Kallen Smiled and Drank Poisoned Wine, All for Sakura's Lifetime of Peace

Within the Light Screen, golden chains condensed once more, thicker and sturdier than before!

Yae Sakura's roar gradually weakened as the black-red aura was pressed back into her body inch by inch.

At last, the instant the final trace of black-red aura was sealed away, the scarlet in Yae Sakura's eyes finally returned to that gentle shade of violet.

"...Kal...len..."

She looked at the blond woman in the distance, drenched in blood yet still smiling, and silent tears slid down her face.

"I'm sorry... I..."

Before she could finish, she completely lost consciousness and collapsed limply within the cage formed by the chains.

Kallen staggered to her side, gently lifted her into her arms, and pressed her face against Yae Sakura's icy forehead.

"It's all right... it's all right... I'm here..."

Her voice grew softer and weaker.

The golden cross slowly shrank, turning into a streak of light that sank into her body.

And just then—

"Step... step... step..."

Orderly footsteps came from every direction.

Schicksal's Valkyrie forces had, at some point, completely surrounded the wilderness.

Leading them was a stern-faced middle-aged man clad in a white Schicksal uniform.

He looked at Kallen, covered in blood and holding Yae Sakura in her arms, before slowly speaking. "Kallen Kaslana, as a Valkyrie of Schicksal, you harbored a Herrscher, slaughtered civilians, and betrayed Schicksal. By order of the Bishop, you are to be arrested. Resist, and you will be executed without mercy."

Kallen raised her head and looked at the comrades who had once fought beside her, at the weapons now pointed at her.

She did not resist.

She merely gently, tenderly laid Yae Sakura on the ground, then slowly raised her hands.

"I'll go with you."

"But please promise me... don't hurt her."

"She has already... been sealed. She will no