The White Giant Leo possessed athletic abilities surprising for his size. His powerful muscles granted him incredible explosive power and defense. However, precisely because of his massive frame and broad muscle groups, his agility suffered.
In simpler terms, his speed was sufficient to keep up with Qin Lun, but his ability to change direction and vary his pace was poor. It was like a strong male lion struggling to catch a mouse constantly circling around it.
After several rounds of probing, Qin Lun quickly realized he couldn’t defeat the White Giant unless he revealed all his hidden cards. Nevertheless, his rich battle experience soon let him shift perspective. He began wondering why Leo had chosen this particular evolutionary path.
Leo himself was a highly knowledgeable biochemical expert, holding multiple PhD degrees – definitely not a fool. Rescued by the Americans during World War II, the US government wouldn’t pass up utilizing such an expert, so he shouldn’t have lacked research resources.
Judging by the White Giant’s evolutionary direction, it seemed specifically chosen to counter Qin Lun’s fighting style. Therefore, one could assume that he had never let go of the hatred for his wife, Keller.
This presented a question. Although Qin Lun hadn’t undergone his class change during World War II, he had displayed Crystal Mirror Magic and the predecessor to Swift Wind Step – Wind Drift Art – in front of Leo. Dr. Leo should have known that the White Giant’s current evolved form made it difficult to completely kill his enemy unless under very specific circumstances.
So, why did he still evolve this way? Just for a drawn-out fight? Obviously not. Like Qin Lun, the White Giant must also possess hidden cards – cards powerful enough to destroy his opponent.
Thinking this, Qin Lun felt he grasped a sliver of inspiration. However, being only at the Second Order limited him. The Divine Comedy World was still a Low Magic World, but plenty within it could annihilate him. Until the White Giant played his hand, judgment was difficult.
Besides, with the White Giant’s current divine strength, anything capable of locking onto Qin Lun’s true body would kill him outright in just a few punches.
The reason Leo hadn’t used anything yet was likely twofold: he was still testing Qin Lun’s limits, or he believed he could kill without resorting to his ultimate move. Judging by the current stalemate, the White Giant indeed had the advantage if things continued this way.
A Law Body’s life and stamina could be restored with items, but maintaining peak mental focus was impossible under such intense pressure. Comparatively, the higher the resilience and damage tolerance, the higher the margin for error in battle – an inherent advantage the White Giant possessed.
Their fight produced far more noise than Grant’s battle. After a few exchanges, their area of conflict was thoroughly wrecked, largely destroyed by the White Giant. Yet, both men consciously kept their fight away from the other battle, unknowingly creating a gap of several hundred meters from Grant.
“Grant, after your class change, you became a Main Tank-type. Do you have any Absolute Defense skills or items?” Qin Lun’s voice suddenly echoed in the Team Channel.
“Yes, but I’ll lose all combat ability after using it!” Grant frowned slightly, remained silent for a moment, then confessed honestly. He understood mutual trust was vital right now; otherwise, they’d have to forfeit all gains from this world.
“Let’s sign a Soul Contract. I pledge all my equipped items and my kit to guarantee your safety, promising to split the rewards from this battle equally upon return. Should this cause your death, I too will lose everything.” Qin Lun spoke with noticeable hesitation.
The terms Qin Lun proposed were unfair to Grant, but it was necessary. Once one became a Professional Apostle, Shattered Starry Sky couldn’t execute them directly. Punishments were limited to reducing the Soul Life Limit; it couldn’t even strip bloodlines, only items imbued with a trace of Star Void law could be forcibly taken via Soul Contract.
However, Qin Lun possessed several Legendary Items. Losing them all would be catastrophic, far outweighing any gains from this world. Grant could still trust in the younger man’s sincerity.
“Heh, it’s actually thrilling. If even you possess this resolve, what have I got to fear? Let’s play this game with you!” A flash of red gleamed in Grant’s eyes. The ripped corner of his Human Skin Mask turned upwards, revealing white teeth in a crazed, ferocious grin.
“But first, help me push back these annoying women. Otherwise, their interference creates too many unpredictable factors!”
“Alright!” Qin Lun answered simply, and the Team Channel went silent again.
…
“Natasha, why are you alone? Where’s Clint?” Looking at the slightly breathless Black Widow before him, Captain America felt an ominous premonition.
The Black Widow’s face darkened slightly, and she shook her head. “He didn’t follow me.”
The several Avengers froze, the atmosphere turning heavy. Though the Black Widow didn’t explicitly say Hawkeye was dead, everyone understood – Clint was either captured by the enemy… or he had fallen.
