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Chapter: Battle of Apocalypse (Part 2)

The collision between Antusur's hand and the energy barrier reverberated with a resounding boom. The barrier vibrated violently, shimmering with a myriad of colors, yet remained unbroken.

It was evident that breaking through the Death Knight's fortified defense would not be easy.

Blessing of the King!

Forseti invoked a royal blessing upon himself, clad in armor of holy light. He raised the hand of Antusur once more, unleashing a powerful strike.

Hammer of Justice!

"Boom!"

Empowered by the blessing, the blow intensified. The energy barrier quaked more violently, causing the Death Knight to cough up blood. Despite this, she gritted her teeth and maintained the barrier, steadfast against the onslaught.

Observing that the golden liquid, housing Apocalypse's soul, had nearly reached halfway, Forseti sheathed his weapon and placed both hands on the energy barrier.

Infusion of Holy Light!

Radiant beams surged between his fingers, flooding the barrier with holy light.

The holy light infusion itself bore no lethal force, quietly integrating into the barrier. Uncertain of Forseti's intentions, the Death Knight reinforced the barrier with intensified silver light, remaining vigilant.

The holy light grew more radiant, blending with the barrier's golden glow.

Thus divided by the secret room's threshold, silver energy on one side clashed against holy light on the other, casting the chamber in an ethereal glow.

With the golden liquid's journey nearing its midpoint, it was seconds away from reaching the stone platform where Howlett lay.

Although Apocalypse remained comatose for now, if they intended to vanquish him, Forseti realized he would need to defeat Howlett as well.

Halting the holy light infusion abruptly, Forseti raised the hand of Antusur once more, roaring as he brought down the Hammer of Justice.

Lightning crackled as the warhammer descended upon the energy barrier.

In an instant, the infused holy light merged with the warhammer's force, its impact concentrated and forceful.

"Boom!"

The Hammer of Justice's potency surged. Unable to withstand the assault any longer, the Death Knight's energy barrier shattered.

"Ah!" She screamed, shocked and thrown back, blood spilling from her lips.

At that critical juncture, the golden liquid made partial contact with the stone platform.

Rowe swiftly swung his warhammer.

Hammer of Judgment!

The warhammer hurtled forth, aimed directly at the golden liquid.

The liquid, housing Apocalypse's soul, was to be dispersed entirely according to Khonshu, thereby neutralizing him.

Yet, just as the Hammer of Judgment closed in, the Death Knight's energy barrier reappeared, intercepting both the warhammer and the golden liquid.

"Boom!"

The Hammer of Judgment detonated against the barrier. Though smaller this time, it successfully thwarted Forseti's strike, preserving Apocalypse's soul.

Collapsed on the ground, the Death Knight coughed up blood, teeth gritted as she maintained the barrier.

There was no time for regrets or hesitations. With the golden liquid on the verge of reaching the stone platform, Forseti had no choice but to act swiftly. Following the Hammer of Judgment, he prepared to strike again.

Sword of Justice!

The Death Knight's expression contorted in alarm as she hastily adjusted the energy barrier. Her efforts, however, were too slow. The Sword of Justice pierced through the barrier's defenses, grazing the golden liquid.

"Boom!"

Upon contact, the golden liquid housing Apocalypse's vulnerable malevolent soul reacted, triggering an explosive release.

A portion of the liquid dispersed instantly.

Apocalypse's soul promptly vacated the remaining golden liquid, swiftly returning to his physical form.

Forseti recoiled in shock as a forceful impact knocked him against the wall.

"Master..." The Death Knight watched Apocalypse rise from the stone platform, her voice trembling.

Apocalypse's already grim visage now twisted with anguish. He clutched his head, gasping heavily, clearly in agony.

Though Apocalypse's Sword of Justice failed to vanquish Apocalypse, it had interrupted the ritual and inflicted substantial damage upon his soul.

Agonized, Apocalypse groaned, struggling to his feet, glaring fiercely at Apocalypse. "Asgardians!"

Forseti steadied himself, meeting Apocalypse's gaze with gritted teeth and a tense expression.

The plan had faltered, yet they had managed to strike a blow against Apocalypse's soul.

Uncertain of how much power Apocalypse retained, Forseti silently hoped for another chance to confront him.

Gasping, Apocalypse's anger gradually abated, replaced by a keen focus directed squarely at Forseti. He murmured, "A young, formidable Asgardian..."

Before he could finish speaking, purple energy erupted from his body. A beam shot forth from his outstretched hand.

"Boom!" The beam collided with the Scarlet Commander's Shield, prompting Rowe to conjure another Holy Light Shield in defense, straining against the relentless assault.

The beam's relentless onslaught broke through the shield in seconds.

Forseti swiftly conjured yet another Holy Light Shield. However, both the Death Knight and the Egyptian High Priest unleashed energy beams of their own, converging on Forseti simultaneously.

Gritting his teeth, Forseti charged headlong into the combined assault, aiming directly for the weakened Death Knight.

Hammer of Judgment!

Apocalypse intervened, creating an invisible barrier that deflected the Hammer of Judgment.

Amidst the chaos, the battle outside the secret room suddenly shifted as Agamotto's magical fans cleaved the Plague Knight in half.

Khonshu launched a crescent moon, beheading several guards and severely injuring a War Knight.

Diops followed suit, eliminating the remaining opposition, including the War Knights. With the outer battle concluded, they approached the secret room.

Apocalypse's expression darkened. Glancing at the Death Knight and the High Priest, he commanded, "Detain this Asgardian!"

With that, he exited the secret room.

Agamotto's hands crackled with golden-red electricity, sending bolts hurtling toward Apocalypse.

Diops's left eye emitted a crimson beam simultaneously. Both attacks struck in unison.

"Boom!" Apocalypse spread his arms, enveloping himself in an invisible energy shield that repelled Agamotto's assault.

Khonshu conjured a spear of moonlight, hurtling it toward Apocalypse.

The spear exploded upon impact, the first half dissipating against the shield while the second half pierced through, injuring Apocalypse.

"Khonshu! You're still alive!" Apocalypse grunted, clutching his wounded shoulder, glaring at Khonshu with a mix of shock and fury.

The moonlight spear reformed in Kong Si's grasp. "As long as you live, so shall I!"