Now, fully aware of his diminished state, he felt overwhelmed by a profound despair. Life had become an insufferable burden due to his incapacitated body.

Suicide appeared as a dark yet appealing way out, yet even the simple act of handling a knife was more than his weakened body could manage. This inability drove Alec further into despair.

Having made many enemies throughout his life, Alec preferred to end it on his own terms rather than fall into their hands and face a potentially gruesome end. This way, he thought, he could avoid further humiliation and find some semblance of peace.

Alec's voice was drenched in hopelessness. "Just let me die," he begged, his tone one of utter resignation. "You can't look after me forever."

This was not just a momentary plea. Alec's attempt at ending his life wouldn't be his last. He would surely seek another chance.

It was clear to everyone that Alec had completely lost his will to live. For most people, it was hard to imagine how losing an arm and being physically Limited could crush his will to carry on. Even with one arm, wasn't there still a life worth living? What could be more crucial than pushing forward?

Yet, our lives were made up of countless aspects, each holding unique significance.

For Alec, who had always relied on his physical strength, losing an arm meant losing his position and purpose, a suffering greater than death itself.

Jarrod stood motionless, deeply affected by Alec's despair, torn by a complex mix of feelings. He pondered how he would handle such a devastating blow if he were the one who was injured.

With a profound sadness, Jarrod stepped closer, locking eyes with Alec. Although his face remained stoic, the pain he felt was palpable only to him.

"By giving up, you might think you're finding relief," Jarrod whispered softly. "But have you thought about the impact on those you leave behind? Do you want to burden me with a lifetime of guilt and regret?"

Jarrod quickly grabbed some gauze to press against the deep cut on Alec's neck and said with grave seriousness, “Alec, you once promised that you would value your life. Have you forgotten those words?"

"I..." Alec's body shook slightly. "Please, don't push me," he pleaded, his face contorted with pain. "I just want to be free."

“Alec, there is still a path forward for you. Your left hand can become as skilled as your right," Jarrod urged him with genuine conviction.

"But I can't accept this!" Alec cried out, his voice burdened with sorrow. He glared at Nicole, his eyes burning with a renewed sense of purpose. "I won't let my sacrifice be for nothing."

Jarrod caught Alec's look and met Nicole's eyes. He tightened his lips and stated firmly, “Alec, think of it as a debt I owe you for your arm."

Alec's brief calm exploded into rage. “Why do you keep defending her?"

He grabbed Jarrod's hand, his voice rising almost to a shout. "She's not worth it! She doesn't care whether you live or die!"

Nicole had not anticipated Alec pointing the finger at her. Although she wasn't entirely to blame, in Alec's perspective, her choice not to prioritize Jarrod was a grave mistake. Alec's anger was expected.

Despite the unreasonableness of Alec's resentment, Nicole knew to Alec and the others, that the value of her or Roscoe's lives was negligible and disposable.