Lost Ancient Relic [Private Training]

Challenge 2 through 12
Zombie Dimension
Day 1: Getting through Hell and Survive

Eric was teleported into another the wizard told him the challenge and the penalties of failing if he bitten then he'll have all the challenges all over again. Going through that durability challenge was painful for him the demon was smart but also in this dimension all his powers are gone, he was a normal human. The only thing he needed to do was find a weapon first before running or fighting these zombies head on. After entering the dimension, Eric started to see that he was in some sort of village, he started walking around seeing the villagers giving him that look like they wanted to do something. The weirdest they didn't look like zombie but something was wrong with their eyes everyone of the villagers had red eyes something was wrong here if he had his powers the demon would do something about it. Then some new report came on somebody's radio about a execution taking place somewhere within the village, Eric thought they have some strict laws here in this dimension. But one the kids started pointing at him then some of the other villagers didn't like the newcomer as most of them were thinking about killing them then their skin turned into a dead like color. One of them grab a machete, Eric sees it and rushes fighting the villager for the weapon the big villager tried overpowering the human. Eric had enough strength punching the guy in the gut and taking the weapon and slashing the guy's head off then the other villager started getting angry and started a gathering. They all have weapons now, Eric had one and he couldn't fight them all not in his condition and with his powers stripped he couldn't afford to be hurt not like this. He started running to a food hut and started locking the door the people were surrounding the house now the guy needed to escape some of them were going around back. Eric rushed into the security office looking for more weapons a machete wasn't going to do it against them dead looking assholes and then he saw a weapons locker. But as he tried opening the door it was locked with a security code as he started calming down looking for key card. He searched the place for a key card until the demon sees a charred body with fryboiled hand holding a key card, Eric grabs the keycard hearing the zombies trying to bust the front door. He started running to weapons locker.

Eric scans the key card to the weapons locker opening the door and then looking at the selection the demon didn't have time to enjoy it. He took a cyber shotgun, cyber magnum, two cyber handguns, a few grenades, weapons belt and a whole mess of cyber bullets and cyber shotgun shells. Before leaving the demon sees a red ruby within the bottom of the weapons locker taking it as he heard the zombies breaking the front door they wanted fresh meat. Eric bust out the back window of the hut running away loading the shotgun and the other weapons while running the zombie runners were after him too. He started aiming the zombie runners with the cyber magnum loaded blasting away the zombie runners killing them instantly even blowing off their limbs while running away. The zombie mob was coming right after him so the demon needed to run what he needed was plan to escape and regroup this would be a lot better with his powers but for now they been stripped because he wanted to rush through all the challenges. Eric started killing more zombie runners with the machete as the mob was coming now was time to lose these fools and then miles away he saw a bridge. He started running to bridge while slashing some zombie runners in the legs within the zombie mob something big was coming it was zombie bull mauling everyone which got in it way. The distraction came when the zombie bull attacked the zombie villagers they started attacking the bull ripping it apart eating at it flesh that was weird. An half hour later, Eric makes it to the bridge and runs across it with a handgun the demon shoots at the ropes then with his strength. The demon tears down the bridge as some of the villagers were cursing the interloper, Eric thought that was going to be a major fork in the road for them.

"Fucker.......COME BACK HERE SO WE ALL CAN HAVE OUR DINNER WITH YOUR BONES....YOU WON'T GET OUT ALIVE LIKE THE OTHERS, YOU AND THE OTHER MEATBAGS WILL SUFFER" Zombie Mauler said.

"We shall see peace muthafucker" Eric said.

