Silence...
It was the only sound between them. The two stared at one another, neither giving the slightest sign of breaking eye contact. The tension in the air was thick enough for anyone nearby to feel. Even the knights and members of the order who were hidden at a distance sensed the heavy, oppressive atmosphere.
- What the hell is this tension?
- Indeed. Stay alert for any sign of conflict. We will intervene. Everyone, stay sharp!
The grandmaster's order came quietly. Luneth and Silentia were anxious, terrified that something might happen to Evo. That instructor was absurdly strong — no one in the order could even dream of touching him. Impossible.
- Veyrath… – Luneth murmured, holding Silentia's hand. Silentia remained silent, only watching, but her trembling eyes were full of anxiety.
Back to the center of the scene, Kalistro broke the silence.
- What exactly are you trying to imply, Evo Eylam? – He narrowed his eyes.
- Ahhhhh, give me a break! How long are you planning to keep this pathetic little act going?
Evo complained as he leaned back, his voice rising toward the sky.
- Honestly, you're disgusting, you know that? Acting all innocent, pretending you don't know anything!
- Isn't that right? Instructor Kalistro… or rather…
Evo turned his gaze fully toward him, locking eyes once more.
- Or rather… cursed member of the Wanderers.
- Which one do you prefer I call you? – Evo tilted his head, mocking him shamelessly.
Kalistro's eyelids twitched as a bead of sweat ran down his temple. He didn't expect the person before him to know his true identity. That was dangerous — not because of Evo himself, but because of the possibility that the two girls knew as well.
A shadow covered Kalistro's face as Evo's smile curled even further. He was enjoying the sight of someone being caught off guard. He savored it — relishing the panic of the man before him as his taunts continued.
- What's wrong? Cat got your tongue? Or did you not expect to be exposed like this?
Evo provoked him, but not without purpose. He needed the instructor to confirm with his own words his involvement with the criminals. Only then could the Imperial Knights act and finish him for good.
After several seconds of silence, Kalistro finally spoke:
- How...? Tell me, how did you find out?
His voice came out cold — a growl that made it clear this wasn't a request, but an order. Evo no longer tried to hide his smile.
His grin was wicked, proud, filled with anger and contempt for his enemy. Hearing that question, he couldn't hold back — he burst into uncontrollable laughter, remembering the cruel way he uncovered the truth.
- HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! – He laughed, covering his face as his body shook.
- HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! – He writhed, his laughter filled not with joy, but with a deep, bitter resentment.
- Arrrrrh! You ask me how I found out? – He calmed down, raising his gaze to the moon proudly hanging in the star-filled sky.
- Honestly? If I told you, you'd call me insane.
- You know… – he said louder, expressing his genuine thoughts.
- I'm full of doubts about everything I've been experiencing. It feels like I'm trapped in some cursed, boring nightmare. – Arrhhh… – he sighed again.
He turned his attention back to Kalistro, who absorbed every enigmatic word coming out of Evo's mouth.
- It's all so strange. So disconnected. Something deep inside me keeps saying nothing makes sense… But it doesn't matter. You know what does matter, Instructor Kalistro?
- And what would that be, student? As far as I know, your efforts are useless and meaningless. Or do you think you can fight me?
He spoke with disdain, still trying to grasp Evo's motives. Evo couldn't touch him; he'd end this quickly and return to finish his task. Or so he believed. But Evo only laughed — a different laugh this time.
- Hahahaha… no, no! I'm not going to fight you! That would be stupid of me, so relax.
What truly matters in all this is…
Evo narrowed his eyes, a deep rage gleaming within them as he finished his sentence:
- …that talking to you again confirmed something I still had doubts about. But thanks — you cleared up every last one of them.
- And what doubt would that be?
- Oh, it's quite simple! – Evo began pacing slowly, as if narrating a story.
Kalistro followed him with his eyes.
- First, I wanted to confirm the strongest feeling I have toward you. And now it's confirmed, after exchanging just a few words. – His voice was clear, leaving no room for misunderstanding. – Kalistro, I truly hate you with all my heart. I wish only the worst for you. I want you to die in the most painful way possible.
- Hahahah! But that's something you'll never accomplish! Sorry. Don't blame me — blame your weakness and incompetence.
Evo stopped walking the moment he heard that. He lowered his gaze to the ground, as if recalling something that had cut him deeply. His once cold but bright eyes now looked dull and empty. His mood had plummeted.
- In fact… I heard those exact words from you not long ago. – he murmured softly, almost inaudibly.
Kalistro, not hearing properly, barked:
- Speak up! I can't hear your pathetic whining!
- Hahah… – Evo let out a weak chuckle.
Straightening his posture, he continued:
- You know, you're right up to a point, but… – He shrugged. – You didn't let me finish.
- Now, back to what I was saying. The second most important thing in all this… – He clapped once, a smile full of ill omen revealing his sharp, bright teeth. – …was confirming that you're a traitor. And guess what?
- You did it beautifully. Thank you for that. – He offered a mocking bow.
Kalistro felt a shiver run down his spine. Something was wrong — terribly wrong. Nothing about this situation felt right. The sense of danger was overwhelming.
