Locci found himself distracted by the glint of evolution stones. They were the most coveted treasures within the dungeon.

If Andre had targeted the Groundlayer couple for those stones, Locci would understand, but he'd be disappointed. Locci held Andre in high regard. Andre was the first person Locci had truly connected with, especially since they were both from Earth. Locci never imagined Andre would stoop to such lengths for mere items.

Despite his disappointment in Andre, Locci harbored a conflicting desire for the evolution stones. While he wasn't willing to resort to murder to obtain them, he also wasn't saintly enough to pass up the chance.

Activating [Juxtapose], he rendered himself invisible while leaving a clone in his place. With stealth, he slipped the two evolution stones into his mouth and made a swift getaway.

His plan was to use one as payment to aid Komucha and give the other to him, a preferable outcome to letting Andre acquire the stones.

As Locci prepared to depart for his evolution, Andre emerged from the dungeon. Their eyes locked, and despite Locci's invisibility, Andre seemed to sense his presence. With a commanding shout, Andre unleashed his attack, "Clawski, [Falcon Dive]!"

A penguin with elongated, razor-sharp claws charged towards Locci. Its illuminated form intensified as it closed in on him with incredible speed.

Locci swiftly evaded the incoming assault by activating [Juxtapose], causing the penguin to collide with his second clone instead. As the clone dissipated into light upon impact, it retaliated with a burst of icy energy, enveloping Clawski, inflicting minor damage, and slowing its movements.

Locci countered by unleashing a barrage of icy energies towards Clawski, but Andre swiftly retaliated, "Ice Plate, activate [Barrier-jutsu: Anti Ability Barrier]!"

Clawski, adorned with a plate featuring a gleaming blue jewel, emitted a radiant light as it conjured a protective barrier around itself. This barrier proved formidable against Locci's [Frostbite Fury].

"Andre! Why are you doing this? I trusted you!" Locci's voice rang out with disbelief and betrayal.

"And you can still trust me. I won't harm you, Locci," Andre insisted, his tone attempting to reassure.

"What do you think you're doing? Killing people? How can I trust you after this?" Locci's voice wavered with uncertainty and concern.

"But Locci, you've killed wolves and eaten them. I still trust you despite that. Why does my actions make you doubt me?" Andre's question hung in the air, challenging Locci's judgment.

"Those are different. I did what I had to do to survive!" Locci defended himself, his tone defensive and strained.

Andre chuckled softly. "Locci, how is my situation any different from yours? I'm just trying to survive too."

"You... you killed other humans to survive? That's a terrible excuse!" Locci's disbelief was palpable in his voice.

"Locci, do you still consider yourself human? You're no longer a human," Andre's words carried a weight of realization and acceptance.

Locci gazed at Andre in utter disbelief. He had held a favorable opinion of him, believing that Andre saw him as a fellow human. Andre's confession cut deep, leaving Locci feeling wounded.

"Fine. If I'm no longer human, then I'll embrace my current state by devouring you!" Locci's words dripped with anger and hurt.

"Locci, please, calm down. I was merely stating a fact. But does it really matter? You may not be human anymore, but that doesn't mean we can't still have a strong bond. Consider it. Have I ever mistreated you?" Andre attempted to reason with him, his voice gentle yet firm.

"It's difficult to trust a backstabber. What's your motive?" Locci's question was laced with suspicion and uncertainty.

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Andre shrugged nonchalantly. "Survival. I wasn't lying. If I don't deliver Komucha alive, the leader of my organization will have me killed. Joe and Jane's deaths were regrettable, but necessary. How else could I capture Komucha without a struggle?"

"Why Komucha?" Locci inquired, his gaze shifting to where Komucha was still locked in combat with Vizernix. Despite holding his own for now, it was evident that Komucha would soon falter without assistance.

"Do you still trust me? If you do, I can explain," Andre offered.

Before Locci could respond, Serena interjected, stepping out of the dungeon with a wound on her shoulder. "Because Komucha is one of the four Elemental Envoys. He's an extra-grade Nix," she explained, meeting Andre's glare with a confident grin. "It appears I was correct. Did you think I wouldn't be aware? I ranked among the top ten players in the Nixworld, thanks to my extensive knowledge of the game."

Andre clicked his tongue in annoyance. "You're still alive."

