The Dragon Knight walked calmly between them, his steps echoing through the ruined hall.
"What a sight," he said softly, admiring the eerie tableau. "A single stroke, and an entire command room becomes art."
He was about to continue when he paused.
Something had moved.
On the floor near a shattered console lay the young officer from earlier, the one who had asked the captain what had happened. His uniform was scorched, his skin charred and peeling, but somehow…
He was still breathing.
Barely.
"Oh?"
The knight tilted his head.
"It seems we have ourselves a lucky winner."
He knelt, curiosity flickering in his purple eyes.
"Humans…"
A small laugh escaped him.
"So fragile. And yet so full of surprises."
The boy's fingers were clenched around a silver locket. His lips trembled, trying desperately to form words as blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.
"P… ple… plea…"
The knight leaned in, cupping a hand to his ear.
"What was that? Speak up. I cannot hear you."
