Title: Shadow of the Eternal Flame - Chapter 14 : The Final Decision

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........................

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No one moved.

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A cold wind swept through the narrow mountain pass, carrying grains of dust and dry leaves that swirled through the air before slowly settling upon the rocks.

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Above them, the clouds gradually thickened until the sunlight faded, leaving the entire valley shrouded in a gloomy atmosphere.

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Khaled stood gripping his sword.

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But this time...

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his grip was no longer as steady as it had always been.

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The Golden Knight Captain's words continued to echo inside his mind.

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"Radis... was approaching the Diamond Rank."

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"His aura alone terrified the Guild."

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"I still can't believe that the two of you killed him."

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Khaled felt his heart begin to race.

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Faster...

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and faster...

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until he could hear every heartbeat pounding inside his ears.

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As for the Golden Knight Captain...

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he merely looked at them calmly.

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Then he slowly raised his right hand.

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And spoke only a single word.

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"Begin."

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...

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The knights did not charge recklessly.

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Instead...

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they moved as though they had trained for this exact moment hundreds of times.

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Two rushed toward Abdulrahman.

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Two headed straight for Catalina.

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As for the captain...

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he remained standing where he was.

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Simply watching.

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In the next instant...

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the first spark ignited.

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Abdulrahman's sword burst into flames as he shouted,

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"You shall not pass!"

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His blade collided with one of the knights' swords.

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But the knight did not retreat even a single step.

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Instead, he rotated his body halfway around, allowing his companion to continue the attack from the opposite side.

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Abdulrahman's eyes widened.

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"A switch...?!"

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No one gave him time to react.

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The second strike came immediately.

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Then the third.

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Then the fourth.

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Every attack came from a different warrior.

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As though...

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they were one fighter inhabiting six different bodies.

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...

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On the other side...

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Catalina summoned several barriers of light around the caravan.

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A rain of arrows crashed against them.

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White sparks scattered through the air.

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Yet she did not retreat.

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She continued moving constantly among the wounded...

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checking on one...

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shielding another...

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while keeping one eye on Mimi at every moment.

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One of the knights smiled mockingly.

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"The healer..."

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"...cares about everyone."

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Then he hurled a dagger toward one of the caravan guards.

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Catalina immediately leaped in front of him to protect him.

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The knight smiled.

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"Just as I expected."

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...

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Meanwhile...

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Khaled watched the battlefield as a whole.

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Trying to understand.

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Every time Abdulrahman knocked one knight away...

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another instantly appeared in his place.

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Every time Catalina changed her position...

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one of the knights reached it before she did.

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Suddenly...

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he heard their captain calmly say,

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"Third..."

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"To the right."

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One of his men moved instantly.

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"Second..."

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"Cover him."

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The second obeyed without hesitation.

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"Don't chase him."

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"Force him to fall back."

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In less than a second...

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every order had been carried out flawlessly.

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Khaled slowly raised his head.

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And looked at their captain.

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"He..."

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"...isn't fighting."

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he whispered.

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But the truth struck him immediately afterward.

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No...

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He was the one making them fight this way.

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The Sage's words echoed inside his mind.

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"Look at the men standing behind the sword."

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Khaled felt that he had begun to understand something...

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But he understood it the wrong way.

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He thought to himself,

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"So... a leader must do everything."

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"If the leader falls... the team is finished."

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He tightened his grip.

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Then charged forward alone.

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...

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The moment Abdulrahman saw him, he shouted,

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"Khaled!"

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"Get back!"

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But Khaled did not hear him.

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His entire focus was fixed on the enemy captain.

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If he defeated him...

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the battle would end.

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He leaped high into the air.

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Raised his sword with all his strength.

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But...

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before he could reach him...

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the captain took only a single step.

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Then calmly said,

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"Now."

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At that very instant...

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two knights appeared on both sides of Khaled.

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They had been waiting for this exact moment from the very beginning.

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Khaled's eyes widened.

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"An ambush...!"

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He desperately raised his sword.

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But...

