Peace temporarily returned to the cave.
Alevia walked up to Ian. Her gaze swept over his tattered robes and the Raven Summoned Demon on his shoulder, whose feathers were scorched black but whose eyes were bright and lively.
"You've advanced to Level One? And... you're quite strong."
Her tone was calm, but the shock in her eyes was unmistakable.
"Just a lucky break." Ian bowed slightly. "Thank you for your help back then."
"It was just a transaction. No need to thank me."
Alevia waved her hand dismissively, her eyes falling on the Crystal Cones in his hand that had yet to dissipate.
"That technique just now, using the Shield to split the attack, was very clever. Did you modify it yourself?"
"I merged two types of Shield Witchcraft."
Ian didn't elaborate. Instead, he said, "I have some important intelligence."
He took out the black Bone Order he had gotten from the black-robed man, as well as a blood-stained Badge he had picked up near the remains of Blood Hand.
