Clark saw the unshakable seriousness in her eyes, the heavy killing intent rolling off her like a stormfront, and his jaw tightened until it ached.
Different scenarios flashed through his mind like lightning, each ending in blood, most of it theirs.
"I am with you."
The sudden voice from behind broke his thoughts, and he turned just in time to see John stepping forward toward Benneca, his expression unreadable.
Without hesitation, John tossed his sword back into his Spatial bag, the metallic gleam vanishing as if sealing away his intent to fight.
He wasn't an idiot.
The pressure radiating from Benneca was suffocating.
Peak of the Spirit Tree Realm.
A gap like the heavens separated them from her.
John knew it was suicide to resist. Even if he and Clark fought side by side, it would be like throwing dry twigs into a roaring wildfire, only fuel for their own destruction.
Joining her wasn't betrayal in his mind; it was survival.