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it was already too late.

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...

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In less than a fraction of a second...

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Khaled saw nothing except the gleam of two blades closing in from both sides.

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His feet struck the ground before he could land properly, causing him to lose his balance for a brief moment.

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"It's over."

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One of the knights said as he aimed his sword at Khaled's neck.

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But...

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amid the clash of steel...

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someone charged forward with incredible speed.

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"Get away from him!"

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It was Abdulrahman.

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He completely abandoned his own opponent and shoved Khaled away with all his strength.

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The next instant...

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Shhhk!

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A sword pierced Abdulrahman's shoulder.

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Another slammed violently into his side, sending him flying several meters across the rocks.

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His body rolled across the ground.

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Dust rose around him.

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"ABDULRAHMAN!"

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Khaled shouted as he ran toward him.

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Blood slowly streamed from his shoulder.

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His breathing had become ragged.

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With great difficulty...

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Abdulrahman opened his eyes.

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He looked at Khaled...

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and smiled despite the pain.

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A small smile...

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tired...

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yet sincere.

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He spoke in a voice that was barely audible.

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"A leader..."

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"...doesn't die first."

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He coughed softly.

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Then continued between heavy breaths.

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"Run..."

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"...my friend."

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"Don't let..."

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"...our sacrifice..."

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"...be in vain."

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His eyes slowly closed.

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His head fell onto the ground.

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And he lost consciousness.

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...

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Khaled froze where he stood.

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He heard nothing.

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Not the wind...

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Nor the clash of swords...

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Nor the cries of the wounded.

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He could only stare...

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At Abdulrahman.

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"Run... my friend..."

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The words echoed inside his mind.

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Again...

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And again.

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...

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On the other side...

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Catalina was doing everything she could to protect the caravan.

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The barriers of light had begun to crack.

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Her breathing grew heavier.

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Yet she did not take a single step back.

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She stood directly in front of Mimi.

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Keeping the little girl behind her.

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She whispered gently despite the chaos surrounding them.

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"Don't be afraid..."

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"I'm here."

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Mimi nodded through her tears.

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Clutching tightly onto the edge of Catalina's robe.

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...

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The captain smiled.

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Then said to one of his men,

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"Now."

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The knight vanished into the cloud of dust.

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Catalina never noticed him.

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He suddenly appeared behind one of the shattered wagons.

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He raised his dagger.

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His target...

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Was Mimi.

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...

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The little girl screamed.

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"Big sister!"

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Catalina turned at the very last moment.

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She saw the dagger flying straight toward Mimi.

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At that instant...

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Time slowed.

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She saw the white flower...

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The day they left Grim Village...

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The little girl smiling at her.

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"Don't forget me, big sister."

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And the promise she had made.

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"I'll always keep the flower."

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A gentle smile appeared on Catalina's face.

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Then...

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She threw herself forward with all her strength.

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She embraced Mimi...

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Turning her own back toward the incoming dagger.

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Shhhk!

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The dagger buried itself deep into her shoulder.

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Her body trembled violently from the pain.

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She collapsed onto her knees.

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Drops of blood scattered through the air...

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Falling upon the white flower that Mimi still held in her trembling hands.

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...

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Mimi's eyes widened.

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"BIG SISTER!!"

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She wrapped her arms around Catalina...

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Crying uncontrollably.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvub2G6c9S

Catalina's breathing had become weak.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1CL9IzJdZ

She slowly raised her trembling hand...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUQGgle7NI

And wiped away Mimi's tears.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJ5A1q8Bjy

Then she looked toward Khaled.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLw9vDbkcG

He stood there...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZVQumAmJd

Watching them.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvv8xTAqPrG

His eyes filled with helplessness.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFdmIXX9Kw

She gave him her usual gentle smile...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ekxc5ot6o

Even through the pain.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KZ8UPkesi

Then whispered softly,

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvf8Rx9Pyg

"Run..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAlWMlAu9n

"...Khaled."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4qwrm4ARw

"Live..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBS1udxvT1t

"...for our sake."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMbUfWzRAU

Her eyes slowly closed.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItVV23792e

