12-13

"Why did you let him get so close?!" Halmut roared, backing away from Sterfen.

"I deserve to have some fun, given how long you've taken…" the voice replied jokingly.

"WHAT'S GOING ON?!?!" 

"Calm down, Sterfen. There's no need to shout. We're in the same room."

Only a few meters from Sterfen and Halmut, a shadow suddenly appeared in the form of a standing silhouette. Gradually, the darkness swirling around the figure lessened and a human man was left standing there. However, the swirling darkness still covered the man's entire face.

"See, I'm right here. No need to shout," laughed the man.

"You… Who are you?! How dare you interfere with Kartonia--"

Clicking his tongue and wagging shaking his head, the man interjected, "Uh, uh… You have no right to belittle me. Please, address me properly or not at all. I don't mince words."