The morning mist still covered the land, quiet and cold.
Harvie walked ahead of the group, his steps sure, eyes sharp.
He didn't speak much. He didn't need to.
He already knew where the danger was.
He had lived this day once.
Last time, Edna died.
Not this time.
He moved quickly, faster than the others expected. He slashed through a hidden beast before it could leap. Blood sprayed the rocks, and the squad froze.
"How... did you know that was there?" one of the scouts asked.
Harvie just wiped his blade. "I felt it."
It was a lie.
But easier than the truth.
Edna stared at him. Her eyes were narrowed, lips pressed tight.
She didn't say anything.
Not yet.
---
Later, as they reached the broken path near the edge of the floating temple, they heard a roar.
A corrupted mage, twisted by shadow, stepped out of the fog. Its skin glowed red, pulsing with cursed energy.
"Stand back," Harvie said.
This was the moment.
Last time, this thing killed two of them.
This time—Harvie had a new plan.
The others hesitated, but Edna raised her hand. "He's right. Everyone, let him handle it."
The mage charged.
Harvie didn't dodge. Instead, he whispered, "[Crimson Brand]."
The copied skill flared to life.
Dark red chains of fire shot from his palm and wrapped around the mage. The creature screamed, but it wasn't just pain—it was fear.
The air grew heavy. Harvie's eyes turned dark red for a second, veins glowing under his skin. The chains tightened until the mage exploded into ash.
Silence.
Everyone stared.
Edna's mouth opened slightly. "That... wasn't a normal skill."
Harvie didn't answer. His heart was pounding too fast.
The skill had worked—but something inside him cracked. His hands shook. His vision swam. He saw Edna—dead again. He saw himself, bleeding. Over and over.
Too many deaths.
He stumbled back. Edna rushed forward and caught his arm.
"Harvie? Hey. What did you just do?"
Harvie blinked. His voice was hollow. "I made sure it didn't happen again."
"What didn't happen again?"
He looked at her, and for a moment, there was nothing but sadness in his eyes.
Then he smiled, weakly. "Just a mistake. That's all."
Edna didn't believe him.
But she didn't let go.