And she lost consciousness.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPHKTZnsn8

...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZRNYGSqf7

Khaled stood alone.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUwYCUSMIN

Abdulrahman...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKi2iUOCMB

Had fallen.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4UjuHJVQG

Catalina...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISbtUFm7Yg

Had fallen.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFsD8PndnB

Mimi was crying.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIflerQsK7O

The knights continued walking toward him.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaxcEGUJwU

Slowly...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxu3SE3DW0

Without fear.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9Tr1Tyasu

Khaled raised his hand.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8zDI8pTHb

Shadows began moving beneath his feet.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS54hf8EWU1

Emerging from between the rocks.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcrIE1uxv6

Coiling around his arm.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBd5Tvts9Q

A familiar voice whispered inside his mind.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnMNVpHiLZ

"Let me..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLZ69ZGypS

"And I will save them."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXVUldrA4R

Khaled's hand trembled.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyGH1t69HP

The shadows became denser.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NPnAKzeuS

Darker.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡop8w9Y9JSe

More violent.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GYFKqt3wj

Then...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFmpUL9mRJ

He remembered the Sage's warning.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltipu9m5HW

"Every time you use his power..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9thNmAVn83

"...his influence over you grows stronger."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFP8j3LsSO

Khaled shut his eyes tightly.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi87pMitq92

He pulled his hand back against his chest.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxua2w9JuUp

Then said with a trembling voice,

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zkInZxCEx

"No..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhE7UugORls

"I won't use you."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9Cq8xpdCn

The shadows stopped moving.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIw3LRI81kU

Then gradually faded away.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruzWgIsP5v

Silence filled the battlefield.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLLIqjfmMp

Even the captain...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzLBnfQUPl

Looked at him in surprise.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAK94kyHy7c

He thought to himself,

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUECpbsLft

"He..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadgKj9AEhA

"...rejected that power?"

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcF5vtuy6In

Then he slowly raised his sword.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8uEk3DKap

And said coldly,

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWSaNs86kY

"Then..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYOTN6S1E0

"...it's over."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRAsce8VVM

He lifted the blade...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQM0GMVOgj

And slowly walked toward Khaled.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5PheZtmbN

...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3vpTDLQC6

The sword rose slowly.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYNzITMNNC

The gray sky reflected across its cold steel.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HnJEydfFV

The Golden Knight Captain looked at Khaled.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpVWSH52S9

Without anger.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLTzhO6rad

Without mercy.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMe3j3G6CFQ

Only with the gaze of a man who had ended countless battles the very same way.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivU9GrSg2A

Khaled...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaIOctTylD

Did not raise his sword.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFB0wvip7g

He made no attempt to defend himself.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXOPIVPhbx

He simply looked at Abdulrahman...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LulNRQayJ

Then at Catalina...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQKDabXgaK

Then at Mimi, who was crying as she clung to Catalina's unconscious body.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJihsg95sX

For the first time...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiuP8EIPOH

He truly felt it.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMq6ebmwQj0

He had failed.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOeEB2QW1Z

Failed as a friend.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOF8eKiM542

Failed as a warrior.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRUyrk9Tcq

Failed as a leader.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUY7vflig5E

He slowly closed his eyes.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQHBE7A51q

And surrendered.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpOdjy75hX

...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwIVFuaPqT

Suddenly...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnklS4VlVC

Tok...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwekGFnzV4

The sound of a wooden staff striking the ground echoed through the valley.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCi1BFqj3m

Only a single strike.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupZFyAZkTs

Yet...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJloPpclF5P

It shook the entire canyon.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg66No1BuiV

The wind stopped.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYe3nTK1rO9

The birds fell silent.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXjiBrc1tX

Even the leaves upon the trees...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hDPsqEIE6

Seemed frozen in place.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKw0aVeW6rZ

Everyone slowly raised their heads toward the sky.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QGSjiWGsx

Dark clouds gathered unnaturally fast.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBN5joxBtiz

Black spirals formed overhead.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtyeJnaiP1

Then...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHceznwme5S

BOOOOOOM!!

