Back in the skies, the engulfing flames began to dissipate as the hero stood with his back turned to the aftermath.

All he could think about was the terror ensuing beneath his feet. All the lives lost, the terrible destruction in the city, and what was to come for him. Will they find him to blame?

An eerie silence fell over the scene as he prepared to hear nothing but chaos from below. The Magician began to fly towards the ground, but he was interrupted.

Stranger: (Sarcastically) “Hate to burst your bubble, but it still won’t be that easy.”

The Magician turned around slowly in utter shock to see the stranger still standing. The stranger brushed off the last flame on his shoulder, revealing a somewhat baggy white robe and a red sash wrapped around his waist.

The Magician stared, confused, noticing that nearly every wound had disappeared except the stab wound.

Stranger: “Don’t worry, you haven’t let me down at all. You are as strong as He said you might be.”

The Magician was forced to watch, unsure of what was happening. This was the first crack in the Magician's certainty about himself. Was he not the strongest?

Stranger: “You leave me no choice.”

The stranger coated his hand in blood from the stab wound. He hovered his hand over his greatsword and pressed down while dragging it across the blade.

Stranger: “Through the blood of Christ, my blade transcends all. This holy weapon… will be the blade to pierce your heart!”

The greatsword, doused in blood, suddenly shone with a white glow. It cleansed itself and emitted powerful energy.

The stranger pointed the sword at the Magician, striking fear into his soul. Wind blew through the sky as the stranger’s robe moved with the air. 

Stranger: “You said before I should’ve ended you from the start. Right? I say, what’s the fun in that? I know you. You love the thrill, the action, the climax! So. Why can’t I? I told you already that I want to do more than kill you. But I must say, I’m glad to see you’re exceeding His expectations.”

The Magician looked at him, confused, but his expression slowly changed. 

Magician: (Internally) “Blood of Christ. His expectations? Ah… I think I’m finally getting it.”

Stranger: “This has been amusing… However, I believe it’s time for its end. Prepare to fall.”

Preparing himself and regaining his composure, the Magician perked up. He led the charge with something to say as the stranger swiftly followed.

Clink! Clink!

Two fast strikes from the Magician were quickly deflected by the glowing greatsword.

They locked blades. The Magician struggled to fend off the powerful greatsword.

Magician: “You know, I don’t know how I didn’t see it sooner! I was worried before, but that was only because I was confused. Understanding is very important to me, and just then I was confused.”

The stranger pulled back his sword and attempted three more swings at the Magician, all of which were parried.

Magician: “But now, I understand why you hate me. Now, I understand how you’re so strong and have many forms of power, similar to me. I understand it now. You’re not just some stranger, thug, or anything. It’s you. His servant…”

The stranger’s eye twitched as he tried his hardest to break through the Magician’s dual-wielding defenses.

Magician: “All I’ve wanted to do while being a hero is kill you. Overthrow Him. Become the most powerful being. And you just made it clear I’ve finally found the person I’ve been looking for.”

Clash!

Stranger: “No!”

After another parry, the two separated.

The Magician found a destined opponent.

Magician: “I’ve waited so long… and now, I know.”

The Magician's eyes burned with awe and fury. He grinned from ear to ear. 

Magician: “Jesus.”

The two locked eyes and gazed at each other. Jesus showed more emotion than he had at any point in the fight. He was angered by the Magician saying his name.

For the Magician, this was not a casual battle with a no-name opponent. It was the battle of his life. One he had waited for.

Vwip. Jesus vanished and reappeared right behind the Magician.

Fully enraged, he let out a heavy swing while shouting, only to be easily blocked by both swords.

The clash of the three swords created a shockwave as holy energy dispersed from the greatsword.

Jesus: (Agitated) “And what of it!? You speak lowly of me? You are but a mere servant yourself, gifted with the strength from Hell! We both received power from divine beings. You're no different from me in that regard. But you still can’t win!”

Their swords clashed several times as they argued. No breakthroughs were made. It was a battle of control and emotion.

Jesus: (Shouting) “My powers will always surpass yours. He is always above! You cannot defeat me! Nor Go—”

The Magician swung both Hell Blades into Jesus’ greatsword to create another shockwave, interrupting Jesus.

The Magician knew who he was fighting. He was ready to go all in.