The words reached Ethan's ears.
He did not turn around.
He continued walking.
But a terrifying expression flickered across his own face.
'Spare me your nonsense, servant of Balance. I have no intention of walking the path of your kind.'
When he reached the cafeteria's exit, he glanced back once more.
His gaze was sharp. Cold.
Schierke was still staring at him.
With those same eyes.
'With this very hand… I will shatter your scales. I will scatter the balance you worship so dearly. I promise you.'
He did not speak those words aloud.
They were thoughts alone.
Yet his eyes conveyed them more clearly than any declaration could.
He was certain ..
Schierke understood.
The bargain between them had already begun.
A pact of death.
...
...
Once outside, alone beneath the open night sky beyond the men's residence building, Ethan exhaled deeply.
His body finally relaxed after remaining tense the entire time.
A strained laugh escaped him as he looked up at the dark heavens.
