Darkness.
That was all Kai could see.
No sound. No pain. No thoughts.
Just… nothing.
Then—
A voice.
"Kai… wake up…"
Soft.
Familiar.
His eyes slowly opened.
Blurred vision.
A wooden ceiling.
The smell of herbs.
"…Where am I…?"
His voice was weak.
"You're alive."
Kai froze.
That voice—
He knew it.
He turned his head.
And his heart stopped.
Lina Arvel.
Sitting beside him.
His eyes widened.
"...You…"
Memories crashed into him.
The confession.
The humiliation.
Her words.
His expression instantly darkened.
"Get away from me."
Lina didn't move.
"I saved you."
Kai let out a weak laugh.
"Saved me…? After destroying me?"
Silence.
Her eyes lowered slightly.
"I had no choice."
"Liar."
A sudden surge of dark energy flickered around Kai.
The air became heavy again.
"Don't come near me," he said coldly.
Lina stood up slowly.
"I know you hate me."
"Hate?" Kai's voice shook.
"No… I don't hate you."
The room trembled slightly.
"I regret loving you."
Those words hit harder than any attack.
Even Lina flinched.
Suddenly—
The door burst open.
"FOUND HIM!!"
Armed soldiers rushed in.
More than before.
Stronger.
"The target is awake!"
"Capture him NOW!"
Kai's eyes turned red again.
"…They're still after me…"
Lina stepped forward.
"No—listen to me—"
But it was too late.
BOOM!!
Kai released a shockwave.
The walls cracked.
The soldiers charged.
"Don't resist!" one shouted.
Kai stood up, barely stable.
But his eyes—
Cold.
"If you come closer…"
Dark energy gathered in his hand.
"…I won't hold back."
Lina's voice broke:
"KAI, STOP—!"
Too late.
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