The zombie talked about survivors within this dimension, Eric thought whoever they were they might prove useful with the challenge. All that he was worry about wa surviving this hellhole and making it to the final challenge so his powers were nullified here but his strength and other physical abilities were alright. Perhaps he could survive after all then as he was about to leave the demon notices a trip near his foot looking around their a few trick explosives nearby. The demon started running down the road making it a small hut checking his weapons before moving on just as he was about to leave. Eric was about to step into a beartrap this dimension had a lot of twists and turns at every corner the demon would have to be careful here the demon couldn't afford to screw up. He runs to village door and opens the big thing then closing it the demon makes it to a farm where a whole lot of zombie animals were fighting each other the door leading out of the farm was farm away. Eric was looking around then the demon saw a problem some zombie near the exit was holding seven chainsaws but some red ruby was around it neck what did that mean. Where these rubies some sort of test here??? Eric quickly yet silently made it to the farm house seeing a sniper rifle in the bedroom the blasting thing only had four rounds within it. The demon needed to make the shot count hopefully to blast the zombie freak head off the demon runs upstairs to the bathroom hearing a zombie human taking shower. He stops taking out the machete silently opening the door hearing the zombie moaning in the shower how can a dead freak learn how to turn on the hot water. He opened the shower curtain and started hacking the zombie until he started cutting off the thing's head off then the demon opening the bathroom window giving him a good view of the chainsaw zombie. The demon was only going to get one good shot as this show he needed to be patience and have good accuracy skill with this weapon the laying the sniper rifle in the window. He tried getting a good view with the scope trying to see the chainsaw zombie to obtain a good shot at it finally the zombie turned around and then he pulled the trigger. The long ass bullet quickly fired from the weapon blasting a fucking hole in the zombie's head then the zombie fell down to the ground but someone else was coming out of exit and the person looked human.

"HEY YOU! WHAT A MINUTE" Eric yelled.

Eric tried rushing out of the farm house running over to the exit to get some answers from the human but he was kinda freaking out after seeing his sister being eaten by a zombie. The hell kind of dimension was he in people were getting killed here but still he wanted to help trying to take a shine to his new heroic persona again. He tried helping the human back to his feet after looking through dead zombie seeing if he had any ammo that was the most important the freak had nothing good on him except another red ruby. He pulled out his first ruby find and then combine like two magnets this must mean something but the demon didn't know what but the demon placed it in his pocket. Eric and human lefted out the exit hoping to find anymore survivors they might help him in his task whatever it was he needed to stay here for 6 more days before leaving. He thought the wizard knew something about these challenges then again he might be the source of all this after he found that ancient relic in the ice caverns. Eric grabbed a chainsaw and then looked at it seeing that it had enough electric fuel to keep it running if he needed it, he looked if the coast was clear and everything was quiet meaning it was time to go. They both exit the farm but the human is attacked by a mad dog as the demon blasted it with a shotgun blast but the human was infected not knowing how long he had. Eric was worry about him because his wound was glowing then some zombies were from the ground and then started attacking the human. The demon thought this was bullshit but this was a weird dimension as he started running away fast as the zombie runners were chasing him. He blasted them hard killing them as he makes it to a house closing the door as the zombies started surrounding this felt like custard's last stand or something. Just by looking out the window their were about 200 of them how was he going to attack them with the weapons he had now if he had his powers then this would be a piece of cake. He was no fucking samurai it would take him too long to kill these freaks with the machete but the chainsaw could do the job quickly enough but the demon needed a plan. As he grabbed one of his grenades and he threw it outside and it exploded killing some zombies, Eric ran outside and attacked with the chainsaw killing as many zombies as he could. The demon went into a frenzy killing the chainsaw and slashing with machete doing this in a fast combo but they were still coming going in a rage. He attacked many of them killing 120 zombies and 80 zombies were still alive and the demon lost stamina getting tired shooting with his shotgun killign some more. This looked like the end until the demon heared some church bells then the zombies stopped the demon was wondering what was happening. All 50 zombies dropped their weapons and started walking slowly some basement then the demon realized what was happening the sun was rising the demon had made it. For some reason the zombies didn't like sunlight that much and that church bell must have been the signal to leave before the sun comes up like vampires the sun must be their weakness.

"Whew I made it" He thought.

The demon was relieved seeing that sunrise meaning the demon was going to live but the zombies were down in the basement of some house. They weren't going to come back alive as he grabbed the chainsaw and started his way the basement of a green house and started attacking all the zombies in a violent fashion.

"Ok the bitches of undead are now dead" He thought.

