Love At The Wrong Table

13

Rhett watched Xan, his eyes filled with a mix of pity and resignation. The

determination in Xan’s gaze was unwavering, a stark contrast to the despair

that had consumed him. As Rhett knew Xan better than anyone, he

understood the depths of his despair. Stopping him now would only delay the

inevitable. It was better to let him leave on his own terms, with a shred of

dignity intact.

Sqwelp!

Xan’s movement was swift and decisive. With a single, practiced motion, he

plunged the dagger into his abdomen, falling to his knees at the western gate. His life ebbed away, leaving a chilling silence in his wake.

Falcon turned, his eyes fixed on the tragic scene. He knelt, offering three

solemn bows to honor Xan’s sacrifice. The Alliance fighters stood in stunned silence, their grief palpable.

“Let’s go,” Rhett said, lifting his body onto a horse. “His final resting place

A Battle of s

should be in the land of the Ophanim Clan.”

A

At the eastern base, Emmanuel arrived just as the Airspace Group forces

were overrun. The survivors surrendered without a fight.

Outside a room, Emmanuel’s voice echoed, “Quintus, find a way out! Break a

window if you have to! I can’t come in unless you get out!

Inside, Quintus faced an elderly man, one of the original experts brought to

the Dark Night Islands. The old man was no longer fit for the Airspace Group’s

ideals, but his skills were undeniable.

“The Queen of the Dark Night Islands is dead,” the old man said, his voice

calm. “Leave and send someone worthy.”

Quintus scoffed. “You underestimate me, old man.”

Ive been waiting for a young warrior who could defeat me,” the old man

replied, his tone unchanged. “But it’s clear you’re not the one.”

BB.

A Battle of Resolve

He wasn’t out to mock Quintus. He was merely speaking his mind.

“Ha! You’re wrong!” Quintus retorted, rising to his feet. His martial skills were

no match for the old man’s, but he could take a beating.

The old man hadn’t gone for the kill, so Quintus, though battered and bruised,

was still standing. “Oh, you’re still not giving up?” the old man asked. “There

are only 20 minutes left until 6 a.m. If you don’t open the dockyard, you’ll lose

any chance of escape.”

“Twenty minutes? That’s all I need!” Quintus grinned.

His hands crackled with energy as he smirked. “I was in the dark at the

beginning, not knowing that smashing the device was the answer, which is

I

why I couldn’t do anything. But an hour ago, I caught on. Yet, I didn’t destroy it. Any guesses, old man?”

The old man hesitated, narrowing his eyes. “Oh? Think you’ve got the guts for

that?”

Mon,

A Battle of Resolve

“You bet I do!” Quintus chuckled. “I just wanted to wear you out. There’s a

saying in Chanaea: ‘A wild flurry can take down even a master.‘ Give me two

more hours, and I’ll tire you out, no matter what! Your weak punches can’t

take me down!”

The old man’s expression hardened. “If you insist, the entire Alliance will be

trapped here because of you. You’ll bear all the blame. And once I kill you, I

won’t be merciful enough to toss your body outside!”

“Quintus, don’t be reckless! Get out now!” Sunny’s voice called out from

outside.

Others wanted to shout as well. This wasn’t just his battle; the fate of the

entire Alliance hung in the balance. How could they let one man risk it all?

But Emmanuel knew Quintus‘ stubborn nature well. Raising a hand, he

signaled the others to stay quiet. “As the commander of the Eastern Route, I

take full responsibility for anything that happens!”

To them, Emmanuel was the ultimate leader, their absolute ruler. This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

B B

A Battle of Resolve

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1. 1.

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“Ha ha…” Quintus laughed frenziedly. “If I’m going to die, so be it! As we say in

Chanaea, ‘If I don’t go to hell, who will?‘ Bring it on!”

With a crazed grin, Quintus charged at the old man like an unstoppable bull.