I leaned against the corner of the tent and breathed in vain. Isaac stepped forward, as if trying to help, then shook his head in shame.

"I will not disobey the direct orders of my family. I can't come. I'm sorry. ”

I don't care. I don't need him to get revenge on me. He was obviously sad, but I can't forgive him. We all end up facing the consequences of our own decisions. Isaac hasn't given up yet. He clasped his hands and bent forward in a strange position. When he got back on his feet, the guilt had been replaced by a new determination.

"I can still help. Over here. ”

He walked over to a large box and pulled out a box. It looks like an expensive jewelry safe, made of lacquered wood and decorated with strange symbols. I couldn't feel the magic, despite its apparent nature. Isaac tore the wood with his bare hands. Beams and planes are detached from the structure until only a metal frame remains. It consists of a handle attached to a pole with a series of spikes that bifurcate and bend inward, as if to wrap around a cylindrical object. The metal is silvery and a little rough in structure, as if it had been made by an apprentice in a rudimentary forge, but upon closer inspection, the surface is covered with hair-thin runes, forming a complex lattice. Its aura is oppressive, repressive, reminiscent of constraints.

"This is for the keys, in case the box is lost. It will destroy its energy upon contact, most likely harming the Herald as well. Take it. ”

I grabbed the handicraft, cold and smooth. Definitely used to limit something until it's completely powerless... Dark basement. Broken arm. Broken legs. Dried blood.

I shook my head and winced. I felt weak. Stuff is seeping in. Those memories that should be buried. I took the device away and turned to Loth.

"Yes, girl, I'm here." Me too. ”

Merritt lifted the door of the tent, followed by Nashoba. She looks like she is warmed by death, and the shaman is a worrying picture.

"You're not qualified to tell me I can't come. They killed my ......" "You can come. "Friend...... Huh?" You're okay, right?"

Headache. I don't care how you live your life?

"Yes."

"If there is no one to slaughter, we still have a chance to stop him. I disbanded the warband. They were ordered to reach the nearest village and let the villagers evacuate before the Herald and his rest arrived. "Will they be on time?" Yes. Their family is at stake, thorns and hungry daughters. They will succeed. "Then I just need to stop him before he gains more power." "Yes. The illusion says you're immune to his touch. ”

Yes, now the only bond between me and a mortal is gone.

"You have to face him alone. If we approach him, we will die, and then feed him. "I know. Tell me, Shaman of the Choctaw, can you see my future?"

Nashoba bowed his head in disappointment.

"I can't." "Great. This means that this is not the end of the story. ”

My dream.

It was dark, not the embrace of the now familiar night, but the oppressive darkness of the unfathomable abyss. The heavy and relentless pressure bent my neck forward. As far as I could see, there was nothing around but rocks surrounded by agate sand, and above, there was nothing but the black of the unfathomable canopy. Air, if it is air, is dry and odorless. The indescribable wanders around lazily, huge and contemptuous. Although I couldn't see it clearly, I knew that an obsidian obelisk had collapsed in front of me. Sitting on it is a mocking silhouette. It held a strange skull in its hand and began to make a sound that nothing could silence it. "Anger, Goddess. Singing praises to the fury of Achilles, the son of Peleus, ferocious, and predestined, who inflicted untold suffering on the Achaians, threw the souls of many warriors into hell, and had their bodies eaten by carrion birds and savage dogs, all in order to fulfill Zeus's wishes. "The voice should be solemn, even terrifying, and this is appropriate for a person who pleads with a muse. On the contrary, it is full of bloodlust and anticipation of impending violence. Its owner leaned forward until I saw his eyes darker than the abyss in which we stood.

"Long time no see, my child."

I recognized him and frowned. Tall, dark hair and beard, blonde skin. The Lord of Nelari wears a sand-colored garment decorated with a river of gems and looks like an emperor as usual. He looked like a caliph presiding over the imperial court, at ease and confident even in this desolate place.

