Mad Hatter's Guide to Clearing The Game

"No, wait—"

Sarissa’s heart pounded in her chest as she tried to move, desperate to stop Miles before his scythe could fall. But the moment she took a step forward, her knees buckled. Her body, pushed beyond its limits, finally gave out beneath her.

She collapsed onto the scorched asphalt, her arms barely catching her in time. Her voice cracked as she reached out, but it was too late.

The sound of metal slicing through flesh and bone filled the empty battlefield like a tolling bell.

Shinji’s body slumped forward, his head hitting the ground with a dull thud, his katana slipping from his grip. The rain washed over his bloodied body, turning the crimson streaks into winding rivulets that seeped into the cracks of the pavement.

Sarissa’s breath hitched, her hands trembling as she pushed herself upright. A deep, cold anger settled in her chest, mixing with the lingering rush of battle and the exhaustion pulling at her limbs.

"What the hell did you do?" She snapped, panting heavily while forcing herself to her feet despite the way her body screamed at her to stop. "Damn it, Miles!"

Miles let out a deep, slow sigh, his scythe disappearing into a swirl of black sparks. He didn’t look at her. Not at first. Instead, he stared down at Shinji’s lifeless form, his mask unreadable, his presence eerily still.

"He was a threat," Miles said simply. "I had to do it."

"Are you serious? I needed him alive! I needed answers!" Sarissa’s hands clenched into fists. "Did you at least get some out of him before you killed him?"

"And what exactly were you planning to do? Torture him for information? Hope he’d just spill his secrets? He was dangerous, Sarissa. The longer he lived, the bigger the risk we’d take." Miles finally turned to face her, the eerie red glow of his mask’s eyes catching the dim light. "Also, he said he’s not the only player with unique skills, which means he wasn’t the only threat we’re going to face from now on."