"What did he mean just now? What did he mean by trading his own soul for our right to obtain the Soul Stone?"
"That doesn't sound good."
Star-Lord frowned and looked toward his new companions from Teyvat, trying to find an answer in their expressions. Soon, though, he realized they all seemed to be in the same boat, kept in the dark by Aether and Red Skull.
"Explain."
Without another word, Cyno's spear tip pressed against Red Skull's throat, like Death's fingertip brushing the end of a life. Chilling killing intent filled the air.
"Talk!"
Everyone glared furiously at Red Skull. Lit by the occasional flashes of lightning in the downpour, their gazes seemed ready to burn him to ashes.
Fear flashed in Red Skull's eyes. Trembling, he began to explain. "The Soul Stone holds an exalted place among the Infinity Stones precisely because it possesses a unique wisdom."
He timidly glanced up at the people around him, then immediately lowered his head and spoke rapidly:
"To ensure its wielder understands its power, the Soul Stone... requires a sacrifice."
[Sacrifice]
The word slammed into everyone's hearts like a heavy stone.
Seeing their expressions darken one by one as he spoke, Red Skull broke into a cold sweat, his legs shaking uncontrollably.
He struggled to compose himself and continued, "Whoever obtains the Soul Stone must lose the person they love most."
"A soul... for a soul."
As Red Skull finished speaking, Paimon realized what the Traveler had done and could no longer hold back.
She covered her face tightly with both hands, desperately trying to stifle her sobs, but the tears would not stop.
"Traveler!"
"Honorary Knight..."
Caught up in Paimon's grief, Klee began to cry too.
A silence as heavy as the grave settled over everyone's hearts. The two little