"Release them, and I'll let you deal with me however you like," Caleb proposed, his tone less fierce than before. As he spoke, his blade remained sheathed, signaling a move he was preparing.

"If I kill them, you'll still die. You’re not worthy enough to negotiate with me," Adrian replied with a slight smile.

Caleb frowned. He had intended to intimidate Adrian with this move, which would also be his final one, but he realized that Adrian's strength far surpassed his own. It seemed that no matte