Hassu's elite Demon Hunter squad and Hao Ren's investigation team met as scheduled in front of the Family Hall. The moment the two sides came face-to-face, everyone except Hao Ren and the others instinctively tensed up. Wayne and Hesperis still appeared composed on the surface, but magical light had already begun to gather in their hands, while the Demon Hunters tightened their grips on their crossbows and holy-silver short swords. The atmosphere instantly became charged with hostility.
Even though they had prepared themselves beforehand, they had been mortal enemies for ten thousand years, after all. Reacting as though they were about to enter battle the moment they met had practically become an instinct carved into their bones. A little mental preparation was never going to suppress it.
As for Lily, who was waving a sign around... everyone ignored her.
The young Demon Hunters instinctively raised their hand crossbows and aimed at the Others across the plaza. Wayne bared his fangs in response, adopting an intimidating stance. The atmosphere grew ready to explode, but Vivian merely watched the two sides face off and nodded at Hassu from a distance. "What, are you really planning to fight? Have the Demon Hunters devolved to the point where they can only think with their muscles?"
"Don't make a move yet." Hassu raised a hand to stop his subordinates, then nodded politely at Vivian. "Her Ladyship the Countess, it's been many days."
The two "leaders"—at least, the Demon Hunters believed Vivian was the leader of the opposing side—exchanged a few words while maintaining a cautious distance. The atmosphere eased slightly as a result. The Demon Hunters slowly lowered their weapons while remaining highly alert, but the Rune of Leta in everyone's hands stayed activated. Wayne and Hesperis were the same. Though they put on a