Year 526 A.B.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oxNytAAte 維尼
Xing and Elly halt their sprint as they emerge from the maze-like set of corridors and hallways to find themselves in a large, dilapidated room. All around them are overturned tables and hospital curtains with their wheels perpetually spinning in place. Even the walls and ceiling above their heads have lost some of their foundation. In front of them however, standing confidently with apparitions at his sides, is a man wearing a variation of the same uniform as they are. Summoning circles drawn in chalk with items in each of their centers surround him. Only one of his eyes responds to his attempts to blink, the other permanently closed with its lid scarred red.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbqcMKP6E0 維尼
“Xing, Avelly. I haven’t seen you two in years. I see that some of my forces have been split up. All the talk of the gifted child was true then. Reminds you of graduation day doesn’t it?”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡibJn5gi9ga 維尼
Xing balls his fist at this callous greeting, a memory from the past coming back to him.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oqketUERx 維尼
“Are we live? Yes? We are here on-site of what used to be the Einzloss Estate and the last place our country's most recent Gifted child “Zuo Einzloss” was seen alive. A tragic fate indeed, passing after the alleged safety age of 8, but it begs the question… can any of these beings ever be considered ‘safe’?”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5tL1QEGim 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Dm2F8J9o1
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmP8NmVu6c 維尼
“Reigner... Are you hostile? Believe it or not, I’d like to avoid this,”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40AW066iBw 維尼
Xing mutters in a low voice, ignoring his small talk. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLa6srArxZ 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3k8qTGdLN
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡTj8Bmal0jK 維尼
“I could ask you the same. You two are in front of me without your weapons drawn. Curiosity was the only thing that stopped me from killing you as soon as I saw you.”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMtFJXvfwW 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxjZmzE480
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57aQayidAU 維尼
Elly’s disapproval stretches across her face into the borderline of disgust and pity.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69OZPoqEhj 維尼
“What happened to you, Kharon? You were never like this. If you come back now there’s a chance that your sentence could be negotiat-“8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRbrAU5JmF 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2s52RXfQYP
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwUwIrUWEw 維尼
“To hear you of all people talking about the law. How noble of you, Avelly. But don’t act so familiar with me. I’ve thrown everything away. There is nothing left for me now, but death or victory, this extreme is all I need to achieve my goals. Someone like you, merely a piece of damaged goods from a perfect line of killing machines, could never understand this freedom on the path you’ve chosen,”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡntGv9mKQvY 維尼
Reigner proclaims with a twisted pride. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTWTEz1kQC 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSLPUCsKoX
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7k93K5TiHf 維尼
“You’ve gone this far, huh? Taboo summonings, killing your own people, and now you’re already ready to throw down with us too. I came this far ready to ask if you’d be willing to come back without getting your ass beat, but I see that’s not happening.”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡY121TwrDvi 維尼
The words leave Xing’s mouth sternly, confidently as they always do. And yet, when he feels Elly’s sideways glance at him, he refuses to meet it. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzDyubqYjq 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kkjVdjK28
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbkjx7S8Fb 維尼
Reigner’s hands become a tense mess of bulging veins and tendons. The spirits at his sides begin to stir with the seeds of malice. The moist, dingy corners of the room begin to freeze over as the temperature in the room drops.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXCztmn3nM 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpOiqe1KmV
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡn61EAap1jo 維尼
“‘Keep looking down on me, and you’ll be looking at my feet before you know it,’ That’s something I heard you say right after you had your limelight in the Noble Killer case. This is my moment, Xing, and my people never existed. Don’t speak another word and don’t act like they sent you here to talk. That’s not how our dear director usually ends up handling things, does he?”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5fWpvLAbm 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeXmW004ol
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡibTUVxe9N0 維尼
A tense ominous quiet falls upon the space between them.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1n3nrOgXv 維尼
For the time being, they know that there’s no reaching him. All they can do is wait...8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡolC9B121kN 維尼
Reigner raises his arms in a grand gesture to his sides.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOWRP9WRNM 維尼
“Swarm!”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡQp2jhEMxGU 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cBDLfTa1e
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKE538NpsJ 維尼
The spirits at his side explode with movements in all directions, warping the spaces around them as their energies fluctuate, giving them various levels of materialization. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YYpprabeB 維尼
Xing acts the instant he sees the break in their formation, the ground beneath his feet is demolished from the speed and weight of his lunge carrying him across the battlefield. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIxZjDVetZ 維尼
It takes him less than a second to get within range. With his strength, the conflicted behemoth knows that it would only take a single well-placed blow to end the life of his target. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiRu1m6LUO 維尼
But this is now a battle between veterans; Reigner knows this as well.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76US4eiYqE 維尼
“I’m not naïve enough to underestimate you...” 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xgDKp5BHp 維尼
The violet-colored hands and bodies of spirits tucked away in his reserves erupt from the ground below him, creating a wall of distorted light. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡago5dKKXFk 維尼
“But I won’t underestimate myself either.”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡdax3q8MI5N 維尼
Reigner’s fist, now engulfed in the raw, uneven energy of his puppets emerges through the wall of light with intent to strike, and discovers that Xing has already switched to a defensive stance.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJQhHp6ViO 維尼
“He predicted that?”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAJmOXqAYK 維尼