"Yes, I'm finally here. Decade. For ten years I have been waiting, observing, eager to see if the little princess will fall like everyone else. Now, for the first time, you have embarked on the path of self-destruction, consumed by the darkest of rage. Tell me, child, what makes you so sad? What behaviors change the scales? Who is your patron saint?"

My words come uninvited. I must answer.

“…… My vassals. Death. "How?" Treachery! Falsehood. The Herald had sworn to preserve the truce, but was intent on breaking it. He did it. He struck my courtier to death like a wild beast......" "And this enemy, are you going to hunt him down?" I had to do it. "Because all debts have to be paid?" Our eyes met. I don't give in. "Yes." The monster stood up and walked towards me. The pressure I felt increased with every step he took, but I persevered. "There is still no one in sight. You've never completely collapsed, even at the end. Now you will bear my curse, the curse that I will bear with my good children. ”

I was relieved that he turned and walked away.

"We don't know how to lose. All right. A lesson so that you can pay off your debts. Listen up, Bloodline Princess. Listen to your master. A long time ago, the greatest queen created a set of elixirs, which over the years fell into the hands of the strong and fate. Those are elixirs. A divine spark, with a twist: a curse that steals the vitality that we no longer create. I, her son, was the first. I drank and became my essence reflecting my needs and who I am. "Warlord?" No. A conqueror. Every new bloodline, every new creature you collect will join your kingdom. It becomes yours. Drinking more will make you stronger, but the first drink will open the way. "I know." "You didn't. You feel stronger, but you don't understand the power itself. Close your eyes. focus. Go deeper. ”

My perception of the world gradually faded, and the scenery became more and more distant.

"I'll guide you."

Something drove me forward until we had lunch in my spiritual fortress. Finally, I lay on the grass of my strange garden next to a stone shaped like the first mermaid I had encountered. The man behind me told me to turn around. Master is here, though he's a little transparent, like a ghost in my imagination. I wanted him out, but I couldn't push him away. Something was stopping me. My defense attorney does not admit that he is a foreign entity. He turned his gaze to the statue, smiled, and with a wave of his hand, an arch emerged from the ground.

"You are of great taste, Miss Duke. Now, get out of the way. ”

I must obey. Deep down, I was against him coming here. He does not belong to my sanctuary. He desecrated the land by trampling on it. Another part of the population insists that it is the most natural thing in the world.

Both sounds are correct.

I came to a circular square, surrounded by a high wall of black, white and red roses. The floor is made of polished marble slabs, but it is its inhabitants that catch my attention. Currently, this seemingly vast land is covered with statues, mostly standing white statues, and some kneeling colored statues. Wherever I look, the open spaces get bigger, more space comes into focus, but when I look away, they disappear. I recognized a few of them as the ones I killed, like the werewolf I faced at the Lancaster Arena. Others, I don't remember.

"An impressive number, little one. You can look at them with pride, and I'm sure I haven't seen anything like it since I confessed my ancestors. "Those are ......" "Yes, your victims, and those who have volunteered to pay tribute to you." They are a source of your strength as my descendants. Yours, as long as you walk in the world. You see, several of them have pledged their allegiance to you. ”

In fact, some of the structures around us are not only kneeling, they are colored, while others are alabaster white, and they feel alive. I recognized several people, including a very vague silhouette of Sinid, Bingle, Nashoba, Ros, and Namanata, whom I met before being sent to fight in the arena.

"I don't understand. I didn't bring them to their knees. "Oh? An interesting difference. Go ahead and let the others ...... Obey. ”

It's not a matter of words. I focus on that part of my heart that I want to conquer and bring it out. The square below us jumped, something stirring in the depths. The sheer scale is incomprehensible. Above us, the violet light of the watchmen moved.

Submit.

