Chapter 24: Self-Explosion
Garry growled in frustration as he tried to give chase, but Barseagle threw himself in front of him again. The golden mask binding Garry's face was already beginning to crack, but before he could rip it off completely, Barseagle struck out, his weakened body moving with sheer determination rather than strength.
Garry sneered, blocking the blow with ease before countering. His fist slammed into Barseagle's ribs, sending him crashing into the rubble. Blood spurted from Barseagle's mouth, but he still pushed himself up, staggering to his feet. His hands trembled, and his vision blurred. 'Hehe... Does this fool think he could go against me? He's really a legend though, he deserves his reputation.'
'I can't let him go after Ian. I need to keep him here—no matter what it takes.'
His thoughts raced as he assessed his options. His body was at its limit; even standing felt like torture. He had already depleted nearly all his energy, and at this rate, he wouldn't last another minute.
'If I keep trying to fight, I'll just get torn apart. But if I can take him down with me...'
A grim realization made Barseagle despair. The only way to ensure Ian's escape was to take drastic measures. He recalled the blood root within his body—the last card he possessed. If he forced it to implode, the resulting explosion would cause massive damage.
'It won't kill him, but it'll slow him down. That's enough.'
Barseagle took a deep breath, his resolve solidifying. He had already decided. If his life could buy Ian and the others enough time to get away, it was worth it.
With the last of his strength, he lunged at Garry, locking his arms around him in a vice grip but Garry far outsized him. In the end, golden chains extended on his hands with the ability to elongate which wrapped Garry completely.
Garry grunted in irritation, attempting to pry him off, but Barseagle endured.
"You damn fool, what are you doing?" Garry snarled.