Shun's blade trembled. His cursed aura rippled like a beast clawing out of its cage, black star flaring in his eye.
The whispers screamed in unison:
"NOW. STRIKE. DEVOUR THEM ALL."
His body lurched forward blade rising aimed at Kaen.
Kaen didn't move. He stared straight into the cursed eye, fire blazing not in fear, but in defiance.
"Sensei… it's me. You said once that fire can't choose what it burns—but you chose me. You chose to protect. So do it again! Don't give in!"
The blade froze mid-swing, Shun's arms shaking violently. Blood streamed from his cursed eye, teeth gnashing as he screamed not in rage, but in agony.
Rael's lightning flared, ready to cut him down
—but Kaen roared louder.
"FAMILY DOESN'T BREAK! NOT NOW, NOT EVER!"
For a heartbeat, the cursed whispers faltered. Shun's blade dropped an inch. His breath hitched.
Greed's smirk flickered, eyes narrowing. The chains rattled, slamming against the stone.