The command spreads outward like a wave. Those I killed knelt down in turn, but those who volunteered to give their blood for me would stand up and disappear from the background. To make matters worse, those kneeling are not people of color. Master smiled and shook his head happily. He held his elbow with one hand and stroked his beard with the other.

"Tell me, princess, where does the power come from?" For example, for the president of your homeland. "The people's mandate?" And what about the king of the English?" I do not know? Maybe it's God's will?" Such a complex mental exercise, such a delicate concept. So many theories to prove an eternal truth. No matter how powerful an idea is, or how beloved a monarch is, there will always be dissidents. How are they controlled?" Military power?" Yes, unstoppable military power. "Those," he pointed to the people around him, "not yours, because you're a vampire." They are yours because they have lost in the face of you. Because you defeated them. You're close. Try again. ”

I brought that part of my heart to the surface again, but this time I injected truth between the lines, my own belief that they would obey the rights of the victors, according to the oldest rules.

Submit.

The statue kneeled, this time in color. They raised their hands in surrender. Their abilities are mine, because they have no choice. Once again, those who volunteered to donate blood for me are still standing.

"I don't understand." Be patient, little princess, be patient. "You remind me of a desert raider I once knew. You only know how to conquer through violence. Those who have helped you and those who have supplicated you have gathered under your banner. "Two of them were there to save my life." "They do it to make you stronger. We vampires, we conquerors, are not mindless killers. We have our own norms and honors, our vassals and servants, our clans and communities. Those who follow voluntarily may do so for safety, order, power, revenge, for various reasons that humanity allows. The important thing is that they will follow. Try again. ”

I think I get it. They believed in me, and some still believe in me and believe that I can harness their talents. They belong to me, not because I crushed them, but because they recognize that I deserve to pay tribute to them. Loth loved me in his own way. Bingle was sacrificed out of duty and friendship. They did it not because I defeated them, but because they believed that I was a person who exposed themselves. I took a deep breath. I knew what I had to do. Conquest is not the same as destruction. Conquest doesn't always go it alone. That's the difference.

Submit.

Some people kneel because they have to, and some kneel because they choose to. In front of me, all the statues bowed one by one, and colors poured out from the ground, covering them. Then, their abilities will be unleashed. I've never felt so powerful. I was immersed in the happiness that came with it. I can make werewolves fly. I can crush steel. I can overtake the fastest stallion. It feels great, and more importantly, it's a well-deserved reward. Master walks between the statues like a collector checking out his latest collection.

"Mortals don't have much value, and you can't use mages. However. Werewolves are a great option, and you can use their savagery to fight longer and heal faster. The Iken bloodline is known for its ability to control pain and hunger, which is essential for those who take risks. When it comes to glamour, the Lancaster family is unbeatable. You even drained the blood of Natalis! I was impressed. Their stupid physical strength is good for you. Oh, and there are even stranger creatures! Heck, I've never seen those hungry ghosts. Maybe it's the degenerate natives? I will definitely be back. Unfortunately, both the elven prince and the divine power are blocked. Only the inner strength is yours. It was a pleasant surprise. You've been productive. ”

His examination was over, and he came back to me and put his hand on my shoulder. I felt the steely grip on my back with a light touch, and I wasn't scared, just a little happy with his recognition. It's a dream. Many of my instinctive reactions were suppressed.

"With this, you have access to four of the fourteen bloodlines that I know. I'm giving you this lesson with good intentions, Bloodline Princess. Be careful not to misplace. ”

His form evaporated in the black vapor, leaving only an eight-toothed smile, and then this one was gone too, and I woke up.

