"I'm sorry." Vega apologized, speaking to his son, daughter-in-law, the Khans, BJ, and the Slayer.

Despite the presence of two Marauders and a small army of Hell Knights and Revenants, things turned out reasonably well. Speaking of the Hell Guards, the Slayer dealt with, much like the Cyberdemon, they were pulled back to earth by the sister demons before getting his hands on them. That is when the Khans sent him to Urdak to assist the others. But now, as things were calm and getting back to normal, Vega felt the need to take full responsibility for what transpired here.

"...For...what, father?" Lucifer questioned with a raised brow, finding this suddenly apology strange.

"I'm wondering that too...you act as if any of this is your fault..." The Slayer said.

"I should've taken more measures to ensure something like this wouldn't happen." He clarified.

"Forgive me for being so blunt, sir. But that's bullshit." BJ told him, "I cannot tell you how many times I and the resistance were blindsided or ambushed. We did everything we could to go undetected, thought of every possible outcome, but sometimes the enemy manages to acquire information or advantage we have no way of knowing about. The only thing we can do after it's all said and done is pick ourselves up and get things back on track. Standing our feeling sorry for ourselves and apologizing for shit that isn't anyone's fault is pointless." He said.

"So...none of you are angry with me then?" Vega asked, "Because I am more than willing to take the blame here. Any anger you feel or fingers you want to point, I have no issue with receiving them." He assured.

Receiving a shake of everyone's heads in response allowed Vega to breathe a sigh of relief as all the tension he felt went away.

"Oh...thank you. Truly, that is a heavyweight off of my mind." He told them before looking at the Khans, "My dears. If you could, please inform us as to where we are overall." He requested.

"Of course, father." The seventh Khan replied before proceeding, "First, the damages. Surprisingly it is mainly isolated to the Slipgate and its facility. A few corridors also need repairs, but because of the Slayer and his allies' timely arrival, they prevented things from becoming much worse. As for Urdak, although many Maykrs were unfortunately slain, all of their souls were left alone by the Cyberdemon. Meaning, for those here who aren't familiar with our realm, that their spirits were returned to the reincarnation chamber. Which, brings us to a rather strange section of damages.

We're all aware that the Cyberdemon's ultimate goal was to try and retrieve the Dark One's power. However, before moving towards its location, he took a brief detour to the reincarnation chamber. Yet he refrained from destroying it entirely, only the technology that allows us to create new physical forms for our kind. Other than that, the only damages worth mentioning are those received from the battle with the unknown demon type and the battle waged in the soul sphere's containment facility. All of which are minor." She stated.

"Hm, it makes sense why his attack on the reincarnation chamber was brief. The Cyberdemon is a brute as he is a surprising intellectual. He understood what he was looking at immediately when he discovered it. But because his time was limited, he targeted the essential components of the structure as a whole before resuming his search." Vega explained.

"Does this mean those poor Maykrs won't be able to return for some time?" Lillith inquired, concerned for the deceased.

"Indeed. However, we are VERY fortunate the Cyberdemon stopped where he did. If he ventured further into the chamber, he would've found the Blood Maykrs. I shudder to imagine what he might've done if they'd been found," He replied.

"I assume their deployment's going to take longer now, though. What with the chamber temporarily out of commission." BJ suggested.

"Thankfully, no. Their bodies are complete. I only need to give them souls, and they'll be ready for use." He said.

"That's good...but now...we should talk about the major casualty they've caused us..." The Slayer decided.

"Ah yes, Samur." He acknowledged, his voice becoming heavier and somber.

"Father, is Samur alright?" One of the Khans asked, all of them intensely concerned for his well- being, yet for some reason, Vega denied them from seeing him.

"He is...in a rather difficult state at the moment." He began, "Not only was he impacted by a potent blast of corrupt energy at close range. This is FAR different than what happened with Sir Pentious in the hotel six months ago." He informed.

"How so?" Another Khan questioned.

"A Lost Soul possessed Sir Pentious; the detonation of energy from that creature was a type that all demons from Doom possess. But the energy that struck Samur which was also used to control miss Eldritch via the parasite inside her, that came from one of the Marauders." He revealed.

"The sisters?..." The Slayer inquired.

