After Ten Thousand Years!

"You pitiful humans are no match for my foul magics" he sneered. "You may have forgotten me while I slept, but you will be the first to rediscover that my wards make me invincible! I cannot be harmed by fire, and water refuses to drown me. The foulest poisons become sweet ambrosia in my mouth. Neither iron nor bronze, silver, gold, nor any beaten metal can pierce my skin. The flesh of man shrinks from me, and none can hold me lest he wither. My wards turn aside both beast and rope. With my wards as my shield your defiance is pitiful. Bow down and worship me or die."

"Got it. Have you ever heard of Baldur?"

"What manner of insolent inquiry is this? Obey my commands or suffer eternal torment."

"I'll take that as a no. Out of curiosity, did you ward yourself against lead?"

"Lead? That base material so worthless the alchemists strive ceaselessly to turn into gold that it may be of some use? Of course not. Lead cannot be made into a sword or spear such that it would be a threat to me." He paused, uncertain for the first time. "Why dost thou ask?"

"No reason" I said casually, flicking off my safety.

"I have risen once again! Tremble in fear humanity! I who have never been conquered have returned! No hand risen against me has ever succeeded! No blow intended to bring ruin to my flesh has ever so much as drawn blood! No man's strength sufficed to give me injury!"

"Master, I'm glad we've finally managed to revive you, but we must flee. The Hunters pursued us to this, your resting place. They will be here soon."

"Silence worm! I fear not any mere mortal. They will be the first to fall!"

"But master, the humans have changed while you slept. They have developed new and terrible weapons that may even be able to harm you!"

"Silence I said! A weapon's strength is only that of its wielder, and no human is strong enough to hurt me."

"But master..."

2 miles to the East. "Final check complete. M1A2 Abrams fully functional. Sabot round loaded, target acquired. Fire when ready."