Pain. Thirsty. Claustrophobia. The feeling of suffocation I gulped in the air and did nothing but satisfy the degenerative reflex. My paws gripped the inner liners of the sarcophagus until I grasped the handles and pulled them. I jumped up, fell to the side, and immediately stood up. Around me, there was dry dirt and tree roots, covered with a very low tent. Loth stared blankly at me from behind a small workbench. He never looked so tired as he did now. There is no danger at the moment. Clear exit. There is no need to fight or run away. I clung to the center of my chest, trying in vain to avoid suffocation. He came to my mind. He came to my head and did what he wanted to do, and I didn't do anything. There's no way to stop him, even me, even him, ah! Anyway, only distance can keep me away from him. If I were around him, I would turn into a clumsy infatuated lover. Lamentable. Maybe I'm lucky. At least I was myself from the beginning. Now I just need someone to eat to end this unbearable pain, and I happen to know someone. I silently put my worn armor on my dirty clothes, put on my half-mask, and let my mouth go.

"Little girl?" I'm ready. How are we doing?"

He looked at the piece of metal in front of him and removed his hand from it. Just as I recognized the object in front of me, its aura permeated the small space we were in. I don't know how long it took him to finish, but I estimate from every waking hour after I fell asleep. In typical Loth's fashion, he analyzes the problem and then finds a solution that satisfies his need for violent revenge. Because it was too dangerous to get close, my friend made a shell. No, it's not fair to call it a shell. He made an object in the shape of a shell, more magical and concentrated than steel. It is made of dark metal with runes of vengeance engraved on it, emitting crimson pulses like bleeding wounds. Rows of hieroglyphs crisscross in all directions, like taut barbed wire. Loth's creation, which looks like it is, is the product of patience and malice, and its sole purpose is to cause suffering and death. The whispers in my ears heralded the punishment of darkness. My friend lifted his sunken eyes to me.

"I'm ready. Let's go outside. ”

After we left, I found myself in a depression surrounded by pine trees, and on top of a hill overlooking a large valley. Dried needles and fallen cones cover the ground, giving off a pleasant smell that contrasts with the tension within. There was no fire, no equipment, no horses, just two exhausted mortals lying next to Loth's steel cannon. Nashoba and Merritt turned around and saw me, but didn't react. Everyone was nervous. I leaned next to them. If they notice that I'm trying to breathe, they won't comment on me. In front of us was a valley with a clearing around a small stream. Houses and buildings of the Muscoki are dotted on several plots of cultivated land in the distance. There were signs of life everywhere, but I didn't see the locals alive or dead. In the central square, the Herald was engaged in a lively discussion with several of its subordinates, including Master Tamage.

"The evacuation was successful. Merritt found the bastard, and we took advantage of mobility. Nashoba said in English.

I turned to the mage in surprise. Her eyes were bloodshot and her personality stood out, but the pride in her voice was unmistakable.

"That bastard left a lot of blood behind. I scraped it off the dock and made a compass. "Great. No, are you open?" Yes. "When?" Right now. You two, get out of here. ”

Without saying a word, the two mortals stood up and ran in opposite directions.

"Listen to the little girl. As soon as the shell is opened, I get out of here. You're the only one standing in front of the key still alive. The rest of us will only give him more strength. ”

"I know."

Loth stopped and turned to me. In his eyes, there was not a hint of doubt that I would succeed.

"I wouldn't say good luck. We'll see you on the other side. Now, stand back. This is my moment. ”

Loth removed the tarp from the belly of the gun, and I took my seat next to him.

"Betrayed. He whispered. His large hands were almost lovingly holding the patiently crafted shell. This horrible thing beats with his heartbeat. "Bloodstained. The oath has been broken, the word has been false, and one person has left us. "He stuffed the shell into the gun. I could see the red glow flowing along its length, getting louder and louder as the whispers followed, followed by a final "thud" as it hid deep inside, quietly ready to release.

"According to the ancient law, with our own complete honor, we come to demand what we deserve."

He patiently adjusted the gun, feigning calm. The air was so heavy that I stopped breathing again. I knew I was witnessing something unique, a master working for a once-in-a-lifetime performance.

"Your sins and debts have kindled the fire of our vengeance"

He walked back, grabbed the rope, and turned on the fuse.

"And it's obvious."

