I gripped Nora's hand and ran.Behind us, several wolves were chasing—moving in a neat formation, closing the distance like trained hunters.
"Kurogane-san… you don't have to worry about me.You can leave me here."
Nora's voice came from behind me, ragged and breathless.
I frowned.Those wolves were clearly trying to drain our stamina, then kill us once we could no longer fight back. At first, I planned to keep running and look for patrol officers nearby—but now I realized it was pointless.
I let go of Nora's hand and stopped.She almost collapsed, her chest heaving violently after running for nearly five minutes.
"Stay close to me."
Nora lifted her head and looked at my face.Her expression was complicated—fear, confusion, and something I couldn't quite put into words.
"Why…" her voice was hoarse.
I stood with my back to her, sword already in hand, my stance low and defensive as I watched every movement of the wolves ahead.
"If only I had my armored suit," I muttered in frustration. "This would be a lot easier."
Coming here was my decision.And this isn't entirely your fault.But if I die here, it'll be because you're blocking my view with pointless comments.
Stop blocking my view!!!
"…"
"Huff."I let out a light sigh.I was sure this system would get me killed someday.
The three wolves moved almost at the same time.They didn't charge straight in—they spread out, cutting off my movement. Their eyes were cold and focused, tracking every shift of my body like seasoned hunters.
I slid my right foot half a step forward.My sword tilted, its tip pointing at the wolf on the left.
The first wolf lunged from the front.
I lowered my center of gravity and swept my sword sideways. The blade clashed with fangs, sparks flying, and the wolf was sent skidding aside with a pained growl.
But it was just bait.
On my right, another wolf leapt, aiming for my throat.
I twisted my body, left shoulder forward.My sword traced a short arc—a horizontal slash.
Blood sprayed.The blade cut through its neck. The body tumbled across the ground and lay still, lifeless.
"One…" I muttered.
The last wolf didn't attack immediately.It circled around, trying to slip past me—toward Nora.
"Looking to die," I said coldly.
I kicked off the ground with all my strength, closing the distance in an instant. My sword thrust straight out, but the wolf dodged with agility, its claws tearing into my arm.
Pain shot through me, and warm blood soaked into my clothes.
I twisted my sword downward, blocking its bite, then smashed the hilt into its eye. A sharp crack echoed as bone broke, blood running down the grip.
It staggered back, its eye bleeding, whining in agony.
Before it could recover, I finished it with a thrust to the neck.
"Two…"
Suddenly, a chill ran through my body.
My instincts screamed.
In a split second, I pulled my sword free from the wolf's neck and took a defensive stance—raising the blade high, tilted over my shoulder.
The world seemed to slow.
I saw a purple lightning sphere pierce through the wolf in front of me and crash into my blade.
In a blink, I realized—I couldn't block this attack.
I shifted my footing slightly.
My body was blown backward.
I flew like a ragdoll,slamming into the stone wall behind me.
The wall shattered.
But the momentum didn't stop—my body was flung again, crashing into a wooden house wall, before finally smashing into the ground. Dust exploded into the air.
I spat out a mouthful of blood.
…
Nora saw Akira's body fly past her, smashing into the wall behind with a horrifying sound. Thick dust filled the air, completely obscuring his figure.
"Kurogane-san!"
The scream tore out of her throat.
Without thinking, Nora tried to run toward him—but a massive shadow blocked her path.
A huge wolf stood right in front of her.
Its gaze made her body stiffen.Drool dripped from its fangs as its yellow eyes fixed on her—like it was judging prey with nowhere left to run.
Nora's body trembled.Her legs felt cold, as if they refused to move.
The wolf walked around her leisurely.Nora stepped back again and again, until her back hit the stone wall behind her.
There's no way out…
Am I going to die?
The wolf lowered its body… then lunged forward.
One bite.That was all it would take to end her life.
And in that moment—
Nora smiled.
A small, fragile smile.
I've always been alone.
At home.At school.I was always alone.
Tears began to slide down her cheeks.
From the start, someone like me was never useful to anyone.
