Hajack stared at the destruction of Orous with shock and dread. The Demon Lord could scarcely believe what he had witnessed. The Archangel had sacrificed a lot in that final strike, weakening him greatly, but Hajack was in no condition to capitalize on that weakness.
Metatron's last strike with Excalibur had ravaged him—his life force flickered like a dying star, his body unstable, and most of his internal organs were half-destroyed. He had no strength left to fight. Even to move seemed a miracle.
The Demon Lord's only thought was escape. His colossal body trembled, wings twitching to take flight. Yet before he could move, Metatron's weary gaze turned toward him. That look alone made his heart falter, but it lasted only an instant.
Pain struck—sharp, blinding, final.
