n

n

nTheir power was destructive, he could sense that. After all, their opponents' powers have a corroding attribute in them. That guy has even worn down his gloves and it must also be the reason why his anima reacted like that.

n

"I had also sensed a dark magic in the royal hall, it must be them,

" Yvan voiced his qualms out.

n

"Yes, but it disappeared just as quickly. Like a smoke getting snuffed out,

" Lukas added.

nThe dark magic loomed over the royal hall but just as it appeared, it suddenly faded out of thin air as if it did not materialize at all.

n

"You are right, it's because another magic overpowered it,

" Janus also joined their fray, pointing out what he too, had observed.

nLukas's eyebrows raised after hearing that from him.

n'Another magic?'

nDid he notice it? He can't remember. Probably because his hands were full and his head was a fvckfest of murderous wailing, who knows…

nIf it did, it might be from the Emperor or Ezekiel himself. They are both in the hall right now so it's possible.

nBut then, another person popped inside his head.

n'Could it be…? Hmm…'

n

"All right, what are you going to do with this mess?

" Janus clapped his hands, getting his attention back to now.

nLukas gazed at the scattered gory mess around their feet with a blank expression. It did not faze him because he is used to seeing things like that. He had even seen worse. Way worse so this sight is completely child-like to him.

n

"This,

" he muttered and set the place on fire--

"... obviously.

"

nThe dark flames swallowed everything, even the unsuspecting bugs. A tall column of fire spread out almost hauntingly like a burning gate of hell. It ate away the remaining human pieces, and the blood, and other things, not sparing a single entity.

nThe twins stared at it, on the big pit of fire, and marveled at how pretty it looked. The smoke went in the direction of the sky as if reaching for it. It's like it was a vigil for those two dead people, but it wasn't of course. Their master is not that open-hearted for such trifling existences.

nJanus fell into a deep thought as he stared at the fire, weighing something in his mind. It wasn't true that he was not concerned about what had happened, in actuality, he was actually very disturbed.

nHe had long since known the existence of those people. The artificial magicians, as Lukas coined it. There exists a shady organization whose aim is to regain the people's ability to use magic. They call themselves Conquisitor est Magicae or the Seekers of Magic.

nHe had his eyes on them for a long time but he had been given an order to not do anything. He was ordered to stand by and observe, nothing else. Of course, he would always follow the command and that was what he is doing right now. He is only an observer.

nJanus pursed his lips and retrieved his parallel body so he could return to the tower and report the incident to his master. He did not bother to say goodbye to the three and left wordlessly. Lukas cast a look at the retreating Janus who then disappeared into thin air just like that.

nHe had doubts in his head but as long as there is no evidence, the doubts would remain that way. He really is confident that Janus is somehow involved, be it directly or not.

nHe snuffed the black flames out and turned on his heel.

n

"Let's go.

"

n---**

nMeanwhile, during the whole performance, before Farren escaped, a man in a dark cloak is quietly observing in the dark, warped by space and time. He had his bloodied eyes focused on the regal man in white robes, not even wanting to blink for a second nor take his sight off away from him.

nHe didn't give a damn about Lukas nor Ezekiel, he was just looking at Janus the entire time. At that moment, he could feel his blood thrumming in his veins. He felt restless and dissatisfied. He wants to do something to make him notice, to see that proud face, to see that striking golden eyes look his way.

nHis nails dug against his palms, bruising them but the pain wasn't registering in his head. It did not make him flinch nor give him any reaction.

n

"Janus…? Janus…? Hehehehe

" He chuckled as if he was amused by the name. He tried repeating it over and over again, seemingly getting more annoyed as he went on.

"Janus Cromwell… tch,

" he then clicked his tongue in irritation--

"It sounds lame…

"

nMemories from before resurfaced and the yearning grew even more. He was itching to do something reckless now. Like plucking a person's head, or burning a village down, or maybe… kill that proud magician.

n'Yes… yes…'

nKilling him would suffice. He should kill him. He should vanquish that dignified air around him. He wants to wipe that proud look on his face…

n'Kill… Death… Janus Cromwell... I hate it...'

nHe clenched his teeth again and glared at Janus with so much hatred.

n'This person... Hateful...'

nHis eyes were just entirely nailed on him at all times that he did not realize the fight was about to reach its end. When he felt a large amount of mana swirling about, that's when he finally looked away and glanced at the place where it was happening.

nHe then saw something unbelievable.

nFarren was getting head to head with a black-haired man who was effortlessly emitting an insane amount of magic output. It flared like a raging forest fire around him, like a leviathan swallowing its prey. And it was not stopping at all! No, it grew larger and stronger. Overwhelmingly so that he could even feel it inside the warped space.

n

"That… Who is that?

" He whispered.

nHis mouth watered upon seeing the spectacle. He wants it. He badly wants it.

n

"Such power... Where have I seen it before?

" He grumbled underneath his breath, racking his brain for an answer.

nIt felt familiar but where? When? And who?

nTo whom did he felt that immense power?

n

"Mea domina1...?

"

n