Two New Faces

Damien's thoughts churned as he recalled the figure who had taunted them from above the ditch just moments ago.

The sound of multiple footsteps earlier had already clued him in—there wasn't just one person up there. But what truly nagged at him was their essence.

When he focused to sense their presence and essence, none of them seemed to possess any notable strength. Their magic essence was faint, almost negligible compared to his or Arielle's.

It was suspicious. Were they concealing their true power, or were they genuinely weak?

The latter made some sense if they feared Damien and Arielle might retaliate once pulled out. But it still didn't explain why Aquila had taken to the sky in the first place.

Aquila wouldn't act out of fear—not against those weaker than itself. If anything, they would be dead the moment they made an attempt toward it.

"There's only one way to find out," Damien muttered.