Chapter 34: The eight wings

Three weeks have passed since the Battle of Bial…
Each of them stands in the castle courtyard, unable to look at the person next to them or focus too long on the back of the head in front of them, lest they see the remnants of some wound or burn. Everyone has been discharged from the hospital now.

All those white bandages that had temporarily covered and erased the marks of battle—they’re gone. Heemi stands in her official uniform—a blue shirt and blue pants, with the Iron Hands badge on her chest. She’s wearing a black glove, so you can’t see her burned brown skin or the scarred, disfigured texture of it. On her face is a look of defiance. She also bears several brown burn scars scattered across her face and neck. The person in the line beside her… Sol can’t bring himself to meet her eyes.

A few steps away, you see Ino. His injuries aren’t visible on his face or hands—he didn’t really get his share of the direct battlefield. But if he lifted his blue shirt and the white undershirt beneath, you’d see bruises covering his pale torso. Yet his gaunt face and his hollow eyes remind the others not to look at him either.

At the front stands Noel. Her body still has that red color turned brown in the places where the flames had touched her. Her body still hurts whenever she remembers Eita and the people of Bial screaming and burning around her.

And in the midst of these rows stands someone, Nier with golden locks that shines under the sun parted so that it sweeps left across his forehead. There’s a brown patch branching out thunderbolt-like over the left side of his face. They’ve all gathered in this courtyard for the first time since Bial, awaiting that man’s arrival.

Finally, all their eyes shift toward someone who emerged from the eighth army building: a tall, broad man, several years older than them, with four others following behind. They notice the insignia on his chest, adorned with eight black wings. Silently, they track him and his companions with their eyes until they stand in the center of the courtyard.

One of the five behind him crouches to the ground, Eyeing the squad. She’s wearing a black undershirt and gray trousers, her shaved head gleaming with sweat. The presence of these five… is intimidating.

The large man in front says, “Listen up, all of you. Your last battle proved that many of the Black Wings are merely a bunch of weak children! Don’t let it go to your head that you ‘won!’ Most of Bial’s people were killed, and the enemy fled! You didn’t win at all—you barely escaped with your lives!”

Everyone’s eyes went wide with anger, and Mika shouted indignantly, “What??” Then, looking at the Iron Hands, the man yelled, “And you as well! You’re all just a bunch of spoiled kids! All of you need to train like real soldiers, not a bunch of spoiled brats!”

Mika glanced around at the others in shock, then said, “What? Who are you?! How do you start talking like that? At least introduce yourself before you speak to us that way!”

In a booming voice, the man answered, “I’m Odom, Commander of the Eighth Squad!”

Seeta repeated, “The Eighth Squad?”

Odom responded calmly and firmly, “Look at the wings on my chest, girl. I’m the commander of the strongest unit in this army.”

Andra said, “Eight wings… Impressive.”

Sol, irritated, interjected, “What are you saying! A Black Wing in charge of an entire unit iwth Iron Hands? Impossible!”

Rin answered, “The Eighth squad doesn’t have iron hands.”

Odom retorted, looking at Sol, “Don’t you know how to speak respectfully to your Seniors, boy?” Sol’s face showed growing anger, but Odom continued, “I lead the Dark Wings Squad, made up solely of Black Wings—the last squad in Frata’s army. I’ve been assigned by President Arni to train and prepare you for your next mission.”

A ripple of astonishment spreaded among them. Some murmur, “A whole squad of Black Wings?” Odom went on, “I’m not interested in training the Iron Hands—Frata’s golden children—anyway.” He eyes them and growled, “You can just stay where you are, bask in the praise of someone else’s work, and keep your hands clean. I don’t care what happens to you!”

A trembling voice said, “Please!” Odom looked to see Rin bowing his head, “Train me along with them.” Sol and Berko stared in disbelief. Odom looked at Rin and said, “Are you sure? Like I said, you can sit on the sidelines, take the glory you never earned, and never dirty your hands.” Ren’s face tightend as he stays bowed, “It’s too late for that…” He continued, “I was… I was useless in the whole battle… I don’t want to watch people die around me while I stand idle…” His face twisted, “It’s such a humiliating feeling!”

