"You have served us well, but everything eventually comes to an end; today, it is your life that will be illuminated," a completely black-clad figure read from a dull white parchment.

At this moment, darkness slowly but inevitably crept in. The dim light of evening illuminated a dark cliff in its final glory. It seemed endless, as nothing but darkness could be discerned. Even on cheerful summer days with bright sunshine, there was no possibility of glimpsing the end.

At the edge of the cliff stood a white-haired figure. The wind played with his long white hair, beneath which two beautiful eyes shone with green radiance.

He wore a supple black coat that gently fluttered in the light breeze.

His calm, almost bored gaze rested on dozens of people staring at him with hatred and murderous intent.

They were all comrades of his, yet they stood opposite him with the intention to kill.

His feelings mirrored a waveless lake. He felt no emotions at their hostility. They mattered to him as much as death; it simply didn't matter.

Despite the hopeless situation, he paid them no mind. His expressionless gaze turned away from them to face the abyss.

"How pathetic. You always looked down on us from your high horse. But look at you now. The Union no longer needs you. In the end, we are the survivors, and you are the dead," mocked another person, clear joy and scorn evident in their eyes.

Each person present wore the same black attire to signify their affiliation.

"Erand gave us some information about your family. Believe it or not, they didn't want to get rid of you. The Union only said that to stoke your hatred. Do you want to hear how it really went down? Doesn't matter, I'll tell you anyway. It's quite amusing, actually. Your mother and sister must have looked quite amusing as they cried and pleaded when you were torn from your dying father's arms."

Laughter erupted from everyone around, except the targeted individual who remained calm, their gaze fixed on the beautiful sunset.

"Actually, your mother and sister are still alive. We've already decided to pay them a visit after your demise. Especially your sister, who is said to possess a stunning beauty. We'll enjoy her for a bit before sending her to you."

Despite enduring such taunts, he still showed no reaction or sign of emotion. His demeanor exuded tranquility.

"001, we've always known you're an arrogant bastard. The world won't shed a single tear for your death," shouted another person.

In response, another chimed in, "Well, maybe a few tears of joy."

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

They erupted in laughter again, but their attempts to elicit a reaction remained futile.

"Isn't it funny? We humans are such a peculiar race. We strive for perfection even though we know we won't achieve it. We set goals, but once achieved, we're still not satisfied. Our desires escalate, and our goals become loftier. Throughout our lives, we seek friendship and love because we fear loneliness. Yet in the end, life ends as it began, in solitude. Strange traits indeed, yet I am the perfect example of why humans must possess these traits." A peaceful smile appeared on 001's face.

"The bastard has finally lost his mind. Who wants to give him a merciless end?"

With a fluid motion borne of long experience, 001's hand slid to his back. With a soft sound, a long sword detached from his back.

It had the shape of a katana, but its blade reached almost twice the length of a standard katana. The blade alone measured 1.3 meters.

Its silver blade gleamed in the fading light of the day.

"Shall we dance one last time, my friend? Let us willingly kill each other, without an order," he whispered to his faithful companion.

This sword was, to him, what one could call a friend. It was the only thing he could trust.

The mood of those around him changed instantly. Some even unconsciously took a step back.

This was not what they expected. Unconsciously, they assumed he would simply allow himself to be killed. This assumption didn't stem from their stupidity; for decades, they had been indoctrinated to only draw their swords on command. The command was so strictly enforced that it transcended their entire existence.

"What the hell do you think you're doing? The Commander gave the order. Drop your weapon and die!" commanded the person opposite him.

It was 002, the person he trusted most.

"We are not suited to dwell among humans with our ideals. Today is our last day. I, you, and all those present will die today. Don't take it personally; I had nothing against any of you."

"You cannot kill without an order, you know better than anyone else. Just drop your sword." There was no mockery or contempt in his voice. Throughout the entire previous conversation, 002 had only read the letter aloud. Afterward, he did not participate further in the conversation.

Suddenly, the peaceful eyes of 001 sharpened. The entire atmosphere surrounding him shifted into pure bloodlust.

A chill ran down the spine of everyone present. In that moment, they realized he was deadly serious. Only 002 remained unaffected.

If one looked closely, they could see a trace of relief and even joy in his eyes.

Before anyone could react, blood sprayed. It splattered the bare shrubs on the cliff. In the twilight, it shimmered seductively.

With just one sword stroke, two headless bodies fell to the ground.

Breathing heavily, 001 faced his final opponent. Naturally, it was 002, the only one who could stand against him without being instantly slaughtered.

Countless cuts marred 001's body, and his entire left arm was missing.

Around him lay numerous corpses. 002, on the other hand, was in a much better position. He only entered the fight at the end. At this point, 001 was barely clinging to life.

002 preferred to fight with a long, thin spear.

"The spear possessed a long, slender tip, and the entire spear had a black hue to be harder to distinguish in the darkness.

002 had only two small cuts on his cheek. 001 charged at him, sword raised, aiming for his opponent's head.

With a slight twist of his spear tip, his attack was deflected. In return, 002 delivered a kick to the abdomen.

Bleeding, 001 quickly stood up, only to parry the oncoming spear at the last second. Immediately, he ducked and struck towards his opponent's unprotected legs.

Forced to jump into the air, 002 was hit by the sword's grip even as he leaped. Mid-air, he was thrown several meters.

001's breathing became increasingly ragged. He could barely stand upright anymore. Blood not only oozed from his external wounds but also from the corners of his mouth.

"This will be my final attack," he realized.

With his last ounce of strength, he trudged forward, driving his battered body towards 002.

002, too, decided to give it his all. He thrust his spear towards 001's heart at a speed that was almost imperceptible.

Initially, 001 seemed faster, but at the last moment, his legs gave out.

"Well, that's that," he thought. There was no dissatisfaction in his heart.

If he had to choose one person he wanted to spare, it would undoubtedly be 002.

The spear emerged from his back. Yet, contrary to his expectation, he was still alive. In the moment just before his death, 002 slightly redirected his spear to the left.

In return, the delayed sword of 001 pierced into 002's body.

Coughing, the weak gaze of 002 landed on him. He was about to die, yet a radiant smile appeared on his face.

"I never hated you either because you were my only friend," he whispered. Then, he collapsed and died in the arms of 001.

A small tear rolled down the cheek of 001. It was the first time in a long time that a hint of emotion stirred within him.

Gently, he closed the eyes of 002. Satisfied, he dragged himself and the body of 002 to the edge of the cliff.

In complete darkness, he let himself fall.

Finally, we can rest in peace."