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.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKTTnNu46t

Catalina's breathing had become weak.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ui8wsLIUX

She slowly raised her trembling hand...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbsbxAObqV

And wiped away Mimi's tears.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvB2otVWYX

Then she looked toward Khaled.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdc6gMN18j

He stood there...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fQjWNIJNI

Watching them.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLP0GDsGZF

His eyes filled with helplessness.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfGdFSNcwr

She gave him her usual gentle smile...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wUek0TDMj

Even through the pain.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24OsAZhTCE

Then whispered softly,

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IT3r3o0YR

"Run..."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnE1DCRwYy

"...Khaled."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEix48pRSJ

"Live..."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyR9wSkYzEv

"...for our sake."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDvUO9TIec

Her eyes slowly closed.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmzBipj4Zs

And she lost consciousness.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTyTwgX3v0

...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6CRSTiQqJ

Khaled stood alone.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaIuuIeKqx

Abdulrahman...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyOcxQ6KGR

Had fallen.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AI78ZTzS9

Catalina...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyPIB6TF19

Had fallen.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGebsg9srGw

Mimi was crying.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKV9xI6iiP2

The knights continued walking toward him.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPxoNxG8Th

Slowly...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XaFfNtdwD

Without fear.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pwHCKKIOe

Khaled raised his hand.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zLNQK5Ctv

Shadows began moving beneath his feet.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDkZrnicoN

Emerging from between the rocks.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcoRx7igzp

Coiling around his arm.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEHZJjfBIY

A familiar voice whispered inside his mind.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MhHux0aAY

"Let me..."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZa8LCB3iq

"And I will save them."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcldVfgarUB

Khaled's hand trembled.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxx3KB7K1mv

The shadows became denser.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPumjmFs3YT

Darker.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywjjEdQhcp

More violent.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTOARTgOq1

Then...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡff3zXLrDo0

He remembered the Sage's warning.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdd8qeQsDEH

"Every time you use his power..."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKjezXj71g

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

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEafHM0YuV

Khaled shut his eyes tightly.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrBmwh3fdS

He pulled his hand back against his chest.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqSj3PVH8t

Then said with a trembling voice,

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZT86IoO56E

"No..."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DYXK6sifX

"I won't use you."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2AtJCpHHJ

The shadows stopped moving.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpl3Ft3RAg

Then gradually faded away.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyrKZFP7e1

Silence filled the battlefield.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaIgc5jYmR

Even the captain...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iH4bv14r5

Looked at him in surprise.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9WfpbLsh5

He thought to himself,

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGomLGuKur

"He..."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaaNcMte7w

"...rejected that power?"

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKOWMA4NFb

Then he slowly raised his sword.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTlBemTAYd

And said coldly,

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQ1hPDgKJr

"Then..."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIMOq1CDHr

"...it's over."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQVRRKpe1l

He lifted the blade...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3agEqaoMT

And slowly walked toward Khaled.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdIFyhv7l7

...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXy0f4Rfle

The sword rose slowly.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQKvnzI4Fm

The gray sky reflected across its cold steel.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPPhbH8VBI

The Golden Knight Captain looked at Khaled.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSSmdniKwL

Without anger.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64moMHDX09

Without mercy.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIvcETij0m

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

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡay0x6xv1U1

Khaled...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaGsiyZmFA

Did not raise his sword.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LBlMq9OPA

He made no attempt to defend himself.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhfN3fsw4L

He simply looked at Abdulrahman...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2pjmR9lTK

Then at Catalina...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20r2uB9zgK

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

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKxnDZBcK9

For the first time...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUe7PIgc4MO

He truly felt it.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkQx4P48YC

He had failed.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKXYiNmeSf

Failed as a friend.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuH5GyZuzmY

Failed as a warrior.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHICi7TLQaF

Failed as a leader.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTvrJ3GuAi

He slowly closed his eyes.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iMpSrtTj1

And surrendered.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJso9mz1Hv

...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VWQIg2Xqx

Suddenly...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzox42Devs

Tok...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknOzpj4x8o

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

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWinRI4rQcK

Only a single strike.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhYYZnUsCw

Yet...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4lZbfvmwr

It shook the entire canyon.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnlMWbETB8

The wind stopped.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyEeiJdPan

The birds fell silent.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFPphAB2uR

Even the leaves upon the trees...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOrCFXXsbm

Seemed frozen in place.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8p0b6awJYY

Everyone slowly raised their heads toward the sky.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbxPFg9Uaf

Dark clouds gathered unnaturally fast.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJokaGtoQ5

Black spirals formed overhead.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFDBLPsXGJ

Then...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58xTBy3bk6

BOOOOOOM!!