Odom’s eyes widened angrily, “You Iron Hand… You watch people die in front of you while you stand still, and your only concern is humiliation? How selfish you are!” Rin shouted, “You’re wrong! It’s humiliating because no matter how hard I tried or how much I wanted to save them… it isn’t enough… Because I’m too weak… I can’t save anyone!”

Sabana stepped beside Ren, putting a hand on his shoulder, “Me too. Train me with him. We’re no longer Frata’s golden children.” Noel also bowed with a trembling voice, “Me too…” Odom looked at her, tears falling from her eyes as she stays bowed. She continued, her voice shaking, “I… I… You say you were no use… But I was so terrified… I gave up way too soon… I ran away and left my subordinate behind… And now… Arlo…” She lifted her face, tears spraying as she cries out, “I’m sorry, Inini! I left Arlo to go off alone… I never even got to apologize to him… He was a good boy… He wanted to help everyone… And I… I said horrible things to him…”

Inini—standing in one of the rows, not turning toward Heemi—said, “Eh.. I don’t think Arlo cares about any of that now… He’s dead, you know…” Noel looked at her sorrowfully before Heemi said, “Me too.” She lifted her wounded arm and laughs, “I don’t want to lose anything else if I can help it.” Sol said, “Heemi…” Ino extended a hand, resting it gently on Ren’s shoulder, then says, “I’ll join, too!” Rin looked at him in gratitude, seeing Ino smile. Sol glanced between them and adds, “I don’t trust you—and I don’t trust any Black Wings. But I’ll support my team and my comrades by joining you, if you can help us. If not, I won’t waste my time on you!”

Mika muttered, “Why’d they stop bowing so soon? I was starting to like that…” Florin replied, “We—Rifa and I—have to keep up with the Second Squad.” A man behind Odom said, “It’s like you think you’re doing us a favor by joining us… My god… The Iron Hands are always so stuck-up and arrogant.”

Odom points behind him at his men, “This is Ovannos, Tetyas, Exyra, and Delia.” The squad takes in the four figures behind him: Delia—the woman who had crouched on the ground… Exyra—another woman with long, braided hair… Tetyas—who is watching them with a sly smile… and Ovannos—the quiet man.

Odom continues, “Some of the strongest in Frata’s best squad. They’ll be training you with me. Don’t waste their time—get everything you can out of them!” He gestures to the four behind him, and Delia claps her hands on her thighs before getting up, “Hey, Second Squad, I don’t know how your commanders do things, but here, we settle matters with fighting! You’re going to fight each other, and then we’ll decide which of you we want to train.”

Mika snorts, “Don’t worry. That’s all everyone here wants us to do too—more dogfights from Bial!” Delia replies, “Don’t worry, boy! We’ll fight as well!” A sinister grin spreads across her face, “We just want to see which of you is entertaining and worth fighting.”

Odom explains, “We just want to see your skills and combat styles. There’s only one rule: don’t kill each other. You won’t get any extra points for killing your teammate. Use these practice weapons, not your real ones.”

Everyone spreads out around the courtyard after taking weapons resembling their real swords but made of wood. They scan the area for potential opponents. Some hesitate—wounds and bruises still ache. Fojta approaches Inini, who is standing there in a daze. Fojta said, “Inini… fight me!”

With a pale face and a cold voice, Inini responded, “Oh… I see you’re still only fighting those weaker than you, Fojta…” Inini turned, drawing her weapon and looking at Fojta. Fojta felt a strange, churning sensation in her gut and goosebumps on her skin. She muttered, “What is this feeling…? Inini… Her aura changed its darker… that look in her eyes… It’s terrifying…”

Meanwhile, Mika calls out to Seeta with a smile, “How about another round, you and me…?” Seeta looked at him. He’s wearing that same old smile, but… she can tell the difference between this one and his pre-Bial grin. How much Mika has changed… how sad he looks. Mika noticed her expression, not sure why she’s looking at him that way.

