This was the rune Korlic and Madawc relied on to vanguard against a Prime Evil. It granted them a form where half of all incoming damage was simply negated. Combined with Ignore Pain and the Primal Ancient rings provided by Bul-Kathos, they were immortal as long as they weren't killed in a single blow.
Madawc's hammer slammed down again!
The shockwave rippled outward, the merciless hammer-head crashing into Baal's domain of Destruction, shattering the rules of the Abyss inch by inch.
"Damn you, Nephalem!" Baal roared, extending a human-like arm to block the hammer.
The limb exploded into a mist of blood. Baal knew the only reason these two were so persistent was the laws being chanted by Johanna in the distance, but he wasn't foolish enough to waste breath complaining. He was already prepared to sacrifice his divinity for a chance at survival.
"Baal, do you have a complaint?" Tyrael's voice drifted into Baal's ear.
Baal ignored him. He hadn't sacrificed an arm just to block a hit. A Prime Evil's blood contained their very essence and will. That blood didn't go to waste; it sprayed all over Madawc, seeping into his pores.
Tyrael spoke because he was starting to have regrets. Auriel's interference had ruined his plan. He had intended to give the Aspect of Justice to Bul-Kathos to force him to deal with his own internal imbalance, thereby distracting him from the High Heavens.
But Auriel had ruined it. Bul-Kathos was growing too strong, too fast. Zoltun Kulle's laughter told Tyrael that something unexpected had happened inside the Soulstone. If Bul-Kathos continued to scale in power, the Archangels' preparations—especially regarding Leah's resurrection—might fail.
Madawc's body suddenly swelled. Baal understood Barbarian physiology perfectly. His blood was enough to corrupt the Striding Giant rune. He wanted Insanity. He wanted Madawc to push his strength so far past the limit that his physical defense would crumble.
Baal wanted to fight with more "magnanimity." Only by proving his threat could he ensure the Barbarians felt his "cooperation" was valuable later—like asking them to protect his soul from Diablo or Malthael.
"Bul-Kathos, how much longer will the war last?" Leah sobbed softly. Her tears had finally dried. She no longer wanted to carry the weight of the world; she just wanted to open a tavern and live out her simple dream.
"Soon, child."
Above Bul-Kathos's brow, Kanai's Cube began to spin rapidly. The ghostly blue light was now tinged with a visceral crimson. Bul-Kathos understood what Kulle had done.
He didn't stop him. It was beneficial. It was the price Andariel paid. If a Lord of Hell was going to be erased anyway, the Barbarians had no reason to refuse the spoils of war.
He could hear the thunder of footsteps. In the distance, the banners of the main army were visible. The battle was nearing its conclusion.
"Bul-Kathos, there is something you do not know," Tyrael said. Since the outcome seemed fixed, he sought to gain leverage elsewhere. He didn't wait for a reply. "Harrogath has secret tunnels. And right now, a demonic legion is about to pour out from the other side!"
Tyrael's gaze, hidden beneath his hood, was as sharp as a nail. Bul-Kathos felt a surge of irritation.
"Ha! Archangel! Treasure the time you have left where I still call you that. Do you think a Barbarian fears a fight?"
Bul-Kathos's voice was aggressive. Though he showed no outward sign of power, Tyrael knew the message had hit its mark. Otherwise, Bul-Kathos would have simply ignored him.
"Harrogath was built by Barbarians, but it has always been under the watch of the High Heavens," Tyrael announced, his voice booming over the sound of Madawc's hammer.
The moment Bul-Kathos spoke up, Tyrael had achieved his goal. Their voices would carry to the ears of the advancing army. The news would cause hesitation. Tyrael wasn't lying. Soon, the generals would have to choose: commit everything to killing Baal while the city fell into chaos, or split their forces and risk losing both.
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