The evil inside us prompts us to commit dark deeds from time to time; perhaps it is that inner voice inciting us to do what we ought not, or perhaps it is our own free will. Good and evil are ever-present in our daily lives; it is entirely up to ourselves whether we master them or give in.
Our beloved DANTE finds himself locked in an internal struggle with himself—a battle that will forge the path he has been fighting for so long to walk. We find ourselves within DANTE's mind, inside a chamber resembling a throne room, where two imposing figures stare each other down, waiting for the slightest movement to strike.
DANTE HERALDI: (sweating) Well... I've heard stories about who you are. You're some kind of ancient demon. I don't know what your ultimate goal is, but FAUSTUS gave me something to take you on.
*****: How interesting that a mortal possesses enough power to bring you to me. Who could he be? I imagine you wish to master me, correct? I'm afraid it won't be that simple, haha!
DANTE HERALDI: This is just getting started; don't get cocky.
*****: Then let us begin, hahaha!
Out of nowhere, ******* leaps with all his might at blinding speed, drawing a white katana from his bag. However, DANTE blocks it effortlessly without even shifting his stance; he merely drew his black katana and instinctively parried the blow, leaving even himself astonished. Immediately, DANTE repels *******.
DANTE HERALDI: (in his mind) What was that? My body moved on its own... Um, I feel like something within me has shifted.
While ******* gazes at him slightly flustered, DANTE checks his stats, realizing he has acquired a new Level 1 skill titled "Survival Instinct." This skill grants him heightened reaction speed and gradually boosts his physical strength. It appears to be the subtle gift FAUSTUS bestowed upon him without his knowledge. DANTE smirks at this newfound immense power and charges headlong toward his evil self.
Meanwhile, as this duel unfolds within DANTE's mind, tension mounts in the outer world. A surge of immense power reverberates around the house, catching Quetzalcoatl's attention.
QUETZALCOATL: Everyone, come here! It seems we have a problem; something is approaching.
Out of nowhere, a wall is blasted open. MALEKIN bursts in, drenched in sweat, and collapses onto the floor from sheer exhaustion as REX and ELENA rush to their side.
ELENA: MALEKIN, what happened to you?!
MALEKIN: (sitting up) We're in deep trouble. I went out to scout the perimeter, and in the distance, I spotted a small army of demi-humans—they seem to have the heads of jaguars. There are roughly 50 of them, and I suspect they are formidable. Further back, I saw another jaguar warrior, far more imposing; he appears to be their leader, and they're marching straight toward us.
Our friends are stunned that such a greeting awaits them so soon.
MALEKIN: Where is DANTE?
QUETZALCOATL: He is deeply focused in his room. I can sense he is undergoing a major breakthrough. It is best we do not disturb him; we must hold off that army ourselves.
MALEKIN: Sounds like a plan. They are about 5 kilometers out and advancing on foot. We need to intercept them along the way before they reach the house; we must buy DANTE enough time.
QUETZALCOATL: Agreed. Let's move.
Everyone nods in agreement and departs, leaving DANTE alone in his chamber to settle his internal affairs.
Returning to our protagonist, we see him clashing with his evil alter ego, both moving at breakneck speed across the throne room. Katanas collide, sending sparks flying as heavy blows shake the entire chamber. DANTE realizes that his power is gradually surpassing that of his evil self. Suddenly, his evil persona leaps back and spits onto the floor.
*******: Damn it, this is wrong; no matter how hard I hit you, you block my attacks as if your body had a life of its own.
DANTE HERALDI: Heh... Is that all you've got, demon?
*****: (infuriated) Don't get so full of yourself, mortal! Now I will show you my true power!
The evil Dante activates the skills "Shadow mantle" and "Wolf Speed," his power surging as he delivers a brutal beatdown to DANTE. However, DANTE swiftly activates the exact same powers, bringing the fight back to near equality. Still, the evil entity possesses greater mastery over the dark powers; out of nowhere, he manifests behind DANTE, executing a "Shadow Slash" at point-blank range. The force sends DANTE flying, shattering several pillars before slamming him violently into the wall. DANTE collapses to the floor, battered, but there is no respite: the moment he hits the ground, the evil Dante materializes directly in front of him. With a fiendish grin plastered across his face, he unleashes a barrage of point-blank "Shadow Slashes," burying DANTE deeper and deeper into the crumbling wall.
Now, we turn our gaze to our friends, who are about to clash with the small enemy army.
We see them keeping a distance of a few meters from the enemy line to analyze their ranks and prepare their assault.
QUETZALCOATL: Now that we are closer, my skill detects 60 of those creatures. However, one in particular stands out as significantly stronger; he must be their commander. Alright, here is the plan: MALEKIN, you and REX will charge first to create a distraction, while ELENA provides long-range support. I will dash at full speed to take down their commander, for without him, they won't be able to coordinate. Understood?
MALEKIN: Sounds good... but I don't know about you guys, don't you feel something strange? Ever since a moment ago, I've felt odd... Don't you feel like something within you is trying to burst out?
ELENA: Now that you mention it, I feel strange too.
REX: I thought I was the only one!
QUETZALCOATL: Um... I believe the old man bestowed something upon us. As a deity, I can perceive your inner energy, and something within all of us has shifted. Perhaps we will discover what it is in the heat of battle. Very well, let this massacre begin!