“Protecting Integra wasn’t our highest priority duty. Didn’t I tell you to retreat if necessary?” Captain America asked, his voice thick with bitterness. “Was the enemy the Crusaders, or the Nazis?”
“The Crusaders pulled back after their initial assault failed. The attackers that came later… were unknown identities. But according to Clint’s judgment, it was likely your old adversary from World War II – Gerthard Heinrich!”
Hearing the Black Widow’s report, Captain America’s heart sank further. If captured by the Crusaders, there’d be room to negotiate. But if Clint fell into the hands of the Gerthard he knew… the odds of survival were near zero.
Captain America slowly closed his eyes. His expression was complex, blending grief and resignation. That beautiful head, floating in the amniotic tank decades ago, seemed vividly alive before him again – staring coldly, silently accusing him of his inadequacy.
“Steve! Steve!” Worried voices sounded in Captain America’s ears. Lifting his head in confusion, he found sweat coating his face and palm. His chest heaved rapidly. His comrades looked on with concern.
“I’m alright!” Captain America shrugged off Iron Man, who’d moved to support him.
“So here…?” Iron Man gestured toward the tidal wave of the Undead Army surging below the building, his question hesitant.
“We’ve done all we can. We’re less than two kilometers from HELLSING HQ. Any civilians who could move have fled. For those too injured… we cannot help.” Captain America sighed, then turned. “Has anyone seen the Hunters, Irene and Sheena?”
“No. After being disrupted by that Nazi strike force earlier, they vanished. But I believe they’re fine.” Dr. Bruce, having resumed his normal size from the Incredible Hulk, shook his head after recalling the chaotic fight.
“Steve, wait…” Just as the group prepared to advance towards HELLSING Headquarters to end this battle, Tony pressed the earpiece on his Iron Man helmet. “I intercepted an internal message from the Crusaders…”
After Tony relayed the translation, the gathered Avengers exchanged startled glances, struggling to believe it.
“The Nazi leader is on the battlefield? Now?” Captain America raised an eyebrow. “Tony, you’re sure this isn’t disinformation?”
“I can’t confirm. Buckingham Palace seems to have fallen already. The Crusaders lifted London city’s magnetic field interference not long ago. I’d say the intel has a seventy to eighty percent chance of being true.” Iron Man’s voice held a grimace. “Steve, whatever you decide, it must be quick. Daylight isn’t far off. The enemy leader won’t remain spotted forever.”
“It likely is real. Hunters Irene and Sheena were probably pursuing that Nazi strike team,” Dr. Bruce adjusted his glasses thoughtfully.
“Very well. Tony, you, Dr. Bruce, and Natasha, investigate that location! But if enemy forces are overwhelming, retreat immediately. Enough people have died tonight.” Captain America’s mind raced, reaching a quick decision.
“Steve, what about you?” Iron Man started, blurting the question.
“I need to settle an old debt!” Captain America held up a hand, silencing objections. “I know what you might say. But this is my responsibility. It ends with me. No matter what happens, leave London at dawn. Proceed to the designated evacuation point.”
“Steve, I…” The Black Widow began, her face cold.
“Stop, Natasha. Clint wasn’t your fault; he made his choice. Besides, head-on combat isn’t your specialty – it might hinder me.” Captain America regained his steely resolve, nodded to his companions, and leaped from the building, racing towards the River of Death.
…
“Sir Lancelot! Good news!” Father Jack, carrying the radio pack, beamed as he removed his static-immune headphones. “The British Crown and government have surrendered to the Crusaders! London’s new Bishop pledges allegiance to the Vatican and vows to reform Anglican doctrine.”
“New Bishop? Heh. The Papal Chamber truly excels in shamelessness. Still… this suffices. Too many have died tonight!” The white-haired youth crossed himself, his calm words startlingly similar to Captain America’s own phrase.
“Sir, the Papal Chamber commands our withdrawal. We are not to proceed any further.” Father Jack suddenly hesitated, stammering slightly.
“Command? Hmph! Since when does the Papal Chamber command me?” Lancelot’s eyes held a sharp glint of contempt. He pointed a finger towards the night sky. “I serve the One beyond the vault, nothing else!”
“Sir, then you will…”
“Go back to the Church, Father. I shall return upon concluding affairs here.” Lancelot turned his gaze towards the nearing River of Death, his eyes hardening like frost. “That which stems not from the Lord’s Creation… must return to Dust. Dust to Dust, Ashes to Earth!”