XII. Farewell Reunion

The killer skillfully maneuvered through the hallways and stairs, racing ahead with an unmatched speed. Even the powerful attacks from the elite knights failed to hit their mark, as the killer effortlessly evaded them.

Determined to stay on their trail, I cast a hasten spell on my feet, propelling myself forward with increased speed. 

Finally, our chase led us to the rooftop, where I managed to close the distance between us, fueled by the soldiers chasing behind me. Standing at the edge of the rooftop, the killer exuded a menacing presence, their face obscured by a hood. 

I took a moment to catch my breath, preparing myself for any potential confrontation. Suddenly, a sword was launched from behind me, hurtling towards the killer. It was the same sword that had pierced the king just moments earlier.

Kev, having recovered from his wounds, emerged from behind me and positioned himself in front, creating an intense and charged atmosphere among all of us.

As the sharp metal weapon descended, hitting the ground with a resounding clank, the murderer's attention was immediately drawn towards it. 

Startled by the noise, he swiftly spun around, his hood blown back by the forceful gusts of wind from the elevated location. 

In that brief moment, I took a quick glance at Kev's expression, carefully studying the subtle changes on his face. It was undeniable; the man standing before us was undoubtedly Kev's brother.

His brother, with a slow and cautious movement, took his first step forward. With a firm grip, he retrieved a gleaming knife from his pocket, its polished surface reflecting the moonlight. 

Unbeknownst to his brother, Kev, seizing the opportunity of remaining hidden to the ordinary eye, also began to move.

Swiftly increasing his speed, Kev aimed to surpass his brother and reach the exact spot where the sword had been thrown after impaling him.

. At the very moment his brother arrived at the spot, fortune favered Kev as he managed to reach the sword in time, raising it just as his brother crossed his path, unexpectedly impaling him.

They lay motionless, his body pieced by an unforeseen and a fatal stab. Gradually, rivulets of blood began to trickle from his wounded form-

"Kevin?" His brother looked at him in shock. A bewildered expression crossing his face as he called out his name.

In that instant, Kevin emerged, his long-awaited desire now becoming a reality. However, instead of responding, Kevin simply gazed back at his brother his eyes burning with intense fury.

"How did you-" his brother said.

"HAAAA!" Kev fueled by anger, forcefully pressed the blade deeper into his brother's chest, causing blood to spill from his mouth. The intense of Kev's emotions was evident in the strength with which he exerted his force onto the blade, further exacerbating.

"Kev…" I said with a worrisome tone. 

Kev proceeded to mercilessly thrust the knife into his victim multiple times, behaving in a manner that was completely uncharacteristic of the person I had always known him to be. It was as if an overwhelming surge of violence had taken control of his mind.

Meanwhile his brother was experiencing a worsening condition, violently expelling more and more blood. In a slow and deliberate manner, Kev exerted force against his brother, using his hands to push him towards the edge of the rooftop. All while the knife protruded menacingly from his chest.

"Hey… Hey! What are you doing." I ask, as I imagine his intention.

Kev, with a swift motion, removed the sword from his brother's chest and instinctively tossed it away from them. His brother, in a dazed state, struggled to breathe, coughing up blood, as Kev tightly grasped his brother's shirt at the edge of the rooftop.

"This is the last for me," Kev said as he holds his brother.

Just as I thought, this is it. It marks the end of my relationship with a dear friend. Knowing him well, I have to respect his choice and allow him to be with his decision.

"What about Celesty?" I asked

"You already know the answer, between the two of us, you care for her the most…"

In a poignant moment, he pulled his brother closer into a heartfelt embrace before taking a determined step forward dragging his brother with him

"Take care of her for me, would ya?" Kev said right as he was about to fall.

I'll never forget a man, full revenge, who continued his path after death, yet still cared about others. No, Kevin, it doesn't mean who cares the most. 

You cared for everyone around you, that's enough, and in the end, you still got what you wanted in the beginning. Now, my dear friend, it is time for you to find solace and peace. Rest assured, I'll handle the rest.

"Wait, wait, wait!" As I watched the events unfold, a wave of resentment and doubt washed over me.

I couldn't help but question my decision to allow him to do what he wanted. However, it was too late to turn back now. Frantically, I rushed to the edge where they were about to fall, but my footing gave way, causing me to fall and crawl towards the horrifying scene.

All that was left was a body with in a pool of blood laying on the concrete stone at the bottom floor. I couldn't believe it - he had actually done it. Farewell Kev.

As my eyes welled up with tears, a flood of emotions rushed through my mind, consuming me slowly. With both hands, I gently wiped away the tears that streamed down my face as I found solace on the floor. 

Sadness and regret permeated my being, and I wholeheartedly embraced their presence. As I gathered the strength to rise and stand on my knees again, I proceeded to walk with my gaze fixed upon the ground, retracing my steps back towards the staircase until…

*footsteps*

As I stood alone on the rooftop, a sudden noise startled me from behind.

The unmistakable sound of footsteps grew closer, and I couldn't help but feel a wave of apprehension. 

My heart pounding, I slowly turned around, dreading what I would see. It was the one thing I feared the most since entering this world.

I was abruptly faced with the man who had been confined in the dark depths of the underground dungeon beneath the pantry.