Reunion

One after the other, the clones dissolved gently into the air, their mouths agape and eyes wide. Seung's body lay sprawled on the ground, his fair-skinned head severed and lying two meters away. His eyes were open, lips slightly apart. Blood gushed from the separated parts, creating a strong metallic scent that attracted the buzzing of insects.

"Master…" a clone mumbled as his arms turned to ash and blended into the air. His voice was filled with agony and anxiety.

A screen opened with a loud, alarming blare. The display was red, set within a rectangular frame.

[Error! System rundown.]

[Subject's authorization is required for the system to continue functioning.]

A dagger clattered to the ground, its sound echoing through the fiery environment. The number of clones dwindled to four as others either floated, legless, or disintegrated from head downward.

Bhar!