Johan stared at Touya's body, now lying weak on the ground, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth, and his pained eyes beginning to fade. The sight should have brought Johan satisfaction—victory was within reach. Yet, beneath the cold facade he wore, something was tightening in his chest. It wasn't the feeling of triumph, but an overwhelming sense of emptiness.
Touya, now gasping for air, summoned the last of his strength to open his eyes. For a brief moment, there was a flicker of pride fading behind his gaze, but his body had reached its limit. The ancient technique passed down to him, Divine Sacrifice, had exacted a price that could never be repaid. From the beginning, Touya knew this technique was the final resort—the ultimate weapon of past heroes, mastered only in part due to the desperation of war. Fate had forced his hand, making him use power he was never prepared to control, and now he had to pay for it with his life.