Before Seeta can reply, Riz stepped in, shouting, “Hey, pervert! Do you only fight girls?! Back off—I’m the one fighting Seeta! Go find a man your size.” But Mika kept looking at Seeta. Is she looking at him like that… because he’s a killer now? Because he isn’t as perfect as Nier who couldn’t kill? Because his hands are stained with blood?

His face darkened, and he walked away without answering Riz. Riz, confused, asked, “What’s with him? Why’s he so gloomy?” Turning to Seeta with a smile, Riz said, “I want girl friends, you know… How about we fight so we can strengthen our bond?” Seeta returned an awkward smile, “That’s how you strengthen bonds, huh? Okay. I don’t mind.”

Mika wandered off absentmindedly until he collided with someone standing in front of him. He looked to see Sabana. She snapped, “Watch where you’re going, boy!” Mika retorted, “Why stand in the middle of the courtyard, Commander? Are you lost?” Sabana replied, “I’m looking for which bastard I’m going to fight. How about it? Wanna fight your commander?” Mika taunted her, “Are you sure? I don’t want to get executed for beating my commander senseless.” Sabana clenched her fists, “You’re insufferable… I’m going to enjoy this.” Mika sneered, “So will I.”

Elir stood at the courtyard’s edge next to Nier, casting sidelong glances at Nier’s scar. Nier was really there… He had almost lost him, for real. Elir felt that pang in his chest. Andra approached them and stopped in front of Elir, “You! I want to see what everyone’s talking about. Fight me! Show me that power.” Elir appeared disinterested and said, “Ah… let’s get it over with.” Andra, visibly annoyed, replied, “I see why everyone’s so irritated with you! You’re insanely obnoxious!” He forced a grin, “I can’t wait to show you your place!” Elir still bore that unreadable, uncaring look, barely looking at Andra at all. His attention was on the person who had walked up to Nier, asking him for a fight.

Ayk said to Nier, “Nier… how about it? Fight me!” Nier smiled, “Of course… But… I’m still not at full strength.” Ayk regarded him curiously. He remembered Nier’s lifeless face. Nier truly died, yet here he was. Still smiling that same smile. How does he do it?

Elsewhere, Ino walked over to Ren, whose features had been locked in a sad expression for weeks, ever since Berko left the army. Ino laughed and said, “Ren… How about fighting me? I don’t want to fight any of the Black Wings, or they’ll beat me to a pulp…” Rin forced a short smile and nodded. Ino always looked up to Ren. Rin was the golden boy at the academy, but he always faded under Berko’s shadow. Now that he was free of Berko’s shadow, he was still stifling his own shine.

Across the courtyard, Rifa said, “Florin? We don’t really know any of them yet. Let’s show them what the First Squad can do!” Florin answered, “Good. I already know how to beat you down.” “Let’s go!” Next to them, Heemi said to Sol, “Okay, Sol, let’s go. Fight me!” Sol exclaimed, “Absolutely not! I don’t even know how you can fight in that condition!” Heemi laughed, “No, don’t you dare dodge this! You’ll fight me. But you have to promise me something… If we fight and I win, you have to stop worrying about me.” Sol asked, “And if I win?” Heemi grinned, “Who said you’d win?” He smiled anxiously at her, doing his best not to stare at the scattering of brown burns across her face that her short hair didn’t hide.

Everyone paired up for the fights, and Noel alone stood without a partner. Odom, standing beside her, said, “Ah, so you’re left out. You’ll have to wait until someone wins, then they’ll fight you.” Noel looked disappointed but agreed, “Okay.” Odom signaled the first pair to begin, and Inini stepped into the courtyard with Fojta.

