Unexpected Presences

"At least, it's much better than letting your innocent wife and children die with you," Nerdwolf said. "Come on, Ferdinand. Don't force me to take innocents' lives. Your selfishness is the one that put your family in danger, not me."

The words struck Ferdinand like a heavy blow. It was a harsh reality he couldn't ignore.

He knew Nerdwolf was right.

The odds were stacked against him, and his desperate fight seemed increasingly futile.

"For the sake of your loved ones, why don't you put down that sword? You're not going to beat me anyway. Who knows... if you provide information, you might escape execution," Nerdwolf's voice held a hint of persuasion, and the offer seemed tempting enough to make Ferdinand contemplate surrender.

His mind was conflicted.

On one hand, the instinct to protect his family was powerful, urging him to accept Nerdwolf's proposal.