Arena Fifty-Three: Lost Cause X

Clang!

A loud sound echoed through the arena as sparks rose to the sky.

"... I thought you wanted to accept your death?"

Alfred's quiet and disappointed voice reached my ears as I held my sword in a horizontal stance, blocking his sword from severing my neck.

"... I did."

"Then... !"

Alfred pulled his sword away and once again brought it down.

Clang!

Another metallic sound came as I once again blocked it.

"What are you doing?"

Alfred asked with hostility as I looked at the first emperor.

"I... I can't die without a fight."

I mumbled as HER voice again reached my ears.

[You can't accept your death like that, Arnold!]

[Anastasia... Is that really you?]

I asked inside my mind as I held my sword with steady hands.

Alfred seemed surprised by my strength as he kept pushing forward, trying to break the sword.

[Yes... I don't know how I am here, though.]