Fostered by the Mutton Attacks, the adventures and city guards coordinated their efforts to the utmost in their battles against the Mollys. These void-black, smoke-and-fire-conjuring boxing devils were far tougher—almost impossible to defeat. 

But with their leaders by their side, they stood a slight fighting chance. 

Iapetus, the retired Red Titan, clashed against the indomitable Asurjinari, Molly. Their powers created that devastated the space around them. The massive bonfire conflagated and a vortex whirled into the sky. 

Iapetus twirled his spear alongside the smoke’s direction and thrust forward, barely keeping up with Molly’s quick reflexes and smoke-laden movements on the run.

Captain Schnauzer, the orc who wielded his fallen subordinate’s shield, struck any who came too close to Iapetus, exacting vengeance for his comrades.

Oridal, Lydia’s father and halfling paladin of the adventurer guild, stood firm. His strong arm and sense of justice often put him at odds with the roguish nature of his late daughter.

Galran, a dwarven sorceress and second-in-command of the city guards, channelled her gifted earth magic to protect the group. She was a doting mother who always struggled between duty and her son until his unfortunate death, but her resolve was not broken yet. 

Each of them had a stake in this fight. Each of them had something to protect they had already lost, but others had much more to lose. Together, they fought to defend the Guardian who had slain the corrupted Polyphem.

Yet, Oridal and Golran now faced an enemy they could not easily assess.

“Who in Helm's name's that?” Oridal wondered, lowering his sword. 

“No one good,” Galran muttered with a tense frown. “The Mollys… they’ve stopped laughing. They're trembling.”

Antares strode through the crowd of Mollys who stood petrified like statues. His expression was in a deep scowl as he glared westward, right where the adventures and guards stood in his way.

“Galran, can you assess him? I have a bad feeling about this,” Ordinal whispered, readying his blade.

“I’ve tried,” she replied, her concern growing. “There’s nothing. No magic, no special powers, no aura or skills. He doesn't have any extraordinary abilities or features. It’s like he’s… ordinary”

Antares kept moving, the Mollys parting before the oppressive pressure he exuded. 

And all that followed afterwards, was carnage.

‧. .ᯓ★. .‧

The Mollys swarmed Schnauzer’s troops, overwhelming them in mere moments. Still weakened by Polyphem’s recent rampage, they could do little more than stall for time.

Schnauzer planted his feet and raised his shield high. He bashed the Mollys one by one. Their disintegrating smoke lingered, choking the battlefield and sapping the strength of the forces. 

The tide was turning against them. Schnauzer’s strength was faltering, and the Mollys pressed harder. The captain fell on one knee. “I can’t hold on for much longer—”

“Watch out Captain!” Iapetus warned, spearing a Molly lunging at him from above. “Focus, captain, the fight’s not over yet—”

“You better watch yourself, Titan,” growled Molly—the real one—materialising beside Iapetus with raised fists and smoke coiling through her fingers.

Schnauzer threw himself between them, taking the full brunt of Molly’s Gatling punches. The energy reverberated through his body, tearing at his cells and organs. But Iapetus used Schnauzer’s large frame and opportunity to drive his spear into Molly's stomach, pushing her back. 

“TGAT HUUUUURT!!” she screeched, fuming. “SOMEONE OUGHT TO PUT YOU IN A BOX FLOATING DOWN THE RIVER, GRANDPA!!!”

“And someone ought to put you in a mental hospital,” Iapetus retorted, yanking his spear free.

Molly vanished with a howl, her screeches still echoing in the night. Iapetus turned to the Captain, who was spitting out blood. 

“I fine— burgh.” Schnauzer began but faltered, blood staining his lips. He tried to downplay his injuries but the damage was clear. 

Molly's attacks weren’t just immediate—they were devastating in the long run. Only a Titan with regenerative abilities like Helios or immense endurance like Atlas could withstand her for long. 

The old Titan coughed and fell to one knee. The acrid smoke burned in his lungs. “We have to hold on,” Iapetus urged. “Until they—”

“Escape?” Molly interrupted, wiping blood from her mouth, still trying to heal her wound from Iapetus. “You think stalling me will give them time? You forget, Grandpa, I don't work alone.” Her sinister grin spread wider, madness gleamed in her eyes as she blushed.

A dark red light blazed across the sky. 

“The Scorpion Star has made his move.”

