Part 85

Ishtaros is a very fast and tough boss with attacks from all ranges. You'll need your best skills to defeat her quickly.

Ishtaros has several painful attacks: Fiend Rush, Laser-Beam Cannon, Whiptail Spin, Whiptail Lasso, and High Heel Stomp.

She is the only boss that can counterattack Ryu. Most of her attacks are long-ranged.

If you stay far away, she will either Rush at you or use laser beams. Trying a Flying Swallow attack will result in her whipping you out of the air.

When Ishtaros takes significant damage, she jumps into the air, lassos herself around the arena, and uses a homing kick.

Avoid all aerial attacks on Ishtaros and focus on an up-close approach. The key is to prevent her long-range attacks by engaging her in one-on-one combat.

When standing next to Ishtaros, she will use melee attacks. Evade these and roll next to her for a hard combo, preferably the Blade Of The Dragon's Tail combo.

If she falls for the trick, she will take significant damage. If she anticipates the move, she will counter with her knee.

Even if she counters, continue to stay close and use the Blade Of The Dragons Tail combo to dramatically reduce her health.

When she jumps to lasso the arena, wait for her to complete one full spin to avoid her. Quickly charge the True DragonSword for a Gleaming Blade attack as she uses her homing kick. Unleash the Gleaming Blade just before she lands.

Continue this tactic to defeat Ishtaros.

After the battle, enter the portal to face Marbus.

Defeat Marbus to obtain the Demon Deity statue.

Return to the Imperial Palace Core with the statue. Place it on the mantle across the Save Point to open the doors above the Core.

Save your game and prepare. You can restock at Muramasa's Shop or finish missed Enemy Ambushes now.

Once you enter the doors above the Core, there is no going back. Proceed up the stairs until a cutscene is triggered.

You will then face The Emperor in two forms.

After defeating The Emperor, the mission is complete.