The darkness around Asher felt endless.
Cold.
Silent.
Heavy.
It felt as if he was drowning in it.
Then, slowly…
A figure appeared in front of him.
The shape became clearer.
A familiar face.
Sebastian.
He stood there calmly, looking at Asher.
Asher's body felt exhausted.
His shoulders were heavy.
His eyes were filled with pain and regret.
Slowly, Asher lifted his head and looked at him.
For a moment he couldn't speak.
Then suddenly—
He stood up and rushed forward.
Asher grabbed Sebastian and hugged him tightly.
His voice trembled.
"I should die…"
His hands tightened.
"I wasn't worthy of you…"
His voice broke.
"You shouldn't have chosen me as your successor…"
His breathing was unstable.
"I don't have your responsibility…"
"I don't have your power…"
Asher lowered his head.
"I miss you…"
His voice became quiet.
"We need you…"
"I need you…"
Sebastian looked at him silently.
Then slowly…
He raised his hand and gently stroked Asher's hair.
Just like he used to.
"Asher…"
His voice was calm.
"This battle is your responsibility now."
Asher slowly looked up.
Sebastian continued,
"The world does not need me anymore."
His eyes were firm.
"It needs you."
"Asher… humanity needs you."
Asher's breathing slowly steadied.
Sebastian's gaze softened slightly.
"I know things are difficult."
"There will always be difficult moments."
"There will always be pain."
He placed his hand on Asher's shoulder.
"But you must always believe in yourself."
Asher's eyes trembled.
Sebastian spoke again.
"Asher… wake up."
His voice grew stronger.
"Do not let the deaths of all those people be meaningless."
The battlefield flashed through Asher's mind.
The bodies.
The destruction.
Lance.
Myron.
Sebastian looked directly into his eyes.
"Take their revenge."
"Asher…"
A faint smile appeared on Sebastian's face.
"I believe in you."
Then he said quietly,
"The world believes in you."
For a moment…
Everything was silent.
Asher's eyes slowly sharpened.
The darkness around him began to crack.
His breathing became steady.
His fists slowly clenched.
Then—
Asher opened his eyes.
Back on the battlefield.
Dust still filled the air.
The ruined land stretched around him.
And in front of him…
Lord.
Their eyes met.
Something changed.
Asher's eyes began to burn.
Like flames.
His hair slowly turned red.
Power exploded from his body.
The air around him trembled violently.
Push the Limit Mode.
But this time…
Asher didn't lose consciousness.
His mind remained clear.
Just like Sebastian once did.
Asher had reached the peak.
Lord looked at him.
For the first time—
Something appeared in his eyes.
Not arrogance.
Not calmness.
Fear.
And Asher simply stared back at him.
The real battle…
Was about to begin.