The positive of apocalypse
The team is chatting when the first Epic attacks. Their conversation is about the ironic realization that, actually, the post-apocalypse isn't half bad. For one thing, the grips of local and state governments is loosened so that people are back in a state of nature. The only problem is that without those governments in place, the threats against the community are drastically worsened. The natural elements of chaos and destruction have become literal titans. Still, there is an ironic sense in which the chaos of apocalypse brought some positive changes.
Megan as a bad guy
When Mizzy reveals his beef with Megan, the question is raised about her motivations. Although she is a game-changer in terms of combat, her wanton use of magic led to Mizzy's friend dying. He holds that against her. This irony is especially poignant if one tries to understand what Megan and Mizzy's characters represent. Perhaps Megan's tendency to chaos makes Mizzy resentful because he represents technology and progress.
The water warrior
When David almost dies by drowning in water, the last thing on his mind is how water could be a useful thing, but when he is saved by the love of his friends, he is empowered by them to use that same water as a good thing. The ironic transformation from helpless sufferer to helpful warrior only happened because of the help from his team. Without them, he would have died alone in a tomb of chaotic waters, and the Epics would have won.
Megan as an ironic love interest
Megan loves David, but David experiences this through the unmistakable lens of risk and threat. As if to signify the emotional risk he takes by loving Megan, she points a gun at him. The irony is doubly ironic when David notices that she left the safety on. He takes this subtle nuance as an indication of deep love, which is ironic, but when they kiss later, he is revealed to be correct. Her position in his life is one of vulnerability and intimacy, which makes him feel like his life is being threatened.
Megan's sacrifice
One might say, "Great! The love interests are together!" but then the end of the novel will come with bitter surprise. When Megan lays down her life for the team, that is an indication of a deeper love than her kiss with David. His sacrifice is losing the one he loves, and her sacrifice is the loving sacrifice of her own life. The ironic pain of this twist shows the dual-edged dagger of fate which always seems to cut where it will hurt the most.
