Standoff

Time seemed to freeze for an instant as the two forces locked eyes, a quiet storm brewing between them.

Both were ready, waiting for the inevitable clash, tension straining the space around them.

This was no ordinary battle. It was a clash of pride between two powerful Demon Kings.

However—

When Reign's eyes turned toward the boy, he began doubting his chances.

Even if he killed Vinsh over and over, what would it change? Each death would be undone, each victory erased. 

In the end, he'd be the one to lose, worn down by an endless cycle of battles that led nowhere.

'Will I really have to sacrifice my second body?' The thought weighed heavily on his mind. 

Now that this body had ascended to become a Demon King, the idea of losing it became much harder to accept. 

He didn't know when—if ever—he'd get another chance like this. And if he was being honest with himself, he'd grown attached to it.