So Fast

Liam grumbled to himself, regretting his own laziness while Ludwig paced back and forth for hours. He couldn't help but entertain the thought of punching Ludwig in the face, if only he had the energy to do so. Liam's frustration grew as he became increasingly dizzy and nauseous from Ludwig's relentless pacing.

When Ludwig had called him to the study room, Liam assumed there was a problem that needed addressing. However, to his surprise, Ludwig simply wanted to scout the whole place, leaving Liam feeling both relieved and annoyed by the unnecessary agitation.

"Have you checked the perimeter?" Ludwig asked Liam.

Liam shot Ludwig a devilish look. "How many times do I have to answer that same question of yours?"

"I just wanted to be sure," Ludwig replied. "I can't let that happen again, a Ghoul attacking her. No way."

"She'll be fine," Liam assured lazily.

"She's weak."

"We have eyes, Ludwig, and powers."

Ludwig cursed under his breath. "Who is she really?"

Liam knew that, like Ludwig, he also couldn't sense Louise being a human. Her unique energy structure seemed to lack the distinct signature of humanity. Instead, there was a weak, pulsating aura that blended into the magical currents of this world.

Ludwig sighed heavily. "I just… don't know. The Primotheans, the assholes who took her, said she's human. Heck, even Alexa can sense that she's one. But no matter how many times I try to feel her, I can't sense her being a human at all. I would have known if she were a Witch cloaking her presence, a Ravager, a Wyvern, a Werebeast, or an Elven because I already have her blood."

"Wait," Liam interjected, attempting to steer the conversation away from Ludwig's mounting frustration. "How's the experiment that Alexa has been conducting?"

Ludwig sank into his majestic chair with a violent motion. "It worked," he grumbled, his face etched with irritation.

Liam's expression turned to one of astonishment.

Ludwig glanced at Liam, his demeanor demanding an immediate response. "Why do you look surprised?" he asked.

Liam crossed his arms against his chest and leaned back against the wall. "I didn't expect her crazy idea to work out. No one has ever attempted such a solution before. They either reject it or accept it, no in between, much like what you're doing right now. So how does it feel like, Ludwig?"

Ludwig mustered energy in his fist and hurled a blazing fireball at Liam. Liam grinned and swiftly snuffed it out with his water pressure skill.

Ludwig glared at Liam, his anger apparent. Perhaps if Liam were a different man, he could have been dead already. Although Ludwig lacked the intent to kill, the intensity of his gaze could have been lethal in itself.

However, having been together for so long, Liam had grown accustomed to Ludwig's attitude. He wasn't really affected by his stare, just as when they were kids. Their bond had weathered many challenges, and Liam knew that underneath Ludwig's tough exterior, there was a loyal friend.

Ludwig threw another fireball, but Liam swiftly shielded himself with his cloak. He shook his head, unfazed by Ludwig's fiery temperament.

"You know damn well my reasons, Liam," Ludwig said to Liam after minutes of their playful exchange.

Liam lazily shrugged his broad shoulders. Ludwig had a reasonable point, though everything was still chaotic. If Ludwig made a move of such magnitude, Amelia would be aware, and that would only complicate matters further.

Liam shifted with seriousness, and concern. "If you're really bothered by what could happen because of Amelia," he said, "why don't you just reject?"

Liam wasn't suggesting that Ludwig reject his Fate. If Liam possessed the power and authority, he would have compelled Ludwig to accept it. However, Liam recognized that the timing wasn't right given the current circumstances. Liam posed the question to Ludwig because he genuinely wanted to understand why he wouldn't reject it while he still had the chance and capability.

Liam furrowed his brow at Ludwig, attempting to provoke a reaction. He didn't have to wait long, as the temperature in the room immediately began to rise.

"From what I've heard," said Ludwig in a low voice, "it's painful as hell. She's weak. Her body certainly can't withstand the process. I can't risk her life, especially since she doesn't know a damn thing about anything."

Liam grinned mischievously. "So you're just going to settle for her blood that Alexa experimented with?" he asked.

Ludwig refused to answer, but his expression spoke volumes. He kept his lips sealed as minutes of deafening silence passed between them. Liam was well aware of that particular look on Ludwig's face—the furrowed eyebrows, the intense gaze, and the clenched jaw.

Ludwig was deep in thought. He was attempting to find a solution to end everything once and for all, but they both knew it wouldn't be easy. Above all, there was a noticeable sense of change, an astronomical shift in their circumstances.

"I never would have expected her to have the capabilities to extract blood from Louise," said Liam. "I mean, she's fought before, yes, but she's never intentionally wounded anyone who hasn't attacked her yet." Liam attempted to change the subject, hoping to lighten the atmosphere.

However, Ludwig's aura only darkened in response. "If you don't want me to blow up right now," he said, "don't remind me that Alexa cut her hands open."

Liam chuckled, shaking his head. "Alexa only managed to get a few drops of blood from her, just a very thin laceration," he explained. "She wouldn't dare to cut her open."

Ludwig growled, but before he could utter a word, his eyes suddenly glowed. They shifted from deep blue to swirling liquid glitters of gold.

Liam barely had time to process what was happening before Ludwig vanished into silence. Liam stood upright, feeling the faint aura that Ludwig had left behind.

Liam spoke under his breath. "I've already checked the premises four freaking times! I've roamed for miles. It's impossible that another Ghoul has entered here."

Liam traced Ludwig's aura until he reached the middle of the forest, where he found Alexa flying on her broomstick. Unlike Liam, she had immediately sensed the presence of those who had tried to enter, as Alexa was the one who had cast the sensitive barrier around the area.

It was highly doubtful to realize how far Louise was able to escape. They were at the heart of the forest near the frontier of the other town that was still under the kingdom. It would take a full day if one were to run to it from the castle.

"This doesn't make any sense," Liam whispered to himself. "How was she able to come here so fast on foot?"