บท 295: A Path To Victory

"I'll handle it." 

Speaking without looking her in the eye, Ren's vision continued to swirl as corrupted thoughts birthed themselves. The possible scenarios played themselves on repeat within his mind; imagining the sick, twisted things that could happen to his companions--namely, Iris. 

I have to do this. After remembering that disgusting lot, and what they did to Aiko...no doubt that there are more of their breed in Purgatory. I'll be damned if I risk even a finger of theirs touching you, he thought. 

"What…? Ren, what're you saying? I'm not...I'm not letting you do this alone…!"

"I can handle it." 

Ignoring the worried tone caressing Iris' words, Ren began to move down the passageway they came from, having his arm grabbed once more by the girl--this time into a tighter, desperate grip. 

"Ren...why?"

"..."

"Valerie, talk to him!"