The words hit like cold water.
Eli's stomach twisted, his breath stuttering. For a second, he just stared at Mio—this S-Class hunter, the vice-captain, the one who was supposed to be unshakable—and he was asking him.
Him.
The one who couldn't even fight.
The one who froze every time the System screamed danger.
The one who only survived because Kairo had dragged him out of the jaws of death again and again.
Eli's throat tightened. His fingers curled into fists at his sides, nails biting into his palms.
'Why me?' The thought came bitter, sharp. 'Why the hell are you asking me?'
Eli wanted to laugh. Or cry. Or both.
Because if he hadn't argued—if he'd just listened—Kairo wouldn't have been distracted. Kairo wouldn't have taken that hit. Kairo wouldn't have been thrown.
And now, he was gone.
The guilt burned hot and deep in his chest. He could still see it—the moment Kairo disappeared into the darkness, the sickening sound of impact echoing after him.
Eli's breath trembled.