Challenge 2 through 12
Zombie Dimension
Day 1 Ending: Getting through Hell and Survive [Fifty Headed Zombie Golem Dragon]
Eric vs the Dragon
Eric vs The Wizard

Eric was resting for a bit until he heard a sound something was shaking the ground then he went back outiside to see was it was. Some dragon was flying around tring to bite the demon but still this was stupid the wizard had all the answers he needed the demon did obtain the demonic bible. He wasn't going to play this stipid games of this wizard but however this would be the chance to test how far his new abilities are now he couldn't fly or use any powers. The demon sees some metal throwing rods on the ground maybe he can kill the big sonuvabitch by throwing the spiky metal rods at the dragon. Eric ducks out of the way of the dragon's attack then grabbing the metal rod and throws it fast at the dragon hurting the monster's wing the beast stops and the the demon started shooting at it with the magnum. The dragon falls to the ground after one of the human heads were shot and then it seemed like the dragon was resting. Eric grabs the chainsaw and started hacking away as the human heads on the dragon faces noticing at out of maggots and worms were coming out of the thing. The dragon was recovering and then the demon decided to back off by getting little far away from the dragon then the dragon tried attacking again but failed. Eric aimed with the magnum and with that one shot he blasted the dragon in the eye causing it to fall right into one of the houses completely destroying the entire house. This was something else as the dragon heart was showing and then the demon started running and then stabbed in ithe heart with the chainsaw. The monster was in pain and then started blasting the human heads on the dragon's neck with the shotgun as a few shots blasting the human heads. Eric needed to reload noticing the dragon was recovering and then he attacked with the chainsaw forcing the dragon got back to sleep again while loading the shotgun.

"Yeah go to sleep, go to sleep.....Yeah you be quiet" Eric said.

Eric reloaded the shotgun and started blasting the human heads again but that wasn't working it seems the monster didn't need the human heads to survive. Something was wrong and then the demon noticing the monster's heart maybe that was the source and then the demon used the chainsaw to rip out the dragon flesh. With his strength, Eric managed to tear out the monster's heart and the damn thing was screaming giving a violent roar the monster was dying. Eric ran outside with his shotgun the dragon got back to it feet but it was crying and then it charged at the demon and the demon fired the shotgun round at the dragon's head then the thing was dead. The demon was angry now he wanted his powers and right now meaning that wizard was responsible for all this meaning if he defeats then this will all be over and perhaps the demon could move on to the final challenge. The demon demanded to fight the wizard these challenges were bullshit and he wasn't moving forward anymore these games could kiss his ass. The demon wanted power so he could help his friends and this wasn't helping him facing some weak ass monsters the demon wanted a higher challenge then this. The wizard appeared to move him into Day 2 of Zombie dimension but Eric punched him demanding the freak to end this and he wanted to face everything right now including the wizard. He would be damned to do six more days of killing zombies and this bullcrap the demon wanted what he came for and that was the final form of his demon powers.

"Alright you sonuvabitch I'll face you instead your games are boring me if defeating you leads to the final challenge so beat I'll face all your sick creations here and now but not for six damn days...I DON'T HAVE THE TIME OR THE PLACE TO BE DOING THAT NOT IN MY DEADLY SITUATION" Eric said.

"W...Why you? Alright so be it....You want to face me and my creations so be it demon you'll get your powers back but if you fail then that is it" Wizard said.

The wizard summoned his best monsters and then the demon felt his powers coming back full force transforming into his Shadow beast state. The wizard's monsters attacked the demon but they weren't a match against a shadow beast the demon managed to his body manipulation attacked the monsters all at once. The wizard thought this was unfair as the demon was slapping the monsters around like ragdolls, Eric was pissed over the fact that the wizard was fooling around with him not seeing the big picture. With a big fireball attack from his fire magic, Eric kills two of the summoned monsters then moving along with the last one with the big demon grabbed the monster with his right hand and started crushing the life out of the freak. The monster was screaming for help and the wizard had seen enough and started attacking Eric this was what the demon was waiting for, He overpowers the wizard slamming him to the ground. Eric waited the final challenge and if he had to beat the crap outta this wizard to do it so be it as the demon started pummeling the spellcaster with punches. The wizard couldn't believe he was being defeated and then tried shooting magic at the demon but it wasn't effective enough, Eric had enough of his games and wanted the final power immediately. Eric started throwing the wizard into some walls of some houses trying to extract the information that he wanted after some hours of torment and fucking beatdown the wizard had enough. He gave up and gave Eric some red rubys as he turned back to his normal state the demon combined all the rubys which formed a ruby like star hoping this would lead to the final challenge. The ruby star opened a dimension then saw two people waiting for him on the other side then the demon looks back at the wizard thinking he should have just given the ruby fragments all along.