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6atmRzI16

Thunder split the heavens apart.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ928mvRVea6

A bolt of lightning pierced through the clouds...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyZYW42blO

And struck the ground directly in front of Khaled.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmVGOB5g3k

The earth exploded.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJSVEY0Agv

Dust and shattered rocks erupted in every direction.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMSETAwnuc

The knights instinctively staggered backward.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbb09Nflb7

...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULRSJOqi77

A lone old man emerged from within the dust.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDosaCLcsd

His white robe swayed gently with the wind.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97mAfiBOjH

His wooden staff rested firmly in his hand.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ky2zPIp5j

It was the Sage.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3GR0zpj1m

But...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rNp9CKWjg

Not the Sage they had always known.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bdnS8OqP4

His eyes...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2gf80lEYu

Were terrifyingly calm.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKioaESchh

The very air around him...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZaQOLf5On

Grew heavier with every step he took.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3riSBfUw1I

Even breathing...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhUnWFTrUe

Had become difficult.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoe6K3nL5eH

...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHxdbfsTy7

One of the knights whispered as his face turned pale.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2K6qVd8Vza

"No..."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLozyGqItG

The second looked toward him.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbVZPlSeai

"What is it?"

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUETOPTGBWN

His lips trembled.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQdJahpmw2

He answered in a barely audible voice.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0Ek8AuSid

"It's..."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftujKxkYM3

"...the Platinum Wolf."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxqDhkwDGs

Silence fell across the battlefield.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uotnfMukg

Even the captain...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8c14bugnW

His eyes widened for a brief moment.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVNkTfXi8e

Without realizing it...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnUjGEgdKW

He took a step backward.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8lUytNfa6

He whispered to himself.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxLY3eotv3

"How..."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6L6yLYERb

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

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UYbJLEjFG

...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlpqBKkOlv

The Sage took one step forward.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRHNgM8gWz

Then looked at the knights.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LMOV2wkfm

Without raising his voice...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNu6SVPnOqC

He simply said,

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtSoMd0PH2

"It's over."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv32u51R6KZ

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

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXDygtHe3r

"One old man?"

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEBIyllNHr

He never finished his sentence.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1Do9DazYi

The Sage slowly raised his staff.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Bd1maUMs7

He spoke no spell.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxC5mNStwr9

Uttered no incantation.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfgbyFTPwn

He merely pointed toward the sky.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6EuJWNYyf

In the next instant...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUjsGHoRtC

The clouds turned a deep blue.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoPuLqqvQE

Then...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiqmOI8YiS

Lightning descended.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFxv6tuhMB

Not a single bolt...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMG4rGxRkfs

But dozens of them.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoX1CGR42zD

As though the sky itself...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1oDIw95ki

Had become a sword.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOUMFYgmVV

BOOOOOOOOM!!

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxf6vK4AcNW

Lightning crashed around the knights.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3wCP2nsPh

The rocks shattered.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYmAO3HkJt

The ground exploded.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiAUyaFsms

They were hurled into the air.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGWZZZBc6r

One of them screamed,

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLodfRKSr8P

"Take cover!"

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWyRtVojAh

But there was nowhere to hide.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2AvMJCKV1

Every bolt of lightning...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyAg2vawQY

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

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPx7dI6T3zQ

For the first time...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsofVlA9ie

True terror appeared on their faces.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKuNFTQSa3

...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVm26MLmgzd

The captain struggled to raise his arm.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhISctfYJCg

Then shouted,

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9S2UXf9x7

"Retreat!"

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uob0HHe8a

"Now!"

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKPipqIKOe

No one objected.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAQ0GVKdWV

No one attempted to continue the fight.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6LUEHcyXR

Each knight grabbed the nearest comrade.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2wGt02eMj

Then leaped between the rocks.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOnlSPFXhs

Disappearing into the forest.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNk9LU1JyGu

Within seconds...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwyTYUnXjF

Nothing remained in the valley...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TC6NCqGXq

Except the sound of gentle rain...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUyHUZGLlD

And the scent of earth after lightning.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29KJM5uhtY

...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQPkupeOLj

Khaled continued staring at the Sage...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHY4avA51fG

Completely stunned.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGcIwmsjHj

He whispered,

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYbWwZtgNC

"Grandfather..."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9Se4sVdrE

"This..."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUIxZ8TGi1

"...is your power?"