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE60hYw6v7J

Thunder split the heavens apart.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzh5b2Lyny

A bolt of lightning pierced through the clouds...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07jgLJArUE

And struck the ground directly in front of Khaled.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86cV8Khiwi

The earth exploded.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdF0nfS2ZT

Dust and shattered rocks erupted in every direction.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bes3MiBns

The knights instinctively staggered backward.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEGesRnRtB

...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2XJOac1d6

A lone old man emerged from within the dust.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuT1xSJP2z

His white robe swayed gently with the wind.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcVQeiuZ5b

His wooden staff rested firmly in his hand.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1sbHtw50S

It was the Sage.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPTfkn1Z7z

But...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0qlsy8LUF

Not the Sage they had always known.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvjoKVKWIR

His eyes...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0AK1ZRLQT

Were terrifyingly calm.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zQU8Z9wqr

The very air around him...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CK0W6bvZF

Grew heavier with every step he took.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXcHfWvSZX

Even breathing...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYnuzBnDsW

Had become difficult.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7VW0fDCg5

...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqcSebA4cG

One of the knights whispered as his face turned pale.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCBegbpxzC

"No..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFu6nraKOG8

The second looked toward him.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcZIkZW2gR

"What is it?"

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMmlh7HvOm

His lips trembled.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAr9Ao1VNK

He answered in a barely audible voice.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsj01V3nghr

"It's..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7ke0orrb5

"...the Platinum Wolf."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbefTf1wEXp

Silence fell across the battlefield.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUUZRG2aEh

Even the captain...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEO5tLIlHnw

His eyes widened for a brief moment.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhWAOuLk9M

Without realizing it...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQgqeBtwx5

He took a step backward.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoCH8TNO7Z

He whispered to himself.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpTfoEryVW

"How..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHr2V4c8HeW

"How can he be in Aros...?"

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiqXBwy6XQ

...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NWbYvb3x2

The Sage took one step forward.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwndmpPCBsc

Then looked at the knights.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyqK8i550f

Without raising his voice...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeG53R2sSnl

He simply said,

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUofYY5nCtc

"It's over."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0PTiJwpDI

One of the knights laughed, trying to hide his fear.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVW2oDl2KM

"One old man?"

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfTlOCsmu5

He never finished his sentence.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkCIW1M6rR

The Sage slowly raised his staff.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1rjs6WPOw

He spoke no spell.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAcTzPNtZQ

Uttered no incantation.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOo3Qhf9aED

He merely pointed toward the sky.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYhtyybzFl

In the next instant...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3Tx8jYseC

The clouds turned a deep blue.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvU2GyqNa90

Then...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYup22WqprH

Lightning descended.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsRUZ69qvi

Not a single bolt...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZq2D9AriO

But dozens of them.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0MhLQMnap

As though the sky itself...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5tFJkw2ml

Had become a sword.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkysroe6FK

BOOOOOOOOM!!

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDFboe67H5

Lightning crashed around the knights.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzGNkPFoHA

The rocks shattered.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkP8z0BF7E

The ground exploded.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ029laqTDHg

They were hurled into the air.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYcrD8oPEZ

One of them screamed,

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc094TO0U8F

"Take cover!"

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7smvHztCP

But there was nowhere to hide.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRDBzYq25F

Every bolt of lightning...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAan0CEksGP

Struck the exact place where they stood before they could even move.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFJk3KVKhL

For the first time...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3X9CmGuT0X

True terror appeared on their faces.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8hgjp8mq0

...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPLZy3TtD7

The captain struggled to raise his arm.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBM8QjoM2Ba

Then shouted,

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs93fBgkDYw

"Retreat!"

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWaGDEMgKW

"Now!"

