As the fighting grew more intense, Kael took his stand at the heart of the village, sword in hand. Though old, he moved with the grace of a man half his age, cutting down soldiers with swift, precise strikes. But even a master couldn’t hold off an army forever.

When Leon reached him, Kael was already surrounded, his breath coming in ragged gasps. "Master, we have to retreat!"

But Kael shook his head. "This village... it’s where I’ve lived my last peaceful days. I won’t let them destroy it, not without a fight."

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Leon could see the determination in Kael’s eyes—the same determination that had once fueled his own battles. But this was different. This was a goodbye.

"You need to lead them now," Kael said, placing a firm hand on Leon’s shoulder. "You’ve learned everything I can teach you. Go. Protect the others."

Before Leon could argue, Kael turned and charged into the thick of the battle, drawing the attention of the enemy forces. Leon could only watch as his mentor was overwhelmed, sacrificing himself to buy the villagers and the group time to escape.

Leon’s heart shattered, but there was no time to mourn. He had to get the others to safety.