Nevertheless, he connects his attack with Xing’s guard, and the spirits absorbed into his arm release themselves with explosive force. Xing is sent rocketing into the open air of the room. The puppets sent across the room earlier, circle back to complete their combined attack, encasing him in a violent torrent of souls. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AyPCl3wzI 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRywF6lBUCc
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQ3zPzboUu 維尼
A gunshot rings through the air. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4xZTcGFTa 維尼
Through the command of his waving hand, a spirit rushes to guard the side of Reigner’s shut eye, and is shot through its core. He looks in the direction of the projected bullet’s trajectory. Elly nor the gun are anywhere to be found. Before he can check his new blind spot on his opposite side, Reigner feels a massive impact sweep his feet from under him. Elly quickly rekindles the momentum from her attack with a flip to her feet and pulls a projected knife from a sheath on her ankle. Her combination continues and halts when her knife is intercepted by Reigner’s palm absorbing the blow. Blood trickles down his arm, but he refuses to let pain break his concentration. He musters the strength to close his hand around the blade, and again a mass of spirits converge upon his arm.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9W3EORQqw 維尼
“Release!” 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYmxUL74z8 維尼
He commands the nameless mass of energy.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5PZaErtrx 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWND2CQtMMD
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tRApCwPvx 維尼
Elly lets go of the blade and narrowly evades the attack with a tilt of her head. The smell of nearly burned hair fills her nose, and she pulls out her handgun, refusing to let up the pressure.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNjLfZ0hKn 維尼
Reigner smirks, her counterattack being exactly what he was hoping for.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡoP0rPvOPvU 維尼
Suddenly, Elly lowers her weapon and her eyes shift to the left. Another swarm of spirits make an explosive lunge towards her through a wall on her left. Again, the surprise attack is avoided, creating a distance between them.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0eo508aMS 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RqamJe9iS
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAPjMEExSS
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡN10n0EIQTv 維尼
Reigner rises to his feet and holds his injured hand in front of him. The knife sticking out of his wound is shattered at the point of impact by the energy he sends flowing from within him. He plugs the wound and stops his bleeding. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlDzj0Vhq6 維尼
“Something isn’t right,”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPD5vDr0wR 維尼
He ponders to himself. This time there was no indication of him intending to attack like the times he had called out before. An attempt to catch at least one of them off-guard. Anyone on their level can internalize and export their projections and abilities simply by thinking about them.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgskx5UpOt 維尼
“There’s no way she saw that coming. I’ll need to try harder.” With his hands stretched to his sides, he clenches his fists together.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqCar8gBZL 維尼
The room begins to rumble. Dust, and small pieces of debris fall from the ceiling.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLGJEwB00U 維尼
“Flow.”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRFApdkckv 維尼
The floor itself becomes a literal river of damned souls with destructive waves prepared to consume whatever they touch. A high wave approaches Elly who tosses a projected grenade under its surface, temporarily blowing it away. In the wake of the explosion, where Reigner once stood, there is now an empty space. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFyatCTS9O 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJSlo4IXzf
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJmMb8LV3f 維尼
In the ceiling of the room, Reigner has made use of his diversion and partially merged his body with a small mass of his puppets. In this phantom-like form, he can phase through physical objects much like lower-tier spirits can.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRaE4XUNxk 維尼
“Since the very beginning of our altercation, the two of them seemed far too aware of their surroundings. Two of them?”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡLobxKGXx1L 維尼
He finds exactly what he was looking for.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡgftsnQ5Mso 維尼
Crouched and looking down through a small grate in the ceiling, Rae watches the events as they unfold below seemingly concentrated with a laser focus. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡmh1OPxtdtE 維尼
“I’ll end this quickly, and for safe measures I’ll-“8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vmApfZk8x 維尼
Reigner’s thoughts are cut off by a ringing in his ears and a searing pain burning through his shoulder and collarbone. Did Elly poison him earlier? Did she cut a nerve and send pain traveling through the rest of his body?8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fBw6w9Vqa 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnP13XuZ0TJ
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4udUB5OeBh 維尼
“Oh, hey, Kharon. It’s been awhile... I was getting sleepy up here.” Rae’s back is still turned to him. But at last, Reigner sees the projected smoking gun through the small space Rae fired it from: between his arm and his side, and through his jacket, creating the perfect concealed attack.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwMuACAeoM 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDAEkltYUE
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55j6q4j47H
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcsbgFi972 維尼
His now completely physical body thuds against the ground of the ceiling behind Rae. He tries to recollect his concentration, to make an escape, but the pain stops him from doing anything, let alone something as complex as fusing his body with his pawns again. The ceiling collapses under him due to an unknown external impact, battering and pelting him with rubble as he falls to the ground. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbGYn0MPU0 維尼
Xing, the one he assumes is responsible for the hole in the ceiling, has escaped from his trap.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzYybjherg 維尼
Elly has resisted the sea of souls seemingly without a scratch.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UXKjx4d0a 維尼
Rae, who he knows is just as cunning as he is lands next to the prior, using a projected staircase to avoid something flashy as jumping straight down.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0NIVwC3H6 維尼
“Thanks, this thing really did come in handy.”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLSAymsgeZ 維尼
Rae says, while tossing the weapon back to Elly.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡyneZZupEUt 維尼
She catches it, immediately returning it to one of her holsters, but raises an eyebrow to him. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgUOAgGam0 維尼
“Don’t worry. I won’t need it. You and Xing just focus on this final stretch.” 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡykNXCRJEKt 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCq7MemwB21