Even before they stood in front of each other, Inini rushed Fojta, swinging her weapon. Fojta parried quickly. Inini said, “Tell me, Fojta… Do you remember what you told me last time… That I had someone who loved me?” Inini pushed her weight onto her weapon, forcing Fojta back. Fojta stumbled at the last second, her feet sliding, and she fell to her knees. “How about now… We’re the same, Fojta! Are you happy now?”

Fojta clenched her teeth, trying to get up, but Inini lunged, thrusting her weapon at Fojta’s chest, “I actually pity you a bit. Is that how you always feel—alone, unloved? Ah… Maybe that’s why you’re always angry.” Inini lifted her weapon swiftly, striking Fojta hard in the chest, sending her flying across the ground. Fojta landed painfully, stunned.

Delia, perched atop a nearby wall, laughed and shouted, “I like this crazy girl!” Dragging her weapon behind her, Inini approached Fojta slowly. Fojta tried to stand again, voice trembling, “What are you saying, Inini? You want to kill me? What would Arlo—”

Her words were cut off by Inini’s sudden quick movement. Inini suddenly was in front of her, weapon aimed at her throat, eyes wild, “What… What did you say? Why are you saying Arlo’s name? Never speak Arlo’s name again!” Then she raised her weapon. Before bringing it down, Fojta managed to hit Inini’s side, making her bleed from the mouth instantly.

Exyra shouted, “Hold on! We said don’t try to kill each other!” But Inini didn’t react to the strike. She looked briefly at the blood, then at Fojta. She lifted her weapon and hit Fojta hard in the stomach, knocking her down, blood seeping from the old wound.

Fojta tried to stand again, voice trembling, “You say we’re the same… Just because you suffered one loss in your life…?” She shouted, “That’s how it’s been for me my entire life—Loss, grief, disappointment! Don’t make me laugh, Inini!!” She charged with her weapon, striking Inini’s arm so hard the wooden weapon slashed her arm causing blood to run down it. Inini barely seemed fazed. Fojta clenched her teeth in anger. What’s wrong with her?

Inini said, “Why don’t you just die, Fojta…? Hurry up and die… Arlo needs some company… He’s alone now… So hurry up and join him.” Barely managing to get to her feet, Fojta protested weakly, “What are you saying, Inini? You want to kill me? What Would Arlo—” She didn’t finish.

Odom yelled, “Your fight is over. You win. Leave the battlefield.” Fojta’s body collapsed in relief, but Inini looked annoyed and said in this terrifying voice, “I’ll decide when this fight ends…” Delia jumped from above the wall, landing on the ground. She looked at Inini and came close to her saying, “Girl, if you want to kill her, I won’t stop you. But when Odom gives an order, you follow it, you foul-mouthed brat!”

Inini looked like she still wants a fight, and Delia caught this feeling too, she stood in front of Inini, with a sly smile on her face. Odom yelled, “Delia, get back to your spot! And you! Get out of the battlefield.” Inini pointed her weapon at Odom and said, “But… I did win, right? So you’ll take me into battles, let me kill a bunch of people, right? So I can send friends to Arlo!” Delia murmured, “That lunatic… she’s actually crazy…”

Odom and the others now watched Sabana and Mika fight. Sabana wheezed for breath, leaning on her knees, blood dribbling from her mouth. She looked at Mika, who was standing with a huge grin, “What’s wrong, Commander? What do they teach you in your fancy academy if you can’t handle scum like me?” Sabana stood, rushing with her practice weapon raised, but Mika’s weapon was faster. Right before hitting her, she said, “He’s so fast…”

Mika slammed his weapon into her face hard, sending her sprawling. He said, “What… Not even one hit, Commander?” Sabana remained on the ground for a moment, her face showing defeat. She struggled to rise through her injuries, her entire body aching. In a low voice, she muttered, “I’m still just as useless as back then…”

Mika’s smirk faded. He recalled what he had said to her earlier. He said, “Commander Sabana… I didn’t mean it, back then…” She slammed the ground to push herself up, “Don’t worry about it. It was all a consequence of my weakness. So… I’ve got a strong reason to beat you today!” Forcing a smile, Mika replied, “Fine! Show me what you got!”