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKBpQfKj5O

The Sage looked at him for a moment.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3HHWnsUXM

Then calmly replied,

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFUMwn8HhT

"No."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyge3KU5We

"This..."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qdbKfn3N2

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

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgr8gA7A0bc

Khaled's shock deepened.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiBSEmprME

If that...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcininjL0B

Was only a fraction...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSqrP2pHaT

Then just how powerful was the Sage?

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpt9CoSBP7K

...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTFnMxBM2k

The Sage first walked toward Abdulrahman.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIH35nyobV

He placed his hand upon his shoulder.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eMczjWUe1

Then closed his eyes.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2PcNWUEfK

A gentle white light shone from his palm.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oD5KJ78Ll

The bleeding gradually stopped.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFk0IfehdNf

Afterward...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3majrmAVy

He lifted Abdulrahman onto his back.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmWVNkriq7

Then walked toward Catalina.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKlLe0cw71

Mimi was still crying beside her.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZusSUwlOdj

The Sage knelt down.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEQ1RfQIf4

Gently patted the little girl's head.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyAJUb2tt7

And said warmly,

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7l92vYVyV

"It's over now."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPINCzEIaj

He carefully picked Catalina up.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5DNHXltuG

Then noticed the white flower lying beside her.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Ys8kPKFbn

He lifted it...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUMg84JH3C

And placed it gently into Mimi's hands.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMiSWATZJ5

As for Mimi's grandfather...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhM05DsG6O7

He was wounded...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpL7FBQUWRb

But still conscious.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlvZD3dpuU

The Sage helped him to his feet.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiV33Q1E8aw

Then said,

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCL87ru9F0

"You will return to Aros with us."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPOb8ZBPms

The old man silently nodded.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWynoZ8WQkV

...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzLPkPta85

Before leaving...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWWXOwFrth

The Sage turned toward Khaled.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKt6dqJyGtq

This time...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmWqkBdoLP

His gaze carried far more weight than anger.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTd5r8OyTg

He spoke quietly.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiJYO6hlHi

Yet every word pierced Khaled's heart.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5FtTgMDX7

"You have failed, Khaled."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGdWM2tcTR

Those words...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoPTIlUQel

Felt heavier than any wound he had ever received.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8yVQDdX1K

The Sage continued,

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpnOduQMVY

"You did not fail because you were defeated."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiYH7ArhJE

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

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRhJcxd18D

Then he looked at Abdulrahman...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjxEW8CoiG

Then at Catalina.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPcef3HKEa

Before saying,

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE083M7NrFc

"You failed..."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxdzvt4KVA

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

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXbbAXkOTA

Silence.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUtLoTkPIL

"You told me..."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9QLgNiM78

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

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ115R04ptiL

Khaled lowered his head.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqnIZ6ESfh

He could not find...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0k9k67KNw

A single word to say.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJxfGLmLRy

...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hIvIgBSX1

They returned to Aros shortly before midnight.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwFagM4dCT

The sky remained covered with clouds.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtYPMp5pom

A light rain fell softly upon the wooden rooftops.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtOlGh1j22

Torchlight reflected across the wet roads.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkd3UBNMZGv

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

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1ar7qR1ot

The news spread throughout Aros.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImhovB6zTM

"They're back!"

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FltTHpv1x

"Call the healers!"

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOL5KoFaPeU

"Clear the way!"

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzPZJeB2tG

Everyone rushed toward the village infirmary.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcpHsTRB13

While Khaled walked silently behind them.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwLNCIdhx4

Every step...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlQr8j5rrF

Felt as though it cost him an entire lifetime.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WsSyFccBP

...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23vlWYVo39

Inside the infirmary...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwnuF9vL9X

The scent of medicinal herbs filled the room.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAxbzO70h2

Abdulrahman was laid upon one of the beds.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOv3lbIeqE

The healers hurried to stop his bleeding.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9LtEvBKH6

Catalina's injuries...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0L9IZITQG2

Were even more severe.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLo9L3iL7h

The Sage personally sat beside her.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VoSdP12C2

He placed his hand over her wound.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQ9OBWvu9h

A gentle white aura slowly spread across her body.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1AAq4TUjk

Khaled stood quietly at the doorway.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPF4NlvDmZn

Unable to step inside.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePCagYruFo

He felt...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIqTf6ARk7

Unworthy of standing beside them.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzM6HmVZlWf

...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsp2GtWDkPw

Mimi sat beside Catalina's bed.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2P6TV3BftN

Holding her hand tightly with both of hers.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVirHbV59J

The white flower was still clutched between her fingers.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGPBFLP8LG

She stared at Catalina's face...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZ0vzCepyg