Serena grinned confidently. "If I had summoned my Nix from the beginning, do you honestly believe you could have even scratched me? But I should have guessed you were concealing a rare-grade Nix."

"Serena, where are Riza and Goran?" Locci inquired, concern evident in his voice.

"Andre killed them. He waited until we were weakened from our exploration," Serena revealed grimly. "Locci, you didn't form a binding contract with Andre, did you? Let's join forces to take him down."

"Wait, Serena. Must we resort to violence? The mayor of Wolfland has a strong alliance with Apollon. Essentially, we're fighting for the same cause. Besides, as fellow otherworlders, we shouldn't be enemies by default," Andre interjected, attempting to diffuse the tension.

"Smooth talk, Snake," Serena retorted with a scoff. Disregarding Andre's presence, she summoned her Nix. "Come forth, Lurkezard!" With a flick of her hand, a summoning circle materialized before her, from which emerged a black lizard standing on its hind legs.

"Are you sure you want to pass up this opportunity? We have two extra-grade Nixes to capture here. Yes, as you can guess, Locci is an extra-grade Nix, or rather, a Pokesol, a Snowoo. We could share ownership of him periodically. How does that sound?" Andre proposed, dangling the prospect of cooperation.

Locci's heart raced as Andre revealed his secret. If the situation escalated, he might have to contend with Serena. He wasn't confident in facing both of them alone.

Serena grinned mischievously before laughing. "Hey, Snake. I might be a bit annoying, but I'm not a backstabber. I'm a true gamer. If I wanted to subdue Locci, I'd defeat him fair and square, not through betrayal." Her words carried a hint of challenge and conviction.

"Can I trust you not to betray me?" Locci inquired cautiously.

"I don't need to convince you. I am the strongest one here. You need me to defeat Andre," Serena asserted confidently.

"Serena, I've been modest, but do you honestly believe you're stronger than me?" Andre challenged.

Serena grinned challengingly. "Why don't we settle this with a fight? Or are you afraid of losing?"

Andre responded with unwavering confidence. "Nah, I'd win."

The tension reached its peak as they stared each other down, but eventually, Andre broke the silence. "As much as I'd love to spar with the self-proclaimed Genius Otherworlder, the Shadowflame Lady, my business here is concluded. Vizernix!"

Vizernix seized the unconscious Komucha with its talons before gracefully ascending into the sky. Andre swiftly mounted the vulture, and together they soared higher and higher.

"Coward, come back!" Serena's voice echoed after them, filled with frustration.

"I regret any inconvenience, but securing Komucha is my top priority. However, if you're truly eager for a duel, you're welcome to find me in the city. That is, if you can still enter without hindrance. And as for you, Locci, I won't rest until you're under my ownership. I'll pursue you to the ends of the earth. Farewell, my fellow Earthlings," Andre declared, his words carrying a mix of determination and finality.

"Ah, that coward!" Serena exclaimed, frustration evident in her voice. Then, she turned to Locci. "It seems I won't be able to return to the city anymore. Apollon's influence in Winterhold is immense, despite being the largest crime organization in the world. We're on the same page, Locci. How about traveling together?"

Locci remained silent, but he nodded in agreement.

"Excellent. I promise not to challenge you to a duel for the time being. But I must admit, I didn't expect you to also be an Earthling. Are you reincarnated as a Pokesol? That sounds rather inconvenient," Serena remarked.

Throughout Serena's monologue, Locci remained silent, only nodding in response.

Serena frowned, then asked, "You're unusually quiet. Is your necklace broken?"

Locci's nod was nothing but a facade. The figure standing before Serena was merely a clone. While the clone mimicked his attire, it couldn't replicate the functionality of his communication necklace.

Meanwhile, the real Locci had fled the moment Andre retreated, ensuring to carry the two evolution stones clenched in his mouth. He harbored no intention of traveling alongside another human, not after having his trust shattered. If given the choice, he would prefer to venture alone. Besides, he couldn't afford to concern himself with companionship while fearing Andre's pursuit.

Paranoia and fear gnawed at Locci's mind as he grappled with uncertainty. He had no idea where to seek refuge or if he was even safe at that moment.

With an uncertain future looming ahead, Locci yearned for reassurance and strength through evolution. But first, he needed to find a secure hiding place, away from prying eyes and potential threats.