Seven Gods and Man

7. Gods and Men

Darkness shrouded the Grand Inquisitor's main bridge, but Constantin Valdor remained unmoved.

The Apollonian Spear rested at an angle beside him like a harmless wooden stick, still glowing with golden light as always—the sole remaining light in this boundless darkness.

Something was deeply displeased by this. It let out a threatening growl, and chill air mingled with the scent of blood as it spread.

The Captain-General of the Adeptus Custodes calmly looked at it and reached for his spear. The previously faint Radiance suddenly flared, becoming bright enough to nearly wound the eyes.

The thing hissed, its already hideous form becoming ever more terrifying. Constantin sneered and swung his right hand, thrusting out the Apollonian Spear—there came a clang as two rows of fine fangs clamped down hard on the divine weapon's blade, stopping it dead in its tracks. Yet golden light still spilled forth.

Blue smoke carrying the smell of charred flesh immediately rose, and the sound of something burning echoed through the darkness.

The beast released its bite and transformed into a shadow that pounced at Constantin Valdor.

The Captain-General raised his spear with both hands, intending to block it, but the creature bizarrely scattered apart, treating the Apollonian Spear as though it were nothing. It endured the searing light and lunged straight for Valdor's throat—though blood seemed about to spray across the bridge, the Captain-General remained utterly composed. He merely took one step back and evaded the strike.

At the same time, he shifted his hands and stabbed at the beast again.

Another heavy, piercing clash rang out. Golden light scattered, sparks flew, and the beast roared as it retreated into the darkness, fleeing the Apollonian Spear's reach and the vortex of Valdor's terrifying martial skill.

It silently leapt out from above him,