The masked man had paused mid-step.
His eyes—previously gleaming with mocking amusement—dimmed.
Then, in a low and drained voice, he muttered:
"…Enough."
His tone was dry, worn-out—
But cold.
"I'm tired of hearing it…
Hero this.
Protection that.
Honor, bravery, standing up… all that pathetic noise."
He tilted his head slowly, his crimson eyes flickering faintly under the mask's shadow.
"You're unbearable now," he said, voice rising. "A song that's been played too long. A hero's anthem that's turned into noise."
His words sharpened like blades.
"It's getting boring—"
"BORING MY ASS!" Sarios roared back, cutting him off.
The air trembled.
The masked man stopped—visibly taken aback by the interruption.
Sarios, bleeding, shaking, armor shattered, stood tall.
He pointed his sword—not for battle, but like a finger of truth.
"If it's so boring, if you're so tired of hearing us 'heroes' talk…"
His voice cracked, but his spirit flared with fury.