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSM0D48AO1n

No one objected.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZ02hAY7Ha

No one attempted to continue the fight.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHINPbac2q

Each knight grabbed the nearest comrade.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5L3h6WqbH

Then leaped between the rocks.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGutTpvwVj

Disappearing into the forest.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vhJSJt5fD

Within seconds...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGLysTt7Os

Nothing remained in the valley...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQY6TStvEew

Except the sound of gentle rain...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwkQgSPTJE

And the scent of earth after lightning.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynoVQfWhB2

...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVppCgqROCY

Khaled continued staring at the Sage...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CEiU6aJci

Completely stunned.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0cDARlDc5

He whispered,

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76oDdeUcZx

"Grandfather..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJnoD865rs

"This..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRQiX99sBo

"...is your power?"

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADAn193OLX

The Sage looked at him for a moment.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgqiLvgPYK

Then calmly replied,

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOg6OIKRHK

"No."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ntpsHuRV5

"This..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6nHsOHSHU

"...is only a small part of it."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUt5DfZDkdb

Khaled's shock deepened.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYypNRYjCBp

If that...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJF0WLosj4A

Was only a fraction...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqDyukJJUd

Then just how powerful was the Sage?

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18R8VSePvn

...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBChKCeMzz

The Sage first walked toward Abdulrahman.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNcwrd8QK1

He placed his hand upon his shoulder.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7lffQBXIG

Then closed his eyes.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5zKRCPC5O

A gentle white light shone from his palm.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREfoMumeu8

The bleeding gradually stopped.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxn6Ss8v3dK

Afterward...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSwYfuXfg0

He lifted Abdulrahman onto his back.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95PcTKCzNh

Then walked toward Catalina.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmDzG8rW6u

Mimi was still crying beside her.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUheTsQwy78

The Sage knelt down.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtSWzCNE91

Gently patted the little girl's head.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyVLYzsAlO

And said warmly,

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDm5ZOaF7s

"It's over now."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rfJtKIasW

He carefully picked Catalina up.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6iDBRIUJM

Then noticed the white flower lying beside her.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa91nItJYTL

He lifted it...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkM7DKBuPT

And placed it gently into Mimi's hands.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNkvXCL0UG

As for Mimi's grandfather...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLD7o2RYwCY

He was wounded...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtC7Jv2ywn

But still conscious.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfoZxBj06S

The Sage helped him to his feet.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGluNxloRh

Then said,

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmvlg92Wxn

"You will return to Aros with us."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHIkk0Nhgj

The old man silently nodded.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6YGBHqCb8

...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0Sq5QNMfk

Before leaving...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cCRs9yZAE

The Sage turned toward Khaled.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSK5xVJK1e

This time...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQHWjYoTiV

His gaze carried far more weight than anger.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEm3vRLyw8

He spoke quietly.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Jt6fmc7Ur

Yet every word pierced Khaled's heart.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2WekBYJUe

"You have failed, Khaled."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbgoXFfqDX

Those words...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfUnGobkcM

Felt heavier than any wound he had ever received.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOfGHR64B2

The Sage continued,

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVajM2q4pbc

"You did not fail because you were defeated."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKNMXBoRxX

"You did not fail because your enemy was stronger."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6Vgni4oAm

Then he looked at Abdulrahman...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCRexBxzsY

Then at Catalina.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQ5ja59pn7

Before saying,

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dxe8j17DZ

"You failed..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLhXRqC6Ng

"...because you did not keep your promise."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEIj825Ubg

Silence.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNyg90wgQm

"You told me..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8tiXYRveb

"...that you would bring them all back safely."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79Z7PvBXib

Khaled lowered his head.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJb29troALN

He could not find...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG58TfzMDXw

A single word to say.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8GOPVkWOt

...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThYRWVb2tU

They returned to Aros shortly before midnight.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdEqoXw1sc

The sky remained covered with clouds.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIvMWoHEEB

A light rain fell softly upon the wooden rooftops.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmg3V11tqU

Torchlight reflected across the wet roads.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFjI4PF8SS

The moment the villagers saw the Sage carrying Abdulrahman and Catalina...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7XlBO2gX9

The news spread throughout Aros.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKz0EroJqu

"They're back!"

