116: (3)The Fallen God

(3)The Fallen God

But instead of attacking, Regnier planted his sword in the ground and crossed his arms, then stared Apophis straight in the eyes! 1

Apophis understood the message. He deactivated his ~Susanoo~ and its black flames.

Regnier said, "Your name is Apophis?"

Apophis, surprised, nodded. "Yes. That's right."

Regnier said, "You fight well for an Ascensionist of your rank. What planet are you from?"

Was this a trap? What was this sort of question doing in the middle of a fight?

But Apophis answered, "I was born on a planet called Earth, like all Eternals, though we appeared on the planet Era."

Regnier answered, "When I was still a young God, a certain God named Apophis, who came, like you, from the planet Earth, seized power in the Domain of the Gods and declared himself God-Emperor of the Universe. A great war then arose between his supporters and enemies.

"I was one of his followers. Unfortunately, we lost, and Apophis died. The remaining followers were all exiled or cast down, like me. After that day, I swore loyalty to the God of War, Khorne, who granted me the power to consume energy, which may one day allow me to regain my divinity.

"But despite all the choices and sacrifices I've made, I never thought I would see the Godslayer again, let alone in his mortal form!"

Apophis had a hard time understanding this time paradox, he had already met what seemed to be his future, but could not grasp the entire timeline that linked them.

But as Regnier finished his sentence, a high-intensity laser beam pierced Regnier's back!

Zareil had launched a special attack, taking advantage of Regnier's distraction, to inflict a critical blow!

Part of Regnier's torso had disappeared, and a pool of silver blood spread from him. Regnier was on his knees, trying to avoid losing more blood.

Zareil pulled himself up from the ground. He was in a very bad condition, having lost an arm and suffered third-degree burns across 80% of his body. He needed emergency care, but thanks to his strong constitution and his A-Rank resilience, he could still move and stand!

Zareil stood in front of Apophis. "Well done! I don't know how you got him to stop moving, but it gave me time to concentrate my gun's energy to amplify my attack! I must finish him off quickly. Considering his exceptional power, he'll return to full strength in a few moments!"

Apophis stepped out of the way and behind Zareil.

Regnier gave an eerie smile. "I could not hope for a better death. I am so happy to see my former master one last time..." The fallen god closed his eyes.

Zareil charged up his gun, preparing to execute his enemy, and pressed the barrel to Regnier's forehead—

A fist smoldering with black flames pierced Zareil's chest!

Zareil spat out blood and fell to the ground, landing hard. His eyes were blank, devoid of life.

System:: Your quest "Neutralize Regnier" has been canceled because the quest giver has died.

*Level 27 achieved*

*-300 alignment points*

Apophis pulled a healing potion from his inventory and slid it across the ground towards Regnier, who immediately took and drank it.

Regnier said, voice slow from blood loss, "Why did you betray your ally?"

Apophis answered, "He was not at all my ally. I was more or less forced to follow his lead, having a debt I owed him."

Regnier answered, "But… I also killed your Eternal teammates."

Apophis retorted, "This fight will serve as a lesson to them! They were too arrogant, too used to being the best. Maybe I should even thank you for showing them how much they have to grow. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must go and command my troops to repel yours."

Apophis turned and headed for the door while Regnier recovered from his wounds.

Outside, Apophis saw Jiraya and ThreeDog waiting anxiously.

"You won?!" Jiraya said, incredulous.

ThreeDog looked past Apophis. "Where's Colonel Zareil?"

Apophis answered, "He's dead. I killed him."

This shocked both players! Except for his Rank-A status, they hadn't seen Zareil as anything more than a friendly NPC. They really didn't understand why Apophis had betrayed him.

Then Jiraya said, "Where's Regnier? Did you kill him, too?"

But no sooner had he finished his sentence than a two and a half meter shadow appeared from behind Apophis through the portal!

It was Regnier.

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