"Stop! That is an order!" Valroth shouted, struggling to break free from the golden light imprisoning him within his mind. Darkness engulfed his vision before red flames flickered back into sight. When he finally regained focus, Aeris' spear hovered inches from Selena's chest, gleaming sharply in the dim light.
A thunderous impact rang out. "Boom!" Aeris collapsed to the ground, blood seeping from her nose, ears, eyes, mouth—even her very pores.
Selena's gaze shifted from the collar around Aeris' neck before she brushed aside strands of disheveled hair from her forehead. Though she had foreseen this moment, facing death still struck an instinctive fear deep within her soul.
"Do you know why she tried to kill me?" Selena asked. Valroth's eyes narrowed oddly, his expression darkening. He seemed to grasp something yet awaited Selena's confirmation.
"Because she is an Annunaki—the last Annunaki in this world."
"Why would an Annunaki want to kill you?"
"Because I am revealing all the secrets of this world, and the Annunaki were created to protect those secrets, ensuring that the script unfolds as intended."
"Didn't you say Annunaki have no memories?"
"Yes, but some things are imprinted within their souls. Her body reacted on instinct—just like how you would reflexively shut your eyes if a blade was thrust at them."
Valroth's frown deepened. Even now, he wasn't sure if he could trust the woman before him. Yet, strangely, his magic was useless here. Wait—magic?
"She's just an ordinary human..."
"There's another person inside her. You must have provoked that other side—the one with white hair and murderous intent just now."
"So that person is the real Annunaki?"
"No. The one before you now is the true Annunaki. They are in one. The power of the Annunaki was buried deep within."
"Then that golden light just now—was that her magic? Why can she use magic here?"
"Because she possesses magic from The Upper World—the very power that created your kind. And since HE also wields magic from The Upper World, he cannot suppress her."
Valroth fell into deep thought. Everything had happened too suddenly, the information overwhelming. He felt as though his brain throbbed like the heart beating upon the stone altar beside him. Rubbing his temples, he was about to speak when Selene interrupted.
"What I am about to say represents only my personal opinion." Selene locked eyes with Valroth. "Do not attempt to control the Annunaki. You were able to stop her just now only because she has yet to fully reclaim her power. And yes, your training has affected her. But from this moment on, you must remember—you will no longer stand above her. Because from the moment your kind was created, she was always a being far beyond you."
"How am I supposed to believe you? How can I know if what you're saying is true or lie?" Valroth leaned lazily against the stone wall, eyes half-lidded in contemplation.
"I will go with you to the cliffside. There, you can use your magic to determine the truth of my words. However,Selena's voice grew stern, "you may only ask one question: whether or not I have lied to you."
"This is my trust in you." With that, Elena turned and walked toward the passageway without hesitation. Valroth watched her retreating figure, surprised by her audacity. He had not expected this woman to possess such courage. No wonder she had become the leader of humanity.
He crouched, grabbing Aeris' spear in one hand while heaving Aeris over his shoulder with the other. With measured difficulty, he carried them both through the narrow passage.
Beneath the cliff, dusk had begun to settle. A cold breeze made Selena shiver slightly as she turned to the armed warriors behind her. "Go back up. If he truly intends to kill me, your numbers will not matter. Stay above—at least that way, some of you will survive. The hope of humanity does not rest with me, but with all of you."
She nodded toward Valroth. Hesitation flickered through the warriors' eyes. Some gripped their weapons tightly, ready to declare their willingness to fight to the death. Yet they knew Selena was right. One by one, under Valroth's watchful gaze, they climbed the rope and disappeared onto the platform above.
Valroth remained, spear in one hand, Aeris slung over his shoulder. He strode toward Selena, his eyes tinged with a blood-red haze. "This may be a little impolite, but I'm opting for the most efficient method."
He exhaled a low whisper. "Look at me."
Selena felt his words drift into her ears, weightless yet dizzying. Without thinking, she obeyed. The moment her eyes met Valroth's, she felt utterly exposed, as if standing naked beneath a scorching desert sun. Every part of her was laid bare.
"Answer me," Valroth's voice was a whisper in the wind.
"Yes," Selena responded, her vacant eyes staring at him, stripped of independent thought.
"During our conversation, did you lie to me?"
"No."
The flames in his eyes contracted before extinguishing without a sound.
Selena collapsed to the ground, gasping for air. Clutching her head, her entire body trembled violently before slowly regaining composure. So this is the power of Asmodeus…?
Valroth wasn't surprised. He had already seen through her—she had no reason to lie. Still, it had been a long time since he last used his power. A little confirmation never hurt.
"Thank you, Selena."