The battlefield trembled under the weight of an SSS-Rank boss, its monstrous form towering above the broken landscape. Flames scorched the earth, smoke curled into the darkened sky, and the cries of fallen players echoed through the desolation. Amidst the chaos, Qin Sheng, battered and bloodied, fought desperately alongside his sister, Liu Mei. The two siblings had been through hell together, surviving countless trials in the brutal world of chaos. But now, they faced their greatest challenge.
Sweat dripped from Qin's brow as he gritted his teeth, pushing through the pain. His armor was cracked and stained with blood, but his grip on his sword remained firm. With a roar, he lunged forward, his blade glowing with energy as it carved deep into the boss's armored hide.
"Just a bit more! Hold on, Mei!" he shouted, determination burning in his eyes.
Liu Mei, wielding a slender dagger, danced around the boss's sweeping attacks, her movements quick and precise. "I'm trying!" she called back, though her voice trembled ever so slightly.
The boss let out a deafening roar, its massive claw swiping at Qin. He raised his sword to block, the impact sending shockwaves through his body. His arms shook, but he stood his ground.
"This is it!" he growled, gathering the last of his strength for the final blow.
But before he could strike, a sharp, searing pain pierced his back. His body froze, strength draining away in an instant. His sword slipped from his grasp, clattering to the ground.
Slowly, he turned his head, confusion and disbelief flooding his mind. Behind him stood Liu Mei, her dagger buried deep into his side. Her hands trembled, her face pale, but her grip was firm.
"Mei... why?" he croaked, blood spilling from his lips.
She avoided his gaze, tears welling in her eyes. "I'm sorry, brother... but I need this more than you."
With a swift motion, she yanked the artifact from his grasp—the glowing relic that was the key to defeating the boss—and stepped back, disappearing into the shadows.
Qin collapsed to his knees, the world spinning around him. Memories of their bond flashed through his mind—the times he shielded her from danger, the sacrifices he made, the promises they shared. All of it… meaningless now.
The SSS-Rank boss loomed overhead, its claw descending. Qin didn't resist. There was no point.
The system's cold, mechanical voice echoed in his ears:
[ Player Qin Sheng has fallen. Another failure in the World of Chaos. ]
As darkness consumed him, his final thoughts were filled with regret—not just for his death, but for ever trusting her.
And then, nothing.