The voice arose from the shadows on the side of the alley.
From where Walsh stood, he could only see a vaguely outlined figure; it was impossible to distinguish the person's features, or even their gender.
Walsh did not respond but cautiously stepped back.
In his current condition, he was utterly incapable of dealing with such an unpredictable person.
Moreover...
He suspected that the person might be one of Glast's.
He knew too well the person he once respected.
Their favorite act was this cat-and-mouse game.
It was partly due to their naturally malign temperament and partly to deepen the Ritual, enhancing their power—of course, at that time, he only thought their actions were noble.
Even sacred!
Walsh was sure that he had been influenced by some secret technique.
And not just once.
Otherwise, why would he be so utterly devoted?
But that was in the past.
Now?
Walsh was nothing if not cautious and careful.