Never stopping her tears.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaVB2FxIyC

Nearby...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsOZQDW2X4

Her grandfather sat upon a chair.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSLc7dgqeU

His arm wrapped in bandages.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2D3c69jG5

Despite his own injuries...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQETba40Q2

He looked at Catalina with eyes filled with gratitude.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HehYmPHt1

Then whispered,

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduW8YBfDi7

"Forgive us..."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOItyk7TWZ

"We brought this danger upon you."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMoFmL34Wl

...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHMGdrQ803

Hours passed.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9Pch1Drn8

At last...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1arvISympA

Catalina's fingers twitched slightly.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvfTEOGWAK

Then she slowly opened her eyes.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkU7GOa02L6

Her vision was blurred.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlvPiyv7TC

But the very first face she saw...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjeTtH9ueF

Was Mimi's.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrj32HBx4W

The little girl cried out joyfully.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSkcj15pGQ

"Big sister!"

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FagZkqO2d

She threw herself into Catalina's arms, weeping.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXu4zsVxQy2

Catalina smiled despite the pain.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifURbNY0LP

Then gently stroked her hair.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPXHBW3DSW

"I promised you..."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5eP6441Lw

"...didn't I?"

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UXbK2MXp5

Mimi nodded repeatedly.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rQMu1F7H5

Then reached out her small hand.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgCoetm0s9

Returning the white flower to Catalina.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaxi6YG9k8

She wiped away her tears and whispered,

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYwFPdjKdj

"Don't ever lose it..."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOe7ji5ic51

"...ever again."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREgQaUEjDj

Catalina looked at the flower for a long moment.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0c2xCZaPB

Then held it close against her chest.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsCsm9yul5

And smiled.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTfIneAGrZ

"I promise."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pQnAXufbc

...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFFrR7KwSf

Outside...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmm5R5BSjY0

Khaled stood alone beneath the rain.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcexfF6PEpR

He never entered the infirmary.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqjYBm2JF0

He never asked about anyone.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkdO14Mbpg

He simply stared silently at his own hands.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzhsbc0k0t

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

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTS4S6h9CFW

"You have failed, Khaled."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aF7XajhCj

"You did not keep your promise."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpg8jI3Wua

...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSqwUqKVO7

The Sage quietly approached him.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtS202JeeB6

Standing beside him.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktwbG8HsFW

Without looking his way.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0Hmtlirmb

Long moments passed.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwCECmWU82

Neither of them spoke.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2DyyrP7fX

Finally...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21X4A4hXic

The Sage asked,

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp057tC5nQ7

"Do you know..."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvQj93LEwi

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

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNy7WqJXcwV

Khaled answered quietly,

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuftjP0RZJd

"Because I didn't use my power."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVIFEreLKY

The Sage shook his head.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoLWyj5YDw

"No."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNrIVJiit2

Khaled slowly raised his head.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuQDOe8pJE

The Sage continued,

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMTuAkg7xS

"You believed..."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrFAQcqBQw

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

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulmaT42TAc

Silence.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXOlCXxbnb

Then he continued.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXb4cfvw0us

"When you charged ahead alone..."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0EWPMTiw0

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

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eyMyyFctU

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

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3QMndf4Ru

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

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65aybzPtLy

"In the end..."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqv79JxYjB

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

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPsZNmANPW

...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡButVTEPJg7

Khaled slowly closed his eyes.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEREcczgqBG

Those words...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BabtrUJ64

Hurt more deeply than any wound.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiNnJwpZxd

...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrvEnZafGr

The Sage calmly continued.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RoCPzwuAM

"A leader..."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTt0ASh8zm

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

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSNGsGrJjW

"Nor someone who bears everything alone."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XUq69fTWH

"A leader..."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaw2C7nn9Hn

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

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEMBUJ2Nr6

"And who trusts his companions..."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmcS6Qz4hh

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

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmgPCbrG7x

Then he looked directly into Khaled's eyes.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLq2SXfn4j

And said,

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EVjPmgBeZ

"If the day ever comes..."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFATpSYtOa

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

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghOL9CpHS2

"...then do it."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3Xf6HyorP

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

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DK4kX0vyh

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

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanJyCSRTlz

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

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡME0hP9Qa9I

"You will become..."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcgEJnHQyR

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

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BspI065XO

...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOM4inwomO

Khaled felt...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2H5X98VN7u

As though those words had shattered something deep inside him.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaivvV9Xf1u

He lowered his head.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4nqWHTnmo

And remained silent.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4Mv8RGB99

