Tesoro's hands were covered in blood, and the sharp blades formed from his gold rings gleamed blindingly in the sunlight.
Saint Charlos had been shaken apart by Gern, both biologically and physically.
But Tesoro seemed oblivious to the blood splattered across his face. He merely panted heavily, as though he had just survived a life-or-death struggle.
"I... I killed him..." Tesoro's voice trembled, his eyes filled with disbelief and an indescribable sense of release.
Gern stood beside him, watching coldly, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. "Not bad. At least you've proved you're no coward."
Stella moved around in front of Tesoro and hugged him tightly, burying her face in his neck as she stroked his head over and over.
"Gild, it's all right. It's all right. Everything's over..."
Stella's voice was gentle but firm, as though telling him that whatever he had done, she would stand by his side.
Tesoro turned to look at Stella. The madness in his eyes gradually subsided, replaced by a complicated mix of emotions.
He took a deep breath and asked Gern, "Why... why did you make me do this?"
Rather than answer directly, Gern asked him a question in return. "Now, what do you think power is?"
Tesoro lowered his gaze to his hands. The Gold-Gold Fruit's ability had given him a sense of power unlike anything he had ever experienced.
He clenched his fists, and gold flowed under his control as though it were part of his body.
"Power... is something that can change everything."
"Exactly." Gern nodded. "But power needs direction.
You can use it to destroy, or you can use it to protect."
"Protect?" Tesoro gave a bitter laugh. "What can someone like me protect?"
"That depends on your choice." Gern's gaze shifted to Stella. "You can run away