In the span of just a few days, a subtle yet profound metamorphosis unfolded both within the academy and across the city. While the majority remained oblivious to the shifting tides, a discerning few sensed an undercurrent of change, uncertain whether it heralded a positive transformation or the impending arrival of catastrophe.

The city's atmosphere had undergone a tangible shift, marked by a significant increase in the number of guards patrolling its streets. For the residents, this constant surveillance became an unwelcome intrusion into their daily lives. Conversations echoed through the city, especially centered around a particular street cordoned off by an excess of guards.

Speculations and concerns lingered in the air, expressed in hushed tones among the city's inhabitants.

"What do you think has happened?"

"I'm not sure, but my husband saw it all. He described seeing a headless body right at the doorstep of the shop."

"Oh my God, did old man Noel meet his end as well?"

"Unfortunately, he got caught up in it, and now his shop is going to be closed down."

"Poor soul. He was such a kind man."

Noel, a respected figure in the community, enjoyed an impeccable reputation. Referred to as the old but kind man, accusations against him seemed unfathomable. People placed more trust in him than even in the king himself. As Levi traversed the city's streets, he absorbed these conversations, witnessing the diverse reactions to Noel's demise. Some mourned, others lit candles, and a few offered prayers.

Levi, unburdened by guilt for Noel's death, moved forward without remorse. His sense of morality operated on a plane beyond the comprehension of conventional goodness.

With Noel's demise, Levi found himself in need of a new business partner to sell his products. With a specific candidate in mind, he decided to consult Tyson before making any decisions. This led him to Tyson's shop immediately after his discharge.

*Knock* *Knock*

Levi waited patiently, and after a few minutes, a shadow emerged from behind the creaky door. The door opened to reveal Luna, a happy and welcoming presence. Tyson, engrossed in his work with hundred of hands surrounding him, only noticed Levi when his face was directly in front of his own.

"Ahh."

Tyson jumped, and Luna laughed—a hearty, healthy laugh.

"When did you come?"

Tyson began packing away his equipment, making room for Levi to sit.

"Just now."

Levi took a seat, stealing glances at the room's other . A delightful aroma of herbs and spices wafted from the kitchen, where Irina was cooking, seemingly oblivious to Levi's presence.

Irene, with her S-rank senses, had detected Levi at the door and allowed Luna to open it. Comfortable with his presence now she allowed Luna to opent the door and , continued with her cooking.

Levi's gaze shifted between Luna and Tyson.

"Luna, go to your room and lock it."

Though Luna sulked, she complied, banging the door shut before locking herself in. The successful cloth business had enabled them to renovate a room, providing separate quarters for the three of them. Previously, they all shared a sleeping space in the kitchen or the shop attached to it.

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Both Tyson and Irina understood the reason behind Levi intention to order Luna to go to the other room. Rumors of Noel's demise had reached them, prompting Levi to visit and reveal the truth.

'His eyes are always the same.'

Irene, stealing a glance at Levi, noted the persistent gloom in his beautiful yet abyssal eyes. Eyes, they say, are the gateway to the soul—Levi's eyes betrayed nothing.

'I should tell them the truth.'

Levi arrived with the intention of sharing everything—almost everything. He opted to omit certain details, like the emergence of a devil and the villains efforts to convert everyone into vampire hosts.

Levi commenced his narrative, each word landing like a shock to Tyson and Irina. Irina, engrossed in cooking, paused and joined Tyson, giving Levi her full attention. His words resonated deeply, evoking a mix of shock and uncertainty.

Tyson, attempting to console Levi, touched his hand and said, "What you did was good; don't beat yourself up for it."

"I don't regret killing that person. I just wish I could have taken his life sooner."

Levi's response, cold and ruthless from a seemingly inexperienced teenager, sent shivers down their spines. While Tyson and Irina sympathized, Levi's decisive actions struck them the most.

'No hesitation.'

Levi never wavered in his decisions. Although Irina hadn't known him for long, she observed his unwavering decisiveness, a trait both precise and worrying

"I just wanted to discuss how we need to proceed with our business. If you want to, you can step out of the deal. After all, I am not a safe bet for you and your family, and I also can't guarantee I won't be taking such measures in the future."

Levi wanted them to understand that this might not be an isolated incident; he might continue killing when deemed necessary. Despite his psychopathic tendencies, he felt a peculiar "responsibility" to protect Tyson and his small family from the consequences of his actions.

"Will you keep on killing if it feels right?"

Tyson's question hung in the air, the answer determining the course of their partnership.

"I don't regret what I did, nor will I do something I regret. I won't kill anybody because I think it is right. Murder is murder, no need to glorify it. I don't seek blood. Nobody has the right to kill, not even God. But if anybody tries to mess with me or my people, I am ready to be something worse than God himself."

A brief glance between Irina and Tyson conveyed a shared understanding.

"I appreciate what you have done for me and my family. I still have no idea how to repay you, and what you said is true. You killed someone, and good killing shouldn't be glorified."

Tyson held Irina's hand, looking at Levi with conviction.

"However, I have no intention of backing out of this business deal. Though, I do hope you don't have to tread the same path again."

Levi and Blake exchanged a small smile.

Irina, holding Tyson's hand, felt a sense of relief and trust in Levi. To Tyson, Levi was a miracle, rescuing them from seemingly endless despair. Without Levi, Tyson shuddered to think about the alternative.

"Why do you seek strength?"

Irina wanted to understand Levi's motivation for seeking her training. While the obvious answer was to become stronger, everyone had a unique reason for reaching new heights.

'I see no conviction in his eyes.'

Levi could manipulate his emotions, change his tone, and adopt various attitudes effortlessly. However, his hollow eyes remained a constant, revealing his true emotions. Irina sighed, recognizing his difficulty in expressing genuine emotions.

Levi, faced with a challenging question, sighed. Choosing a vague response, he said,

"I want to get strong for the sake of seeking."

'Lie.'

Irina sighed again, aware that Levi wouldn't provide a straightforward answer. Shaking her head, she posed another question.

"Tell me the actual reason why you saved Luna, and this time, if you answer saying 'I don't know,' I won't train you."

Once seeing Levi as a potential home-wrecker, Irina now realized he was trying to help them. Pity? Sympathy? Or an unknown motive that eluded her speculation?

Levi, finding his actions at odds with his usual demeanor, contemplated his response. Saving Luna had no impact on the original plot, and Irina and Tyson weren't significant players in the game. Yet, he had intervened.

"Honey, how much do you think the ring will cost?"

As Levi reminisced about a similar situation, a conversation from his past, Irina noticed a small glint in his eyes—a bright light after traversing a tunnel, akin to the morning sun reflecting off morning dew—the onset of change.