[Van has other, more critical things to worry about, like his precariously isolated position and his health. He may have shown plenty of bravado in his proposal, but the situation will be dire if he's seriously injured and he knows it. With damaged organs and limited means of healing, and no one reliable to protect him while he recovers... Daily life is fine, but he may only have one real fight left in him. It's true that death won't end everything here, but who knows what state he'd return in. If his condition progressed...
As tempting as it is to waste that fight on Asch, he can't afford to. He has things to accomplish, and after Asch's betrayal he may have to accomplish them alone. He can't afford a protege who might stab him in the back at any moment. Asch is too great a risk.
Pity.]
I'm done arguing with you. Accept the offer, or don't.
[Filter]
[Van has other, more critical things to worry about, like his precariously isolated position and his health. He may have shown plenty of bravado in his proposal, but the situation will be dire if he's seriously injured and he knows it. With damaged organs and limited means of healing, and no one reliable to protect him while he recovers... Daily life is fine, but he may only have one real fight left in him. It's true that death won't end everything here, but who knows what state he'd return in. If his condition progressed...
As tempting as it is to waste that fight on Asch, he can't afford to. He has things to accomplish, and after Asch's betrayal he may have to accomplish them alone. He can't afford a protege who might stab him in the back at any moment. Asch is too great a risk.
Pity.]
I'm done arguing with you. Accept the offer, or don't.