"I don't like being tricked wizard or playing games but for what it worth I'm sorry I can't afford to playing with people and I need my powers NOW ALL OF THEM....I'm on the run and I don't believe some people would enjoy my company but I might join Hanako whatever she got cooking or the Yuudes.....not that it matters...again I'm sorry" Eric said.

Eric jumps through the portal taking him directly the final challenge where the fight of his very life begins....

Final Battle Prelude...
The Final Power Revealed

Through dimensional jumps, Eric took one last final trip the place looked familiar this couldn't be the same place because it looked like the place the demon holocaust took place. But why here??? The demon started seeing the rubies leaving his pocket an then they were signaling to follow this might lead to where to his great power still why in a terrible place like this. The last time he was here serveral demons were being killed for no reason by the iramasha clan which led to his hatred of the clan still someone was responsible and sooner or later. Eric will get justice for his fallen comrades but someone or something was far away it was the demonic bible but what was it doing here this must mean something. Within the demonic bible, Eric was given some instructions which he follow to the letter doing everything necessary then dropping a drop of blood on the ground. The rubies were forming around it then the demon saw a ball of blood forming as many demon souls started to engulf by it making it stronger. Eric started reading the demonic bible it said something about this but then reading the bible more it realized it needed something else which the magic ritual started taking his transformations all of them. The blood ball started getting stronger but what did this all mean then someone came from the blood ball and it started taking demon shape looking at the mad demon but it was someone he knew too well.....

"About time you showed up not that I did miss you and all but whatever all I need to do is defeat you and then the final battle between me and my former boss" Eric said.

"Well see Eric.....Let's see what you learned" Kade said.

Final Battle
The Final Power [Part 1: Old Memories]
Eric Zarathos vs Kade Hiroshima

This was too important to screw up now whatever the blood ball was creating it was source which led to Eric's final form now he''s have to defeat Kade Hiroshima first to make the ball evolve. The dark spells from the rubies he gathered with were empowering the blood ball the mad demon didn't know what was going on as the skies were turning red something was happening here within this dimension. He couldn't worry about that the mad demon needed to defeat his foe the last he was able to rid himself of his good half but he shouldn't have done it if he wanted power again. Eric was wondering if he defeats Kade he may have to absorb him back because just by thinking some idiot might use him against him in the future but right now it was go time. Kade transformed into his cyber state but the mad demon just realized the blood ball had absorbed his transformations this was going to be a fight that perhaps he won't be able to win after all. Eric charged tackling Kade but the cyber demon punched Eric hard in the face sending him crashing into a wall the cyber demon was strong, Eric refused to believe it. Eric tried attacking again but the cyber demon overpowers him slamming him to the ground maybe the cyber demon didn't take the rejecting from the last time likely. Eric was shock beyong belief since where did he obtain such strength like that then the demon thought of something the cyber demon did have some weaknesses he forgot all about those weaknesses. He needed to figure which rune to attack withim just as the mad demon was trying to figure out what rune to use the cyber demon attacked with the teleport bomb punch knocking the mad demon into a window of an abandoned building. Still, Eric was in pain this good hearted clone of him was using some of his attacks against him which the mad demon would use in transformed states however the cyber demon didn't have his shadow beast form. Kade was charging up for an attack and then the mad demon needed to act fast trying to find desperately which rune to attack him with. The demon couldn't summon Lucifer Sinn because the dragon been already summoned once he leaves the dimension the dragon will still be within the caverns. The damos and blunto runes were his best bet into taking this good clone down but still this felt wrong but he needed to obtain his final demonic transformation powers and he needed to beat the cyber demon. Kade started with dragon's final honor attack attacking with the spirit as mad demon used shadow movement to get out of the way still that was close. Eric noticed Kade was breathing hard that took at lot out of him the mad demon needed to focus the willpower and allow to damos rune to connect with him. The damos rune was active it power started to glow red and the mad demon fired the super elemental blast of fire right at the cyber demon blasting the cyborg demon into a wall. Kade was slow on getting up and then tried used the affinity of hell ability getting ready for another attack now the mad demon had to be ready for him.