Unable to endure the tension any longer, he decided to strike first and end everything. He unsheathed his sword and dashed toward Evo, who simply watched him like one watches a pitiful creature. His expression was apathetic, as if none of it mattered.
Kalistro grew even more enraged by Evo's calm gaze and roared:
- What's with that pretentious stare?! Do you think you can defeat me, you brat?!
Evo didn't move a single step as Kalistro's sword came down like a rocket, promising to slice him in half. Evo's eyes reflected the blade descending upon him — cold as the highest peak of ice in the world, completely unshaken.
And then—
CLANG!
Sparks exploded.
The sound of metal clashing echoed as bright sparks scattered across the floor. Kalistro's eyes widened as he looked to the side.
Evo's smile returned — wider than before.
- Well! Looks like my part is over. What a shame I won't see the end of this. I need to leave and do my job.
- Student Eylam, thank you for your cooperation. The Empire will reward you formally. – said a man clad in a pristine silver armor standing before Evo.
His sword acted as a wall, blocking Kalistro's strike and protecting Evo's face.
Kalistro stared, shocked. He knew that man well.
It was Gautles Ven Kanon, the Emperor's right hand, older brother of Duke Valen Ven Kanon. One of the four Grandmasters of the Empire. Commander of the Imperial Army. A living legend known for never losing a duel.
Gautles' dark-brown hair, blue eyes, and well-kept beard combined with his immaculate armor gave him an air of absolute authority.
- Ga-Gautles… w-what are you doing here? – Kalistro stammered.
- Well, the princess requested my help — along with a few of my men — to come to her aid. Even I didn't know what was happening at first.
He turned. Luneth, Kaelith, Silentia, and the four knights waited behind him.
- When we arrived, we were instructed by those men — who claimed to be from the Guardian of the Empire — to stay hidden and keep the gate under watch. It was confusing, but… – His gaze sharpened as he looked back at Kalistro. – But now I see the reason behind the request. How could you betray us, Kalistro?
- The Emperor gave you everything! You lacked nothing in life, yet you threw it all away to join those who stained this kingdom's honor!
Kalistro ignored him. His eyes were fixed entirely on Evo — still smiling like a demon. He remembered Evo's earlier words.
He needed a clear confession. He needed evidence.
It all made sense now.
That brat had planned everything.
Every move.
Every word.
Every trap.
He had been skillfully manipulated, pushed into exposing himself.
The true terror of the young man before him wasn't strength.
It was intelligence.
Coldness.
Precision.
Terrifying.
- You damned brat!! You set this up!!
- Hahahah! Isn't it obvious? – Evo laughed like a child caught pulling a prank.
- Unfortunately, I can't stay here any longer. I have something important to do. So, gentlemen, if you'll excuse me. – He bowed elegantly, as if performing his final act.
Gautles nodded.
- Thank you, young Eylam. You saved lives today. Noeli will surely be proud of you.
Evo gave a small smile.
- I'm not so sure about that…
Then, struck by an idea — a delicious one — Evo turned around again.
- Oh, right, one more thing!
Everyone looked at him.
- Since I'm not strong enough to help you fight him directly, allow me to make your job easier.
Both Gautles and Kalistro narrowed their eyes.
- And what help would that be, young man? – Gautles asked.
- Hahahaha! – Evo grinned wildly as he drew his sword.
Everyone watched with growing anticipation.
- Hihihi… here's my parting gift, you son of a bitch!
- Activate Authority of the Execution Blade: Partial Judgment.
A golden trail surged from the sword. Like a serpent, the glowing energy slithered across the ground, wrapped around Kalistro's feet, and climbed his body. Panic struck him instantly.
- What are you doing to me?!
- Relax. Your judgment is about to begin.
The golden energy reached his head and formed the Balance of Judgment — twice the size of Kalistro's head, shimmering above him for all to see.
Two orbs materialized beneath the scales:
One pure white.
One pitch black.
The balance shone brightly as Evo spoke:
- And your verdict will be…? – He grinned between his teeth, eager for the result.
Everyone watched in suspense.
Kalistro tried to move, tried to attack, tried to do anything, but—
He couldn't.
No one within fifty meters could.
Not even Evo.
Evo thought to himself:
- So this is a built-in safety mode preventing interference… Hihihi… what a broken authority.
Then, the balance tipped.
- Congratulations, Kalistro. You are guilty. Sentence delivered. – Evo clapped once, wearing a satisfied grin.
Unfortunately, I can't kill you instantly with this, but…
- But WHAT?! – Kalistro roared, furious.
- Calm down. It's coming.
And it did.
His body suddenly felt heavy — unbearably heavy. His strength was drained. His abilities sealed. The realization hit him hard.
- A damn debuff?! And a heavy one at that! What the hell—?! – he barked, staggering as he stepped back.
His legs trembled. Evo flashed him one last smile — perhaps the last thing Kalistro would see before being imprisoned… or killed.
Evo preferred the second option.
Turning away, Evo walked back toward the hall, waving lazily.
- See you. Burn in hell and regret betraying others. – He showed him the middle finger.
- Luneth, Kaelith, Silentia — let's go. Our job here is done.
His voice echoed as he walked away.
The three said their farewells to the knights and ran after Evo, who left satisfied with how everything had unfolded.