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The powerful deluge of blood rips through the Sinners like blades through paper.

…….

What shame.

You used to make me lances that were much more graceful than this.

Yet... this holds more than enough power to destroy that feeble timepiece of yours.

He launches a lance of blood at me with his inhuman strength.

I instinctively knew that the spear was to be my demise.

And... I couldn't help but avert my eyes from the impending doom.

I guess... we never had a chance to begin with...

<…!>

Didst thou not say...

I look up at the sudden upbeat, cheerful voice.

There stood Sancho, standing tall even as her body was torn by the brutal, sanguine lance.

Unbroken and bold, unyielding before the First Kindred's insurmountable might.

... that thou shalt decide the time for me to come to my senses?

It's the same back I always saw scampering toward inevitable trouble whenever something interesting was happening.

The same silhouette of the troublemaker who always appeared so small to me.

But at this very moment, her familiar and reassuring shadow felt so much larger - infinitely larger as she stood in front of me.

So I call to her in a name I never thought I would get another chance to repeat.

<Don... Quixote.>

It is unfortunate that you now protect them with your back that once shielded me.

... But I am proud that you stopped my lance.

Yet... what will you do now, Sancho?

Your strength must be spent after such a mighty feat.

I intend to fight still. This is not the end.

... Even if it is not by my hand, even if it is not this day when your adventure ends...

... this sickness will inevitably drag you off that steed.

I couldn't see Don Quixote's expression from where I was.

Even still...

I know that.

Even still.

... though to some, I may only appear to be playing a character...

... though I may never truly reach my destination...

She was incandescent, like a brilliant star twinkling in the night sky.

... should I persevere to walk the journey of my own choosing...

... and continue this tale...

That very brilliance compelled me to reach out and hope.

Then that shall be my... your dream.

Let that star...

... shine ever brighter...

<I will light your path.>

<So don't hesitate. Go - walk the journey of your own choosing.>

... I shan't be long.