The air was heavy as Caius stepped forward, sword in hand, facing Dylan with a pained expression. His heart felt heavy at the sight of his friend, now standing in opposition.
"Dylan… I don't want to do this," Caius said, his voice pained but firm. His sword was steady, but his hands trembled. He had always known Dylan as his brother in arms, his closest ally. Now, the man before him was a stranger. A twisted, corrupted version of the friend he once fought beside.
Dylan's eyes were distant, clouded with uncertainty. He raised his sword, not with anger, but with a quiet resolve. "I've just come to realize something, Caius. The world... it's not as simple as we thought. I can't keep pretending everything's okay when so many people suffer. I need to do something about it."
Caius's heart ached. "But this isn't the answer. We can still change things, together. We've always fought for the same cause. You don't need to do this alone."
Caius stepped closer, his voice pleading. "You don't have to change everything to make a difference, Dylan. We can still help people without giving up who we are. I believe in you—we believe in you."
Dylan's eyes softened, and for a brief second, it seemed like he might reconsider. But then, with a quiet sigh, he straightened up, the weight of his decision settling on him.
"I've done too much damage to this world, Caius. There's no turning back for me now." His voice was tinged with sorrow but firm in its finality. "The only way you can stop me... is by killing me."
Caius eyes burned with frustration and heartbreak. Without another word, he charged at Lin, his sword raised high, his heart heavy with the weight of their friendship shattering. He swung the blade down in a blur of motion, the strike fueled by sorrow and desperation. *The moment their blades collided, the world seemed to freeze, the air thick with tension. Their swords locked for a split second, an explosion of power crackling between them.