Time had proven that Rise's words were not merely a false alarm. Of course, it was impossible for it to be. As someone heavily associated with everything in the author's schemes, Rise knew not to celebrate too early.
Thalia would not dismiss his words cheaply either. Their expressions and vigilance did not relax even when they had already left the villa.
Suspiciously, their escape was so smooth. Other than Mitchel, most of the espers dispatched in the area were easily dealt with by Thalia.
Only an hour later did everything change.
Rise's mana had yet to recover, and so he had to rest. While he was given some recovery potions by Thalia, the results were not immediate; it could even be said to be slow.
The bastard Mitchel had always put small doses on his food, after all.
"How did you find me?" Rise asked Thalia. Only at this brief moment could he ask what was happening to her.
