The memories unlocked by the "Shadow Terminal Fragment" were like a sharp knife, carving open the long-sealed depths of Rin's heart. He awoke from the dream of his past life's death, lying on the humble cot in "Lost Town," his chest throbbing not just from physical wounds, but from the deep, tearing pain in his soul.
On that night of the final confrontation, Ye Xue had fought with her life, solely for him to survive. Her "betrayal" was a cover, her "death" a redemption. And he, under lies and deception, had voluntarily detonated himself, yet never truly died. He had once believed himself the victim, the betrayed hero, but the truth was, he was the one deeply loved, deeply guarded, who almost failed to live up to that profound affection due to misunderstanding.
In the endless darkness, Rin's consciousness still lingered in that "black box region," where he began a soul-searching interrogation of himself.
"If it was all a misunderstanding, why did I still resent her?" Rin's voice echoed in the dream, filled with an unbelievable pain. He recalled countless nights where he had hated Ye Xue's "coldness," resented her "abandonment." That deeply etched hatred now seemed so absurd and ridiculous.
"Was I too weak, or… was I afraid to face myself?" he questioned. Was the "Blade of Demise," that soul abandoned by the world yet longing for love, too fragile to bear the pain of "betrayal"? Was he too selfish, selfish enough to prefer believing a lie rather than seeking the truth, rather than confronting Ye Xue's heavy and profound love?
He remembered the moment Ye Xue shielded him from the bullet, and her dying words: "In this life… please… forget me." It turned out that wasn't heartlessness, but her deep understanding of the organization's methods, her unwillingness for him to live burdened by painful memories.
He remembered holding her hand and saying, "I won't." That was a promise for this life, but also an atonement for the misunderstandings of the past.
Immense regret engulfed him like a tide. He resented the organization, resented the dark hands manipulating everything, but he resented himself even more. He resented how easily he had been deceived, resented that he hadn't seen Ye Xue's deep love sooner. He was once the "Blade of Demise," an omnipotent assassin, yet in the face of emotion, he was utterly vulnerable.
"I'm not worthy…" He closed his eyes in agony, tears sliding from the corners, soaking the cold pillow.
However, amidst this despair and self-reproach, a new strength began to sprout deep within him. It was Ye Xue's love, hope watered by her life.
He couldn't fall. He couldn't betray her sacrifice.
He had to stand up, carrying this heavy love, to complete what she couldn't, to protect what she hoped for.
Rin's eyes snapped open, breaking free from the nightmare. The morning sun streamed through the clinic's dilapidated window, casting light into the dim room, and onto Ye Xue's pale, serene face.
He gently raised his hand, trembling as he caressed Ye Xue's cheek. Her body was still cold, her breathing still faint, but her presence was the source of all Rin's strength at that moment.
"Ye Xue…" Rin whispered hoarsely, gently clasping her cold, slender hand in his. His fingertips felt the raised veins on her hand, sensing her faint yet tenacious life.
He looked at her closed eyes, at the long lashes that seemed to glisten with crystalline dew.
"In this life, I won't let you walk alone again." Rin's voice was low and firm, carrying an unprecedented solemnity, like a vow.
These words were not just a promise to Ye Xue, but also his own redemption. He would no longer let misunderstandings obstruct them, no longer let lies separate them. He would hold her hand tightly, and no matter if mountains of blades or seas of fire, or the abyss of despair lay ahead, he would walk alongside her.
As if sensing Rin's resolve and love, a crystal tear suddenly rolled from the corner of Ye Xue's eye.
The tear traced a faint path down her cheek, finally disappearing into the pillow, yet it resonated like the most powerful echo, responding to Rin's vow.
She was still unconscious, but she had heard. She had felt it.
Rin's heart was struck by this tear. He knew that Ye Xue's soul was still intimately connected to his. She too yearned for this redemption, this future of walking side-by-side.
Outside the window, the noisy clamor of Lost Town drifted in—a new day, and new challenges.
Rin stood up, his eyes no longer confused or pained, but filled with cold resolve and endless love. He gently placed Ye Xue's hand by the side of the bed, then turned towards the clinic's exit.
He knew he had made his choice.
He was no longer the manipulated "weapon," no longer the "Blade of Demise" blinded by revenge. He would be Ye Xue's guardian, the sharp sword that would expose the truth.
The door to the "Old World" had opened, and he, with Ye Xue, would step by step walk towards the deepest hidden truth, tearing away the facade of all conspiracies.
Fate re-emerged. And this time, they would choose together, and face together.