The Battle of a Thousand Cries (finale)

(There is torture in this chapter. PLEASE don't force yourself to read if it makes you uncomfortable. A summary of the chapter will be given in the author's notes.)

JAY CADMIUM'S POV:

I noticed vibrant red robes approaching me rapidly. My eyes locked onto the figure, my mind instantly recognizing the individual.

Hugo Liech?

I remained calm, thinking logically before pouncing on the boy. I eyed the figures around him, realizing they were all adventurers within the A to AA-ranks. I glanced briefly at Asthia, feeling the agony she was currently enduring.

I clenched the dark handle of the crimson blade, my instincts pushing me towards two separate actions. I could either drop everything and save Asthia or murder the man who had slaughtered my allies and pained me for so many years.