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9GDAfAtiH 維尼
Reigner emerges from the rumble as if he were a member of the undead. Visibly full of pain, but even more so full of malice. As his concentration ebbs and flows, the previously sealed wound on his hand begins to open and close.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jRGhY20zl 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYU139EYMsz
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHZ6kqc5LP 維尼
“You’ve gotten scarily sharp, Rae, but ‘final stretch’? You’ll regret that. Right before you shot me, I reallocated the forces engaging the fledglings in your squad. Once they’re dead, I’ll have the full brunt of my power here at my disposal, and I can finally finish all of this.” 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZasnZesYd 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZjoDPDd0k
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUomxuItEi 維尼
“Sounds to me like your back is against the wall… there’s no way in hell that you’re lasting that long. Give it up. I’m tired of this.”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdUAaQI29q 維尼
Xing begins to step forward, impatient and eager to remove himself from that part of the past. Rae grabs his shoulder, stopping him in his tracks. Obviously, Rae isn’t strong enough to stop him, but the haste in his grip tells him all he needs to know.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mCeEYBBHJ 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaWMNBJwSu
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAPrkazerb 維尼
Reigner straightens his posture, once again pushing through his pain.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JC76A9vmF 維尼
“There you go again,”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkQ5gBoK4t 維尼
He tightens his fist until the blood from his open wound drips from his knuckles. What he’s about to do won’t require any concentration. This is the pain that he’s choosing to imprint on his soul.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxzmGquoFC 維尼
“Talking to me--looking at me like I’m some kind of sorry waste of life. Just like they did.”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mgsh1QdO7 維尼
He reaches into his pockets for an item that has yet to exist on this plane of reality. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JXeeJQzp5 維尼
“But when did I ever say that ‘finishing all of this,’ had anything to do with killing you. You’re just stepping stones for what I’ll do next.”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvcCf1kqOB 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdu9ByPFHzr
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oyofSOwna 維尼
Reigner closes both of his eyes, speaking aloud his deadly chant.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡAksderl3ao 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgvpbR5DyJ
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OQvQKe9S6 維尼
“Enlightened and urged by the truth, I walk this path alone, facing even the gods who hold the weight of the World on their shoulders...”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡHH1VqWdjVG 維尼
His scarred, permanently eyelid starts to quiver.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvtgGaXBRM 維尼
“The waves of the fallen beat down on me, and yet as I am, because I am, I can’t stop now...”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHF8DM1iqK 維尼
From his pocket he tosses a projected coin into the air.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡm786dNTmXc 維尼
“So, pledge your all to me, I’ll exterminate them, replace them, reduce it all to ashes and start anew...”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKcxpGoIof 維尼
The coin reaches his eye-level and at that moment, using three of his fingers, he jams the coin into his scarred eye’s socket. His head rocks backwards and his bloodshot eyes open with vigor, now oblivious to the onset pain.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡmR9PfRrqAw 維尼
“...Embodiment: Erinyes!”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6DoGdLUuB 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFTIVKbAoi
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡlD35QwoVEn 維尼
From every corner of the room, Reigner’s reserved souls merge onto their master until they’re all that’s visible. The blinding light dies down, and from it Reigner walks down from the mound of rubble, now clad in a warped amalgamation of souls in the shape of a sleeveless robe. Divine projected bands cover his wrists and run up the length of his arms. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsY46Y79sM 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTk8dpmQhQ
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLUYEhs87N 維尼
“That’s his Trump Card. Me telling you about his surprise attacks won’t be as much help anymore since he’s condensed everything into himself,”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUF3J51yzY 維尼
Rae rubs the back of his neck.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gE5FIpuMz 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAfAhnM7hP
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuv5UUn6bB 維尼
Elly looks off to a far corner of the room, visualizing something and counting off with her fingers.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwblxmkhAb 維尼
“You should fall further back then. This doesn’t feel like Kharon at all.”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡAd9MeStTv3 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClI37hOsB0
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrvqN6Z6hj 維尼
“I didn’t bother saying anything about it because I thought it was obvious, but you’re right. Assume this is a stranger for now. Also, you don’t have to tell me twice about falling back.”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYviFM1fRC 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmeWCAYBBa
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbDvnLIOe6 維尼
Xing cracks his knuckles, and at the same time repairs the cracks in his projected gloves.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Xvkdf2dmt 維尼
“We’re resorting to the usual then?”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2E9B2Dxcf 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC897olBfGv
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhKbtPgd5n 維尼
“No. This time back me up.“8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡa21miQXEu2 維尼
Elly dashes and fires at Reigner who has begun walking towards their position. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5C0cO48xgB 維尼
A bright light shines from beneath his pants legs as he weaves through the path of the bullets, surpassing her speed. Elly crouches and evades the kick aimed at her torso, while Xing follows up behind her. The bands on Reigner’s arms burn brightly. Their fists collide in a quick barrage of knuckles that heats the air around them. Reinger’s arms, frail in comparison to Xing’s, not becoming a bloody, broken, unrecognizable mess the moment their fists touched is proof that he has given up surprise attacks in favor of raw power.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DOYtHJCPO 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiQCVRAe1n
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgWvfcoAqC 維尼
From her crouched position, Elly launches herself into the air with a rising kick made even more deadly by the blades ejected from her soles. Reigner slides backwards abandoning his matchup against Xing and begins to raise his arm at her to counterattack. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡrE2aWNstim 維尼
