"Andy, you won't be able to escape if you keep carrying me," Jerome said weakly, the wind whipping past his ears as they retreated. "As long as you survive, there's still hope for everything!"

Andrew's vision was entirely tinted with red. If not for his sheer, desperate will to live, he would have collapsed long ago.

He responded to Jerome's plea in a mechanical tone. "I made a vow years ago that I would never abandon my own people. Not even one!"

A sinister chuckle sounded from beside them. "You can't even save yourself, yet you're still worried about others. Andrew, you're truly a naive and pitiful dreamer."

As the voice faded, a sharp whoosh cut through the air.

A concealed weapon shot straight for Andrew's face. He leaned backward, catching the incoming throwing star between his teeth. Before he could rise, a heavy kick landed squarely on his chest.

Andrew spat out a mouthful of blood with a choked gasp, and Godslayer clattered from his hand. He collapsed to the ground, motio