Hell's scorching wind licked everyone's skin. Sweat evaporated the instant it seeped from their pores, leaving a sticky film of salt.
The dark red sky hung low, sulfurous smoke and dust churning endlessly, shrouding the world in a suffocating twilight. Ash and dried demon fluids coated the E-350's paintwork, while the runes on the Batmobile flickered in the dim light.
Everyone was on edge-except Constantine, who leaned against the vehicle smoking. He blew a smoke ring as he watched the First of the Fallen, the mocking smile never leaving his lips.
Li Jie stood on the roof, his palms slick with sweat, struggling to keep his expression calm. The Nth Metal spear stood planted beside him, and the PKM had been loaded with its last ammunition box.
He kept his eyes on the First of the Fallen, waiting for the neatly dressed, middle-aged demon to decide. Michael's sword, planted in the scorched earth and radiating pure holy light, was both an anchor and a Sword of Damocles, maintaining a fragile balance in this filthy place.
"Joint development?"
After a moment's silence, the First of the Fallen repeated Li Jie's words. "You mean splitting his soul? No. Absolutely not. Once divided, his soul would be worthless."
"A broken soul is like a shattered crystal goblet. Even if you manage to glue it back together, the cracks will keep leaking its essence until it becomes thin and tasteless."
He adopted a regretful expression. "We cannot jointly own one intact soul. That is a logical paradox. So, novel as your proposal is, it undermines the foundation of our bargain. Unless..."
He paused deliberately, his gaze moving between Li Jie and Constantine.
Li Jie glanced at Constantine-the bastard was still smiling. He even raised an eyebrow at him, clearly enjoying the show.
"Wait!"
He