Her vision blurred.Yet her face was calm—empty, as if she had already accepted everything.
Maybe…
Maybe the best thing I can do is disappear from this world.
That way…
My existence won't be a burden to Kurogane-san.
Her smile changed, this time looking sincere—perhaps the first genuine smile of her life.
Right…
I should've…
Died from the beginning.
The wolf drew closer.Nora remained still, staring at it, ready to accept death.
But—
Suddenly, a glowing blade shot in from the side, slicing the wolf cleanly in two.
The massive body collapsed to the ground.Fresh blood soaked into the earth beneath it.
"If you want to touch her… you'll have to ask for my permission."A cold, threatening voice sounded beside her.
Nora turned her head.
Akira was standing there.A katana gripped in his right hand, while his left wiped the blood from his lips.
"Kurogane-san!"
The cry escaped her reflexively.For a split second, joy appeared on her face—only to be replaced by stabbing guilt when she saw Akira's sleeve soaked in blood.
If only I weren't a burden…If only I didn't exist…
Akira stepped forward.His gaze was cold and focused, as if watching something unseen.
Nora followed his line of sight.
There, a wolf far larger than the others stood alert. Nora's body tensed, realizing it wasn't over yet.
Akira stood in front of her—just like before—shielding her with his body.
But Nora knew.With his current condition, Akira couldn't fight properly, and the end waiting for him was nothing but death.
"I'll buy some time," Akira said without looking back."Get out of here."
Those words struck Nora hard.
Wouldn't it be much easier to leave her here to be eaten by the wolves?Then why?
Why won't he leave me?
"No," Nora's voice trembled."I'll stay here instead. Without me as a burden, I'm sure you can escape easily, Kurogane-san."
Right.If I weren't here…He wouldn't be in a situation like this.
"No," Akira replied firmly."Even if I die here, I hope you survive."
Those words made Nora's chest shake violently.Her breath caught in her throat.Her mind refused to understand what she was hearing.
Guardians were symbols of humanity's protectors.But they weren't obligated to protect ordinary people.In fact, the life of a Guardian agent was worth more than several ordinary human lives.
So why…?
Why would Akira risk his life for her?
Nora's breathing grew tighter. The emotions she had kept sealed away finally burst, uncontrollable.Tears fell freely, leaving her no room to pretend she was strong.
"Why…?" her voice shook."Why are you going this far? Why are you risking your life for me?"
I'm nobody to you, so why?
"Don't you hate me?""Then just leave me here."
That way, you can live.
"You don't need to worry… there are no witnesses.""And there won't be anyone looking for me if I die."
I have no one. There's no one who would mourn me.
"Why would you go this far for someone useless like me?""You should just leave… that way you can survive."
"Didn't I tell you already,"Akira's voice was calm, yet firm."You haven't really disappeared."
Nora lifted her gaze, her chest trembling at those words.In front of her stood the back of a young man, straight and unyielding—a figure who, without her realizing it, had been protecting her from the beginning until this very moment.
"See…" Akira continued,"I'm here. I'm watching you."
Those words struck straight into Nora's heart.
Her chest felt tight, as if something empty inside her was suddenly being filled.
For the first time, Nora felt like she truly existed in this world.There was someone who saw her.Who acknowledged her.
"I hope you survive."
The moment those words left his mouth, Akira shot forward, charging toward the massive wolf.
Nora flinched.Her heart pounded wildly.
Why…Why…Why…?
Why would you go this far for someone useless like me?
It would've been easier to leave me behind.So why are you sacrificing yourself like this?
Nora bit her lip until it hurt.Her hands clenched tightly.
She knew—Her presence here would only be a burden to Akira.
So she made a decision.
Nora turned around.And ran, leaving Akira behind.
Tears streamed down her face.
There was only one thing she had to do now—call for reinforcements. With firm resolve, she ran away, leaving Akira behind.
"Kurogane-san… please hold on…"
Her voice was small, hoarse, drowned in sobs.
"I'll definitely bring help back for you."