The swords remained embedded in Ayaan's body, blood seeping from his nose, eyes, and ears. Ayaan gasped, "What is this?"
Morin's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "It's my power. The moment my swords hit you, they released a substance inside your body. That substance is Homenen, a deadly metal. My power will slowly devour you from the inside, and then your powers will be transferred to me."
Ayaan's face twisted in pain and realization. "I'm immortal... this can't be."
Morin smirked. "My power overrides your immortality. You will die slowly, and your strength will become mine."
Ayaan's mind raced. "Maybe I should have learned more about his power," he thought. Despite the pain, he managed a faint smile. He looked at Blue, who was paralyzed with fear and helplessness.
"Blue, run," Ayaan pleaded.
"No... no, I won't run," Blue replied, his voice trembling.
"Please, do it for me. I don't want you to die here," Ayaan urged, his voice breaking.
Blue shed a single tear, torn between staying and fleeing. Finally, he turned and ran, tears streaming down his face.
Morin approached Ayaan, confidence radiating from him. "There's no use. No matter how far he runs, I will get him."
Ayaan, his body weakening, looked at Morin with a serene expression. "Can you hear it? The rotation of the planet..."
Morin frowned, confusion crossing his face. "What are you talking about?"
"It's so beautiful," Ayaan continued, his voice growing softer. He closed his eyes and began to draw a massive amount of energy from the world tree, his body starting to shine brightly.
"You should never let your guard down, kid," Ayaan whispered, his voice filled with both wisdom and resignation.
Before Morin could react, Ayaan exploded in a brilliant burst of light. The shockwave shook the ground, sending debris flying in all directions.
Blue ran through the forest, his heart heavy with grief and tears blurring his vision. The explosion echoed behind him, a stark reminder of the sacrifice Ayaan made to protect him.
END OF CHAPTER 39