Elly holds out her arm as well calling another projected pistol from her bag hidden across the room. She fires down on Reigner, pushing herself further and further into the air with her weapon’s otherworldly recoil, but he deflects the rounds with his energy-clad forearms. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GcNWLiqth 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFOGyOEb4Q
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wU5V5rUMr 維尼
“Now!”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWX1GufOh3 維尼
Rae yells.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPgdVhNKB1 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxbsqJCvGF
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡPO18Aakc59 維尼
Xing punches the ground beneath him, sending a shockwave around him that quickly reaches the area under Reigner’s feet. Elly squeezes the grip on her weapon until it shatters, and morphs into a form with a barrel like that of a spider. Small threads become visible, connecting to the rounds that were deflected earlier. Pieces of the floor are pulled by the threads, trapping him in a cage of steel-like spindles and concrete. The damage from his upward blast is muffled and through the snapping threads and dust, Xing lands a clean blow to Reigner’s ribs before he can switch his focus. The sound of his crunching bones reverberates through Xing’s arm. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5kGkxRJni 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VlksKsksw
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqOB9HiRN5 維尼
He slides and stumbles, refusing to lose his footing to the attack that would have surely killed him earlier. With his ferocity overpowers his injuries, he claps his hands together in front of him and one band on each of his arms disappears. A devastating wave of energy tears though the air with the intent of erasing Xing and Elly from existence itself. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNdY3SeaLA 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXogxN3oiBr
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBPNCgHzoY 維尼
Xing pulls Elly closer to him, focuses energy into his legs, and sidesteps the attack that would make lightning seem slow by comparison. With the blast's trajectory now towards him, Rae squints and he internalizes a thought.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtw9zupV0t 維尼
“Vector: Reverse.”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡgriCn28l3B 維尼
To Reigner’s surprise, the blast seems to concave, reflect off of the space in front of the lazy strategist and come back twice as quickly, even in his amped state, he is unable to move out of the way in time. Instead, he widens his stance. A band on each of his limbs disappears as the blast explodes against the barrier created by them. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPflJZAucp 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl74eqkBfzr
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡMs69vZlPoO 維尼
Xing and Elly attempt a flank on his sides, assuming that they have the upperhand, but he catches their fist and leg respectively. This feat would have been impossible earlier, as it seemingly took all that he had to match Xing’s monstrous strength a moment ago. To cancel out an impact is one thing, but this is something entirely different. Was he not giving it his all earlier? Their attention shifts to his limbs, now a shining display of ethereal light due to the remaining bands all lighting up at once. With his physical abilities at a new limit, he spins and throws them a short distance away from him. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡttcqNfUg8O 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFtrWcJbhA
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYjGJctzl7 維尼
They rebound, pressing him with another combination of attacks. Elly calls a multitude of items from her bag, and aided by the mobility of her soles’ tank-like treads, she fires on his position from a distance with a projected rifle. Xing engages him head-on, narrowly dodging his energy-trailed attacks with the help of Rae's assists. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCdvNaMlH0 維尼
Their deadlock carries on in hour-long seconds. Xing’s gloves are worn to nothingness. Elly reloads clip after clip, expending the usefulness of many of the items from her bag. The bands on Reigner’s limbs slowly but surely decrease in size. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡey0eDlyh8A 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7zFYYknTQ
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡMepmOovOeG 維尼
Rae places all of his focus on the single goal of dissecting the situation and informing them on their progress.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡFA1zkt5cLf 維尼
“He can’t keep this up forever! At this rate he probably has about 5 minutes left in him!” 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkVP7Cgwgi 維尼
He yells as his voice runs dry and hoarse.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLOFdLDMPw 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmQRrBXaCd
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeciSrYjMa 維尼
Reigner shoots him a spiteful glare and the veins in his arms pulsate under his skin. With a powerful circular twist of his entire body, he sends a wave outward with intent of blowing them all away.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MYbaCakq2 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXeuUckObp
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wiXpscwgj 維尼
Elly quickly holsters her rifle on her back and runs her nails across the ground revealing a chain hidden in a path surrounding Reigner created by her treads. The spiraling chain attempts to once again bind Reigner for a finishing blow, but he easily leaps from its center.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡfb2KSfxJ6d 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEZlUT75hC
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDOHmvIcfi 維尼
“Your strategies are too one-note.”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vQxo0IMGH 維尼
Reigner mutters, while sending another blast towards Rae.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yM3RP36iv 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdKRrIr0pI
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6pF9uQOhE 維尼
“The exact same attack as before,”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡna2CJ2uPbX 維尼
Rae thinks.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡTir0dJKpxW 維尼
“... Look who’s talking.”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjWoiLFXaV 維尼
He squints again, reflecting the attack towards Reigner who is still airborne. They all watch as he raises his hand to the incoming attack, but doesn’t even bother releasing a barrier like before.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡnynnKgfN9U 維尼
Reigner yells a single word, making their blood run cold.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdy5rKe0tx 維尼
“Individuality!”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5f0jScgcuB 維尼
A fatal oversight and yet another seed planted by the opposing mastermind. Of course he who can turn spirits into raw energy would be able to turn them back. The next moment happens in the blink of an eye.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZUM3JVgRg 維尼
