The words hit Bong Me-Eon like a physical blow, and she felt her chest tighten.
Her gaze flicked to her master, who was already scrutinizing Song Woo-Ji with a piercing intensity.
Yet, even as they processed his plea, he spoke again, his voice tinged with urgency despite his weakening state.
"I don't… have much time. Once it takes over, even for just a moment… it will… it will not discern friend from foe."
Bong Me-Eon hesitated, her heart pounding as she looked to her master for guidance, but the grandmaster's expression was unreadable, her eyes shadowed with contemplation and, perhaps, a hint of sorrow.
She seemed to weigh Song Woo-Ji's words, her gaze shifting between him and Bong Me-Eon as though calculating the cost of their decision.
"Master, what… what if we could—" Bong Me-Eon began, but her master silenced her with a subtle shake of her head.
"There is no 'what if' here," the grandmaster murmured, her voice low but resolute.
