The mask hovered in place, swaying slightly and exuding an unmistakable sense of dread. Its crimson surface gleamed under the light, and its rat-like features gave it an eerie, mysterious look. Its presence filled the room with a heavy, gloomy aura, as a malevolent energy radiated from within its form.

Ascalon instinctively raised his guard, a strange sense of danger overcoming him. It was a familiar, yet unnatural feeling—and with it came the unsettling sensation that something, or someone, was looking at him through the mask’s eyeless sockets.

“What is that?” Lilithra asked in a concerned tone, her eyes shifting from Ascalon to the mask. Noticing the knight’s demeanor, she realized something was wrong. Though the one to answer her question was none other than Ian.

“This is proof of my loyalty!” He exclaimed with glee, his eyes shimmering. “The gift I received after simply getting rid of some beasts!” Ian rejoiced at his own words, his whole body shivering. He then set his gaze on Lyra, and smirked hideously.

The cat girl slowly widened her teary eyes, realizing the hidden meaning behind his explanation. “B-beasts?! They were your friends!” She screamed in anguish, clutching her chest tight, her afflicted expression causing Levi to struggle in Ian’s arm.

Ascalon and Lilithra quickly understood what he meant. Ian was likely talking about the day he had betrayed the Fluffy Warriors, and both felt disgusted by his words. The betrayer himself scoffed at Lyra, his expression full of disdain.

“Friends? With these mixed mongrels? Ha!” He chuckled mockingly. “I had to endure their presence for so long! Putting on that nice guy act around those fucking bastards was a pain in the ass!” Ian looked at Levi with disgust, and then back at Lyra.

“You know, you… I quite liked you at first, Lyra.” He began, making Lyra perk up with both curiosity and wariness. “You were so nice—and that tempting body of yours…” He averted his gaze, biting his lips, while Lyra flinched at his lecherous words.

“But I figured it out, that you were just leading me around!” He exclaimed in frustration, gritting his teeth. “You acted shy and friendly with everyone, and I knew you were just a bitch in heat!” Ian complained in anger, his words bordering madness.

Lyra shrunk slightly, her tears welling up once more as she realized Ian was too far gone. Had she ever truly known him? The thought made her feel an immense sadness, as the one she had considered a dear friend had likely always been a stranger putting on a mask. Lilithra shared the sentiment, feeling like the man before them was just a lunatic.

“You’re horrible!” Lilithra shouted, her tone coated with both disgust and anger. Ian simply waved his hand in the air, as if dismissing her words. “Of course you would say that—you’re a mixed race, too!” He retorted, meeting her gaze with a frown.

“But at the very least, you do have a purpose…” He pondered aloud as confusion overcame Lilithra once more. Just what did he mean both earlier and now? Ian realized he never answered Ascalon, and a smug grin appeared on his face.

“Right… you wouldn’t know… should I tell you?” He spoke in a teasing manner, clearly amused by the situation. Both Ascalon and Lilithra were losing their patience, but with Levi still in Ian's grasp it was better to stay still. But they did wonder, just how long they could restrain themselves?

“Hmmm… I want to tell you, but… Wrath will get angry at me.” He clicked his tongue, a conflicted expression on his face. Ascalon narrowed his eye at the mention of that name. “Wrath?” The knight asked, while Lilithra and Lyra looked at Ian with an intrigued look.

The man returned their gaze, smiling gleefully, as if relishing their attention. “Ah~ I wanna tell them! Wrath, please!” He pleaded, his eyes resting on the mask. As the confusion spread across the room, a new voice boomed against its walls.

“Should I sew your lips shut next time we meet?” A raspy voice came from the mask, startling everyone but Ian, who giggled in response. Ascalon peered at the object, and he felt it more clearly now—someone really gazed back at them through the mask. A sigh escaped the accessory, and the voice spoke again.

“Having come this far… allow me to introduce myself.” The voice stopped for a moment, the malice radiating from the mask taking a tangible form. Even Lyra, who watched from behind the group, shivered at the following sight. A foggy, darkened figure flickered in the air. It was barely visible, and its features were indistinguishable, but its presence was overwhelming.

“I am Wrath, and it is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, my dearest Lilithra.” Wrath’s voice filled the room, his hoarse tone and choice of words making Lilithra’s hair stand on end. “Do I know you?” She asked with disgust, her frowning expression making it clear that she didn’t quite like being called ‘dearest’ by a stranger.

“No, not personally.” He answered in a clear and concise manner. “But you are very, very important to us… so be careful, Ian.” Wrath warned Ian, who simply waved at him. “Don’t worry~!” He replied in a nonchalant way.

“What do you want with Lilithra?” Ascalon asked with firmness, his words carrying such authority that even the very malice around the mask flinched. An intense gaze set on him, coming from somewhere, far away.

