your world, the weakest in ours, now I'm starting to feel bad. AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHA!!!! Maybe not!!!!! AHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!" Lupus was beyond furious but he just shook in anger he couldn't say a word. He charged one last time, every ounce of his fading Spirit Howl compressed into a desperate strike— —Daimao met him head-on, the collision lighting the sky in a cataclysmic flash. When the light cleared, Lupus was barely hovering, his aura in tatters. He coughed, lightning flickering weakly around his form. His body shook, his breath uneven. The Demon King floated steady, untouched, smiling cruelly.
"You're finished." Lupus's eyes narrowed, his jaw tight. He tried to speak, but only a growl escaped—then his aura collapsed entirely. His body wavered, on the edge of falling.
Meanwhile… Back on the airship the Imam, Ungar, and Bairam stepped forward. Gabriel for his part stepped forward as well. Gabriel said:
"If false gods steal our lives, I shall cut them down. If mercy betrays justice, I shall sever it. If even my brother strays, I shall strike him down. There will be no mercy for Apostates, Apostasy will be punished by the sword as will Heresy and the Deviants in Creed."
Ungar and the Bairam began to power up the Imam as well. They lunged forward.