Max's claw dug deeper into the broken ground as he forced himself to remain upright. Blood continued dripping from his abdomen and shoulder, while every breath sent another wave of pain through his chest.
"I'm too weak... I'm still too weak. I can't fall here. Even if it means accepting my true self, I can't fall yet. Not before I achieve my goals... not before all of them can live happily..." Max whispered.
To anyone watching from the side, it appeared as though the devastation had finally broken him and left him muttering senselessly to himself.
Urus raised his chained mace for another strike.
"Still trying to stand?" Lucius asked, watching Max from behind his cracked shield. "You should have remained in your little dragon kingdom."
Max barely heard him.
