– Do you think the dragons are involved in this? – Evo asked the two women, a trace of worry in his voice. If dragons were truly involved, the danger would rise to an entirely new level. That race was the last thing he ever wanted to be entangled with — and for obvious reasons. Dragons were practically untouchable in this world.
The two witches were about to respond when Elizabeth, from the back, spoke instead:
– Student Evo, I strongly believe that's impossible!
Evo turned to her with a curious look.
– Why are you so sure?
– It's almost funny, though painful, to admit... but it's the truth. Dragons are proud, arrogant, and immensely powerful — and they couldn't care less about the other races. The elven kingdom borders theirs, yet we've never had a close relationship. They've never tried to attack us or interfere with us in any way since our races were born. So I can say for certain: they have no involvement with these enemies, especially not with humans — the ones they despise the most.
– She's right, Evo. Freya and I know their kind well. I agree with Instructor Elizabeth. – Ravina added, reinforcing the elf's words.
Evo nodded slowly, though his mind still raced. He wanted to be sure. He was tired of making mistakes — and the ones he'd already made had cost dearly. The death and destruction caused today... he couldn't deny that part of it was his fault. That guilt would never fade.
– I believe you. But let's make sure, just in case. Agreed?
– Fine, do it. – Freya replied.
– Alright, then. Let's ask him. I doubt he'll live much longer anyway.
Evo was about to speak when his body faltered.
– Gickkk!
Everyone turned toward him. He quickly shoved his hands back into his pockets, hiding what was happening.
Inside those pockets, things were worsening. The cracked fingertips began to crumble, slowly turning to ash and breaking apart into golden dust. But the worst damage was inside him — unseen by anyone. His soul itself screamed in agony, torn by the weight of his own will.
Freya and Ravina noticed his strange behavior. To their eyes, he was trembling slightly, struggling to stand. They saw him bite his lip, forcing himself to remain composed.
– Ev, are you okay? You look pale. – Freya asked, her voice trembling with concern.
Evo only shrugged, answering casually:
– Don't worry. I'm just a bit tired. Let's finish this quickly.
She nodded reluctantly. They couldn't afford to waste this chance — it was a rare opportunity to finally get the answers they'd sought for so long.
– Hey, you... answer me. Are the dragons helping or involved with your group? – Evo asked again.
Pain crashed through him like a hammer. His soul screamed, his body burned from the inside out, the corrosion spreading. But he refused to fall. Not yet.
Just a little longer... hold on... he repeated in his mind, over and over, forcing himself to stay upright no matter the agony.
The man didn't even try to resist anymore. Whenever that power struck him, his mouth opened on its own.
– No... they're not involved with us in any way. We've been careful not to provoke them. We fear they'd kill us if we did.
Evo nodded.
– Good. Then this will be the last question.
Everyone watched him closely, holding their breath.
– Tell me... what is your true objec—
Blarrrrrrrrrrrrr!
His legs gave out. Evo's body lurched forward violently.
He didn't even finish the question before collapsing to the ground, vomiting rivers of blood.
Panic erupted. Just moments ago he had stood tall like an unshakable wall — now he was on his knees, hands on the floor, coughing up blood. The scene was horrifying. Everyone shouted his name in despair.
– Evoooo!
Freya and Ravina reacted worst of all. They lost control, rushing toward him.
When they reached him, kneeling beside his body, what they saw was terrifying. Cracks covered his arms and legs, spreading toward his chest. They glowed faintly like ashes ready to crumble.
Panic filled their faces.
– Evo! What the hell is happening to you? Elizabeth! Come here, now! – Freya shouted, gripping his shoulders.
– S-sto—
Evo tried to speak but coughed up more blood.
– Don't talk, Eylam. Let us heal you first.
Elizabeth hurried over and began casting her healing spell.
– I-it's not working! – she cried, voice trembling as she tried again and again.
– What's happening to him, Elizabeth?! – Ravina asked, her eyes glistening with tears.
– His body's being corroded... but I don't understand why!
Freya froze for a moment, realization dawning on her.
– Could it be because of that ability he used...? It seemed too powerful — forcing someone to speak against their will. It must have a penalty. It was obvious... but we completely forgot how unnatural that power was.
Her voice trembled as she spoke, barely holding herself together.
Ravina and Elizabeth both looked at Freya; she was as shaken as the rest — perhaps even more. Seeing the man who'd always protected them now like this crushed their hearts. And he'd done it all for them.
They were the ones who had asked for his help. The ones who dragged him into this without asking his opinion. He had hesitated at first — but deep down, he'd always help them, no matter what.
– How did we not notice? – Elizabeth whispered.
The others gathered around, visibly worried. Members of the Order stepped closer.
– Director Freya, will the leader be alright? – Velra asked, horrified by the sight.
– Elizabeth is doing her best. Let's believe in her... and in Evo himself. He'll pull through.
Evo panted heavily, his body twitching as a soothing energy began to flow through him — Elizabeth's healing magic, imbued with the spirits' blessing. The corrosion finally halted, but the damage was severe. He could feel it — his body might never recover.
He struggled to sit up, gasping for air. The women helped him until he found a somewhat stable position.
– I-I'll be fine... I just need... to rest a little... – he murmured weakly.
But Freya's voice cut through the air:
– Fine, my ass, you idiot! – She tried to sound scolding but failed miserably. Deep down, she knew how bad it was. It would be a miracle if he ever returned to his former self — physically or mentally.
His body was cracked, his fingers partly gone. Freya couldn't hold it in anymore. She collapsed against his chest, crying, guilt tearing her apart.
– I'm sorry... Rifkk... – Her tears soaked his clothes. – Forgive me, Ev. For dragging you into this... It's all my fault. Please forgive me!
Evo looked at her — the woman clinging to his chest — and, with effort, lifted his broken hand, stroking her dark purple hair.
– Why are you apologizing? – he whispered softly. – I'm here because I chose to be. You never forced me into anything. And it's not like I'm going to die.
– So stop blaming yourself. You too, Ravina. – He glanced at the other woman beside him, her eyes brimming, tears threatening to break free.
His tone was gentle, low — meant only for the two of them.
While that heavy, sorrowful air filled the room, just behind Freya and Ravina, the man who had caused all this watched with twisted delight. His expression was one of victory.
– Not yet... – he muttered under his breath.
With great effort, he pulled a small round vial from the remains of his tattered clothes. It was about the size of a grape, transparent, filled with a strange swirling liquid of green and purple hues. The very sight of it reeked of danger.
He pierced the vial with his claw, letting the liquid drip onto his hand. Then he spread it along his claws until they were drenched, a wicked smile curling his lips.
Turning toward the two women, he suddenly slashed at the back of their legs with those same claws.
– Gckkkkkkk!
Both women cried out in pain, snapping their attention toward the wretch on the ground.
They were already furious — after everything those bastards had done — but now, even on the brink of death, he dared to strike them.
Freya quickly told Elizabeth to hold Evo so he wouldn't fall, then she and Ravina stood up, eyes blazing with rage.
– If you're so desperate to die, fine! I'll grant your wish myself! Be honored to perish by my hands, you filth! – Freya spat, her voice dripping with venom, while the man kept his smug, victorious grin.
They both stepped forward, ready to end him — but that was all they could do.
Their bodies froze. They couldn't move. Freya glanced down at the back of her leg — the cut was oozing a strange multicolored liquid.
Her gaze shot toward the man's claws, still glistening with the same substance. She recognized it instantly.
– You...! – she growled, voice shaking with fury. – You used paralyzing venom... from an Abyssal Serpent, didn't you?!