A Sacrifice.

Adrian observed Kaido with a sigh that spoke volumes of his exhaustion. He just wanted to crawl into a bed and sleep for the rest of the day, or better yet, the entire week.

"Can we... do this another time?" he suggested, eyes weary with a fatigue that went beyond their last fight with a mana beast—perhaps accumulated even.

It was the weariness of someone who had done more than enough, a weariness that a good night's sleep wouldn't erase.

Kaido, however, seemed intent on pressing the issue. "What a coward you are..." He started, raising his arm in a threatening gesture.

But before Kaido could complete his taunt, a blur of motion cut through the air.

Ruck, with a swiftness that belied his own exhaustion and wounds, materialized in front of Kaido, his cold purple blade, still stained with the blood of the mana beast, pressed lightly against Kaido's neck.