While Shen Fei was inwardly muttering about Kamazotz's inconsistency between words and actions, Nitocris moved directly and dealt with the skeletal warriors. With her taking action, they could prevent the skeletal warriors from reviving again. Naturally, that was the best option.
"Not bad. You're quite capable. I'll make an exception this time and tell you a shortcut so you won't be caught by the Cryptor. Because of certain restrictions, I cannot directly attack Daybit. What do you say? That's a pretty good deal, isn't it?"
"What are your terms?" After what had just happened, even Ritsuka was not foolish enough to think Kamazotz would simply let them pass, much less offer them a shortcut.
"Very simple. That woman. Hand her over, and that's all. A very worthwhile deal, wouldn't you say?" Kamazotz pointed at Nitocris. Sure enough, she was his target. That had also been why he had torn apart Tlaloc in Chichen Itza earlier.
"This way, you can avoid being killed by Kamazotz and continue onward, while I will give up my dream of becoming humanity's final Master. Giving up a dream is a very sad thing. Replacing one's dream is even emptier. Since you are humans, you should be able to feel my grief and trust me. A king does not speak falsehoods. Surrendered enemies do not bleed. Now let me hear your answer. Will you hand her over and avoid bloodshed, or refuse me and begin bleeding?"
"I refuse."
Before Kamazotz had even finished speaking, Ritsuka rejected his terms without hesitation. To Ritsuka, companions were absolutely not something to be traded away. No matter what conditions the other side offered, the answer would be the same. Someone else might have hesitated and considered it, but Ritsuka did not need to think at all.
"I have heard your