Chapter 28: The Final Showdown

Ryu stood at the entrance of the palace, staring up at the towering structure with a sense of both anticipation and dread.

This was it, the final showdown.

He had come too far to turn back now. With a deep breath, he stepped forward, his footsteps echoing loudly in the empty courtyard.

As he approached the entrance, two guards stepped forward, blocking his path. "Halt! Who goes there?" one of them demanded.

Ryu didn't answer. Instead, he charged forward, his fist lashing out with incredible speed. The guard had barely enough time to react before Ryu's fist connected with his face, sending him flying backward.

The other guard drew his sword, but Ryu was already upon him, his movements fluid and precise. In a matter of seconds, the guard lay dead at his feet. Ryu pressed on, moving deeper into the palace.

He encountered more guards along the way, but they were no match for his incredible speed and strength. It was as if nothing could stop him. Finally, he reached the throne room. The new king sat on his throne, looking down upon Ryu with a mix of fear and hatred.

"What do you want?" the king demanded. Ryu didn't answer.

He simply charged forward, his fist lashing out once again. But this time, the king was ready. He drew his own sword, parrying Ryu's attack with ease. The two of them clashed in a fierce battle, their swords ringing out in the empty room.

Ryu was faster and stronger, but the king was skilled and experienced. The battle raged on for what seemed like hours, both of them drawing blood from the other. Finally, Ryu saw an opening.

He lunged forward, his sword poised to strike the killing blow. But at the last second, he hesitated. It was then that he saw her.

The girl from the prison, the one who had shown him kindness when no one else would. She stood in the corner of the room, her eyes wide with fear. Ryu hesitated for only a moment, but it was all the king needed.

With a quick thrust of his sword, he struck Ryu in the chest. Ryu stumbled backward, his eyes widening in shock. He fell to the ground, his lifeblood pouring out of him. As he lay there, dying, he thought of the girl.

He had failed her. He had become the very thing he had set out to destroy. And then, with a final breath, Ryu closed his eyes and let the darkness take him.