Outside, the sun stood high in the sky. The murmur of civilization had given way to the sounds of nature: the chirping of swallows, the song of crickets, the rustle of poplar leaves, and the babbling of brooks. Would Averkane never hear them again?
"I don't know what my chances are," he declared with a forced smile, "but I'm not conceding defeat yet. I must admit, you're terrifying—far more so than I am. My eyes make cowards flee, but your appearance drives away even the brave."
He glanced at the tear in Charon's robe where black blood oozed out, then continued:
"However, I still have an advantage: if Shiro managed to pierce your iron shell, then I believe my brute strength can do the same."
