Against The Authority of The Almighty

"It's done," Asher breathed out.

For the Devilheart System user, a "level up" arrived, bringing him to the level of forty-six, though he found himself deprived of stamina as he fell over onto the grass on his back.

"...Phew…" Asher exhaled.

Joel was going to help him up, but only plopped down onto the grass as well as the devilish armor vanished from his body.

"Dang, I was hoping I'd have that armor a little longer." Joel said.

Asher caught his breath for a few seconds before speaking, "...The others can wait a bit. I need to rest my body."

"Yeah. Same," Joel agreed.

Though they planned only to relax for a few minutes, the two ended up passing out from the exhausting clash against the fallen demon.

–

[The Royal Chamber]

Mere meters before the Quandary Gate, Emilio found himself unable to get close to it as the King of Spades now fought with a new focus–the slash on the bleached guardian's skin seemed to increase his ferocity in battle.

"Explode!"