Chapter 271: A Dragonfly’s Gentle Goodbye Kiss

"Pressure points? That's ridiculous!"

Hayato scoffed, adjusting his breath rapidly while twirling a dagger between his fingers without thinking.

"If you strike these specific points, no matter what kind of creature it is — as long as its body structure is similar to a human's — it will become completely paralyzed." His voice was cold, yet filled with an unsettling certainty.

Hearing this, Hayato's lips curled into a twisted smile."So you're saying… if I learn this, I'll be able to make her unable to move? Heh, just thinking about it makes me tingle with excitement. Hahaha!"

Hayato's mind was being torn apart by fragmented memories, like two voices colliding violently in his head — one whispering in the depths of his mind, the other roaring from afar.

Not far away, Rinro was already bound by steel wires, his neck pulled so tight it was nearly twisted out of shape. Blood was dripping from the corner of his mouth as he panted heavily, his eyes burning with defiance. But he wasn't giving up.

"ROOOAAAARRR—!!!"

With a ferocious roar, a pair of dragon wings suddenly burst from Rinro's back — though only one wing managed to unfold completely. Even so, the sheer force of the wing's emergence tore apart the wires binding him. The other side of the wires remained tightly coiled around his body, dragging him toward a speeding train that roared past with deafening noise.

Rinro's body scraped across the ground, leaving behind a long, bloody trail as he was dragged farther and farther away.

Hayato didn't hesitate. He leapt into the air, and the ground beneath his feet shattered from the force. His body shot forward like an arrow released from a bow.

"Escape? Impossible."

Hayato whispered, his twin blades gleaming coldly under the moonlight. His eyes were cold, his movements as swift as lightning — determined to end this battle once and for all.

Rinro, still being dragged along the ground, turned his head. His gaze was sharp and brimming with murderous intent."You want me dead? Not that easy…!!"

He gritted his teeth and forced his body's energy to condense into an icy blue sphere of power. The ice bullet glowed chillingly in his palm, freezing the surrounding air in an instant.

"DIEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!"

Rinro roared, launching the powerful ice bullet forward. It streaked through the air, missing Hayato by a hair's breadth.

Hayato's body stiffened slightly. His instincts screamed that something was wrong. His eyes followed the trajectory of the ice bullet — and his gaze landed on Usagi, standing not far away.

Usagi stood frozen in place, her arms hanging limply at her sides. Her eyes widened in shock, not yet realizing the mortal danger barreling toward her. The ice bullet, laced with deadly cold energy, was aimed straight at her.

"USAGI!!!!!!!!!!!"

Hayato's pupils contracted sharply. The icy expression on his face melted into sheer panic. He slammed his foot down, launching himself toward her in a blur of motion.

But it was too close. There wasn't enough time.

Usagi hadn't even closed her eyes yet when a sudden splash of warm liquid hit her face.

"Splurt—"

The thick, iron scent of blood filled the air.

Usagi's gaze dropped toward her chest. There, a large, gaping hole was visible — but it wasn't hers.

In front of her, Hayato's body trembled. His twin blades dropped from his hands, clattering to the ground. A hole had been punched straight through his chest, and blood poured freely from the wound.

"H-Hayato…?"

Usagi's voice trembled. Tears mixed with blood rolled down her cheeks.

Hayato didn't answer. His gaze remained fixed on Usagi, as if trying to confirm she was safe. Slowly, his body began to lose strength, and he collapsed at her feet.

Usagi reached out with trembling hands, cupping his cold face."Hayato… why…?"

High above, Rinro's crazed laughter echoed through the air."HAHAHAHA! Foolish human!"

His laughter was filled with both agony and madness, sharp enough to pierce the soul.

Usagi stood in place, her vision blurred by tears. She couldn't believe it — the person who had always stood in front of her, shielding her, was now lying lifeless at her feet.

"HAYATO—!!"

Usagi's cry tore through the night sky, the sound of her heart shattering laid bare in that scream. Tears streamed down her face, falling onto Hayato's bloodstained cheeks like cold raindrops.

"Aaaaaaahhh—!!!"

Hayato's clouded eyes slowly regained focus. The crazed light in his gaze faded, replaced by a calm warmth.

"U-Usagi…"

His voice was faint, barely more than a whisper. His hand, covered in blood, lifted weakly toward her face.

Usagi carefully rested his head on her lap, her hands shaking as they brushed his blood-streaked face."You'll be okay… You're going to be okay… Hayato!"

Her voice was filled with desperation, pleading for a miracle.

Hayato's lips curled into a small smile — fragile, yet so gentle. His bloodstained hand pressed against Usagi's trembling lips."I… I'm not… Hayato."

Usagi froze, staring down at him with wide, disbelieving eyes."What…?"

Hayato's gaze was calm. Peaceful."My name… is… Hayado… But…"

He struggled to breathe, forcing out the words."Call me… Hayado…"

"Hayado…" Usagi repeated, her voice cracking.

Hayado's bloody smile deepened slightly, though it was weak and fading fast. His gaze softened."I… always wanted to bring you home… make you… my little bride…"

Usagi's body shuddered. Tears gushed down her cheeks.

Hayado's breath hitched. His eyes began to lose focus."From the first time I saw your picture… I…"

He coughed, blood bubbling at his lips."Like a stalker… I kept following you… I…"

His final words never came. His expression froze in a faint smile as his eyes lost their light.

"NO!!!"

Usagi screamed, clutching his cold body tightly. Tears soaked his bloodstained face."Why… why… why does everyone who loves me… leave me…?"

She closed her eyes and rested her forehead gently against his cold one. Tears dripped onto his dry lips, mingling with the blood.

"Hayado…" she whispered, voice trembling."I… I love you…"

Leaning down, she gently kissed his cold lips.

But no breath met her trembling lips in return.

The cold night wind brushed past them, carrying away the last trace of warmth from his body.

Hayado's lifeless smile remained, frozen beneath the starlit sky — like a shattered star, fading into the eternal darkness.