"Most likely. I suspect the Cyberdemon had them control her while giving directions since he is their leader. But another piece of evidence that supports this theory brings us back to the energy used. A vile trap only masters of the arcane arts like them could conjure. Regardless of the safeguards, we have in place to ensure no souls may leave this facility, what they've afflicted our dutiful Serpah with is a tether of sorts. Regardless of how we heal him or where his body is, the moment his soul grows weak enough, they will pull through any space into their waiting hands." He explained, "Additionally, the power is eating away at his body. And we're unable to cleanse him due to how long it was allowed to fester before the Wretch arrived. Meaning in his current form, it's only a matter of time until he expires." He added.

"If that's true, then why aren't we allowed to see him?!" A third Khan asked, "We should be at his side as he's always been for us! We should be helping the Wretch to keep him out of the Dark One's clutches!" She exclaimed.

"I understand how worried all of you are. But please know that I wouldn't keep you away unless it were already taken care of." He promised.

"Sir Pentious and Vox?..." The Slayer asked, "I noticed they weren't in Urdak...along with Stolas..." He said.

"Correct. Once you secured things here and left to help the others, those three began assisting the Wretch in saving Samur's life." Vega confirmed.

"Father, forgive me if I sound like an idiot. But while I understand Pentious and Vox's involvement for they're geniuses, why is Stolas helping them when he is in no way an inventor or scientist?" Lucifer asked.

"The Wretch's powers are limited due to his reliance on his suit, which protects him from the Dark One. And while all three of those men are fast workers, they wouldn't have been able to outpace the decay of Samur's body. Stolas's training and the recent acquisition of Argent energy made him the perfect choice to stall the degradation of his flesh while they do what they must." He answered.

"So, that means that the solution to Samur's dilemma is unorthodox?" BJ inquired.

"Indeed. However, I commend all three of them for their creativity and resourcefulness. It is for those reasons Samur will remain where he belongs, with us." He said, "Now, that should be all that needs to be covered. Are there any more questions?" He asked.

A brief moment of silence took place as everyone considered this, and eventually, Lilith realized she had one more thing she wanted to know about.

"Father." She spoke, addressing him how he wanted her to, "You mentioned Helsa; what happened to her?" She inquired.

"I...would prefer it if I didn't share any information now." He admitted, catching them by surprise, "You see, unlike Sir Pentious, the demons had no reason to keep Helsa after she served her purpose. Her intelligence isn't to the same degree as his, so that means she wouldn't be of any use in creating new weapons or demons for them. Compared to the Marauders, who currently lead the Dark One's forces, her powers are leagues apart from theirs. And now that we know she was being controlled by them, she wouldn't be of any use as a spy." He explained, "What this has to do with what became of her, that's simple. As the Khans shared, these facilities' only damage was isolated to the Slipgate. And just like in Urdak, a safeguard was put in place so that if anyone were to die, with Samur's case being the exception, their souls would be kept here." He told them.

"Which would mean that the demons released her soul." Lucifer realized, his eyes widening from surprise.

"Yes. So we have it. Or, to be more precise, I am." He specified, "And before you ask any questions, I must inform you that Helsa has endured a GREAT deal of suffering. Both at the hands of Valentino and the Marauders. A brief glimpse into her soul revealed trauma so plentiful and depraved it broke my heart. This poor girl has been through more than any of her past transgressions would justify such punishment. Before anyone else can see or speak to her, I will take care of her. I feel as though I am the only one capable of mending her soul." He said.

"Verosika, Stella, and maybe even Octavia will want to see her...possibly Gabriel as well..." The Slayer mentioned.

"I know. And I will accept any anger or objections they have to this arrangement. But just as I have with the Khans, I wouldn't be doing this unless it was necessary." He replied, "But that is something I will have to deal with myself. Is there anything else we need to talk about?" He asked.

"Kind of." BJ spoke up as he summoned the spear of destiny, "We captured that demon's soul, and Will says we need to examine it. How're we going to do that?" He asked.

"Take it to, Azrael. She can easily examine it without removing the soul from the spear. Ensuring that the demon has no chance to escape." Vega answered.

"What should we do?" Lucifer asked.

"The Khans will resume examining the people from the banquet. I feel as though at this point, we can be sure there aren't any parasites left, but we shouldn't leave that to chance. As for you and your wife, I think it'd be best if you went and checked on your daughter. A lot has happened since you last saw her." He answered.