Our friends execute Quetzalcoatl's plan. While she breaks away from the group to intercept the enemy commander, the rest charge straight into the attack against the spear-and-shield-wielding warriors. MALEKIN takes a massive leap, landing directly in front of the enemy lines. The moment his feet touch the ground, he closes his eyes, focusing as crackling electricity surges from his hands and envelops his entire body. By the time the enemy realizes his presence, it is far too late: MALEKIN unleashes bolts of lightning from his palms, electrocuting several warriors on the spot. A few manage to dodge by leaping into the air, but waiting above is our friend REX in his "True Form." Swelling to the size of a giant wolf, he relentlessly tears into the enemies and breathes fireballs. In midair, REX snatches a warrior in his jaws, shakes him violently, and hurls him into the crowd of troops before landing near MALEKIN.
REX: It's impressive! Since when do you have lightning powers?!
MALEKIN: I don't know, but I felt like I could pull off something like this. Plus, I feel like I've gained more power ever since we defeated TARAMIS. What about you? Do you have anything new?
REX: Um, let me check.
REX opens his stats, realizing that his level has skyrocketed. His "True Form" power no longer has a time limit, allowing him to use it at will, and he has acquired a new skill called "Wolf Form," which enables him to transform into a massive white wolf.
REX: MALEKIN! This is incredible! I can transform into a giant wolf! On top of that, we leveled up so much... I wonder why. I think it was after defeating the god, and...
Out of nowhere, hundreds of spears rain down upon them. One of them grazes MALEKIN on the right side of his abdomen, while another embeds itself in REX's left paw. MALEKIN swiftly raises a defensive barrier, shielding them both from the onslaught. Countless beastly roars echo through the air. Behind them, ELENA raises her hands, instantly healing their wounds and channeling energy into them so they can continue the fight.
MALEKIN: ELENA, it looks like you've got some new tricks up your sleeve too! That old man never ceases to amaze me. Alright, time to counterattack!
REX, Wagging his tail leaps out from behind the barrier and activates his new power, transforming into an enormous white wolf. He lets out a mighty roar that makes the jaguar army hesitate. MALEKIN leaps, positioning himself directly above the enemy lines—no longer wearing his bandanna, his sudden presence strikes fear into the soldiers. He immediately unleashes a devastating bolt of lightning that sends enemies flying into the air. Meanwhile, from the rear, ELENA launches fireballs—yet another new ability of hers—as REX joins MALEKIN in charging the front line.
Now, we turn our attention to Quetzalcoatl.
A short distance from the battlefield, a jaguar warrior is seen mounted atop a strange creature resembling a cross between a rhinoceros and a bison. Out of nowhere, Quetzalcoatl appears, striking down two guards standing beside the jaguar general. With a swift kick, she knocks him off his mount; midair, the general adjusts his footing and lands gracefully on his feet. The surrounding guards quickly encircle Quetzalcoatl.
JAGUAR GENERAL: You! You look familiar. Identify yourself, woman!
QUETZALCOATL: I am Quetzalcoatl, and you are standing in my way. If you do not wish to die, fall back.
JAGUAR GENERAL: So it is you... My master spoke much of you: a shapeshifting figure who cannot define their own gender and thinks only of themselves. What a vulgar form of existence. Don't worry—I will kill you and offer your body to my master.
QUETZALCOATL: It is rare to see a servant who holds no fear toward a deity like me.
JAGUAR GENERAL: Allow me to introduce myself first: I am JUGER, a warrior of immense strength. My master bestowed great power upon me to defeat you; he knew that one day you would enter this realm to pursue your selfish ambitions.
QUETZALCOATL: Shut up! You have no idea who I am!
JAGUAR GENERAL: Of course I do, and so does he. That is why he sealed the majority of your powers. In case you haven't realized it yet, by entering this domain, you cannot use your full strength.
QUETZALCOATL: Don't tell me my brother is capable of this...
JAGUAR GENERAL: Many things have changed since your exile, Quetzalcoatl; nothing is as it used to be. Lord TEZCATLIPOCA remains deeply infuriated with you for everything you did in the past, which is why he sent me to slay you the moment he sensed your aura in his territory.
QUETZALCOATL: It can't be...
Quetzalcoatl notices that her power is partially sealed, preventing her from transforming into the giant serpent. She begins to sweat nervously while JUGER smirks.
Now, we return to the mind of our friend DANTE. Following the previous onslaught, he is severely injured and rapidly retreats—moving so fast that he doesn't realize he has backed into the throne, collapsing onto it.
*****: Wahahahaha! To think you would end up falling right there! That throne is far too big for you, DANTE.
DANTE HERALDI: (gasping for air) You think... this is over? (notices something using "Examine")
We see DANTE rise from the throne, his eyes cast downward. Suddenly, DANTE's power surges exponentially, causing ******* to break into a cold sweat, wondering what on earth is happening.
*****: Dammit! What the hell are you doing?! You always find a way to break free, but let's see if you can actually beat me! HAHAHAHA!
DANTE HERALDI: This ends right here.
The conflict is becoming increasingly chaotic, and our friend DANTE has experienced a sudden surge in power. What lies ahead in this battle that grows more intriguing by the minute? Will our other friends be able to handle the remaining enemies? What will become of Quetzalcoatl? We will find out very soon.