And with that, Nioh wheeled forward, Akrona at his side, X and Cryo following close behind.
His laughter echoed through the great hall—low, maniacal, and unforgettable.
The crowd remained frozen, locked in stunned silence long after his departure.
Minutes passed.
Then—
"Hahahahaha!"
Warden Cohen broke the stalemate, his voice loud and bitter. "The bastard is back."
He looked at Marsai, still drenched in blood.
"You were the first to feel the burn of his fury," he added with a grim smile.
Marsai, motionless for what seemed like an eternity, finally stirred. She wiped the blood from her face with a measured hand.
"Then you'd best be prepared when he comes for you," she said coldly, before turning to her attendants. "Order a funeral for these men. Let them be buried with the highest honors. Compensate their families. And send the bill to the prince's quarters."
Her voice was composed—but her eyes were cold steel.
The silence gave way to murmurs.
Then to whispers.
