Chapter 301: Ch 301 : Reign’s retreat
A sharp blade sliced across Erza’s body, leaving a bleeding wound in its wake.
As she landed, Erza panted heavily—her body was already covered in multiple injuries, crimson blood steadily flowing from the gashes, draining her strength and will.
The edge of her sharp demon blade, Benizakura, had also begun to show signs of wear from repeatedly clashing against various armaments.
"So troublesome." Reign glanced at the wound Erza had left on his right arm and frowned.
"You should give up already. How long do you plan to keep up this desperate struggle? Even if, by some miracle, you manage to defeat me, there are beings far stronger than I within the Demon God’s Soul."
"A desperate struggle, huh?"
The corner of Erza’s lips curved into a complex smile.
"Maybe you’re right. Maybe this is just a desperate struggle. Back on Tenrou Island, I already knew how formidable you all were. Even if I took you down, there were stronger Thrones waiting—so overwhelming that I couldn’t even muster the will to fight. They were beings of utter despair."
"That’s why I’m asking—why do you still fight like this?"
"Because... everyone else is fighting too," Erza whispered.
"Even when facing enemies we know we can’t defeat, even when we know that no matter how hard we try, our small strength might not change anything... Even in such hopeless circumstances, everyone is still fighting. Fighting to turn the tide of despair. That’s why I won’t give up either. If I were to give up here, I wouldn’t be able to face them again."