“Humanity reached out to me, and I rejected it. It’s as simple as that.” Black boots appeared on Vergil’s feet, and he dug even deeper into the Earth. For all of Sam’s pulling, the rope did not budge. And Vergil didn’t even look like he was trying.

“I dunno,” said Sam. “Being human isn’t… so bad. I prefer my human parts to my… machines anyway!”

Sam gave it another yank. Vergil moved forward maybe half an inch.

“The path of the devil is the only path towards true power,” said Vergil.

“And power is a means to an end!” said Sam. “So what’s your end, here, Vergil?”

“My goals are none of your concern.” Vergil jerked the rope. Sam slid across the ground and reached the edge. The rising smoke burned his face and filled his eyes with tears. The edge gave way, he slipped, his foot dangled over the pit. His locust doppelganger pulled him back, but it was just barely enough. He was teetering now, he couldn’t get a good grip in. He clenched his jaw. Vergil was right. His goals were none of Sam’s concern. But…

Something about Vergil pissed him off.

- Ragnarust Round 2