Zain stepped through the open gate of the Hero Association building.
Across the hall, Blazren stood with his arms crossed, face grim.
He didn't move as Zain approached.
Only raising one eyebrow slightly.
"How do you do, Blazren?"
Zain said casually, smirking.
Blazren's eyes narrowed.
"Bad, Heavenly Demon."
He uncrossed his arms and stepped forward, jaw tight.
"We found five more B-Rank hero corpses this morning."
"One had their leg folded backward into their own chest."
He exhaled slowly.
"Velvet Demon's outdoing herself."
Zain's expression didn't change.
But a flicker of amusement curled at the edge of his lips.
"Sounds brutal."
Blazren's voice dropped.
"It's precise. She's sending messages now."
Zain tilted his head, crimson eyes gleaming.
"Blazren... what if I told you I noticed something—?"
"Some traits, maybe a few glimpses."
"Something that might link the Velvet Demon to someone I've seen before."
Blazren's head snapped up.
"What?"
