Samsara Space: They're all begging me to heal them one more time.

Om-!

Zhang Yuan was instantly enveloped in a dazzling platinum radiance, and the outline of the angelic wings on his back became clear and enormous, as if a true angel of divine punishment had descended.

A massive amount of divine power was infused into the weapon, causing the Holy Spirit Hammer in Zhang Yuan's hand to double in size, its light turning from gold to white, radiating a suffocatingly high temperature.

"Even though it's just an illusion, please..."

Zhang Yuan leaped high into the air, his giant hammer slamming down with an aura of absolute judgment!

"...Let's make a graceful exit!"

【The Hammer of Repentance: Divine Punishment Edition】!

Boom! ...

A huge beam of light pierced through the entire laboratory.

However, just as the giant hammer was about to fall, a sharp glint flashed in Virgil's phantom eyes.

Even if it was an illusion, the pride of the demon swordsman wouldn't allow him to crumble easily. He gripped the illusory katana tightly with both hands, parrying upwards at an incredible angle.

when!!!

The light hammer collided with the katana, producing a metallic bang that ripped through eardrums.

The ground beneath Virgil's feet instantly collapsed, but he actually... blocked it!

The seemingly fragile illusory katana, empowered by the magic power that Virgil frantically poured into it, withstood Zhang Yuan's full-force attack.

"Power..."

Virgil growled, and the blue magic on his katana began to retaliate, attempting to deflect the light hammer.

"Want to fight with knives?"

Zhang Yuan looked at Virgil, who was so close to him, and a cold smile appeared on his lips.

"If it's a swordsmanship contest, I am indeed inferior to you. But unfortunately..."

The divine authority within Zhang Yuan's body ignited once more, this time with an even more complete explosion.

Passive - [Supreme Judgment]!

Secondary Judgment: By instantly consuming additional divine authority, the attack is converted into a second burst of holy damage!

"...I'm a pay-to-win player."

"Break!!!"

The light hammer, which had been blocked, suddenly unleashed a platinum-gold shockwave that was several times more terrifying than before.

This power is no longer simply physical or magical damage, but rather a kind of "judgment" that is almost at the level of rules!

[Supreme Saint Slash]!

Click!

The illusory katana in Virgil's hand was instantly covered in cracks before shattering completely.

Without the parry of a weapon, the destructive divine power pounded into Virgil's chest without hindrance.

boom--!!!

The light engulfed everything.

A few seconds later, the light faded.

Virgil's phantom sat on the still intact plastic chair (truly a causal artifact), its body becoming increasingly transparent, on the verge of dissipating.

But he wasn't angry.

The proud magic swordsman slowly raised his head, and a hint of approval seemed to appear in his emotionless eyes.

"That's interesting."

Virgil made a nonchalant comment.

Then, his body transformed into countless blue specks of light, slowly dissipating into the air.

Only a whispered sentence remains, carried away by the wind:

"...Make good use of it."

And where the light spots dispersed.

On the plastic chair, the broken Yamato lay quietly, no longer radiating murderous intent, but instead emitting a clear hum, as if waiting for a new master to wield it.

"call……"

Zhang Yuan dispelled the light hammer in his hand and the divine radiance emanating from his body, and gently exhaled a breath of turbid air.

He straightened the slightly wrinkled hem of his trench coat, stepped forward, and picked up the Yamato.

A cool sensation came over me, and a massive spatial force surged into my body through my arm.

[Quest item obtained: Yamato (broken).]

[Note: Only those with Spartan blood can truly repair and use it. However, you can use it as a one-time key.]

"Is this what 'tawawa' feels like? It's truly fascinating."

Zhang Yuan sheathed his knife and prepared to leave.

Suddenly, a red high-risk alert popped up on the tactical goggles.

[Warning! High-energy reaction detected!]

[Location: West side corridor.]

[Target's vital signs are rapidly declining: Credo.]

Current health: 25%...20%...15%...

"Tsk, so that idiot brother-in-law really did get beaten to a pulp after all?"

Zhang Yuan's eyes narrowed, and the light wings on his back unfolded again, spraying out a dazzling stream of particles.

"Looks like there's no time to walk slowly."

boom!

Zhang Yuan crashed through the laboratory ceiling, transforming into a streak of light and flying towards the west corridor.

-----------------

Let's rewind a little.

Outside the headquarters of the cult.

"Get the hell out of my way!!"

With the engine roaring furiously, [Crimson Queen] transformed into a crimson whirlwind of fire, instantly shredding the three scythe-wielding Grim Reapers blocking her path into pieces.

Nero landed, flicked the black blood off his sword, and looked up at the sky, which was stained with purplish-red magic.

Just now, a huge stone monument—the Gates of Hell—emerged from all over the city, and the place with the densest demonic energy and the most ominous atmosphere was the very headquarters of the holy cult right before our eyes.

"Damn it..."

Nero gritted his teeth, his demonic right arm trembling slightly with rage.

He remembered that half an hour earlier, Credo had taken Kirie away with a serious expression, saying that they were going to a "safe house" for refuge.

But now it seems, this wasn't seeking refuge at all; it was clearly sending sheep into a wolf's den!

If it was to protect civilians, why did the knights of the Order turn a blind eye to the influx of demons and even try to prevent them from entering?

"Is this what you call 'safety,' Craig?!"

A strong sense of unease and anger at being betrayed welled up inside me.

Instead of resisting the demons, the cult seems to be... raising them?

"Kirith, wait for me!"

Nero no longer hesitated and once again revved the throttle on the hilt of his sword.

Like a blue meteor, he smashed through the headquarters' gates and trampled over countless demon corpses, rushing headlong towards the core area.

……

The Tribunal Corridor is located to the west of the headquarters of the Order.

This is the only way to reach the top core area.

Along the corridor stand countless statues of popes throughout history, but in today's war, most of these sacred statues are incomplete, just like this crumbling religious order.

"Ha ha……"

Nero, leaning on the Scarlet Empress, was panting heavily.

His trench coat was tattered and torn, and his right arm, which was in a cast, had long since broken free, revealing a demonic wrist that emitted a ghostly blue light.

Along the way, he slew countless angels and demons.

But at this moment, the person standing in front of him was the one he least wanted to face.

Credo.

The upright man who once taught him swordsmanship and always protected Kirie.

But the current Credo is no longer the revered knight commander he once was.

His body swelled to twice its size, his golden armor fused with his flesh, and a huge single wing made of light and bone grew from his back.

He held the giant shield that symbolized protection, yet he used it to block Nero's path to rescue people.

【Angelo Credo】.