Action XIII

As the explosion subsided, the atmosphere changed dramatically. The swirling dust began to settle, and among the rubble of battle, only one figure remained standing—Johan, with his rifle aimed directly at Touya's body, who was now collapsed on the ground. Johan's breathing was heavy, his body covered in cuts and bruises, proof that his power had reached its limit.

Yet, despite it all, his cold gaze remained piercing. Beneath his physical exhaustion lay an unwavering mental strength.

"Well, Touya… Isn't this moment familiar?" Johan said with a biting, sinister tone, a faint smile forming on his lips.

Touya, struggling to stay conscious, groaned in pain. He forced his head to look up at Johan, staring into those brilliant blue eyes that now felt so distant and cold. The moment felt hauntingly familiar. They had been here before—on the night Johan and Touya first clashed, a battle that had left deep scars on them both.