The group made it to an abandoned lair in one of the many cliff faces to rest. Georgia felt like her bones were covered in lead. She flopped down next to the dog and snuggled into its warmth. She was so tired.

It was just dawning on her how long she had been at this. Days, weeks even. Was time moving the same in the real world? Would she even have a body to go back to? Was all of this for nothing?

"Have courage," the sword said. "Hell can't be captured in a day."

Georgia snorted. That was for damn sure.

Georgia sensed a presence so opened her eyes and sat up to find both Virgils frowning down at her.

"It's not my place to lecture you," Virgil started.

"And it is your game to play," Old Verge added

"But have you lost your God damn mind!? We all could have been killed!"

"Thought we couldn't die down here."

"You know damn well what I mean. That was dangerous and reckless and you’re lucky you didn't get eaten."

Georgia bowed her head. "You're right. I'm sorry. I know it was stupid, but I just couldn't resist the urge to go in there."

The men exchanged worried looks. 

"Have you picked up anything dear child in our wanderings here? Have you felt that way anywhere else?"

Georgia shook her head. "No. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a few of these gems 

and coins could have me living in luxury the rest of my life but I just wanna get home. The only thing I picked up is the sword."

"May I see it?" Old Verge asked.

Georgia handed it to him and watched the elderly man nimbly turn it around in his hands. Seemingly unimpressed he unsheathed the sword. Old Verge's face fell.

"The three of us should talk outside."

 The trio walked a few feet from the cave entrance before Old Verge unsheathed the sword again and stabbed it into ground.

"I know what you are, devil." He warned.

A laugh came from the weapon. "Recognized at last. I'd expect no less from a Virgil."

"So this wasn't just in my head. This thing can actually talk."

"Yes. The treacherous thing can."

The sword laughed. "What have I done to offend you? I've helped the girl."

"After luring her with your siren song."

"Uh, what's happening here?" Georgia asked.

"This thing you've had the pleasure of picking up is known as World Ender. Its real name no one quite remembers, probably even the demon itself. Long ago a great warrior wielded this sword. At first, the warrior's intentions were just. He only wished for his freedom. But once obtained he slayed anyone who he felt was responsible for his condition. Then he turned his blade on rivals and anyone who dared oppose him. Soon his ambition grew to wanting control of the heavens and earth challenging God himself. Unfortunately the warrior was no match, but before God struck the final blow the warrior transferred his soul into the blade. The wretched thing has fallen into hand after hand causing nothing but misfortune for the wielder until it ended up here."

"I couldn't have told it better myself. What an honor for a Virgil to recount my tale, especially the first."

"Don't mock me." Old Verge warned. 

World Ender sighed. "I don't understand the hostility. I saved the girl. And whether you like it or not she needs a weapon. Yes, I saw an opportunity and called to her. But I don't see why we can't help each other."

"You only wanna help yourself," Virgil said as he grabbed the sword. He was about to hurl it off the ledge when Georgia grabbed his arm.

"Hold on, hold on! I get it's kind of malicious but it's right. I do need a weapon."

Virgil raised an eyebrow. "And you want this one?"

"It does have the soul of a world class warrior."

"And a world class liar." Old Verge quipped. 

"Well let's compromise. The moment World Ender does anything malicious or stabs us in the back we chuck it into some lava. I think that's fair."

The men exchanged looks with each other before Virgil shrugged. Old Verge sighed. "Okay young miss. But the moment this wretch gets out of line I will take care of it personally. Don't let it out your grasp."

"I won't disappoint." World Ender replied. 

Old Verge made a disapproving noise and retreated to the cave with Virgil in tow.

"Don't make me regret this." Georgia whispered to the sword as she followed them.

"I wouldn't dream of it."