He pulls the rope.

Cannons spray their terrible loads into the world. Cannonballs whistled down, like a chorus of furious demons, like a symphony of nightmares, and the sound of madness filled my ears. I gritted my teeth before the onslaught, watched the shells hit, and then detonated.

One moment the village was empty, but calm, and the next moment, it was gone. The shield used by the tower mage is like a teapot that empties over a house fire. A deafening explosion threw rocks and earth fragments into the air, leveling the clearing. The shockwave extends outward, leveling the entire forest, creating a wave of flames and destruction. Trees near the epicenter were burned. None of the needles were still attached.

The fire continues to burn. First white, then unnaturally dark red, the heat from the burning hell hit me like a wall even from hundreds of feet away. I hesitantly put my hand on my aching ear and poured a few drops of black blood. For a full minute, I ignored Loth's retreat and stared at hell itself. What could survive in that situation?! However, against the incandescent background, a dark silhouette soon appeared, staggering aimlessly. When it left the area, the flames vanished like a man who had lost faith. The enchanted shells did their best. Now, dinner is ready.

I sprinted forward at an unbelievable pace, faster than at any time in my life, but I was absolutely confident on my feet. I crossed the stumps, the trunks, and the churning earth, never slowing down. My hair was blown against my skull by the wind from the road, and after only a few jumps, I was at the Herald. When I looked at it, the blue links and patterns didn't weave the meat, but let it appear out of thin air. The aura I felt was incredible. It hit me like an alien wind. I grabbed my prey from behind, bit it down, and gobbled it up.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH.”

It burns! I vomited blood and spit out my teeth, just to make it regenerate and melt. I fell backwards and crawled away, whimpering in pain. Such a powerful force. Too much. It's like kissing a thunderbolt. Still, I feel strong, very powerful. It was just for a moment, but it felt like drinking Master's water. I calmed myself down and let the lava-like substance drip from my burnt lips for a few seconds, but soon the Herald's voice resounded behind me, forcing me to ring a new alarm bell. No. No! I'm not going to let go. This. How much. Nothing! I stood up and fought with the cold will of my heart. My paws grabbed a half-formed arm and pulled it out of the nest. The sound of a ruptured ligament accompanied by a low scream irritated me. I grabbed my other arm, and the Herald's aura exploded.

"Gross!"

I was pushed backwards and had to roll on the ground and then sprint again. Scratches, pains, nothing can stop me. It's a matter of life and death.

"You! It's all your fault! The Herald screamed in a broken voice. His flesh was now whole, and I noticed in passing that he was naked from the waist down. The tattered part of his hunting suit stuck to his body, and hot tears ran down his face.

"This should be my moment!" I don't understand! What the hell are you?"

Your death.

I stabbed him three more times until his cries of pain turned into pure rage, and he didn't do anything. For a moment, he was faster than me, maybe even as fast as Jimena. He missed. His fists slammed open, and his body collapsed to the ash. I caught up with him right away. I grabbed his head, twisted it from side to side, and threw it away. I pulled out my blade and sliced a chunk of fabric from his magic vest. I'm going to take that thing off. I was blown up again, but this time I rolled and barely dodged a blow before retaliating. At this point, the herald just screamed intermittently.

"Why, why, why you won't die!"

I blocked the exact same attack, from the exact same angle, and then countered with the blade in the abdomen. I jumped away and slaughtered him like a fish. His cry of pain sounded strange in the silent air. He grabbed a fallen pine tree and threw it out, maybe trying to crush me to death? I stepped aside to avoid the improvised shell. I've been who I have been for ten years. I know how my body works. He's just an inexperienced mortal playing a demigod.

For a whole minute, I danced around him, using my experience to do terrible damage. I've found that cutting off limbs is better than piercing flesh, because the key allows it to regenerate completely. It takes more time and effort. Our competition is a ballet of inequality between wasps and drunken fools.

He just doesn't want to stay down there.

