And at that hour I was safe inside a non-magnetic room.

I know right well when the deed was done. There was a most terrific
earthquake. All about me, though I could see nothing at all, I could
hear buildings falling. The din was appalling.

At the same time the air was fairly shattered with the rattle of the
lightning. Never have I heard the like before. The rod had loosed the
wrath of the forces above our air!

And as suddenly the whole deafening storm ended. Perchance the rod was
destroyed by the lightning; I never went to see. For I know, the
electricity split the very ground apart. But I gazed out of a window in
the top of my palace, and saw that I had succeeded.

Not a soul but myself remained alive.

None but buildings made of the alloy were standing. Not only man, but
most of his works had perished in that awful blast. I, alone, remained!

I, Strokor, am the survivor! I, the greatest man; it were but fit that I
should be the last! No man shall come after me, to honor me or not as he
chooses. I, and no other, shall be, the last man!

And when Ave returns--as she must, though it be ages hence--when she
comes, she shall find me waiting. I, Strokor, the mighty and wise, shall
be here when she returns. I shall wait for her forever; here I shall
always stay. The stars may move from their places, but I shall not go!
For it is my intention to make use of another secret Maka taught me. In
brief--[Footnote: The record ends here. It may be that Strokor left the