Sabana yelled, leaping at him. Mika parried her attack easily, “You say that, and then strike this pretty weak, Commander!” She laughed, noticing his fist aiming for her stomach, “Didn’t anyone teach you not to punch women?” He punched her hard in the abdomen, laughing as she collapsed, “Sorry… but a woman taught me how to fight.” Sabana’s eyes fluttered as she hit the ground, “I guess… I’ve still got a long way to go…” And she lost consciousness.

Delia laughed loudly and clapped her forehead, “My God, they really are all crazy…” Mika looked over to see Seeta and Riz, whose match was about to begin. Seeta stood ready, smiling at Riz, “Ready?” Riz’s face dimmed, her voice low, “Shut up.” Surprised, Seeta said, “What?” Riz drew her weapon, “I only picked you because the one-eyed freak chose that other weakling girl. So shut up and get ready to lose.”

They walked to the center of the courtyard. Seeta’s expression tightened, “Oh… So we won’t be bonding?” Riz’s face twisted into a dark grin, “No. Go die right here, you whore, for all I care!”

Seeta drew her practice sword, “Why?” Riz charged at her full force, aiming at Seeta’s left shoulder. But Seeta moved so quickly that Riz couldn’t quite see how she blocked it. Seeta’s voice turned ominous, “All you do in the army is burn bodies… And you’re calling me weak?” Riz was startled by Seeta’s strength, pressing all she could against Seeta’s sword. Seeta lifted her eyes with a frightening look, “You call me weak?”

Seeta flicked her sword, shoving Riz back. Riz fell to the ground. Seeta starred at her with a menacing expression, “Do you know what I was doing in Bial before you were burning bodies?” Riz, unsettled, tried to scramble to her feet. Seeta rushed in again, slashing her side. Riz went down with a shallow wound, “What the hell, are you trying to kill me?!”

Mika, watching from nearby, heard Seeta say, “I was in Bial… Killing my mother.” Riz starred, horrified, “What are you talking about?” Seeta raised her weapon, about to strike. Riz lunged forward, hitting Seeta’s leg, “You really are trying to kill me! You’re just like all those insane whores in Bial!” Seeta winced from the blow to her leg, but swiftly stepped in before Riz could dodge and struck her in the stomach. Riz fell on her, bracing her elbows on the ground, “But you’re really strong… I wish I had picked that big dumb guy again…” Riz staggered up, gasping in pain, and charged at Seeta with her sword pointed at her stomach. But before she could land a blow, Seeta leaped into the air. Riz murmured, “What… When did she move?”

Seeta came crashing down, delivering a powerful kick to Riz’s chest. Riz fell to the ground, and Seeta said, “It’s a shame… I really did want to be friends.” Mika stood by, watching the fight’s end. “Amazing…” he murmured. Seeta glanced toward Nier, who still hadn’t begun his fight, she said to herself, What do you think, Nier..?

Nearby, Fojta was sitting at the courtyard’s edge on the ground, gripping a water bottle in her hand. Seeing how Mika looked at Seeta and how she had won, Fojta muttered in frustration, “It’s not Enough… I’m still too weak… I still can’t fight beside you… I’m still losing to her… Seeta… I’ll never forgive you…”

Later, Rin and Inoo were fighting. Ino ended up on the ground, face covered in dust. Rin extended a hand to help him up. Ino grabbed it and stood again. Rin looked distracted, lost in thought. Ino smiled, “You’re beating me even though you’re zoning out…” Rin replied, “What?” But before Rin could focus, Ino tried to strike him in the chest. Rin instinctively parried, surprising even himself with how quick he was.