...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnuZ8Z6J1W

That night...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyheZflqE6

He did not return home.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WUG1120mB

Instead...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAPlJ4L217

He entered his room.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqs7L0rxh25

Closed the door.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8OiqH3mvc

Extinguished the lamp.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuhDDMYlJT

And sat alone in darkness.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRsLv1W0zr

Without moving.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PGEaejgO9

Without speaking.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMvJBD5kEA

Until sunrise.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcQozVOZLL

...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGYKTvvi8e

Two days passed.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYz8lCWCXV

Abdulrahman and Catalina finally regained full consciousness.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlvJIofxLr

The very first question they both asked...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVVWIicSal

Was the same.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4H5JkGI4W

"Where's Khaled?"

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR00hGT28b4

The Sage looked at them silently.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3TCdNjwMP

Then answered,

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoTiKdTc9Y

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

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6XcFssWTq

They exchanged glances.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQkKn4dDcg

Despite still being injured...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0i7HEL8o6

Abdulrahman slowly stood up.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4rKtkOKb7

Then said,

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtJZjdbXc4

"I'll go talk to him."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfimyYqnVS

...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzPayxeij9

He stood before the door.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXP9h9ABFi

Knocked once.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NzSxelzfE

Then twice.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDr1GJ4FjZ

Then smiled as he called out,

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc002uuBduZ

"Hey, Captain..."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHAhzQOBAl

"That's enough sleeping."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOAb6lb3xl

No answer came.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkzqqy1WTO

His smile faded.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5uXbnyqj8

He spoke more seriously.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujJPlgFPgJ

"Khaled..."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BN0jFkzOg

"Open the door."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2MLH8jEFa

Silence.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcqZ7KHoq1

...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBl4jg81WE8

He took a deep breath.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6SQuSwpFr

Then sat down outside the room.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUglo7Pz76l

Resting his back against the wall.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyet9TFZ2V

He quietly said,

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7B3L6aSP56

"Do you remember the first time we met?"

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNbU2Ddga5

"You thought I was arrogant."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1pD7ZKQAc

He smiled through his tears.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ipsdrRhQT

"And I thought you were boring."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtYjqETcd9

He laughed softly.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHg6kfJtG90

But the laughter quickly disappeared.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmjKU7EEUa

...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeOidTht9a

"Do you remember..."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCCFB5v9k2

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

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfi2Wz5BX1

"And how many times I saved you?"

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡks9dg1EvyI

"Do you remember..."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEHRukoKzu

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

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsORT3XrLM9

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

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQOcIo3qPg

...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxC3sbe1uFX

Inside the room...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFBQcal7Q5

Khaled sat alone in darkness.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡka3E6j4Mgu

His head resting upon his knees.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaV8wZpnan

His eyes wide open.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUaojVbRLa

He heard every word.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWoxqQ98bM

But...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgD8gOc8bZH

He couldn't answer.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQPsOrYV17

...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡge1ZiA6j9V

Abdulrahman's voice suddenly rose.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPUBwXN64Z

For the very first time...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhHU7ELrEF

He began to cry.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIL7TgigPC

"Stop blaming yourself for everything!"

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkus5l6g5E

"We chose to fight beside you!"

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XcgPAie6O

"We chose to protect each other!"

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc73Tob5dXQ

"You didn't betray us!"

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbg5MOGv7F1

"Do you hear me?!"

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbwEV2p7yp

...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPO9yi7Zas

The door...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCikzNLwPw

Remained closed.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUssSpc7EP

...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJByr7KeGb5

Abdulrahman shouted at the top of his lungs.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7C8xte9PLQ

"Have you forgotten our promise?!"

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhxpL1WaNh

"Have you forgotten..."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmFniXIXet

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

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVacH2EvTlC

...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLaowU8pEB

Inside the room...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZFXMCnET1

Khaled clenched his fist...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fEsWZcSeJ

Until his knuckles turned white.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShGUrrrxQO

A single tear...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdL8MISADQ

Fell onto the floor.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBB6CpWqEMi

Yet...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSoNVLp8tB

He never opened the door.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCt992pqnBM

He never answered.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHl0koSovBu

...

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTA5XM912Kj

Catalina quietly approached.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5xpgOI8sU

She placed her hand upon Abdulrahman's shoulder.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRtnxYkjPc

Then said sadly,

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8JbfhNlbW

"Leave him..."

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtPudCo6CM

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

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpgulyIUF0

Abdulrahman stared at the door for a long moment.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcF3LUJlzVI

Then slowly lowered his head.

48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6j59I1KaiC

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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