Instead of exploding on impact, the energy from the blast returns to its original form of an amalgamation of spirits. It travels along the length of Reigners arms, across his robed chest, and to the other arm. He smirks, pointing his palm at Elly who hasn’t even had a chance to leave the position of holding her chain. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡrU5xjYNl5L 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcL7RzsGeop
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡD98j7HzGwt 維尼
The room is consumed in a hazy light from the impact.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHyHgN980I 維尼
The dust settles and Elly stands with buckled legs covered in cuts and bruises. Her hair messily covers her face and blood drips from her shoulder to her hand. She begins to fall.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡUs15pAkLmw 維尼
“El-“8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡA36uDmRIV3 維尼
A voice calls out, but is cut off by the ringing in her ears.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVWFFzkCGO 維尼
“Elly!”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡRi5sQYzQVF 維尼
The voice is still muted.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWOffkQiI9 維尼
“Elly!”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvpe8iG8lI 維尼
Her foot stomps against the ground as she regains consciousness. She brushes her hair out of her face. She looks to her left to see Rae, the voice calling out to her, ready to catch her. Then in front of her to see Xing standing in front of them, ready for Reigner’s next assault.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡAw6tp5huw9 維尼
The ringing stops and she fully rises to her feet. A new look burns in her eyes. With a confident stride, she walks in front of Xing to face Reigner.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1jjd2DPPY 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjZ5MxRYLV
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRe0VbYRGC 維尼
“I was just about to end this myself. He’s too far gone, Elly. Please, rest for now.” 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡDp3m4uT1gd 維尼
The words leave Xing’s mouth “confidently”, “sternly” as they always do. And yet the eyes she feels on her back haven’t reached the same resolution she has.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡu73v6PjmHm 維尼
“No. It’s because he’s so far gone that I’m doing this. I’m nowhere near done yet.”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5ppDeuzfm 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2f3w3EJOK
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLhdDFZBDf
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡliFxkRdwvD 維尼
Reigner stops a few meters in front of them.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaQMgwHkIm 維尼
“Your eyes tell me that you want to keep going, and yet your body looks like it’s going to fall to pieces. Just die quietly. This is the price you all have to pay for not coming at me with the intent of killing me.”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7ftn7FP0j 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuxZPW6lPA
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5lCgeefX5 維尼
Elly laughs. Right before the attack was redirected at her she had called her entire bag towards her to cushion the blow. Without it, she surely would have been a corpse on the ground.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZqxHSv2aT 維尼
“So you could tell? It’s true. Any one of us could have taken you on alone if we wanted to. But we’re a senselessly sentimental group of rejects, aren’t we? I mean, you’re the one speaking chants aloud… how much of this are you sure about?”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡjABytmIKyc 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0N2boedwt
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡUd69SH9lZs 維尼
Reigner holds the side of his head as if he was taken aback by a headache. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKB94JLosi 維尼
“I wish you would just shut the fuck up. Acting like you’ve got me all figured out, but look at yourself! Battered and bleeding, your weapons in pieces. Then there’s your weakness...”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXU3ChVlPs 維尼
Reigner points his palm at Elly, seemingly regaining his composure.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IUNZQoSh7 維尼
“You were never able to project anything properly were you? Which is why you play this childish game of baby steps to create your weapons piece by piece, carrying them in that sad bag. Now that they’re destroyed I could erase you right now and you could do nothing about it. It’s admirable, but you are still truly trash. I’m nothing like yo-”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TyJ77HdGH 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXpZ0vCBtY
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oQHpK3FBW 維尼
“So much past tense. it pains me to see you like this. But I’ve acknowledged you, Kharon. Holding back or not, no one except Kahnyne has ever read us so quickly, and we were kids back then. Which is why I’ll stop talking just like you’ve asked so many times…”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaXL14RD9X 維尼
All of her cuts are instantly closed by what looks like projected sutures. She uses a torn piece from her sleeve to tie her hair.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkSeqfhnHz 維尼
“...And start fighting like I mean it. I’ve changed. For better or worse, we all have.” 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxio0s8dCD 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIAm1kBZWT
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPaMBintN3 維尼
“I’ll take care of Rae just in case shit hits the fan. Watch yourself.”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxObBh9L7r 維尼
Xing and Rae make their way to the far side of the room.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rogdkAsNI 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvcYWkYq5K
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9FHXSiYig 維尼
“I hope you won’t regret this,”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡatsVoKlaj1 維尼
Reigner arrogantly declares. And yet while neither he nor Xing would admit it as they are now, the look in her eyes reminds them of something that one is trying desperately to pursue and something that the other once wanted. He can’t move carelessly.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXUhdY4KVC 維尼
Elly stretches her arms.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhMVVrjb5p 維尼
“Don’t turn into a broken record. I thought we were done talking. I’m ending this quickly.”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡV29llIhJuR 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLctp2LUlj
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TOVvimr4D 維尼
The bands on Reigner’s legs shine. Elly assumes a sprinters stance. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtmj8Pmay9 維尼
“Rejected and abandoned by the bonds of flesh and blood and prestige...”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrw3zDEpyo 維尼
They clash in the middle of the space between them. Before Reigner can recover from the surprise of her matching his speed, he is struck in the neck with a kick that nearly breaks it. He grabs her leg and slams her into the ground. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5LrVWxZcn 維尼
“... I have struggled through this path of mine consumed by denial and hypocrisy, the only things I could control.”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOjelWr9wz 維尼
