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They had to run away. It was dangerous there. Rak, Khun and Bam had to go.
But when Bam saw Kallavan, he couldn't see anything else except him. His emotions poisoned his mind with rage.
"KALLAVAN! Where is my master?!"
"I don't know."
"Don't you dare play dumb with me!"
Bam’s blood was boiling in his veins. In front of him stood the reason that his master was captive. He was right in front of him and all Bam wanted was to crush him, but at the same time, Bam felt...completely powerless. And Kallavan's monotonous answer didn't help Bam to calm down himself.
"I am not a squadron commander anymore. I'm just a soldier. You came all the way here for that? What a waste of time."
Kallavan was prepared to attack him.
"This is the perfect chance...to clear my name!
Just before Kallavan could attack, Soo-oh sent him flying.
"Let’s get out of here!" shouted Soo-oh.
"What? But Kallavan is right there! How can we just run away?! I don't even know where he is keeping my master!"
No. He can't leave. Not yet.
Bam felt like he couldn't breathe anymore.
He can't run away...He doesn't want to run away. Not now. Not when Kallavan was right there. He just has to fight him and make him reveal the location of his master. Just one more fight and he will reach what he wants.
"This isn't the right time to be worried about that!"
"She is right, black turtle. We have to go."
"Besides, if Kallavan really doesn't know where Jinsung is locked up, then there is nothing to gain from this. We didn't come here to kill him!" said Khun in a serious tone, as if he was warning Bam to not make a wrong step. But Bam lost his fair judgment when he made eye contact with the ranker.
"But....but what if he is lying? I can't run away like this. I have to find out where my master is!"
"Black turtle, do you even realize what you’re saying?"
"Yes, I know."
Of course, he knew what he was saying. He wasn't the stupid little boy from the floor of test anymore. He knew his friends were probably right, but...he can't. All his body, mind and soul were telling him to fight.
"Black turtle, we have to go! Now!"
"I can't. The person that may have a clue to my Master’s location is right in front of me. I can't run."
"So, are you saying you’re going to put your life in danger for the minuscule possibility that he knows where Jinsung Ha is?" asked Khun with rage.
"Yes!"
Silence.
No one said anything for a long while.
"So..are you going to risk everyone's life so you can fight with Kallavan? Even if you know that you can't win?"
'Yes. This is exactly what I'll do' Bam thought again and Khun, as if he knew what Bam was thinking, he clenched his fists so strong to the point of strands of blood were coming out.
"What can I do? Kallavan is right there. I am sorry, Khun. I can't...I can't lose this opportunity."
Khun tried to be calm and rational. He understood what Bam was feeling, but what he wanted to do...was ridiculous.
"Bam...we have to go now! I know how much Jinsung means to you and I promise that we are going to save him, but..."
"But? But!? My master can be killed at any moment! I have to fight!"
"Bam, listen to me..."
"No! You listen, Khun. I am going to fight Kallavan. And I am going to find out where my master is. And you can’t stop me..."
Slap.
Bam felt like the time held still for a second and there was an ache on his right cheek. “It took him a few moments to realize what happened and a whole minute to digest the new situation.
And it felt like the whole Tower stopped. It was something that no one could believe would ever happen.
Khun Aguero Agnis slapped Twenty-Fifth Bam.
Khun...slapped him. And truth be told, Bam felt like his whole body was in terrible pain. It was just a slap...Why did it feel so bad? He was hurt worse than this so why?
Maybe...because Khun was the one who slapped him? Yes...this should be the reason.
Khun never made something like and this is not the first time Bam had a stupid idea. Maybe...he slapped him because this time...Bam would have died for sure.
"Bam...I know how important Jinsug Ha is to you, but do you think he wants this? Do you think he wants you to risk your life in vain?"
"...no."
This is not what Bam wanted. He only wanted to save his master and see him again. To talk with him for a bit and maybe train with him. All he wanted was to see his master again.
Khun took Bam's face in his hands and made him look straight into his eyes. Khun knew what Bam was thinking. He always did but this didn't mean he can always help him. But right now...he could.
"Exactly. Bam, you are one of the strongest people I’ve ever met. But that man is more powerful than all the enemies we’ve faced until now. I know you hate it...but we have to run this time. I know how important Jinsung is for you. But right now, we can't save him right away. So please Bam, for now, we have to escape."
Khun begged Bam. He couldn't let him go in a suicidal fight. Bam understood this. They always understood each other. Bam knew Khun was right.
And finally, Bam opened his eyes and realized what he tried to do. His eyes were wide of shock.
He could have died...he could have really died if his friends didn't stop him.
If Khun didn't stop him.
"Bam...please! We have to go. Now!"
Yes...they had to go. If Bam died there he can't save Jinsung...he can't protect his friends from the chaos he made with his own hands so he has to go.
He can't risk his friends' lives anymore. He learnt from the mistakes from the Hell Train. He can't be reckless and let what happened to Khun be repeated. He looked at the bluenette in front of him. Khun was desperate to convince Bam to leave.
Both of them were more afraid for each other’s lives than for their own. Their eyes met once again. No words were needed, they knew what the other wanted to say. With a nod, Bam took a deep breath and turned his back to Kallavan. He gritted his teeth and clenched his fist and looked again at Khun. Bam wanted to cry. He wanted to scream because he is so weak.
Khun put his hand on Bam's shoulder. A small gesture...but for Bam, it was everything he needed in that moment.
"Al...Alright...I understand Let’s go!"