"Come with us...we'll make a quick stop at Urdak..." The Slayer offered. "Thank you, Will. That's very considerate of you." Lilith accepted with a smile.

And with that, everyone knew what they were going to do. Vega opened a portal for the four of them before leaving himself to attend to Helsa, while the Khans begrudgingly went to continue the examinations, accepting that Samur would have to wait.

Elsewhere...

"..."

"..."

"..."

"...Everything seems to be working..." "..."

"..."

"...We need to be sure. If we make one mistake, this will all be for nothing..." "..."

"..."

"...Oh, don't worry so much, Wretch. I understand you're worried, but have faith in your and our abilities. With our minds combined, we can build anything!..."

"..."

"..."

"...Alright, this is it. Samur, if you can hear me right now, please know this is the best we could do given the circumstances..."

A few mechanical whirs, fingers tapping away at a terminal screen, and a low yet calming hum of what sounded like ventilation. These sounds welcomed Samur back to the land of the living before his sight returned, already easing his soul that his companion was successful. But when his vision was back, he saw not only the Wretch standing in front of him but Sir Pentious, Vox, and a worried-looking Stolas as well.

"Hey there! Can you see us?" Sir Pentious asked.

"...Y...Yes..." He answered, "F...Forgive...if...I sound...strange...this...ordeal...drained me..." He

explained.

"You have nothing to be sorry for, mister Samur." Stolas assured with a comforting smile, "You're a survivor. Although some merit is to be given for my healing abilities, the strength of your soul was a sight to behold!" He praised.

"Agreed. But that is to be expected coming from a Seraph." Vox pointed out. "How...how did you...save me?..." He asked.

"It wasn't easy. As we feared, there was no way to stop your body from withering away." The Wretch began, "However, to my elation when I arrived with you in arm at the facility, these three were waiting for me." He informed while gesturing to the trio, "Together, we worked as swiftly as anyone could. As Stolas kept you stable, we used the materials and technology stored at this location to construct a new body. Unfortunately, none of us know anything regarding the method used to transfer the creator and the Khans' souls into a digital form or space. And we've never had to try and put a soul into a non-organic body. So, we were left with only one option: remove your brain from the original and put it into this one. All the while, Stolas ensured you wouldn't die during this process. And as for how the decay has been halted now, your new body is powered by Argent. All four of us provided the required energy to get it started but know that it is self- sufficient. You won't have any need to recharged or something similar." He explained.

Needing a few seconds so all of that information could sink in, by the end, there was only one question Samur needed to ask.

"May...I see...what I look like?" He requested.

"Of course!" Sir Pentious responded before slithering away by a small distance, "We also made this full-body mirror as we knew you'd want to look at yourself!" He revealed as he brought the item over.

Once positioning in front of him, Samur was astounded by what he saw. It is an intimidatingly tall robotic form, bipedal in body structure, with long arms and legs to serve its limbs. As for the finer details, the body was primarily pure white, his chest was round and large in shape, and his head had some resemblance to his original, even possessing only a single blue optic to serve as his eye.

"Hehehe, I see you've made me terrifying." He joked with a low chuckle.

"We thought you'd want to be imposing. The kind of body that when it steps into a room, no one can keep from looking at it." Vox informed.

"I think it's rather sophisticated myself. I may not be a wizard with technology as these three are, but it's so sleek and elegant." Stolas commented.

"Agreed. Given the conditions all of you had to work under, this is remarkable." He praised.

"And! As a bonus! Your voice now has a badass robot filter! Courtesy of me, as I know the importance of presentation." Sir Pentious boasted proudly, which made him chuckle some more.

"Thank you. All of you. I am forever grateful." He told them, "But now that we've marveled at this body, we should return to the others." He decided.

"Agreed. There is much we must discuss." The Wretch replied.

"Are you sure you'll be able to do that so soon, Samur? Your Maykr body had no legs. Can you

walk?" Vox asked.

Choosing to show rather than tell, Samur quickly walked from where he stood to one of the room's entrances.

"Of all the things a Seraph such as I can do, did you really think walking be such a challenge?" He asked before moving into the connected corridor.

Both happy and amused to see how quickly Samur was taking to his new body, the others followed him without any more worries.

Meanwhile, On The Sentinel Homeworld...