“All in due time... ‘Sir’ Ascalon, I assume?” Wrath’s voice seeped through the fog that manifested his presence, a curious tone coating his words. Ascalon stepped forward, as if shielding Lilithra from the stranger’s gaze. “I am.” He replied with a steady voice. Wrath's form flickered while his real self, far beyond Starugnia, narrowed his eyes at Ascalon’s boldness.

“Know this.” Ascalon began, pointing Exemplaris at the fog. “Whatever it is you seek with her, you shall have to face me first.” The knight declared, his words echoing with intensity. A shiver ran down both Lilithra and Wrath’s back; the first feeling a powerful sense of glee, the other recoiling at Ascalon’s overwhelming willpower.

Lilithra side-eyed him with admiration, her cheeks flushing after hearing his words. He really was a knight in shining armor. She exhaled deeply, trying to calm her racing heart, while Lyra clasped both her hands in a mix of excitement and delight. Even if Ascalon’s words were directed at Lilithra, the cat girl couldn’t help but find the whole scene utterly dreamy—well, ignoring the shadowy, malignant fog.

Wrath, even beyond the safety of his projection, felt slightly cornered. But under such an event, he rejoiced, a huge grin forming in his face. “Very well…” Wrath suddenly spoke, his words feeling heavy, tangible. “And face you we shall, when the time comes… and if you leave in one piece.” He added, as every torch in the room flickered, as if fearful of the deep dark that seeped from the mask.

Ascalon frowned, meeting the intense wave of hostility head-on, while Lilithra and Lyra recoiled in place. “Now then, it was indeed a pleasure… Ah Ian, I shall grant you permission to use it.” Wrath exclaimed, and Ian flinched in surprise. Then, he nodded solemnly at the fog.

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“Ah, yes, one last thing. Do be careful with the two others skulking about, too.” Wrath suddenly remarked, as Ascalon’s group realized the man within the mist knew about both Selorien and Escarlata. In the next moment, the foggy figure dispersed abruptly, Wrath’s presence vanishing along his malice. Lyra and Lilithra sighed in relief, feeling their bodies lighter.

Ian clicked his tongue, clearly irritated by Wrath’s comment. “Ugh! I wanted to keep playing dumb.” Ian complained, his gaze darting to two different spots nearby. “Yeah, yeah. I know you’re there.” He rolled his eyes, seemingly unamused. The very next moment, Escarlata and Selorien emerged from stealth, the latter wearing an annoyed look.

Selorien was climbing midway through the pile of corpses, using them as a makeshift staircase. Meanwhile, Escarlata stood at the top, some steps away from Ian, her eyes firmly set on him. It was both surprising and alarming that he had detected the maid, and that he wasn’t even slightly bothered by her presence.

“What a way to spoil my fun, Wrath.” Ian exhaled in resignation, mumbling to himself. “Anyway… where were we?” He asked no one in particular, his demeanor full of confidence. “Right” You’re important, Lilithra! But it’s not the time yet, so, leave!” He waved her away with his hand, a carefully crafted, gentle smile on his face.

This time the one to roll her eyes was Lilithra. “Stop screwing around!” She retorted, aiming her banner at him. Ascalon smiled at her confident words and joined in. “We will not leave without Sir Levi.” The knight added, backing Lilithra. “Hmmm…” Ian looked at Levi, who hung limply from his hand, while pondering the matter.

“Well… if that’s all it takes… I don’t think I can sap more out of him, anyway… fine!” He said in a carefree tone, as he simply threw Levi down the pile of corpses. Lyra gasped in horror, but was soon relieved by Ascalon’s actions. The knight leaped in a flash, catching Levi mid-air and gently landing with him.

Hurriedly, Lyra approached as Ascalon lay the feeble cat boy on the ground. Lilithra stood in front of them, her banner pointed toward the enemy. She was determined to protect them with her whole body, in case Ian decided to attack them by surprise. But the man simply smiled at her.

Yet two others took his passiveness as an invitation to strike. Selorien climbed the pile of corpses swiftly and entered stealth, hoping it would work this time. Meanwhile, the maid lunged at Ian with a precise thrust of her blade, aimed at his chest. To her surprise, Ian chuckled and backstepped just at the right moment, avoiding the attack with ease.

Escarlata felt a chill as Ian suddenly tried to grab her arm. Alarm bells rang in her mind and caused her to jump back with all her might. Ian opened his eyes wide in surprise as he spoke. “Wow, great instincts!” He said as a creepy grin spread across his face. “I want you.” Ian declared, as Escarlata gained some distance, feeling repulsed and alarmed.

Just then, Selorien emerged from stealth, delivering a powerful backstab toward Ian’s blind spot. But, once more, Ian deftly moved, sidestepping and turning around while simultaneously avoiding the attack. His hand reached for Selorien, and the elf too felt an impending sense of danger. Selorien wasn’t as fast as Escarlata, so he rolled to the side before jumping back, barely escaping Ian’s grasp.