Ino said, “You’ve improved, Ren.”
Ren: “Really?”
Ino gripped his sword tighter, lunging at Rin again, “You were always strong, but now you’re even stronger.” Rin kept blocking Ino’s attacks. Suddenly, Ino stopped in place and pivoted behind Ren, swinging at his back. He landed a strong hit, knocking Rin down. Ino, angry, said, “When will you snap out of it?! You’re getting hit by a guy who collapsed before the battle even started… And you… You fought until the end!! Rin looked at him.. As Ino continued: You saved me and saved my subordinate Ren…”

Still on his knees, head bowed, Rin muttered in despair, “You didn’t see what I did!” Ino struck Rin on the back again, “Stand up!” Rin stayed on the ground, so Ino kept hitting him, yelling, “Get up! Get up!!” All eyes were watching them… Finally, in extreme pain, Rin staggered to his feet. Ino demanded, “You know what it’s like seeing your idol like this?!?” Rin stared at him in confusion, and Ino, anger blazing on his face, continued, “I’ve always looked up to you, Ren! You stayed in Berko’s shadow without ever recognizing your own strength! But I saw it— And I was right to look up to you! Everyone’s talking about what you did! Everyone’s talking about your courage and strength! Everyone sees what you don’t!” Ino charged Ren, delivering one more blow, shouting, “Do you know how frustrating that is?!” Rin dropped to the ground as the wooden blade struck his stomach. Coughing up blood, he heard Ino mutter as he walked away angrily, “I’m glad that bastard Berko left!”

Rin stayed where he was, on the ground, watching Ino walk away from the fight. Exyra grumbled, “All these kids… carrying so much anger and sadness in their hearts. Why… Why do Children feel like this…? It shouldn’t be this way…” Tetyas snickered, “What’s wrong, Exyra? Did you Forget already? That used to be us just a few years ago. These emotions… They’re the fuel of the Black Wings…” Delia, still perched above them, said, “That’s because Exyra’s gone soft. You’ve gotten soft, Exyra.” Exyra yelled back, “Wanna see how soft I’ve gotten, Delia? I can climb up there and show you!” Delia jumped on the ground again, challenging her, “You looking to die today, you softie?!” Tetyas laughed nervously, “ladies…” But both women turned on him with frightening expressions, “Who are you calling ladies, you jerk?!” Odom bellowed, “Don’t forget you’re here to evaluate these fights! The next fight has already started—don’t lose focus, or else…” He gave them a menacing look and continued, “You’ll lose all your teeth.” Exyra and Delia recoiled in terror, murmuring quietly, “Y–yes, sir.”

Meanwhile, Heemi staggered, wincing in pain, trying to stand again after one of Sol’s hits—he was striking very lightly, expecting her to block. Sol shouted, “Heemi… let’s end this. You’re not alright…” Heemi yelled back, “I won’t stop until you do!!” Sol starred at her confused as she went on, forcing herself up, “Stop treating me like a little, weak girl. Stop acting like I’m just leftover scraps from my brother—unable to reach his level of strength!” Sol muttered, “Heemi…” Tears rolled down her face, “I dealt with my brother’s death… I dealt with my parents acting like I should have been the one to die… I’ve endured so much… I’ll bear these injuries too, and keep moving forward… But you don’t see that! Why don’t you see that?? If I stop Sol… What will I do if I stop, Sol? What do I have in this life if I stop? If I stop… then it really would have been better for me to die instead of him!”

She tossed her wooden sword aside and said, “This was a stupid idea. You’re not really fighting me, are you? I give up.” With that, Heemi turned and walked away from the courtyard. Sol’s face contorted, and he clenched his fists, “How Stupid you are Heemi?”

Everyone held their breath for the next fight, which started right away… Andra wasted no time, swinging his sword with all his might while moving in large, bounding steps. With the final step, he jumped over Elir, aiming to drop his weapon on Elir’s head. But his grin vanished—Elir sidestepped, and before Andra could land, Elir’s knee slammed into his stomach.