"Oooooh. I hope everyone's okay..." Nifty worriedly said as she paced back and forth.

Those that stayed with the Sentinels were her, Husk, Azrael, Loona with Daisy, Octavia, and Stella. While the rest of their group went off to help the Slayer deal with whatever new crisis had emerged, they decided to clean up after lunch to keep their minds busy rather than worrying. Oh, and as for Blitzo, who was absent from all of this, he was still unconscious in the arena from the thrashing Katie had given him.

"Keep that up, and you'll walk yourself straight into the ground." Husk warned as he took a sip from one of his many gifted bottles of liquor.

"That, or your legs will get tired of walking back and forth and abandon you." Azrael joked with a smile, finding Nifty's concern to be adorable.

"I can't help it!" She whined, only making her cuter, "I know everyone's been training, and Will's with them, along with his awesome grandpa and the Wretch. But still..." She said.

"Hey, I get it." Loona spoke up, getting her attention, "I know I give'em shit all the time, but Millie and Moxxie are out there too. And if something happened to them, I'd...be bothered to put it mildly." She confessed, doing her best not to get sappy about it, "But honestly, with those three badasses fighting alongside them, there's NO chance they'll get hurt." She reasoned.

"Yeah, plus Gabriel's there too," Octavia chimed in.

"See, Nifty? There's nothing to worry about." Husk told her as he took another sip, "So, just have a seat and stop worrying yourself to death." He added.

Although she wanted to continue pacing about, she did as her friend suggested and sat across from him at the table. Thankfully, she wouldn't need to sit there for long, as after another five minutes, a portal appeared next to them.

"Oh, Gabriel!" Stella greeted as the archangel came through, even going so far as to rise from her seat and walk over to him, "Are you alright? The demons didn't hurt you, did they?" She asked.

"Not at all. In truth, I only dealt with two. The Slayer and his grandfather handled far greater numbers than me." He answered, "I must admit, though, I didn't think you'd be so worried about me." He told her.

In response, Husk started whistling a specific tune that plays at a particular kind of ceremony, usually involving bells. But before Stella or anyone else could react to it, the Slayer and BJ exited

the portal allowing Gabriel to close it.

"Will!" Nifty greeted as she hurried over and gave him a hug, "Is everyone okay? No one's hurt, right?" She asked.

"Yeah...they're just tired...adrenaline dump..." He answered before looking towards Loona, "How's Daisy? Did she give you any trouble..." He asked.

"Pfft, you kidding? She's more of an angel than Gabriel is." She answered while gently patting the lapin on the head.

"Excuse me, Azrael." BJ spoke to the angel of death, "We encountered a new demon on Urdak. I've got its soul inside the spear. Could you examine it for us?" He requested.

"Sure thing. That'd be no trouble at all." She replied with a smile.

Walking to her while summoning the weapon, he handed it over when he was within arm's reach.

"Alright, now let's see..." She began as she closed her eyes to focus, "Hmm...this creature is repulsive...an insatiable desire for suffering and to satiate its wants...I see a name, surprisingly...it's..." She stopped there, her whole body tensing up after.

"Sister? Is something wrong?" Gabriel asked, noticing immediately.

"...It's...Valentino." She revealed while opening her eyes.

"W-What?!" Octavia questioned as she rose from her seat. Even with his soul being confined to the spear, it still scared the shit out of her.

"Hmph...they transformed him into a monster...I guess his recent defeat at Gabriel's hands didn't go over well with them..." The Slayer said.

"He...He can't get out, right?...He...He's trapped inside, right?" Octavia asked, starting to hyperventilate a bit.

"Sweetie, it's okay." Stella hushed as she hurried to her daughter's side, "It's alright. He can't hurt you. Right, Gabriel?" She asked.

"You're correct. He can't do anything at all; his soul is in a limbo that only BJ may release him from." He promised, "However, this does present us with an opportunity to learn more about the demons' operations. BJ, if you would follow me, please. And be sure to bring the spear." He instructed.

"I'm guessing we're about to have a pleasant chat over coffee with the bastard?" BJ suggested as Azrael handed him back the weapon.

"Oh yes. It will be most pleasant." He replied.

With the spear of destiny in hand, both men left the dining hall, leaving the Slayer and the others to help comfort a still shaken Octavia.