The entire world was silent. Everyone watched quietly, blankly, as Jones stood in the center, gritting his teeth, laughing, crying. The hand clutching the sword grew tighter and tighter.
At this moment, no one knew what he was thinking, nor did anyone know what to say.
The entire world remained in silence.
With a swift motion, Duke Clement grasped the few remaining poison needles that had been floating above his palm, then let them fall to the ground with a clinking sound. He turned sideways as though ready to walk away.
"Stop!" Jones shouted suddenly. His voice carried a trace of sobbing, mixed with a beast-like roar.
Duke Clement halted his steps, standing still, his back facing Jones without a single trace of expression.
"The fight… isn't over yet."
"But you can't possibly win."
"But I haven't lost either!" Jones snarled through clenched teeth, his voice harsh and roaring, "As long as I'm still standing here, I haven't lost!"
Duke Clement slowly turned his head.
