196 Undying Will

"...I refuse."

The reply came unexpectedly to all of them.  Nikolai's eyes widened as he looked at the alchemist, who was glaring at Valkyrie. Then, Sergio slapped away her arm with a frown.

"I might be a self-loathing piece of shit, but I refuse to die. Furthermore, I won't die for your sake, nor anyone's sake. You can kill me yourself if you want to, but I will not give you an easy time and kill myself."

His usually kind voice came out harsh, powerful, and unyielding. Nikolai stared at the alchemist as if he did not know him. Those determined eyes were not ones that he was used to seeing in his friend, who followed after him in both lifetimes with an easy-going smile.

'Ah, I fucked up.'

Nikolai closed his eyes with regret. It was the same as before. Sergio was never weak, even if he was cruel to himself. The alchemist did not flatter when he refused to create poison for the king.