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2ePycDFtF

"Call the healers!"

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkisBUvFwE

"Clear the way!"

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCuWDvL111

Everyone rushed toward the village infirmary.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJHb1BjOhv

While Khaled walked silently behind them.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWrKFrEktt

Every step...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFISgy1Zve

Felt as though it cost him an entire lifetime.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjjJ9X9X20

...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN209LjhNYV

Inside the infirmary...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXKFSr4R2e

The scent of medicinal herbs filled the room.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeh5z10RXzK

Abdulrahman was laid upon one of the beds.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvuhrB1GXA

The healers hurried to stop his bleeding.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODc6Fswnzv

Catalina's injuries...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kUDRLnqDg

Were even more severe.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirccOV5bBc

The Sage personally sat beside her.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKsBl8cx9A

He placed his hand over her wound.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7h106w6do

A gentle white aura slowly spread across her body.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVO4JO4EtB

Khaled stood quietly at the doorway.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAuB6YpB3e

Unable to step inside.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVFjmu3xQt

He felt...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ12eYu8ne6

Unworthy of standing beside them.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FtDjLUVAs

...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mX3UljuDj

Mimi sat beside Catalina's bed.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCC4cA7oPp

Holding her hand tightly with both of hers.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWI1V7XzKh

The white flower was still clutched between her fingers.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOt0MpaO5hr

She stared at Catalina's face...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UKDYQsmcT

Never stopping her tears.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqavx6d8Cs

Nearby...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTZo6QOLsQ

Her grandfather sat upon a chair.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGGroZcwkx

His arm wrapped in bandages.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19zSeDdbHL

Despite his own injuries...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJ7S1Rql0i

He looked at Catalina with eyes filled with gratitude.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4b39cXGOC

Then whispered,

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVnhhqw6HG

"Forgive us..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCKdMJiqEn

"We brought this danger upon you."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7T7Q5g7WeT

...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKCvS0psK8

Hours passed.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7h8We4lYr

At last...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhR6ffbS09

Catalina's fingers twitched slightly.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0Vl4P3gvN

Then she slowly opened her eyes.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HPX8bp4gg

Her vision was blurred.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvHJqkmRH7

But the very first face she saw...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKSTHlW5lq

Was Mimi's.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjQVLkOdZp

The little girl cried out joyfully.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakTziExCK5

"Big sister!"

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNW2G0uBvD5

She threw herself into Catalina's arms, weeping.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9CGzde3mT

Catalina smiled despite the pain.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFl0qysotz

Then gently stroked her hair.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cCTEO5hwc

"I promised you..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz92LQLJwSH

"...didn't I?"

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFnrhzvQqW

Mimi nodded repeatedly.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTz3F4tdYv

Then reached out her small hand.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJN57mQhHjo

Returning the white flower to Catalina.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3e5WeWKNu

She wiped away her tears and whispered,

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSqdWqTxk5

"Don't ever lose it..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgsNuNPXjD

"...ever again."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBtOGJjpY2

Catalina looked at the flower for a long moment.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSijK3WBQA4

Then held it close against her chest.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ggv5nnpYR

And smiled.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvx3QsMw94

"I promise."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5JL1a6Gz8

...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRMkXuFaCY

Outside...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRiuLJKtf3

Khaled stood alone beneath the rain.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrG5JSEZss

He never entered the infirmary.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcReL6IJmg

He never asked about anyone.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwggrXa74ja

He simply stared silently at his own hands.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDptomiR35d

While the Sage's words echoed endlessly inside his mind.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJLmCqJL9E

"You have failed, Khaled."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimXgxxktl4

"You did not keep your promise."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLIsa5qMZd

...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpqxME7mPQ

The Sage quietly approached him.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFCCHQOejf

Standing beside him.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8tjicRsUk

Without looking his way.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oxDXxG06m

Long moments passed.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcd9RwVZfxI

Neither of them spoke.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrOntUuXhE

Finally...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyUYFyTfaL

The Sage asked,

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUhLssRiWZ

"Do you know..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmb1xrFulo

"...what your greatest mistake was today?"