I was crippled, amputated, sliced, but his body was transformed in an instant. Shifting gears, I kicked him to the side, then jumped on his back and knocked him to the ground. I hit him on the back. I know he'll heal these wounds, but it's healing.

His aura exploded again, but this time I grabbed his jacket tightly and tore it to shreds. A second later, his body exploded. When I landed and got back on my feet, it felt a little different. He grew taller, his face became paler, and his face was no longer entirely human. His noble beard, lips, and nose were gone. Only two slits of pale skin remained. Even his eyes glowed a strange blue.

"I take away the pain, vampire, and the keys will fix my mind. Now it's just a matter of time. ”

He was also completely naked. I searched for a pocket on the rag in my hand and found something cylindrical, but the contact was strange. I felt my finger getting close to it, but it had no texture, no temperature, and then it was gone.

"Looking for this?" The Herald was amused. In his hands, the key appeared. "We are now one. You can't ask for it anymore, assuming your race used to have. ”

I need it. I jump. He dodged, and I then cut his leg off at the knee. For some reason, the resistance is greater. Is he physically stronger? I blocked the counter below and fell to the ground again. The power of stupidity. I dodged a downward punch that buried itself in the dirt and cut off an arm on the way out, then I turned around and grabbed the key. At the same time, his aura exploded again, and I was thrown out.

"Annoying bugs!"

The Herald was complete, but I could see the slightest black veins under his skin, perhaps exhaustion, perhaps the remnants of yesterday's transgressions. His aura became more and more obvious, breaking free from his control. He may be very strong, but he can't exert that power.

"It's not for you to take."

My enemy grabbed the key and put it on his forehead. The artifact dug into his skull with blue tendrils and locks, and always looked like the most disgusting unicorn in the world. He lunged at me, slapping the air in front of my receding torso. I dodged and fought back again. Dodge. I jumped to the left, and a crazy force burst out of his palm. With a roar, blue energy dug deep trenches in the earth, shattering rocks and causing fallen trees to spin in the air like needles. Pain. I gritted my teeth and scratched his face, blinding him. Pain. Suffering! I checked my right arm and saw that it had stopped at the elbow. My damn ... Oh, here. I jumped forward and grabbed it, then stuck the mutilated branch to my stump. Come on! I felt a wild energy rush over me, I wanted to howl, I wanted to hunt. Right in front of my eyes, bones bonded, muscles bonded, skin bonded.

"Where are you, prostitute?" There is only one ......"

The Herald's eyes widened in surprise when they saw that I had recovered. I opened and clenched my dagger's hand. Everything was fine. It doesn't hurt at all. For the first time in two nights, I smiled.

"You still don't understand."

I lunge forward, then backwards to avoid another shockwave, and then forward again. My enemies screamed in frustration while I dove in and jump over the bolts of blue energy. His face melted under the force and could only be restored again and again. Each time, these traits are more inhumane and cruel. His teeth are now completely triangular. Huge black arteries snaked under his skin, leaving blemishes in the flesh around them. In the end, I managed to dodge the two-handed vertical blow and found myself behind him. It's time to get out of the way. Huge bone spurs grew out of his back in all directions. I couldn't leave in time, and two magic bracelets pierced me like they were butter, and the last one plunged deep into my stomach. Pain. I fell backwards and blocked a backhand blow with my dagger. The sharp blade severed its limbs again. Reprieve. It only takes a little time...

"It's so annoying, I think I'll take it now."

The Herald reached out to grab it. I didn't feel anything myself, and the dagger shook. I watched powerlessly as Shimena's gift was dismantled, dismantled before my eyes.

"Interesting."

The Harbinger lifted his fingers, and each tip was replaced by a few inches of silver blades, covered in runes. Not good. The black veins dilated even more, and I could feel his aura trembling, but if I was dismembered in the next few seconds, it would be useless. I turned and ran.

