Penance

"However, you've become a loose end, and as such..., you need to be eliminated." 

Instantly, the man's eyes bulged. The realization dawned on him. He hadn't been spared... he was still going to die, and at the hands of his colleague nonetheless.

"N-no. Y-you can't..." He struggled to speak, trying to move his shaky body.

"Oh? Didn't you just say how you wanted to kill yourself for the sake of the mission? You couldn't do it because of that pesky man's interference, right? Well, here is another opportunity... you can die for the cause right here and now!"

The shady man trembled more violently, but he couldn't raise his body to escape. Even if he did, such a damaged vessel could hardly amount to anything.

Even in his peak state, he wasn't confident about escaping from the stern-faced man, talkless of him being in this state.

The only thing he could do now pleaded.