Ian clicked his tongue, though his face showed an amused smirk. Lilithra watched the tense scene and gulped, realizing that Ian wasn’t simply all talk. The thought sank even deeper, knowing that Ian had, supposedly, been in the dungeon for a while, and yet he didn’t show any signs of exhaustion or any visible wounds. That was worrying, to say the least.

Ignoring the whole encounter, Lyra gazed upon her brother’s battered figure. He was so very thin, his cheeks almost sticking to his bones. His eyes were dull, as if he were barely conscious, and his lips were completely dry. The many cuts and bruises around his body made Lyra start sobbing as she softly placed her hands on him.

“It’s okay now, big brother… I will help you…” She said in a whisper, trying her best to smile at him, though her heart ached so very painfully. Soon, water began to flow from her hands, carefully and caringly enveloping the weak Levi.

Aqua Vitae.

From her heart surges a wish to mend, the tide answering her earnest call!

—Skill info—

Lyra Summers unique skill.

Rank: B - Level 74.

Potential: S.

Attribute: Water.

Effects:

Lyra Summers channels healing power into water she touches, mending wounds and exhaustion. Healing effectiveness depends on the user skill’s rank and level.

Additional effects:

* Lyra Summers must part with some of her vitality in return; the worse the wound, the more strain on her body.

* Has a 10% chance of over-healing the target, providing a boost to their stamina.

* Has a 3% chance of not draining any stamina from Lyra Summers.

* Has a 0.1 chance of regenerating a missing limb, depending on its size.

As her healing spell activated, the liquid surrounding Levi began to glow slightly, and Lyra quickly began to gasp for air, beads of sweat appearing on her face. Both Ascalon and Lilithra knew that she had been straining herself, and that her mending power required a lot of stamina and concentration on her part. Most likely, she was out of the fight.

Ascalon peered at the scene with an impassive stare, his anger boiling. He walked up to Lilithra, and stared at the man atop the pile of corpses. “Why did you do all this?” He asked, surprising Ian while Lilithra eyed him curiously.

“That again? I already told you-” Ian began, but Ascalon cut him out abruptly. “Yes, we know about your hatred for ‘mixed’ races.” The knight exclaimed as Ian narrowed his eyes. “But that cannot be all.” He remarked, his intense gaze making Ian groan with annoyance.

“Well, no harm telling you, I guess.” Ian replied, sighing with exasperation. “They offered me power, of course!” He stated with a mocking tone, as if his answer was completely reasonable. “And the only thing I had to do was get rid of some mongrels, haha! Two birds with one stone, as they say.” He began, grinning as he recalled memories in his mind.

“After passing that test, Wrath even gave me the location of this dungeon! Can you imagine? A completely undiscovered dungeon, all to myself!” He cackled, extending his arms in the air as he looked around. “All that experience and loot, just for me!” He declared with joy.

“I had to use that guy Loreno to actually find it, and give him some stuff to keep him off my back, but still…” Ian groaned, rolling his eyes. “Anyway, I’m sure I don’t have to worry about him anymore.” He continued, shooting Ascalon a taunting smile. Ian probably realized that Loreno had been dealt with.

Ascalon sighed deeply, a concerned look on his face. “That is all? You did all this, just for power?” He asked with clear sadness in his voice. “‘Just’ for power? Power is everything, my guy.” Ian scoffed, looking at the pile of corpses.

“But even then… it’s not enough. I need more…” He continued, his eyes showing a vacant stare, his smile widening into a grotesque grin. Ascalon felt a strange, ominous sensation overcome him. “I can’t get enough; I want more!” Ian squirmed, and reached for his mask which was still hovering nearby.

“Just when monsters began to become stale, you all came around… I’m sure Wrath will forgive me if I only rough her up a little…” Ian muttered, inching the mask closer to his face. “I will take it from you, then.” He declared in a cryptic fashion, the mask suddenly clapping tightly to his face.

The moment the object touched Ian, the room seemed to warp, as if breathing, a pulsating, eerie energy emanating from him. The group flinched as the wave of malice assaulted them, causing Lyra to lose her concentration briefly and stare at Ian in terror. Even Levi, half-conscious, shivered under the unrelenting force. Was that… really Ian? Lyra wondered, trying to remain composed, her stamina dwindling.

Ascalon opened his eye wide in shock, his emblem stirring uncontrollably and resonating with Ian’s power. The knight gripped his lance tightly, fury and despair building up from within.

“How… how did you come to wield demonic power?!” Ascalon shouted in anger as his amulet quivered in response. Beneath his mask, Ian’s grin twisted with profound satisfaction.