"You can't escape, you bitch!" Hahaha!"

It's not about running away, it's just about finding... Yes. I turned, my back to a massive vertical rock that had been overturned by a catastrophic blow from Lowe. The Herald giggled and jumped. He stole my technology! I fell to the ground, trying to ignore the wound on my stomach. For a moment, I was full of confidence, and the sky was full of smoke, and then a corpse streaked overhead obscured the stars. With an angry grunt, the steely claws of my enemies dug deep into the stone and stayed there. Cracks formed almost immediately, but I was faster. I reached into his wrist and broke it open, then grabbed the severed hand and used it as a makeshift weapon. The first stab pierced his guts, the second stabbed him blind, and I reached out my right hand, grabbed Isaac's gift from behind, and placed it on his bare spine. Then his hands exploded. Silver shrapnel hit me. Suffering. I screamed and rolled on the ground. Kill them, you have to kill them! I took a piece of smoking metal from my shoulder, then a piece from a calf, and another piece from my right ear. After two more drinks, I finally stopped my panic and stood up. The Herald held his head and yelled viciously. The sound of wailing was supposed to be torture, but in fact, it was music to my ears.

"You! What did you do!?"

If he doesn't stop the pain, he knows that his organ is changing around something foreign. Judging by his recent physical changes, I would be surprised if he could name how many spikes have grown on his back. Energy randomly exploded around him. Just as I was looking at him, his right leg suddenly erupted, like a comical parody of an insect's antennae. Both of his hands have grown mismatched claws and tentacles. However, he finally remembered the cause of his pain and rebuked me with the power of despair. My charge also surprised him. He wasn't much faster than me right now, and just as he was attacking, I stuck my left foot on the ground and kicked him with all my strength. I remember the Natalys hooligan charging frantically, pouring the same unconscious energy into my kicks. The Herald took off and crashed into a rock, a fallen pine tree, a burning stump, and another rock. He saw me approaching and tried to stand up, but was unsuccessful. His mutated leg couldn't find enough to pry open the nails embedded in the stone.

"If you hadn't looked down on humans and their forms so much......"

I raised my hand and put my foot on the ground to resist the aura explosion. It barely slows me down.

“…… You won't fight like a toddler......"

I ducked my head to avoid a wave of energy.

“…… You won't pay so much for breaking your oath ......"

I grabbed the key from his forehead, reached into his chest with my claws, found Isaac's depressor, and put my feet on his chest.

“…… You won't ruin your organization and yourself. ”

With the terrifying sound of flesh shattering, the two objects broke free from the shape that enveloped them.

"I'm Ariana from Nelari. From the moment you kill my courtiers, you are dead. ”

The spine of the steel trap closes around the key and the connection is broken. Arcs of energy shot out of the Harbinger's fallen body, scraping him and the ground over. My enemy let out his last wail, and in an instant, he was reduced to a charred shell. I did it. The link was severed. He's dead. I won and paid off the debt. Now I just need to give her back the keys to Villa for safekeeping? I knew it should be the best decision, and then some voices rang in my head. I looked up. When did I feel that the Watchmen were far away? He's close, very close. A tendril hung down and brushed a strand of hair from my cheek. The eyes groaned, and then asked like a child:

"Give?"

Didn't actually speak. These requests immediately popped into my mind, with meanings that the verbal word could never reach.

"Give?"

This is not an order, nor is it a requirement. There is an innocence and beauty to this simple request, so humble. I knew I could say no without consequences. There will be no resentment. I held up the key. The purple branch closest to it tightly wrapped around it, two things that didn't belong here, and then the blue structure was lifted into ...... I blinked. Space and reality were temporarily interrupted. I frowned, trying to recall the details of what had just happened, but couldn't. I can't accept what just happened. My mind wasn't ready at all. I'm sure the key is missing. I looked up. Vampire's Aste

As far away and charming as ever, but it was the first time I felt something I never expected.

Approve.