Turning toward the group, Taiko approached Kaito with heavy footsteps amidst the gloomy atmosphere and said with a weary smile, "See, Kaito... how wonderful you just looked?"
But Meral's deep, cold voice interrupted the moment:
"Oh, my... How could you do this to my beloved brother? I knew you were unwelcome guests..."
In an instant, Meral threw Saya's body high toward the ceiling and then launched one of her exploding eyes at her.
But Korole rushed in like lightning, his scythe flashing as he sliced the eye before it exploded. He then grabbed Saya and brought her down safely, freeing her from her bonds.
Saya's tears streamed down as she trembled and sobbed in fear. Taiko quickly leaned over, placing his hand on her shoulder with unusual gentleness amidst the blood.
"Do you think we'll abandon you?"
Minamoto shouted from behind him:
"Taiko! You're the one who can protect her best... Take Saya to safety, and we'll take care of the rest!"
Taiko didn't object, but instead scooped Saya up in his arms and began walking away.
At that, a cold laugh rose from Miral, her eyes glowing with a dark, bloody glare:
"And who said you were allowed to go outside?"
Everyone turned to her in anticipation, but suddenly she unleashed a massive bloody eye, hurtling towards Taiko's back at deadly speed. No one noticed...
Taiko, instinctively, positioned Saya behind him to block the attack with his body. But... at the crucial moment...
Behind him...
Saya reached out, binding Taiko's arms with strange, dark chains, keeping them from moving.
Taiko's eyes widened in shock:
"What...?"
The attack didn't disappear; it suddenly deflected. And then... Kira appeared.
His body was covered in blood, half-eaten, but still alive, his eyes blazing with murderous madness. In one hand, his blade sliced through Taiko's arm, and in the other, it pierced his heart!
It all happened in a split second.
Blood spurted, and the sound of tearing flesh drowned everyone's breath.
Kaito's eyes widened in insanity, his shock paralyzing his body.
Minamoto screamed with all his might:
"TAIKO!!!"
Korole charged madly toward them, his scythe trembling in his hands.
Hairu Shin froze, hardly believing what he was seeing.
Time itself seemed to stand still, as Taiko's pierced heart gave its last beat...
The scene was horrific, and shock froze everyone's veins.
Taiko, despite the bleeding wound in his heart and the blood flooding his chest, grabbed Kira's remaining arm, and with a single explosion, his body was scattered to the ground.
He then fell to the ground, gasping for air, staring at his severed arm and the gaping hole in his chest... his eyes beginning to lose their luster.
As everyone rushed toward him, Saya tremblingly crept up to Meral's side, unnoticed.
Minamoto knelt down beside him, tears streaming down his cheeks as he cried, "Why are you lying like this?! Get up! There's still a long way to go, nothing's over yet!"
Korole tried desperately to heal his wounds with his strength, but quickly retreated, tears filling his eyes:
"The damage... has touched his soul... It's useless."
Haeru Shin sat beside him, his fist trembling, his voice cracking with anger.
"Wasn't you the one who said he'd fight the strongest monsters here?! Why are you lying down now?!"
He shouted, ready to explode.
"Get up! No one in our group likes my jokes! Who would I joke with if I left?!"
Taeko smiled despite the pain, blood dripping from his mouth.
"That's not true... everyone likes your jokes."
Then he removed the glove from his good hand and the other from his amputated arm, placing them in Haeru Shin's trembling hand.
"Remember... when you told me you wanted to try my glove? Today is your lucky day... they're yours."
Haeru Shin shook his head violently, his voice cracking with pain.
"I don't want to! Are you justifying your departure so easily?!"
Taeko patted his head with strange paternal affection amid the blood, then turned to Kaito.
His eyes widened, tears welling up.
"Father...!"
Taiko smiled weakly.
"My little boy... Kaito... I'm sorry... that I didn't tell you the truth I've been hiding for so long... and I'm even more sorry... that I can't tell you now."
He pointed to Minamoto, panting.
"This friend of yours... will tell you."
Then, in a broken voice, he asked, "Bring... the sword... from my bag."
Minamoto didn't hesitate, despite the tears that clouded his vision. He opened the bag and pulled out an imposing sword, steeped in history, as if it screamed of a mysterious history.
The sword was longer than a regular katana, thicker at the base, and its simple body was delicately decorated.
The handle was wrapped in embossed black leather, from which hung a pale gray ribbon.
The guard was circular and serrated, engraved with the symbol of the six slits.
The blade is dark metallic, occasionally shimmering with violet light.
Along its length, the six slits are dimly lit, flickering gradually as if responding to Kaito's spirit.
The tip is sharp and pointed, instilling a silent awe.
Taiko took the sword with both trembling hands and placed it in Kaito's, his eyes shining with tears of pride and love.
A heavy silence fell. Everyone watched as Taiko's breath stopped. With his final exhalation, he quietly departed... leaving an indelible mark on their hearts.
Miral smiled coldly, her steps advancing slightly as she whispered, "One guest has departed."
Chapter End