Elly shields her head by cupping her hands around the back of it, breaking some of her fingers in the process. She counters by wrapping her legs around his arm and using the muscles in her abdomen in a twisting motion that switches their positions and momentarily throws Reigner’s arm out of place. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQs47EUhOp 維尼
Using his position on the ground to his advantage, Reigner sends a large, sweeping wave of energy from his legs that Elly takes the brunt of with her shin as she puts up her guard.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWEXbfvaOt 維尼
“...But through those stronger than myself, I have turned my weakness into strength and even found my saving grace...” 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbCSWPaK5m 維尼
Reigner uses a burst of speed to close the distance between them. Even with her broken fingers, Elly closes her fingers around the handle of her knife that was indirectly chipped from the blast earlier. The veins under her skin glow a bright purple as she enhances her body to surpass Reigner’s current speed. Elly takes a lunge right for his eye. However, for a split second before he vanishes from her field of dynamic vision, she sees the flash from every band on his body burning brighter than ever before. She senses him behind her and turns the path of her blade to meet him. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKgTQdwHhd 維尼
“I cannot easily create what’s on my mind, and I cannot change the fact that I was once exactly what people expected of me...”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fyXNssG4M 維尼
They clash at speed that blurs the hundreds of strikes and guards in that instant into a singular wave of sound. He vanishes again, this time appearing above her with both of his hands outstretched for his final attack.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsL8M45ERj 維尼
“I don’t know how you haven’t Soul Shocked yet, but this is the end, Avelly! You all will be reduced to nothing but fading memories!” 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡucK9VDtphE 維尼
Almost all of the bands on Reigner’s body burn away like matchsticks disintegrated by the sun, and the hellish blast approaches Elly with the added threat of ending the lives of everyone else. And yet, Xing and Rae confidently watch their comrade close her eyes, giving form to her response.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgtsY2PwoT 維尼
“...But I have this: the image drawn from my soul and the will to rise above, to create my own legacy, to win. Fire. Blow them all away. This is it:”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWCT81NBZL 維尼
A tiny gun with an ever-changing amount of different barrels takes form in her broken hand. She smashes it against the ground and it rises again as a giant version of its former self behind her. Cannons, warheads, spears, bullets. It’s as if every weapon under the sun is hurled as a part of her attack. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡazQXyZAsAI 維尼
Reigner watches as his wave is quickly overwhelmed and nearly engulfed by the opposing beams. Still, like small rays of light, some of his attack reaches the ground in front of Elly. A million and one thoughts cross his mind, but he manages to use the remainder of his energy to traverse the blast he released, appearing directly in front of her ready to strike.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsL0Jw7cN0 維尼
Finally, the goddess of war reveals her Trump Card.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGj7pkj1jK 維尼
All of the weapons fired before return to their shape of a small gun in her hand already pointed at Reigner’s chest. The barrel is pressed against him now. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaGmgt3HeW 維尼
“... Bishamon.”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AsrmIyJ4L 維尼
Reigner is consumed by the dome of chaos released by the gun. Xing pulls a piece of the ground below him out of place to shield him and Rae as the airy shockwave alone is enough to tear the room to pieces. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FmWLId68B 維尼
Elly hoisters the weapon. It disappears along with any remnants of the energy it left behind. Reigner now lies face up with his limbs relaxed and splayed against the floor. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUedAo0EVW 維尼
“Yeah.”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSKkL8dW30 維尼
Rae looks back in the direction that they came.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡlflp9qqmxl 維尼
“He’s really done now. Inside and out.”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWOGxFDmUV 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgcL8N4Xpl
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPZYXzpiom 維尼
The three of them approach him, standing by his side. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbeMbR3zBS 維尼
“So that’s how it is…”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZv5oifOQw 維尼
The sad, clear-headed man on the ground takes a deep breath that is labored by his many broken bones and internal bleeding.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SQtXaFqdK 維尼
“You’re just way stronger than I could ever be, Avelly. All of you are. I wasn’t even worth killing immediately.”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpG8jcgIOH 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgvB80GBgR
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLTxjZDXsX 維尼
Xing looks down at him; his expression is an enigmatic blend of so much that only his words can truly express it.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRLh4kOBXt 維尼
“From the very beginning Rae sensed something off about you. He said that you were most likely corrupted by biting off more than you could chew with the souls you control, but I couldn’t believe it. Why do this all because of Atlas? It’s like you completely forgot the shit we went through to get where we are today, everything Mr.Einzloss put faith in us for before he left us.”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uU8LPWure 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqB8fzqWCb
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0zO1fyca9 維尼
The man’s eyes are still fixed to the ceiling. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4t6I5qqM5j 維尼
“‘Mr.Einzloss’, huh? I think I finally understand you, Xing. But you’re wrong… the only person I failed was-“8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnN4HljQPJ 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76lUG6etb5
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdhoflbuBQ 維尼
“Yourself,”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wmBw6ApQF 維尼
Elly finishes his sentence.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCRPoqpGTD 維尼
Kharon’s Undamaged eye flies open in shock. He looks over to Elly who has assumed a position kneeling at his side. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKzdG5jOr8 維尼
“I didn’t kill you right away because I’m selfish, Kharon. I wouldn’t be satisfied unless we did this the right way. This was never only about Atlas, your team, or power, was it?”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4giinWNIe 維尼
She asks sincerely.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡA02OKYpzU2 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuCJglfcv3
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRDw5xSX7j 維尼
A single bloodstained tear makes a path from his eye to his ear.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNkiTcOB6H 維尼
