Michael's hands stayed wrapped tight against his neck. God, he could feel the thorns digging in. The vines getting tighter like a noose. Why, why is he losing? Why's he even here if he'll lose to Isagi?

"..."

He heaved, eyes watering. He could feel bile rising, but he couldn't care less. He coughed and gagged, a small puddle of saliva pooling under his hunched figure.

"...!"

The door to the room slowly opened. Kaiser could barely register it.