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DF4RIWN2M

Khaled answered quietly,

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0y0tRKjdf

"Because I didn't use my power."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTTlwwXPSq

The Sage shook his head.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6N0O1xRKLe

"No."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDS0vaiBst

Khaled slowly raised his head.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3M9ZSys8o

The Sage continued,

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZf4iFeG3u2

"You believed..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT43vKgqK7L

"...that a leader carries the entire world alone."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vdxRFFQfs

Silence.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6v4W5abIF

Then he continued.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6dRNfH9dI

"When you charged ahead alone..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgtbJHKRnd

"...you forced Abdulrahman to protect you."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmMH0MyWM4

"And when you refused to use your power..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6gI7Uhour

"...you forced Catalina to protect Mimi in your place."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSYdGLL0mY

"In the end..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJyDdX9p6R

"...everyone ended up protecting the leader."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UI9C8CUsv

...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX62gjTjkX4

Khaled slowly closed his eyes.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Xg8rYkanH

Those words...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRsBHKCMca

Hurt more deeply than any wound.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGv90lojQ5

...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYouNagzTf

The Sage calmly continued.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDNvOq0DXM

"A leader..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGyUHgzZXO

"...is not someone who fights alone."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5gDftx5Gu

"Nor someone who bears everything alone."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWqIzH1BK4

"A leader..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiAJheeusS

"...is the one who makes his team fight beside him."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu37TpVEaQx

"And who trusts his companions..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzB6XbQIiuT

"...just as much as he trusts himself."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIzulHgGDa

Then he looked directly into Khaled's eyes.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zGOnEWqgq

And said,

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXRszCbfAw

"If the day ever comes..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWut6TyX3e6

"...when you must sacrifice yourself to save them..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrYnKaOGW1

"...then do it."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaKDx6q89I

"But if you leave them to suffer..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVej2ftE8sS

"...simply because you fear for yourself..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JVPs9D9u3

"...then you will never become a leader."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkMztcbO2H

"You will become..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsE2qwgChIp

"...nothing more than a selfish man."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJSrC2m0BI

...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhVi4FsG9A

Khaled felt...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pUxLqhTWe

As though those words had shattered something deep inside him.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWoixRUYZ3

He lowered his head.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iHTcDqMcc

And remained silent.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJmNi3SQEa

...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAW4R5cl9EN

That night...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexxphTt5n8

He did not return home.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCuBM1wGxD

Instead...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOwU4Q3G40

He entered his room.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmoqfJwiWh

Closed the door.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVn2kYXXN1

Extinguished the lamp.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPXz5OLhbP

And sat alone in darkness.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtJWPzMjjQ

Without moving.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsACb16j4AP

Without speaking.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsMN7Prk5D

Until sunrise.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPm8wQlEQo

...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJshLpqfjt

Two days passed.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPICSPjlu8

Abdulrahman and Catalina finally regained full consciousness.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MAVcQGwWl

The very first question they both asked...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfzo2C4EzU

Was the same.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5wnKDBWjW

"Where's Khaled?"

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eQCWAsMam

The Sage looked at them silently.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1pIKt5w5Q

Then answered,

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPcchhNNUN

"He hasn't left his room since that night."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlIZflcV4j

They exchanged glances.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAeRNG2PjV

Despite still being injured...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiDK8QGp3v

Abdulrahman slowly stood up.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcV8EcY7FV

Then said,

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKl5Box9rvM

"I'll go talk to him."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhroTgT5uPO

...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBUNj4nEGO

He stood before the door.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHexvaCHDdp

Knocked once.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyR6Qrv7h9

Then twice.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3RH1u4dEO

Then smiled as he called out,

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSbYEr1xp9

"Hey, Captain..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzX0nHPV9u

"That's enough sleeping."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAm1byBXp1A

No answer came.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡto74AD9GF2

His smile faded.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4l7k44t7x

He spoke more seriously.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtLyn3Mxdr

"Khaled..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAsAWyumEX

"Open the door."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0qIiLFYah

Silence.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zWV85Po3a

...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfiY0vvNF2

He took a deep breath.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY63Ghj5klT

Then sat down outside the room.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkj2vYkq5Gq

Resting his back against the wall.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1pL8hQhII

He quietly said,

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96oHlHdTVk

"Do you remember the first time we met?"