‧. .ᯓ★. .‧

Oridal collapsed, his heavy armour weighed heavily on him. His limbs burned with exhaustion after facing Antares who had immobilised them all, leaving them at the mercy of the Mollys.

None of his troops survived when Mollys rushed in to fill the void of Antares’ absence.

It all happened unexpectedly. 

Antares was nothing as they’d imagined. Their traditional means of assessing strength failed them—he was beyond measure. The fight was over in seconds and now they were outmatched.

Sword in hand and pain etching his face, Oridal pushed himself to his feet. Galran stood beside him. Through cracked ribs and laboured breaths, their resolve was unshaken.

Just like Ajax when they arrived back at the dark forest. The dense trees and foliage made it impossible to continue and they dismounted the glider. 

Amalthea clutched her side, but at least she could walk again. “This is the place,” she confirmed, her voice tight with pain. “The black box says the Titan Craft has to be near.” 

Ajax placed his hands on his hips. “So, should we get going then—”

“You’re not going anywhere!” a voice snapped.

They turned to see Kane stepping up behind them. Immediately, alarm bells rang in Amalthea’s mind and she stepped in front of Ajax. “Who are you?”

Kane inhaled sharply on the question and his chest heaved. He had somehow caught up to them despite the fact they used a speeder. Blood speckled his usually pristine, white leather armour. With one glance alone, Ajax could tell something was not right with him. His composed demeanour was replaced by wild desperation.

“Let me handle this,” Ajax said softly.

“Leave you with— Are you hearing yourself?” Amalthea looked at him in disbelief. “Do you know him?” 

“He’s my brother,” Ajax replied with desperate honesty, knowing that Amalthea would never allow them both to be alone in this critical moment. But that’s what Ajax had to do. “Please, let me talk to him. Find the Titan without me.” 

Amalthea stared at him, then sighed. She handed the black box back into Ajax’s hands. “Return as soon as you are done, alright?”

Ajax looked back at her bewildered like a doe. “I will,” he promised, turning to face Kane.

Kane’s glare was fixed on Amalthea. Grinding his teeth, he forced himself to look at Ajax. “Are you really going with her?” he asked, stomping towards Ajax. “Do you have any idea what you are getting into?” 

“Kane…I know you’re worried, and that you want the best for me, but I have to do this—” 

“You know nothing!” Kane roared, straining his voice and startling Ajax. “I am TRYING to warn you here, Ajax.” He forced a smile, but his brow and clenched fist said otherwise. “The Guardians will destroy you, just like they did with me!” 

“Amalthea isn’t like other Guardians,” Ajax argued, circling around him, trying to keep him at a distance. “She’s just like my father. She’s brave and strong, and never gives up.” 

“Please, I’ve heard that before.” Kane sneered. “You would give up your home, your planet, everything you know in exchange for adventure, wouldn’t you?” 

“It’s not like that—” 

“IT’S EXACTLY LIKE THAT!” Kane’s shout echoed through the forest. “For your pride, your dreams, you’ll throw it all away. And for what!? It’s not worth it, Ajax, it’s NEVER worth it.” 

Ajax stumbled backwards. His ears rang from Kane’s loud voice. “Brother… stay back… please.” 

“I will warn you once more, Ajax,” Kane’s voice softened; tears welled in his eyes. “Take my hand. Forget this madness, turn your back on your dreams. Forget about the Guardians, please.” 

Ajax stared at Kane’s stretched hand. His gentle palm was rough with callouses and riddled with scars. Dried blood still clung to it, keeping Ajax at a loss. His heart pounded and his silence angered Kane. 

“SAY SOMETHING!” Kane demanded

“... I’m sorry, brother…” Ajax whispered. “But I can’t. She needs me.” 

Kane’s hand lowered and his expression hardened. A torrent of emotions flooded him, overwhelmed him. Clarity then struck quickly, replacing all his emotions with silent rage. 

“Then you have forced my hand, brother.” 

Ajax jumped back. “Stand away…”

“I won’t,” Kane growled, advancing. “You are willingly walking into pain, Ajax. Blinded by your dreams and idealism, you can’t see the truth I am giving you.” 

“Don’t!” Ajax warned, his hand inching toward Lydia’s blade. “Don’t make me hurt you, brother.”

“If it matters so much, then don’t hold back on me.” Kane’s hand swiped at Ajax, who dodged at a hair’s breadth. But something was wrong. Ajax’s vision blurred, and his head spun. Kane slapped him across the face. “Prove it to me, brother. Show me what you’re willing to sacrifice!