Disciplined.
No unnecessary strength.
No unnecessary speed.
Only what was needed.
Nothing more.
Nothing less.
Taai couldn't help but smile.
"...Haha..."
"This is the second time I've been saved."
He chuckled despite the pain.
"...This is getting pretty cliché."
For the first time since the battle began—
He relaxed.
Only slightly.
If these people were here...
The city still had hope.
---
"Taai."
A voice.
Quiet.
Familiar.
Taai froze.
His heartbeat stopped for a moment.
"..."
"...No..."
His body protested as he slowly turned around.
Every wound screamed.
Every muscle ached.
"...It can't be..."
Standing a few meters away—
Was a man wearing the same cloak as the others.
A familiar face.
Taai's lips trembled.
"..."
"...Choco...?"
The man smiled softly.
"...I'm sorry."
"...We were late, Taai."
Silence.
Neither moved.
The battlefield seemed impossibly distant.
The screams.
The explosions.
Everything faded.
Taai slowly walked forward.
One painful step at a time.
Closer.
Closer.
Until he stood in front of him.
He raised one trembling hand.