"But I have to admit, those things really are terrifying."
Leaning against the clean white wall, Loa fell into thought.
The moment the Blood Worms hatched had been dangerous indeed. Strength, resolve, and a willingness to kill were all essential. Lacking any one of them meant being eaten alive.
If you were strong enough and gave them a slaughter that satisfied them, they would become utterly loyal to you—your most dependable sword and shield for life.
But if you ever lost the desire to kill, you would feel the agony of countless worms devouring you from within, and watch yourself be eaten away bit by bit.
Your friends and family could not even avenge you. Once the Blood Marrow Worms left their host, they could survive for only a dozen seconds or so.
Creak!
Just then, the ward door opened, and Tony walked out slowly with his head hanging low.
The group immediately crowded around him, peppering him with questions. Others hurried into the ward to look after Hansa. When they saw his body, tears spilled from their eyes.
"Hansa!"
"Hansa... is dead?"
"What?!"
At once, everyone forgot about Tony and crowded into the ward.
Arudo's eyes were bloodshot, his breath coming in furious bursts. He grabbed Tony. "Bastard! Why is Hansa dead?"
With that, Arudo drove a fist straight into Tony's face.
Thud!
The blow was merciless. Overcome with grief and rage, Arudo had not thought to hold back, and he nearly knocked Tony unconscious.
Afterward, Arudo's lips trembled. He dropped Tony, sat down on the floor, and howled.
For a time, grief engulfed the entire floor. Some did not cry—Loa among them—but the sorrow in their eyes could not be hidden.
"Cough! Cough!" Tony spat out a mouthful of bloody froth and slowly climbed to his feet.
He