Kade fired an augmented Devil's Lightning Fireball directly but the blast actually hit the mad demon in his left shoulder wounding him badly, Eric thought he couldn't fight someone like this the cyber demon was strong. Still, Eric wanted to win this battle but still the full out battle would take too long the mad demon couldn't just use brawn the man who uses his head can always defeat the man who uses his hands. The demon thought of using the new blood eyes technique thinking about using true deception on the cyber demon which he did. The fake Eric was bleeding bad while the real one was hiding unseen even his power was unseen waiting for the cyber demon to attack the fake. Kade started charging the affinity of hell once again using the black inferno blast blasting the mad demon but actually cyber demon defeated a fake mad demon. Eric was right behind the cyber demon focusing his willpower into the damos rune creating an elemental bomb blasting the cyber demon in the back of his head. Kade was dumbfounded the cyber demon thought he defeated the mad demon where did he come from, Eric was wondering why he had the shock look in his eyes something like he didn't expect it at all. Kade was wounded badly from the attack bleeding bad as he tried attacking with another teleport bomb punch as the mad demon's senses kicked in the mad demon needed to find some way of defeating the cyber demon. Kade started with the Augmented Shadow Dark Claw but he couldn't focus where the mad demon was the cyber demon was losing too much blood. Eric was thinking the cyber demon was done now he needed to do is defeat his good doppleganger of his past life but something didn't feel right because a long time ago this was him.

"I'm not finished yet.....Ouch you have learned some new tricks didn't believe you would get the best of me again but you seemed to be stronger then me" Kade said.

"Give up already their is no point to this we're both the same somewhat you must know this is pointless; Why don't you give up already? I don't want to hurt you please this isn't right not even to me...I once was in your shoes....even I knew better" Eric said.

"You should know better I don't even consider that until I'm sure that I haven't given it my all the best of my abilities even though my opponent is stronger a mad demon like me....NEVER BACKS DOWN" Kade said.

"Hmph, I would say the same thing.......Ok let's end this Kade Hiroshima" Eric said.

They both started getting into their fighting stances waiting for the sign for the final strike they both waited quietly, Eric didn't want to come to this. Kade was thinking he could still win this despite him bleeding a whole lot he could use the Augmented Shadow Dark claw once again. Then the rock felt to the ground and they both attack Kade with his Shadow claw and Eric with his Exodus fist both attacks hitting their mark both warriors were on opposite sides. Eric falls to one knee but the cyber demon falls to the ground the mad demon rushed to him wondering why the cyber demon only attacked his arm. Even though Eric was the real Kade Hiroshima the mad demon did feel sorry for this clone because everything about him was what he lost now he feels sorry for rejecting him long ago. Kade was coughing up blood and crying but he saw Eric in a whole new light something after the last time something he noticed different about the mad demon.

"Why?" Eric said.

"I still refused to believe you haven't turned evil something about you has changed hasn't it your not as evil from before when you rejected me...cough cough....Your focused again seeing the big picture....Don't forget who you are your the real Kade Hiroshima a grieving father in pain over the loss of his daughter and his wife......Get the bastards responsible and then maybe you can answer for your crimes just maybe theit spirits can ultimately forgive you.....the most important thing here is.....After you find people responsible and destroy them make their lives hell.......you need move on with your life and get past.......t...this....you can't dwell on this pain forever...Please for my sake...Find peace......Once your rage and vengeance is complete....start....anew" Kade said.

Kade dissapeared and the blood ball started gaining a form but it wasn't completed yet still the mad demon was kinda sadden over that. The last time was painful for him hopefully he'll never have to do that again the clone was right he needed to find peace; Hanako's words linger within his mind. Something she said about justice connected with him the demon didn't want to use the dark kanji enegry until he could control it. The blasted power made him insane killing everything would stood in his way and yet the power overwhelm him turning him into something he didn't want to be but the worse was over thanks to a friend. Eric defeated his doppleganger but the worse was yet to come someone else was here and it was another demon no better yet the lord of the mad demons. Someone who was defeated by a powerful demon long and he was reason why Eric journey throught this dimension the mad demon was earned his power. The true lord of the mad demons Syn, if Eric defeats him he'll earn the title of lord of the mad demons this was his chance to earn his final demon transformation.

"Syn" Eric said.

"Eric Zarathos, I've been expecting you" Syn said.

