Johan's blade pierced the air, swift and silent, finding its mark in Alex's unsuspecting heart. The scar-faced veteran's eyes widened in shock as the betrayal unfolded.
"Why?" Alex managed to gasp, his voice filled with both pain and disbelief.
Johan, stoic and unyielding, met his gaze. "Competition, old man. Survival of the fittest. You were just in the way."
A wry smile danced on Alex's lips. "Funny thing, kid. Death... it's not always the end. Sometimes, it's liberation. You might learn that."
As Alex's life ebbed away, Johan couldn't shake the haunting words. The reality of what he had just done sank in, and a profound silence settled over the battleground.
He stood alone amidst the trees, absorbing the weight of his actions. This wasn't just about eliminating competition for the Colosseum; it was a personal journey, a quest for revenge that had taken a dark turn.
