"Experiments, eh…? It seems the rumor has spread to the Eclipse,"
Cae'leb said, smiling.
"But there is no such thing as experiments in this capital."
"Are you saying I'm lying?"
Ze'el asked, authority lacing her voice as her energy flooded the room.
"That word is used by people who don't understand structure,"
Cae'leb continued calmly.
"What we have is a system for essence development placing all humans under one rule to maintain peace."
"You bastards," Fen'ric interrupted.
"You commit every kind of evil, all in the name of peace."
"Evil?" Cae'leb echoed.
"You're not in a position to use such words."
"Have you forgotten the Second Great War?
The war where you Eclipse massacred more than fifty thousand soldiers.
In the eyes of the world, you are the true evil."
"We're dragging this out," Ze'el cut in sharply.
"Fen'ric, destroy this place. While you're at it, use your skill and find anything related to the experiments."
"Who the hell are you to command me?" Fen'ric scoffed.
"You're only a step above me. Tsk."
Ze'el turned her glare on him.
"Okay, okay…"
Cae'leb started to move
but Ze'el's sword snapped up, its edge stopping at his neck.
Two blows.
That was all it took.
The entire building shattered.
From the ruins, soldiers surged forward, swiftly forming a precise array around Fen'ric.
"All Shadow Army units, prepare!"
the squad leader roared.
"We will take down this evil being!
Even if he is Eclipse, he won't break the Shadow Formation he's only one man!"
Fen'ric tilted his head.
"Huh? The Shadow Formation… isn't this supposed to make me hallucinate?"
He laughed.
"Then why do I still see reality? Oh because I'm stronger than all of you combined."
His spiritual pressure exploded.
Knees slammed into the dirt.
Blood sprayed from mouths.
Most of the squad collapsed; the rest trembled on the edge of breaking.
"Is… this the power of an Eclipse…?"
Luwin whispered in terror.
"I just joined… Am I going to die here?"
Fen'ric moved.
Those still standing fell one by one utterly helpless.
"As expected of the Eclipse,"
Cae'leb said quietly.
"Not a single one of my soldiers stood a chance."
"Shut up and watch," Fen'ric said coldly.
"If you don't tell me about the experiments, today will be the downfall of the Shadow Army."
"The downfall of the Shadow Army, huh…?"
Cae'leb's smile turned mischievous.
"Do you really think you have the luxury to smile?" Ze'el asked.
And then—
BOOM!
Fen'ric was hurled backward, skidding across the rubble to a stop beside Ze'el and Cae'leb.
"…What the hell?"
Fen'ric narrowed his eyes, staggering upright.
"I didn't think there was anyone that strong in this place."