Elir didn’t give him a moment to recover. Before Andra even hit the ground, while still midair, Elir lifted his leg and kicked him hard, sending him spinning upward again. Before Andra could fly off, Elir grabbed him by his clothes and head, forcefully slamming his body to the ground, supporting it just enough, then repeatedly bashing Andra’s head against Elir’s rising knee.

A sickening crunch of bones echoed louder than the hushed silence… Everyone watched, tense and breathless. Nier yelled at Elir, “Elir!” Elir stopped just before driving his knee into Andra’s face again. He turned to see Nier’s furious, worried expression. Elir stood there looking at Nier for a few seconds before throwing Andra aside and started to walk away.

Andra called weakly, “Wait…” Elir stopped. Andra said, “Don’t interfere, blondie… I haven’t surrendered yet…” He staggered to his feet, blood dripping from his face. He tossed his weapon aside and said feebly to Elir, “This is humiliating, kid. Entering an armed duel without even drawing your weapon…? Don’t you know any combat etiquette?” Elir didn’t reply.

Andra stepped forward, “I’m not done…” Elir stepped forward as well. Andra lifted his fist—Elir rushed in, landing a blow to Andra’s stomach that sent him to the ground. Before Andra fully collapsed, Elir grabbed him and slammed him down hard, pinning him. Exyra screamed, “Commander Odom… he’s going to kill him!”

Odom seemed to snap out of it, yelling, “Fight over!” Elir stood from Andra and walked away, steady steps in the midst of everyone’s shocked silence. Elir… He was really scary…

Mika muttered, “So he was like that even… before he became a Light?” They watched him head toward Nier, who had been standing off to the side. Odom took a moment before announcing the next fight.

Nier and Ayk stood ready to face each other. They raised their wooden swords. Ayk said, “I never got to thank you… You saved me back there.” Nier smiled, “You’d have done the same for me.” Ayk bowed his head respectfully before they began. They advanced toward each other. Ayk swung, but Nier parried. Their speeds were similar. They each blocked the other’s strikes.

Nier evaded a blow from Ayk, causing Ayk’s sword to fall to the ground. Before Ayk could react, Nier circled behind him, sword aimed at his back. With quick reflexes, though, Ayk whirled around and swatted Nier’s blade upward. Nier’s body was left exposed. Ayk grinned, “You’ve got some good moves!” He lunged in, but with his arms raised, Nier tossed his sword behind himself, did two quick back handsprings to put distance between them, and then landed gracefully, retrieving his sword.

Nier, sweating, looked at Elir and said, “I had a good teacher.” Ayk said, “So did I.” Just before Ayk’s sword hit Nier, Nier dodged left, slipping behind Ayk, swatting the back of his head with his sword. Everyone gasped. Nier’s movements were so fluid, it was as though he was floating.

But Ayk didn’t fall. He spun around, striking Nier in the stomach. It happened so quickly… Elir shot to his feet. Ayk’s grin vanished. A terrified look spread across everyone’s faces. Nier… after being struck in the stomach… bore an expression they’d never seen before.

They’d never seen anyone look so pained. His eyes were wide, set in a pale, sweaty face… And his lips… they had turned the same bluish color as his eyes. He was about to collapse, but Ayk caught him, horror stamped on his face. Dark red blood soaked Nier’s gray clothes beneath him, forming a spreading stain. It also covered Ayk’s hands and clothes. Panicked, he kept repeating, “I didn’t mean to… I didn’t mean…”

Elir reached them, taking Nier’s body from Ayk’s arms, supporting him. Everyone gathered around. Ren, remembering how he once collected Nier’s torn limbs in that battle, stumbled away from the scene, clutching his mouth, about to vomit. Ino hurried after him.

Seeta knelt in front of Nier, pressing a hand to the wound as blood poured over her fingers, her voice frantic, “Nier…” Nier stared at the blood in horror, then looked at Elir who now carried him between his arms. It was the same terrified expression Elir once wore… that same feeling Nier had back then… the same pain. Yet that wasn’t what really scared him. What terrified him more was how weak he’d become. That was his last thought before passing out.