Whatever the special move Cody used was called, it was effective. Big Boss' skin was extremely durable, but not impervious and invulnerable. Debris exploded outwards and the two stood in display to the entire world, a vicious, long-fought battle that should have been witnessed to be believed. 

Cody stood tall over his towering opponent, downed but not completely out, laying on the ground. The Anomaly of Light was victorious but was exhausted, physically and mentally - never mind the healing and recovery, no one can last this long, especially not just after the confrontation with Big Boss. His opponent was a charred remain of his former self. The radiant explosion had razed off his skin, hair and most of his musculature. His eyelids could not shade the bright light and his pupils now bore a grey colour, scorched completely, blinded permanently.

Big Boss was dying. No being could survive an focused explosion like that. He, however, had one final message before passing. 

"You fight without conviction. When you are not afraid to die, why live? How can you be any better than now, without the most powerful impulse of the spirit, the most inspiring motivation of all: the fear of death?" 

He raised his right arm, arching it back and attempting a swing at Cody for one last time. The momentum brought and twisted Big Boss' body in half. The blind, egoistic warrior seeking glory and victory died fighting.

No sooner than later, helicopters were circling the open casket of a building Cody blew up, spotlights on the Anomaly, preparing to fire. 

[hr]

The anchorages were almost coming apart from their holds, but with new ones being replaced by more incoming soldiers from the ceiling and high peripheral entrances, it was a continuing struggle. However, even if just one arm was freed, Gershwin would be freed. In the mean time, she breathed fire at more incoming soldiers behind Agent Caits. Flames bellowed from her eyes with an intensity that seemed to burn the soul if you stared too long.