As the rocks pressing down on him lifted into the air, Ares raised his head to look at the owner of the legs standing before him. He managed a smile, but his smile looked stiff and scary due to his battered form.
"T-Thanks… that was… quite painful."
Cassian slowly sank to his heels, locking eyes with him. He tried his best to return a smile but couldn't manage it, so he let it go.
Gently, he grabbed Ares' shoulder and whispered softly near his ear.
"Then… let me end your suffering."
A burst of shadows erupted from Cassian's hand, engulfing Ares's body. Ares screamed as his form began to melt. Before Ares lost consciousness completely, his eyes locked onto Cassian's, and he questioned hoarsely.
"Why…?"
But there was no answer—only a cold, crimson gaze staring down at him.
Ultimately, all that remained in Cassian's hand was a faintly glowing core containing Ares' injured soul. He stared at the pool of blood before him for a while and stood up.
