Clang-!!!
The thunderous impact shook the entire cliff.
The Golden Cudgel halted in midair.
Beneath it, a silver figure had blocked the iron staff.
It was Silver Horn.
At some point, he had charged into the sea of fire and, in that hairbreadth instant, rammed the Golden Cudgel aside with his own body.
The cudgel veered half a foot.
The blow meant for the old fox's head struck Silver Horn squarely in the back.
"Pfft-!"
A mouthful of blood sprayed out.
It splashed across the old fox's face, scalding hot.
Silver Horn swayed, then slid limply downward.
Gold Horn's smile froze on his face.
That mouthful of blood washed every last scheme away.
"Brother...?"
His voice trembled.
Silver Horn knelt on the ground, bracing himself with both hands as blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.
He struggled to raise his head, turning to look at Gold Horn.
Then at the old fox.
The corners of his mouth twitched into an ugly smile.
"Brother..."
His voice was faint, like a single breath hanging in the air.
"I'm sorry..."
"I didn't listen to you..."
Gold Horn's eyes suddenly reddened.
"Shut up!"
He rushed over and gathered Silver Horn into his arms.
"Why did you do something so stupid! I had it all planned! Did you forget? Just like with Ayu-!"
Silver Horn leaned against his chest, gasping.
"I remembered..."
His voice grew weaker and weaker.
He looked at Gold Horn, his eyes full of longing.
"Brother... I can't stay with you anymore... I really..."
"Don't want to watch any of you..."
"Die in front of me again..."
His words faded.
Silver Horn's body went limp.
The silver light around him dissipated, growing fainter and fainter.
At last, he became a silver fox.
With two horns on his head and