It's... over, isn't it?

Ame-No-Gozen’s blade had pierced your chest, leaving a gaping wound. You collapsed, blood pooling beneath you, but even as pain wracked your body, you turned your gaze to Fyodor, desperation swelling inside.

"Im begging you, You can do whatever you want to with me! I'll give you my life! Please just.. save everyone else...!"

Fyodor’s cold eyes met yours, but instead of sympathy, you saw fury. His face twisted in anger as he motioned to Ame-No-Gozen.

"Decapitate them."

It stepped forward, hand closing around your neck. Just as you braced for the final blow—

CRACK.

The hand gripping your throat shattered into pieces.

Your eyes flew open in shock, as did Fyodor’s. From the distance, a figure approached, cloaked in shadow. A... knight?

Then, a voice—familiar and commanding—rang through the air.

"Fear death, fear slaughter."

Your heart pounded in disbelief. That voice... it couldn’t be—

"Should death toy with an Innocent soul.. It shall thusly spill into the harbor of sorrow."

"Akutagawa?" you whispered, breathless. How could this be? How was he here?

Fyodor, on the other hand, seemed amused, a twisted smile curling his lips as Akutagawa stepped closer.

"I shall martyr myself on the pledge of this Knight's sword.. to any barbarian who dares bring harm to the princess or the commoners.."

Akutagawa paused, his dark eyes locking onto Ame-No-Gozen. His hand rested on his sword hilt, prepared to strike.

"I shall take aim.. And I shall strike."

With those words, the battle between Akutagawa and Ame-No-Gozen erupted in a clash of steel and fury, the outcome uncertain but the air thick with tension.