Final Battle
The Final Power [Part 2: New Form Emerges]
Eric Zarathos vs Syn

This was the first time the mad demon ever met up with the lord of the mad demons like this but by defeating him, Eric will earn his title and all the lord's mad powers. He had his reasons for defeating the lord of the mad demons, Eric was in a deadly situation and by defeating this lord and obtain his powers he'll have a better chance of fighting any enemies will come his way. He got in his fighting stance waiting for the mad lord to come down and face him, Syn was looking his warrior the person he trained so long ago this was a great mad warrior. Syn wanted what this mad demon had learned from his years from being a student under the mad lord's care teaching him various powers. Eric had no choice but he wanted to win and reach the final transformation could he use the dark kanji power it would aid him battle so the mad demon would only use it one time. Syn charged attacking the mad demon with some hard fists and body blows so the mad demon used the power of the dark kanji getting stronger. He started thinking of thoughts to calm his mind about his family and creating a new one then the demon was stronger feeling the power augment him. Eric blocked the body blows of the mad lord going on the offensive beating him hard, Syn was wondering where the mad demon got this power from because it was hurting him. Eric overpowers the mad lord attacking him in the face with a barrage of punches weakening his defenses for the most part. Syn started to unleash his energy sword and started swinging causing some harsh wounds on Eric's body but not enough to hurt him but the mad demon blocked the sword slash to the face. The mad demon lands one hard Exodus fist to the face knocking the mad lord's lights out then th mad lord transform into his dragon form and started glowing even growling. Dragon Syn unleashed a fireball blast from his mouth the mad lord didn't believe the mad demon would be this strong as he went for a violent slash from his claw hands. The mad demon blocks the attack using the shadow claw technique slashing off the dragon's claws leaving them a bloody mess, Eric was in no mood to play around not anymore at least and not with dark kanji power. The mad demon could feel it corrupting his mind meaning he needed to take down the mad lord now as the mad lord was charging for his ultimate fire eruption blast. He couldn't give up not like this everything he cares about will be lost to him and still he won't go down that dark path again not ever. For the first time, Eric has something that he wants to protect again and that being his own stepson as he gets back to his feet and then goes for the shadow claw techniqie again slashing the dragon's gut.

He flies upward and knocks the big behemoth to the ground as the mad lord reverts back to his normal form and then the mad demon powers down from the dark kanji the mad demon almost lost control there. Syn unsheaths his sword giving it to Eric telling him what must be done aas he lays their smiling at him, Eric still didn't want to do this but for power it must be done this was the way of the mad demon to die honorably in battle. Eric stabs Syn in the chest having no regrets as the mad demon was crying the mad lord pass on his dark knowledge in the mad demon the final challenge was over but nothing happens. The demonic bible said something would happen and nothing did not the mad demon was thinkng about Hanako's offer about the Yuudeshi clan and answering for his crimes after all. Kade picked up Syn's body and then demonic power started to leave the mad lord and enter within the mad demon then the blood ball quickly enters the mad demon's body. Weird energies were forming inside the demons as something was happening within Eric's mind teleporting him inside a shadow dimension where all his fallen friends were gather as spirits. Eric was wondering what was going on.....

"Hello Eric" Takae said.

"Takae?? What the hell is this? I wanted the demonic bible to unlock some of my old powers what the hell is this.....I've defeated the former lord of mad demons shouldn't I gain the power already" Eric said.

"Why do you want vengeance? Kade Joshua Hiroshima is someone I love and still do haven't you thought maybe you should try to start over.......What we had was beautiful to me and our daughter but haven't you thought you should try to find your happinesss again???" Miyuki said.

Eric was crying......

"I don't want to say this not to you but........I will by demon god you didn't deserve to die not like that.....THAT WAS THE DEATH OF KADE HIROSHIMA WHEN YOU DIED....I owe it to myself and well as you and my fallen friends all of you to seek not only vengeance is burning in my dark soul but justice which is the right thing to do" Eric said.

"Then it's time...You are ready for my power not take it mad demon and awaken the beast within you" Syn said.

Eric reappeared in the icy caverns as black energy was flowing within feeling something awakening inside of him this was it. The demonic bible was empowering him with magic giving him enough strength to awaken the hidden power then the mad demon yelled in pain. An violent earthquake started erupt the ground as red lightning started cracking down from the skies something was happening which was felt all around the whole world. Eric transformed into his final form unleashing the beast....


"Yes, I've done it the lord of mad demon's power is my own all of my transformation powers are nothing compared to this....Now I do believe I'm ready to face the music" He thought.