"Do it," Razeal said again, his calm voice spreading through the wide throne hall. It did not come out like an angry command. It did not carry fear, warning, or urgency. It simply echoed across the golden walls, passed between the tall pillars, and settled over everyone present like a cold hand pressing down on their shoulders.
The whole hall fell into a silence so heavy that even the breathing of the soldiers along the walls became careful and restrained. Lady Nyssa Veyra Sol stood frozen with the report book still in her hand, her eyes fixed on the Supreme-rank monster core resting in the yellow-haired man's grip.
Viper remained still as a shadow, one hand close to his dagger but not touching it, because Razeal had given his word that no one would interfere.
Zero and Blitz stood behind the man, silent and ready, yet even they did not move.