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksfpPI353I

"You thought I was arrogant."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyseTDm10f5

He smiled through his tears.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4UMJZsYRZ

"And I thought you were boring."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bhmspReHx

He laughed softly.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsU53zSznt

But the laughter quickly disappeared.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEvTn293eW

...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIOIqgkUum

"Do you remember..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZE48Y4T9l

"...how many times you saved me?"

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjGs1jGT2b

"And how many times I saved you?"

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzMRF8vtXQ

"Do you remember..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OKCfJQ9W6

"...the promise we made..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oCnxRWVAK

"...that we'd never leave each other behind?"

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOyXRRtJgj

...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSJqDzJCGI

Inside the room...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YSggJY5qF

Khaled sat alone in darkness.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYEP4MZ5do

His head resting upon his knees.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx46TLbPtSR

His eyes wide open.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzfctyZ6Ap

He heard every word.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMAtUBerEA

But...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYq1RoWKfN2

He couldn't answer.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOE4VRMmNCr

...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHyyqH6imL

Abdulrahman's voice suddenly rose.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNPQZNBQuT

For the very first time...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOryQBi23S

He began to cry.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfVj8NhTme

"Stop blaming yourself for everything!"

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesLNnAl4wY

"We chose to fight beside you!"

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmmyia9jvl

"We chose to protect each other!"

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGaqVJspZM

"You didn't betray us!"

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolrh0qnOin

"Do you hear me?!"

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBosJZEK2ud

...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03lwafEMz5

The door...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oga2pnSyO

Remained closed.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVFGh0KLRS

...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgMBpSN5Ph

Abdulrahman shouted at the top of his lungs.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz63NokmoTk

"Have you forgotten our promise?!"

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fARhjDpUJ

"Have you forgotten..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuRXsQ3D8g

"...that we'd stay together no matter what happens?!"

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcm0tc2LdhL

...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgEGQmL2hv

Inside the room...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrQq3yIxhT

Khaled clenched his fist...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxaQJJ1Xfq

Until his knuckles turned white.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfrkgGMNSH

A single tear...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYwXB0rqeU

Fell onto the floor.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4n2Qa4OTiZ

Yet...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczIV590Eky

He never opened the door.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiNpo449yT

He never answered.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2dUTxYFcj

...

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrt77zTTW6l

Catalina quietly approached.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPA0mFfMJob

She placed her hand upon Abdulrahman's shoulder.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWOQjVfJYC

Then said sadly,

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5lsQrZcMh

"Leave him..."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzBNTYkGzt

"...he's fighting a battle we cannot see."

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCMJTgLng0

Abdulrahman stared at the door for a long moment.

82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3tjDmw62y

Then slowly lowered his head.

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And walked away beside her.

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Behind that door...

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Khaled remained alone...

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Surrounded only by darkness.

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...

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Far to the north of the continent...

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Within the Ice Palace...

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The Ice King stood before a massive window.

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Watching the blizzard sweeping across his kingdom.

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Then he slowly closed his eyes.

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And calmly said,

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"The time for waiting is over."

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He slowly turned around.

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Deep below the palace...

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Ranks of soldiers began assembling.

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The icy war horns echoed throughout the kingdom.

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The Ice King raised his hand.

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Then spoke in a calm voice...

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Yet every soldier heard it.

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"Prepare yourselves."

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"The time to move has come."

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Somewhere far away...

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Darkness...

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Smiled.

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To Be Continued...

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