‘It feels distant.’ Vermouth couldn’t help but think so despite being right beside Eugene.0

The flames, born from the White Flame Formula, had become something entirely different now. Those clear, intense flames were indeed the divine flames that affirmed Agaroth, Hamel Dynas, and Eugene Lionheart.0

Vermouth looked sideways at Eugene while shuddering. Eugene’s eyes blazed like flames as he glared at Destruction. He sensed Vermouth’s gaze and turned his head towards him.0

"What's up, you bastard?" Eugene asked with a chuckle. "Think you can do better than now?"0

Vermouth blinked several times, taken aback by the sudden question. He couldn’t comprehend Eugene’s words at first, but soon, he recalled something he had said long ago and let out a curt laugh.0

"I was wondering what you were on about. Did my words hurt you that much?" Vermouth asked.0

"Usually, the one who does the beating doesn't remember. It's the one who gets hit that remembers. Because it hurts,” answered Eugene.0

"I said it for your sake,” said Vermouth.0

Thinking about it now, there were reasons for those words. But Hamel could not have guessed them at the time.0

So, Eugene scoffed and joked, "For me, huh? Fucking hell. Out of nowhere, you smack me on the back of the head, then say, do better, bastard."0

"I thought that kind of advice was right for you,” responded Vermouth.0

Now, it was Eugene's turn to blink dazedly. Indeed. Hearing those words at the time had been incredibly infuriating, but it was those words that drove him to push himself to the limit. But was it truly thanks to Vermouth? Wasn't it Hamel who decided he would one day get back at the bastard for hitting the back of his head? He was the one who had become determined to one day beat that bastard.0

"Let's go," Eugene said without a retort.0

Of course, voicing such opposing thoughts would only cheapen the moment, and Eugene knew this well. Thus, he put on a serious expression and glared at Destruction....0