Argillis POV:

I couldn't believe my eyes. I didn't believe anyone could, but the shade demon that used to be weaker than our lordship's personal butler was able to defy his pressure. The collective gasps of all those who were watching were quite a sight to behold.

I am a warrior and I know that training leads to improvement. But this is just absurd, it was only a year ago that he defeated me. It should take centuries for a normal demon or decades for a prodigy to evolve to our lordship's strength.

'I don't believe it. What a monster.' These are the only thoughts plaguing my head.

Walking down one of the corridors of Talvit's estate, I continue to hear the murmurs every employee makes.

“Have you heard?”

“I can't believe it?”

“Do you think lord Tharnomath let him through on purpose?”

These are just some of the many whispers I manage to pick up. Did he let it through on purpose? No, as an experienced warrior, I can see when someone holds back. My lord didn't hold back, and that shade demon managed to break through my lord's pressure.

Silence engulfs my mind as I continue to wonder about what just happened.

'I can't believe it.'

Ergillaz Talvit POV:

“Well, well, little brother, quite the news has broken out,” I say to my brother teasingly.

“It seems you are finally capable of staying in reality again.” He answers in an angered tone yet I know he also means it caringly.

“I'm sorry, It's just… You know…” I say, not really capable of explaining my feelings.

“She will be your undoing, Brother.” He says, looking at me with his cold eyes that only I know show concern.

“I know… I know” I just answer defeated as he's probably right.

“How's it going with our partner's recovery?” I ask, not wanting to continue talking about the topic.

“It seems to be going fine. It will take a bit longer, seeing that I accidentally froze off some muscle tissues.” He answers calmly and calculated, as I've always known him to be.

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“Do you think he will be strong enough?” I ask, wanting to hear my brother's more calculated response.

“Probably, I don't know about any participants in the city who could pose a threat. Perhaps if someone outside of the city has some immense power. Even so, he would have to almost be as strong as you to be able to defeat our partner.” He answers calmly while showing that he's really thinking about the situation.

“Any movement that I should be aware of?” I ask in a serious tone.

“Ulthris Kaahen has just been doing his normal routine. He hangs out at the blood district, murders demons and then seems to search for a tavern to drink and eat.”

“How is it manifesting?” I ask bitterly, remembering what that filthy thief and vile wraith woman have done to me.

“The titan's blood does seem to have manifested to some degree. I believe that it's desperately trying to escape its body, as it still views you as its master. However, the wraith queen's magic is strong and unknown.” Tharnomath answers also a bit agitated.

“She's able to break a deal made by my own hands and even capable of controlling titan's blood. How troublesome.” I say while gritting my teeth in annoyance.

“Do you wish for me to conduct a search for her?” Tharnomath asks, seeing my visible hatred.

“It's fine,” I say while calming myself.

“We won't be able to find her if she's hiding. Besides, we have so much more to look forward to now.” I say eying our unconscious partner.

***

MC POV:

I wake up from getting knocked out by Tharnomath. Looking around the room, I don't see anyone. Looking back at the fight, I facepalm, realizing how badly I lost my cool.

'Sigh, it seems my excitement got the better of my rationality.' I think lamenting myself.

Anyways, I guess we're calling it a day. Let's go to Eli and see what she's up to.

Making my way toward Eli's study in the Talvit estate. I quickly arrive as servants seem to be looking at me more intrigued. Simply ignoring their gazes, I knock on the door as I don't wish to disturb her training. My knock is quickly answered as Idrilth opens the door.

“It's good that you're here, I wish to discuss something with you.” The androgynous voice calls out to me.

“What is it?” I ask a bit concerned as it could potentially involve Eli.

“I want you to figure out what happened to her when she was summoned here. Her physical state shows no sign of improving, and it will hinder her future if not handled. I would like to ask her myself, but I'm a teacher, not someone she considers family.” it says, its tone getting sadder at the end.

“I see your point.” I answer, maybe a bit smug, hearing how Eli considers me family.

Idrilth frowns at my response before finally letting me enter. Seeing Idrilth leave the room to give the both of us space, I call out to her.

“Idrilth, don't beat yourself up over things that you can't control. You might not be considered family, but that doesn't mean you are not important to her.” I tell her in the hopes that my words comfort her in some way.

She simply nods as she closes the door.

“Elizabeth!” I yell, trying to find Eli. Her study room is closer to a small library than it is a room.

I hear a rumbling sound as someone appears to be running toward me.

“Brother!” She yells excitedly before hugging me.

I hug her back gently, as she's still that small and rail girl that I found in the alley.

“Eli, we need to talk about something,” I tell her in a worried tone.