"Ha, this brings back memories from when I was young. What do you think, Andre?"
"No way. It's been a long time since I've felt this excited, Dario. This is next level."
Andre and Dario fought the swordsman to their limits, while the swordsman himself gradually grew more serious because Andre kept raising the intensity. Alongside him, Dario, still wounded, continued showing why he was called the "Hero Killer."
"I won't lose, I can't lose," said the swordsman, gripping his mythical blade.
"Let's settle this with one final strike," declared the swordsman.
"Ha, yeah, yeah," the two friends replied together.
"Ahhh! I want to know the names of such strong enemies!"
"You really think we'll lose? Not even in your dreams. I've never lost a single fight in my life," Andre shot back.
"Hahaha, my apologies. I'm Dario, and this is Andre."
Right before the final clash, Andre remembered the last time he fought alongside Dario—when he nearly died against the hero who sought to conquer the world. Memories flashed of how they had synchronized perfectly, delivering one decisive blow that defeated their foe but left them both badly injured. They weren't the same 25-year-olds from forty years ago, but talent doesn't fade; it only gets sharper.
"It was a real pleasure knowing you, Andre."
"Likewise, Dario. I'm glad I met you. You were like a brother to me."
The swordsman caught their attack with his own blade, stopping it cold. Without wasting a moment:
"You entertained me well, but I'm bored now."
He struck with a decisive slash, cutting them both down. In that moment, Dario remembered his family—his daughters and his wife, whom he'd never see again.
Andre died with a smile. Even in death, he felt he'd found what he was looking for: someone even stronger than himself. That was all he ever wanted—to have fun fighting. But he'd never get to do it again.
While one died happy, the other died in sorrow, unable to keep the promise he'd made to his daughter: the future he wanted to give her, the bedtime stories and hugs he'd never share, the grandchildren he'd never meet.
"Mom, Dad will be back next month. He'll bring presents, like last time."
"Yeah! He said he'd bring something special just for you, but it's a secret—don't tell your dad."
His daughter and wife waited for Dario's return, buying preparations for her birthday party, unaware that he was already gone.