Although Ang's Voice of Suggestion was still quietly taking effect, Cesi stubbornly clenched his teeth and said nothing.
His face was flushed, sweat beading on his forehead as though he were resisting some invisible pressure.
Even so, he was never completely subdued.
Ang frowned slightly. Realizing that forcing the spell any further would be useless, he waved a hand and dispelled the magic.
Freed from that invisible mental pressure, Cesi collapsed to the ground like a deflated hide sack, panting heavily.
He raised a hand to cover his chest, his gaze dazed, unable to understand what he had just gone through.
Ang stepped forward half a pace and fixed his eyes on him. "As long as you complete the task the god gave you, you can return to report in and see the god, right?"
Cesi nodded instinctively.
"Good." Ang's tone suddenly softened, even taking on a rational calm. "Then take us to where the elves gather. Once we wipe out those elves and dwarves, you can return to report in and, just as you said, naturally meet the god."
Cesi froze, confusion and hesitation appearing in his eyes.
Ang's change in attitude had been too abrupt, making it difficult for him to judge Ang's intentions.
But Ang gave him no time to think. He suddenly strode forward, his gaze vicious and his voice like thunder. "What? Have you been running for your life from beginning to end? You never even found out where the elves were hiding? Or have you never been there at all—you've been evading the mission the god gave you!"
The words struck his heart like a heavy hammer, making Cesi's scalp tingle and his ears ring.
He hurriedly waved his hands and shouted incoherently, "No! I wasn't avoiding it! I... I know where they are!"