“You’re right. You’re absolutely right…”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8ojee6IgM 維尼
He struggles to move his arms to interlock his fingers over his chest. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡWd3pVPnECM 維尼
“... I just can’t live with myself. Atlas is something else, isn’t he? On that mission, he sat there like a Buddha: Unshaking and unbreakable for 3 days and 4 nights protecting us until your search party got to us. But you know what part really keeps me up at night? During the time that it took for him to notice the ambush, notify us, and put up his barrier for those who made it to him in time, all I could think about was how much I, and myself alone, needed to survive. I might as well have trampled over the rest of my team to cower under him…”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡIslMhmN3Zz 維尼
The man’s grip tightens, making the blood from his reopened wound trickle once again.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvkpVAMpgU 維尼
“... And so I swore by the mountain of bodies I trampled over that I’d become stronger. And when I got my own team, I swore that I’d lay my life down for them. But one day, I just happened to hear them talking. Can you guess what it was about? Wishing they were in Atlas’ squad. It broke me, the little confidence that I had. How weak and pitiful am I? I should have died that day all those years ago. Why did I make it when there were so many more capable individuals than me who didn’t if I was just going to be haunted like this?...”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uF0G37weM 維尼
He can’t bear to look in Elly’s direction any longer and closes his eyes. It’s too hard to turn his head away.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKhMVi3hZv 維尼
“... The rest is a blur of the many souls under my control corrupting my soul to its core with talk of severing ties and hurt. But the clearest memories I have now are the moments I snapped and killed them. But that’s no excuse. I must have just been rotten from the beginning.”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeUgXxaY4a 維尼
His long rant ends with a pained and sorrowful chuckle.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEfJZcD4a9 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9qSnZOy0V
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡsovcA7nGKy 維尼
For once, Xing is at a loss for words. He turns away, but continues to listen when Elly responds.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SJc1HJmCJ 維尼
“That’s right. You’re pitiful. But the one thing I took away from our time at the Academy was that everyone had something. Xing may have been the most blunt, Rae may have been the most lazy…”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡIU7nPQ6oNX 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvRnYEyfuw
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡWI6SzjuskE 維尼
“Ouch.”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjKDyKxLGZ 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYwxDNrSEt
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9RNXpANsn 維尼
“… I may have been the most intricate, but you were definitely the most kind, Kharon. That’s the reason you’re able to control spirits the way you do. I bet you even took the time to memorize each and every one of their names. They pledge themselves to you because you’re giving them the chance to do something greater than they did in their living lives so that they can finally move on to the Afterlife, not to end lives as we know them now. So maybe all of that ‘corruption’ was just them trying to wipe away everything that was hurting you. And think about it: did you forget that Atlas doesn’t even have a squad anymore?”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqWMGVo0aw 維尼
Elly concludes.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTRZE2eK4A 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrfOSb3hfc
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡryC7PZoNha 維尼
After a moment of silence, Kharon opens his eyes and erupts into genuine laughter between his blood-filled coughs. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2O7D1xENK 維尼
“Wow... in the most petty way possible, I really am pitiful. But you know what? This is for the best. Please, while my mind and soul are still sane, help me cross over.”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlKifWsRr4 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRbIV71vKS
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sbqRRZ4qF 維尼
Elly nods and hesitantly stands to her feet. She begins to put a gun together, carefully projecting each component piece by piece.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQwfrtDp6J 維尼
Xing turns back to face the situation.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvmYzqfjUV 維尼
“So now you’re running away? There are plenty of medics who could save you, even in your condition if we move fast enough.”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8zTWLKm33 維尼
He sounds agitated, straying further and further away from his usual calm, arrogant demeanor. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡGi4FH1TQ2N 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvBOnuAbWs
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVCthq50Gr 維尼
Kharon smiles, his eyes now full of hopeful light.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZhINxM5RF 維尼
“It’s nice to see that you care so much, Mr.Mountain. But I’m not running away. This is my atonement. Besides, I can tell that this moment of clarity is fleeting and that there’s a chance that my desires will warp themselves again.”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUz8pAbN5W 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCf0yiySWtH
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcHw2lwHRx 維尼
Rae sighs, confirming Kharon's self-diagnosis.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpWQMA1ofx 維尼
“Damn it…”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zI2OK5o0V 維尼
Xing whispers to himself.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtHM3VZi8a 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqr8wyBKYv4
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3ZWAatB4k 維尼
A series of shuffles, clicks and snaps and snaps echo throughout the solemnly quiet room.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡge3jg38CN3 維尼
“It’s ready...”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6cohxlNaS 維尼
Elly says holding the gun she created in one hand and a single projected bullet in her other hand. 8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6EJ36JaPb 維尼
“...I created this with the condition that it will only damage your soul enough to send it to the afterlife. It will be painless. Take these final moments to sort through yourself one last time so that there’s no chance that you’ll come back as a malicious spirit.”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡxd6GVOnMGl 維尼
She loads the round in the gun’s chamber and begins to point it at Kharon until he begins to speak.”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡXz3ag235UY 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmh7Jr7GVhH
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡKl4vdhWDly 維尼
“One last thing. Elly, thank you…”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFPIWZQ6TP 維尼
She nods her head.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoyrjaqGsx 維尼
“Rae, you’re extraordinary, but sensing everything can leave you blind to the things that are even more obvious...”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFCNJ7KgWR 維尼
