Apocalypse: Inhuman Ascension

While Leon's action might have looked rash, it was actually taken after careful thinking. He understood the dangers of a Soul Weapon.

With that single equipment, the Godzilla could heal itself, then raise its combat prowess to a point it neared the fifth-level.

He absolutely couldn't allow the monster to utilize it. However, it wasn't that simple to stop the process. Godzilla already created a lightning dome around itself, ensuring no one would be able to enter and interrupt it.

Among the third-level evolved, Leon was the only one with the highest defense. His armor, coupled with his Silver Hide attribute, could allow him to survive in the lightning dome. Although he wasn't exactly sure how to interrupt the process, he'd improvise when it reached that point.

Ignoring the cries of his subordinates, he dashed into the lightning dome. Instantly, he felt a stinging pain course through him. Arcs of blue lightning snaked across his skin, trying to break through his defense and wreck his system.

Leon grunted, his steps faltering, but he forced himself to remain steady. Bearing through the pain, he ran towards the Godzilla who was quietly waiting for its injuries to heal.

Sensing a lifeform approaching it, the monster turned towards Leon. Its blue eyes glinted with subtle intelligence, then it roared. The intensity of the lightning inside the dome intensified, forcing the Red Wings Leader to his knees.

"Ughh-!"

Leon's purple eyes widened as veins bulged on his head. The pain was agonizing, and he could feel his flesh peeling off.

'Haa… so irritating…'

He growled, then struggled to his feet. Ignoring the fact that his armor's durability had dropped to less than a hundred, he continued making his way towards the surprised Godzilla.

Still bathed in lightning that slowly ate away his flesh, he began climbing the humongous body of the monster.

The journey was slow and agonizing. However, as an evolved, he quickly arrived at the monster's neck, then fell into deep thoughts.

'What do I do…? I don't even know how to interrupt it. Pull the crown away? I'm not sure that's even possible.'

He looked back, unable to see the world outside the blue dome. His subordinates must have been worried sick, especially his sister.

'I have to think of something!'

He was the one who had brought them to this battle. He was absolutely sure that they would be wiped out if he couldn't stop this monster.

'Damn it!'

For the first time since the apocalypse started, he felt a rush of negative emotions. Panic, fear, anger, indignation, and helplessness.

It felt strange, like a new liquid being poured into a cup. He had surely felt these feelings before, yet they felt new.

He opened his eyes, a cold glint in them. In those purple irises, the Godzilla's green essence crystal reflected.

In a burst of determination, he jumped onto the head, then tightly pulled at the crystal. Sensing his futile attempt, the monster snorted. From the crown atop its head, another bolt of lightning struck Leon's hand, incinerating the flesh and revealing his bones.

Even then, Leon refused to let go. He strained his muscles, pulling with every ounce of his strength.

At first, the Godzilla remained disdainful towards his attempt. However, after sensing its crystal shifting, it let out a low whimper. Another lightning bolt struck Leon directly, breaking his armor into pieces.

Immediately, the Damage Repel activated. Another energy blast, similar to the lightning bolt, passed through Leon's hands and struck the flesh around the crystal.

Instantly, the resistance he faced weakened, and he pulled sharply.

Pa! ROOAAARRR!!!

Accompanied with the sound of something tearing, the monster's agonized roar spread through the whole of Pittsburgh.

Having its energy source ripped out, the monster collapsed. Strength was drained from its body in great quantity, and the crown on its head turned dormant.

Boom!

As soon as the Godzilla crumpled to the ground, the lightning dome fully dissipated. The monster's condition was revealed, alongside Leon's horrifying figure.

At first, everyone was surprised and elated at the monster's fall, then their eyes widened upon spotting Leon.

Several patches of his skin had been burnt off, revealing pale tendons or even bones. His left cheek had been totally charred, revealing his teeth.

Leon sighed, feeling a heavy exhaustion through him. The Godzilla was still alive, though its strength had plummeted heavily. He closed his eyes, then struck at the head.

BANG!

The portion he struck exploded, destroyed by the force of Null Impact. Finally, the light in the monster's eyes dimmed, giving everyone relief.

Just then, Leon felt an inexplicable sense of danger approaching him. He forced his battered body to turn, only to see a sight that was seared into his memory.

Cassie, his sister, stood close to him, an horrified expression on her face. Her arms had been severed, blood dripping from the stumps.

"Eh?"

Leon was stunned, thinking he was dreaming. He had already killed the greatest threat, ensuring no one was injured. How could his sister suddenly become armless?

"Ah…"

A soft groan escaped her lips, shattering his thoughts. It was no dream, as Cassie was truly injured.

"Cassie!"

Anna's panicked scream tore through the silence, followed by a whistling sound. Leon looked behind his sister, then spotted a creature that sent shivers down his spine.

It was Sophia from the Saber Fangs. Her body remained the same, however, her head had split into four parts with sharp edges. Her neck elongated, turning into tentacles that held the four parts of her head.

A single eye opened on her throat, staring at Leon with undisguised possessiveness. Those sharp blades her head had turned into were responsible for cutting Cassie's arms.

At first, 'she' had wanted to attack Leon in his weakened state, then possess his body. However, Cassie had spotted the change in the woman, and threw herself to protect Leon. In the end, 'her' attack hadn't reached 'her' target, but instead amputated the blonde girl's arms.

Still dazed, recognition flashed in Leon's eyes at the sight of the creature.

"Ah… a Parasite."

As soon as Leon said those words, his vision turned red, then he lost consciousness.