Villain Ch 191. Heroes Don't Always Get The Glory
A gasp of horror escaped Mac's lips as he witnessed the merciless attack. Yora's body went limp in Mac's arms, her blood seeping out of the wound and splashing onto his face. The warm droplets trickled down his cheeks, mingling with his own anguish. It was a macabre reminder of the cruel reality they faced in this virtual world.
Shock paralyzed Mac as he stared at Yora's lifeless form. His eyes widened in disbelief, refusing to accept the sight before him. The abruptness of her demise struck him like a lightning bolt, leaving him numb with grief and fury. The realization that her HP had plummeted to zero right before his eyes was a devastating blow.
The one that made him back to his senses was the pain on his body. Mac's gaze shifted downwards, and his heart sank as he saw the devil emperor's claw piercing through his stomach. The excruciating pain coursed through his body, causing his HP to plummet to a mere quarter. He could feel his life force draining away rapidly, but a flicker of determination ignited within him.
The emperor unplugged his claw. Yora's lifeless body lay sprawled on the ground, abandoned by the emperor who reveled in his sadistic pleasure. Mac's anger boiled over, fueling his desire for revenge.
With a primal scream, he tightened his grip around his sword, his knuckles turning white. At that moment, all rational thoughts faded away, leaving only a burning desire to strike back at the embodiment of evil before him.
In a swift motion, Mac back on his feet and lunged toward the devil emperor, his sword gleaming with defiance. It was a desperate move, born out of sheer willpower and a refusal to accept defeat. He knew his chances of survival were slim, but the need to inflict even the smallest scratch upon the emperor consumed him.
But as Mac's sword clashed with the devil emperor's claw, it became clear that his attack was futile. The emperor effortlessly brushed aside Mac's feeble strike and swiftly retaliated. With a menacing swing of his other claw, he aimed for Mac's neck, ending his life in a single swift motion.
Time seemed to slow down as Mac's body crumpled to the ground. The world around him blurred. He could still hear the chilling laughter of the devil emperor echoing in his ears. It was a laughter devoid of humanity, a sound that sent shivers down his spine even in his final moments.
"MAC!" Gil's anguished cry pierced the air, filled with a mix of grief and rage. It was a cry of desperation, fueled by the realization that they were losing their leader and comrade to the merciless grip of the emperor.
In a surge of collective fury, the remaining members of Mac's team launched themselves at the emperor. Their hearts burned with a determination to avenge their fallen friends, to defy the overwhelming odds stacked against them. But their bravery was met with cold indifference from the emperor.
With swift and brutal precision, the devil emperor turned his attention to Mac's team, a sadistic grin stretching across his face. He relished in their futile attempts to challenge his power, cutting through their flesh, and leaving behind a trail of devastation and despair. One by one, their HP bars plummeted, their life forces draining away with each merciless strike. The battlefield was stained with their blood, a testament to the emperor's cruel reign.
Mac could only watch in helpless despair as the emperor unleashed his wrath upon his friends. The sight of their life bars depleting rapidly, their bodies convulsing with pain, filled him with a mixture of anguish and self-reproach. How did it come to this? How had he let his team down?
In the midst of the chaos, his eyes were drawn to Yora's lifeless form lying nearby. Her serene smile amidst the chaos was a stark contrast to the devastation surrounding them. It was as if she held a secret, a message of hope, just for him. The sight stirred something deep within Mac's heart, a flicker of determination amidst the darkness of his thoughts.
'Why are you smiling at me?' he internally questioned. 'I have failed. I'm a useless and pathetic leader,' he berated himself.
Mac's heart ached with each life lost, each comrade whose voice was silenced. He couldn't help but feel a profound sense of guilt and responsibility for their fate. They had trusted him to lead them, to guide them through the perils of this virtual world. And yet, here they were, their bodies were strewn across the battlefield, a testament to his failure.
Their faces, however, told a different story. There was no trace of regret or disappointment etched upon their features. Instead, a warrior's resolve shone through their eyes, a steadfast determination that declared they had given their all in this battle. They had fought with valor and unwavering courage, regardless of the outcome. It was a silent reminder that even in defeat, there was no room for regret.
Mac's gaze shifted from one fallen comrade to another, their faces becoming etched in his memory. Each one had been a vital part of their team, a friend and ally he had grown to cherish. Their sacrifice was not in vain; it was a testament to their indomitable spirit and unwavering loyalty.
In that moment of realization, a surge of determination and resilience washed over Mac. He understood that it was not solely about the outcome of this particular battle, but about the larger journey they had embarked on together. It was about the struggles they faced as a team, the lessons they learned, and the bonds they forged along the way.
Mac acknowledged his mistakes and shortcomings as a leader. He had faltered, stumbled, and failed to execute his plans effectively. But in the eyes of his fallen comrades, he saw unwavering belief and trust. They had stood by him until the very end, never doubting his ability to lead them toward victory.
'Yes... Today might be a crushing defeat, but not forever,' thought Mac.