34: The Apocalypse Strikes

As Death remained in shock, Rhodes seized the opportunity. He swung his flaming fist diagonally upwards, driving it from his waist straight to Death's side ribs.

The impact was so intense that the punch pierced through Death's sternum, rendering him immobilized on the ground, his only motion was a trickle of blood flowing from his mouth.

"How is this possible? Just a single punch!" Death strained to produce a final utterance before his body slackened, devoid of vitality.

The other skeletons that had been encircling them, akin to puppets with their strings cut, disintegrated instantly, their disconnected bones strewn across the ground.

Rhodes exercised caution, delivering two downward punches that obliterated Death's head, leaving behind a pulpy mess resembling a shattered watermelon.

With the task complete, Rhodes pivoted to assess Sig's condition.

"I'm alright, just a bit weak. A little rest and I'll be fine," Sig nonchalantly assured. He hadn't anticipated that a momentary lapse would render him a liability. He truly lived up to his title as Asgard's chief guard.

In a distant palace, Apocalypse observed the unfolding events through the eyes of death.

"As expected~" Apocalypse's gaze fixated greedily upon Rhodes' form. "Compared to mortal bodies, this form is an embodiment of perfection. No matter how many lives are extinguished, it cannot be replaced by anything else."

"Lord Apocalypse! Permit me to proceed!" Beside him, the last of Apocalypse's knights, Famine, half-knelt, his eyes brimming with fervor.

The death of his comrade hadn't stirred anger within him; instead, he now rejoiced. Killing Rhodes would demonstrate his mettle to Apocalypse, likely resulting in his increased prominence.

Apocalypse raised a finger, quashing Famine's eagerness. "You're no match for him. Despite his youth, his physical prowess surpasses that of ordinary Protoss."

"And he wields abilities unfamiliar to me. Despite consuming a multitude of ability-bearing individuals, I believed I'd encountered every conceivable power. Yet, this is the first time I've witnessed the flames he conjures."

Hunger paused, surprised even his Lord Apocalypse lauded Rhodes so generously. Did this signify the existence of someone mightier than Lord Apocalypse?

As if privy to Famine's thoughts, Apocalypse smiled subtly.

"While he is indeed formidable, he still pales in comparison to me. I am this era's sole deity, and all existence shall bend to my will. Ultimately, this young man will kneel at my feet, beseeching my mercy."

With these words, he stood. "I'll be back shortly, awaiting my return to celebrate the perfection of my new form!"

Apocalypse's form was ensconced in blue light, which quickly condensed into a small point before vanishing entirely.

In that moment, Rhodes was situated in the tavern, ensuring Sig was comfortably positioned.

Abruptly, a figure manifested outside the door, bathed in moonlight, a grin of elation on their lips.

Rhodes glanced up, cognizant it was Apocalypse.

"Hoho~ You've dispatched three of my capable subordinates, yet you remain composed before me, Apocalypse. I'm uncertain whether you're daring and uninformed, or simply astute and foolish." Apocalypse stepped forward, conjuring a violet aura that enveloped all tables and chairs in the vicinity, suspending them midair.

"Your three subordinates were bloodthirsty, akin to rabid dogs. It seems you, as their master, offered no guidance in their upbringing," Rhodes retorted, his voice icy.

Recalling Apocalypse's merciless slaughter of innocent individuals, including young children, in Egypt for his selfish aims, a trace of anger ignited within him.

"Huh!" Apocalypse emitted a disdainful snort, beckoning several tables to advance towards Rhodes.

Rhodes remained stationary, his fists clenched, flames dancing across his knuckles.

"I am this world's sole deity, governing all within it. Should I wish to extinguish your life, it shall be so. Everything shall unfold in accordance with my decree." Apocalypse spread his arms, his eyes ablaze with madness.

Rhodes refrained from further discourse, recognizing the futility of engaging with such a deluded deviant.

He lunged forth with a flying kick, to which Apocalypse responded with a protective barrier.

Rhodes struck the barrier with a kick, his force piercing through it, propelling Apocalypse into the air.

Apocalypse was propelled out of the tavern, stumbling several paces on the exterior, striving to regain equilibrium.

"What!" Apocalypse scowled, grappling to understand how Rhodes possessed the strength to defy his body upon striking the barrier.

Rhodes emerged from the tavern doorway, a glint of resolve in his eyes.

"Hey! Who are you!"

Spectators converged from the surroundings, awakened by the recent confrontation. However, most were civilians ignorant of the situation, casting puzzled glances at Rhodes in the absence of Apocalypse's presence.

Gathering around for a better view, they alerted lower-ranking Apocalypse apostles patrolling nearby.

Upon sighting Apocalypse, the onlookers recoiled in fear, well aware that his dark blue skin and azure-glowing eyes signified him as a superpowered being conjured by Pharaoh.

These superpowered entities were known for their cruelty toward civilians, exploiting their standing to intimidate and even abduct beautiful women.

"Disperse!" Rhodes bellowed.

Yet, the crowd appeared bewildered, struggling to comprehend his words.

At Apocalypse's gesture, the sand strewn across the ground levitated, gradually converging around each individual's neck.

Though alarmed, the populace failed to register the impending danger.

It wasn't until the heads of those whose necks brushed against the sand toppled from their bodies, tumbling to the ground, that the realization dawned upon a few.

Yet their reaction came too late, the sand enveloping them like an ominous haze, consuming the onlookers and reducing them to ashen soil.

As the sand subsided, a grisly scene unfolded—pools of blood amidst a landscape littered with lifeless bodies.