Imu's explanation, combined with Garen's lines, created the tragic atmosphere of life and death, parting and loss, to perfection.
And the terrifying power Imu had just displayed had already completely surpassed Hancock and Reiju's imagination.
Imu's strength had challenged Garen's invincible legend like never before, forcing Hancock and Reiju to believe:
Against this enemy, Garen might truly have to pay with his life.
"Garen!"
Realizing this, they called out Garen's name in unison, their voices filled with worry and helplessness.
Whether it was the usually clingy, lovestruck Hancock or the normally reserved and rather aloof Reiju, both of them now looked like women turned to stone while waiting for their husbands.
Reiju stood there blankly, her mind filled with confusion and fear, while an indescribable pain stabbed through her heart.
She had originally only stayed by Garen's side half-willingly, under an ambiguous and undefined status. Yet at this moment of life and death, she finally understood her own feelings.
Hancock did not have such complicated thoughts. She was simple, devoted, and passionate in love. Long ago, she had raised her affection for Garen to the maximum on her own and fallen completely for him.
Hancock instinctively wanted to rush forward and take Garen's hand, but she feared that her attachment would only trouble him. She could only force herself to remain where she was, helplessly watching Garen, who usually stood before her to protect her.
Her lips were pressed tightly together without her realizing it. Her once fair and rosy cheeks had become bloodlessly pale, and tears already glimmered in her jewel-bright eyes.
Before Garen, Hancock had none of an Empress's domineering presence. Instead, she looked like a delicate, pitiful little girl.
Hmm.
Looks like I overdid the act.
*At this rate, I won't even dare to "come back from