Cain stepped farther into the room with a calm smile, but inside his thoughts moved like a tide. There they go… the sisters. Ivira and Cornelia. Still as beautiful as ever… and then he paused. Shit! The blood pact I made with them is making them beautiful in Overgod's eyes, damn it!
Cornelia's heart stopped. She heard it. The words echoed inside her mind as clear as her own thoughts. Her breath caught in her chest. She slowly turned her gaze toward Ivira, searching for confirmation. Ivira did not speak. She only gave her a small side glance, the kind of look that said, Yes. You're hearing it too.
Cornelia's pulse quickened. Her fingers tightened on the hilt of her sword. This was no illusion. Not a mistake. Not a trick of emotion. She heard it. She truly heard Cain's inner thoughts, and it was exactly as Ivira warned.
Cain stepped closer and bowed his head with polite grace. "Wife Cornelia, welcome back," he said warmly.
Cornelia blinked. She barely managed a nod. "Thank you…"
Her voice trembled a little. She swallowed it down. His tone was so calm, so respectful, so controlled. Nothing like the clingy, needy Cain she remembered. The Cain who would rush to her side like a puppy seeking approval. The Cain who trailed behind her, grinning like an idiot whenever she appeared. That boy was loud. Emotional. Undisciplined.
But the man standing before her now felt like a completely different existence. Is she telling the truth? Is this man really the Overgod he claims to be? No… Not just a man, but her husband, who had not been worth mentioning was someone called an Overgod?
She kept her face steady, but she focused intently, listening for his thoughts again.
Cain glanced at them both. His eyes glowed faintly. Inside, his thoughts rolled like thunder.
Their bodies are adjusting well. My Overgod Mana is transforming their pathetic vampiric blood. Soon they'll be Overgod Vampires. Ivira jumped from seventh stage to ninth in just a day. Not bad. Not bad. As for Cornelia, she's exuding ninth stage too… It seems my connection to them was slowly bearing fruit. And as annoying as it is to admit they are the only ones benefiting from me.
Cornelia felt a shiver climb her spine. Overgod…?
Cain kept thinking. But maybe they don't benefit me yet. However, once their bodies reach the Overgod threshold, their existence will help me ascend. Higher realm. Maybe the pinnacle. Maybe a God above all. I can't wait!
Cornelia almost lost her breath.
Cain continued to smile outwardly, but his inward voice deepened. But their blood pact is troublesome. Too strong. The more they grow, the harder it becomes to break. Being close to them pulls me in. I must be cautious. If I slip even once, I'll ruin the ritual and trap myself.
Cornelia's fingers trembled.
Ivira stood still, unblinking.
Cain seemed unaware of the storm he caused.
Cornelia finally forced out a steady breath and looked at Ivira again. Ivira met her eyes calmly, as if saying, Now do you understand?
Cornelia did. She understood too well.
Ivira broke the silence with a soft smile. "You're quite respectful today, Cain. You didn't jump the moment you saw Cornelia like you used to."
Cornelia jerked a little. "Huh? Sister, what are you saying?"
Ivira only shrugged as if enjoying her reaction.
Cain froze. His face didn't show it, but his mind shook. What? Oh. Right. I forgot. I was too busy enjoying the beat down I gave to those weak ass Vanguards earlier. It's been ages since I used a mortal body. It felt nice to beat them down without blood Mana or blood Aura. I can't fault myself.
Cornelia's heart almost stopped.
Her doubt shattered.
This thought… this was something no normal Cain would ever think.
He beat the Vanguards? Without Blood Mana? Without Blood Aura?
Impossible.
Ridiculous.
Insane.
She wanted to deny it.
She wanted to believe her senses were wrong.
But she heard every word of his inner voice. Every thought. Every detail.
She felt her breath quicken. Did he really defeat them all? Just with punches and kicks?
"I should explain something," Cain thought for a moment. After thinking for a few second, he responded. "Last time, my wife Cornelia grew angry with me. I nagged her too much, and she scolded me. This husband wishes to never repeat that mistake."
Cornelia's mind spun. He's being respectful… he's apologizing… this is not really the same person she once knew.
Her heart beat faster. She didn't know whether to be flustered, confused, or terrified.
But more than anything… she still wanted to confirm if he truly beat the Vanguards. If he did, it means it's all true. Everything he says could be all true.
Before she could gather her thoughts fully, a voice echoed from behind Cain.
"It seems you're showing a little improvement, Master Cain."
Cornelia lit up with relief. "Captain Cedrick! You're here!"
Cedrick stepped forward, tall and calm. His uniform was neat. His expression was composed. Cornelia felt comfort simply seeing him. In her mind, she thought, Cain is boasting. He could never defeat the trainee soldiers alone. He doesn't have the power. Even the recruits could destroy normal people. Cain must be exaggerating.
Cain's eyebrow twitched almost unnoticeably.
Inside, his thoughts sharpened like a blade.
So this is the guy outside the door. I thought he was just a random guard. He looked weak. Should I remove his head? I'm curious how his body will move without it.
Cornelia's eyes widened again.
She took a small step back.
Her heart pounded hard against her ribs.
Cain's thoughts turned colder. Ah. Now I remember. He's a spy. From another Baron's territory. He wants the Moonshade's secret technique. What was it called again? Something useless. Not worth remembering. Ah, whatever… I forgot about that shit.
Cornelia gasped silently.
Her anger rose like flame. How dare he accuse Cedrick? How dare he insult the Moonshade techniques?
She opened her mouth to scold him—
But Ivira grabbed her wrist.
Firm.
Warning.
Her eyes said, Don't. Don't say anything he shouldn't hear.
Cornelia bit her lip. "But I have to—"
Ivira tugged again.
Cornelia shut her mouth.
She understood. She could be angry later. But not now. Not when Cain might hear everything inside their minds.
Cain's thoughts rolled again. Cornelia liked this man before. A little. The past me chased her so much that she grew annoyed. So she let this insect follow her around. Funny. She died before she could say she admired him. But we'll, she's a fool and has no experience in relationships. Really a fool.
Cornelia froze.
Her breath caught in her throat.
Even Ivira's expression changed.
Cornelia felt her cheeks heat in shame and anger. He—he—is he insulting me!?
Cain's thoughts continued with sudden intensity. Well then. Perhaps I can use this guy. Beat him up and let Cornelia show disdain or hate me for it. Hm. That's interesting.
Cain's eyes blazed with a faint crimson glow.
It was small.
But enough to send a cold wave through the room.
Cornelia's chest tightened.
Ivira's breath slowed.
Cedrick took one involuntary step back.
Cain kept smiling.
But everything behind his smile felt different.
Darker.
Sharper.
Dangerous.
And the scene ended on the moment Cain's eyes burned brighter, and he thought to himself with smug calculation—
Well then…