Rebirth (Part Two)

The last remaining torch grew weaker and weaker, and the dungeon grew darker.

Yet he felt that the dungeon was experiencing unprecedented peace and brightness.

Although Little Barney was still silently dazed behind him, Tales knew he no longer had to worry about the former Vanguard Officer's condition.

And the only problem he had left...

Tales shook his head and, gritting his teeth against the pain, walked toward the final figure.

The long-faced man had been kneeling on the ground all along, covered in wounds, his face filled with despair, as though he had lost his soul.

The outline of the Execution Knight slowly emerged in his dim vision.

His left arm, badly wounded by Barney, hung from his shoulder like the hollow skin shed by a snake, stiff and powerless.

"So, it's just you left." Tales spoke softly.

His words fell.

The Execution Knight seemed still immersed in his own world. He showed no reaction to Tales' words and allowed him to approach slowly.

But the instant Tales drew within ten paces, Sakrael sprang up like a leopard suddenly roused from sleep and instinctively seized the chipped ax blade beside him!

"Your Highness!"

Belleti cried out and instinctively rose to move forward.

The others reacted as well. Semir frowned and pressed a hand to his weapon, while Talding, Bri, Cannon, and the others nervously rose and closed in around Sakrael. Even Little Barney came to his senses and raised the torch.

But at that moment, Tales abruptly raised one hand behind him!

"Wait."

The Prince's voice was hoarse and weak, but everyone instinctively halted.

In the extreme silence, Tales quietly observed the long-faced man before him.

Sakrael did not move. He merely continued breathing in a dazed and bewildered manner.

The weapon in his hand pointed distantly at Tales.