Rae scratches the back of his neck.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIBljrFCEE 維尼
“... And Xing, don’t let your complex be your downfall. There is only so much that I can say to you all in fear that bringing too much up will trap my soul forever. But in my stead, please…”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7qMLJ8r2K 維尼
He pauses.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDlWgPfa7z 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA995Ecwl1U
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQzDxEZKDP 維尼
“Please what?”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡov4XKFQFmx 維尼
Xing inquires.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6tM2SA6GA 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tJc8wHrb5
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JuhaRGrqr 維尼
Kharon slowly shakes his head from side to side.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHPY5584Ly 維尼
“Sorry, I think that it’s time for me to go. Well, I guess I can say this: you’re a lucky man, Xing. Forget about everything else and think about that...”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡRX0y3tBFqS 維尼
He takes a deep breath.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dDsijQa0w 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSQ9IEJLAR
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaNe9n0ehd 維尼
Elly raises her sights.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdr414zgrz 維尼
“Are you ready?”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡItOsJsxWRK 維尼
Kharon nods his head.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5LoJFIhFu 維尼
The room that now feels like a tiny box becomes full of small noises. 3 sets of footsteps in the distance towards the entrance. The rhythmic clicking of a gun's hammer. Lastly, the merciful bang of it firing, the last thing Kharon hears and sees.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0RfvOvNPK 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiYEo1ZB5p
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡgov2ATZ8ji 維尼
He wakes up with a gasp lying down in a pure, white void. 4 figures stand in front of him with expressions that he cannot see yet. He rises to his feet to face them. Each step he takes towards them makes his feet feel heavier and yet the rest of his body begins to feel more and more light. Now standing right in front of them, he has no choice but to stop due to the weight of his feet being too much to bear. To his surprise though, the burden is lifted more and more as the figures in front of him begin to embrace him one by one. They all start to speak, with the expressions on their faces becoming clear.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡje0ue6xjQM 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcE5xKH2qiw
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡICXGLby8UI 維尼
“Why are you here so soon?!”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEnexqVN22 維尼
The first exclaims with sorrow.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRUpiGdXKm 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19Wzh9fuKT
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOyw9dei6Z 維尼
“You were just starting to get back on track too!”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzIDAd0Kfd 維尼
The second exclaims with disappointment.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuW75gZXd0 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFYxESEe6I
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Gt9vdydMv 維尼
“You should have known from the beginning that we wouldn’t hurt you when you did so much for us!”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrnvTrCf0X 維尼
The third one exclaims with a backhanded praise.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTNj2Sghww 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFW31zKvQKt
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Q5afMDYNO 維尼
“So many people had horrible things to say about you because of the past. But it’s the past. You gave all of us a chance, saved us so many times, taught us so much, and yet all we could do was watch you struggle. What we really said was that we wished we could travel back in time to that day in Atlas’ squad so that we could save you.”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoidaOPdOX 維尼
The last exclaims with love.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6Cehzk6pt 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooVTX4Ymer
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPjxwqYTS8 維尼
Kharon falls back to his knees. Tears straight from his soul stream from his eyes and fall onto his thighs like purple, glistening rain.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7hS00rWxS 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjY6LIxv0TR
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrLDmpdVbs 維尼
“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I know that now, but I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I took your lives before-“8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡqytefwlqm4 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwvQsdV6IS
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkQf2Z4Jm2 維尼
“We don’t forgive you!”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2Ah6Jda3S 維尼
They all yell.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡxE6lckRKqO 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOSLDMGDK1
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡbc9pGK36Yl 維尼
“I know that too! I know that too. That’s why I’m here. This is my choice. My atonement…”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡCG9H4Terjp 維尼
He raises his pinky to them.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nRlZ4P4bO 維尼
“... This may be naive of me, maybe even childish. But please give me another chance to watch over you. The afterlife is not a perfect place. While those we left behind do what they can, we could too. Then, if my soul is not too damned to be forgiven, I promise that if we are born again and anew into the world of the living, I will do things the right way all the way through.”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nqYR19pWj 維尼
They say nothing, looking down on him with their enigmatic gazes.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZw6TnKwaX 維尼
“I understand.”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkcVV42o7D 維尼
Kharon sadly smiles and begins to lower his pinky. The pure white void begins to dim…8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSrKIYTi0u 維尼
But he feels a rush of warmth, filling their blank, purgatory-like void of the Afterlife’s first stage with so much light that it bursts open. “There’s no way we can just forgive what you did. Our lives as we knew them, are over and we had so much ahead of us… but you know what?...” They have all kneeled to return Kharon’s embrace.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8nthIuJZf 維尼
“...When we think about lives worth living, we still can’t help but think about all the lives we saved alongside you. Let’s try again, sir…”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRwmQrpUeT 維尼
“Thank you.”8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77byB1hVRT 維尼
He is finally at peace.8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡJozTn8yWRd 維尼
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeFElC2SPC
8964 copyright protection145ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77BzuNrJfd 維尼
