Ren barely had time to catch his breath before Von lunged at him, the kunai gleaming in his corrupted hands. His grin was twisted, a sinister mask of the friend Ren once knew. The red glow in Von's eyes was unrecognizable, devoid of life.
Ren sidestepped the first strike, but his movements were sluggish from the stab wound in his chest. Blood soaked through his shirt as he clutched it briefly, wincing. "Von! What the hell is wrong with you?!" Ren shouted, desperation in his voice.
Von didn't answer. He spun on his heel, striking again with deadly precision. Ren barely managed to deflect the attack with his blade, the clash of metal ringing in the air. Before Von could press the advantage, a sharp, spinning kick from Dalia sent him staggering back.
"He has been corrupted! If we do not save him in time, he will become like the monsters we slay! Time is of the essence, or you will lose your friend!" Dalia growled, taking a defensive stance beside him.