Vanguard
Vanguard smiled and raised his arms up in a nonchalant fashion. Interesting, such intense killing aura... had he overestimated him?
He knew, even now, that he was still holding back. And having seen him, having felt him, he could tell by now just how far he was pulling back his true self. Was this the extent of his being? How... adorable. It might surpass him in raw ability, perhaps even in skill, but the more he observed him, the more he found that man lacking. No, perhaps lukewarm would be a better comparison.
"Of course not. I've lived by the blade and died by the blade, I never really did find the time or interest for such intricacies. You misunderstand something, boy. You might have won many battles, you might have reached heights some cannot even imagine. But do not think, do not even conceive that a speck of dust like yourself can come close to understanding me. Forging, killing, the process may differ but the results are the same."
Vanguard couldn't help but scowl bitterly. "Results, the world only remembers the results!"
He understood now, he had truly lived an uselessly long life. He might deny it, but there was nothing to his name except the moment of today. No legacy, no burden, no one to hold or protect,nothing to lose and nothing to gain.
In that sense, the two really were alike.
He lived his life unbridled without worry, simply enjoying himself as he reached his mastery. It was commendable, such an empty happiness... he'd reject it no matter what. Because the truth is he found it passionate, a strength without any meaning or reason.
A worthless whim, no better than garbage.
There was no expression in his face, only the sound of a step. Then there was thunder, and it seemed like the air in the room completely disappeared. The girl's sword trembled at his words, his presence, as if it understood the look his eyes gave to its wielder. The feeling his aura he gave off... it was unfathomable. No sane man, nay, no individual could withhold such an anger.
There was one single thing in his voice, unbridled and unshackled by false pretenses or half-hearted ideals. Wrath. By all means, her throat was already lying mangled in his hand Perhaps she might even feel it.
"When a man truly thinks to kill someone, the deed is already done. Don't disappoint me again, Meti."
One might not fear many things, because he does not know or understand them. Perhaps, one might not even care. One might not mind pain and torment, one might not blink as his 'loved ones' suffer, one might not even value his own life. But there was only one truth.
If she did not meet his expectations, her future would be most unkind.
