In other words, no matter how long the tug-of-war dragged on, Toby's private domain would ultimately still be invaded. Extreme Grudge Tribulation now held the upper hand; it was a one-sided situation, and Toby no longer had the strength to strike back.
At this point, Isabella suddenly changed the subject. "However, I do not believe its fundamental problem lies with the soul."
Angel looked at Isabella in confusion.
Isabella did not explain immediately. Instead, she picked Toby up and closed her eyes, carefully sensing his condition. Her expression gradually shifted from calm to puzzled, until at last realization dawned on her.
"Just as I thought. Its soul is too pure. Even while being eroded, it has not become overly defiled. Its soul is merely one aspect being affected. To resolve its condition at the root, simply clearing away the murk within its soul cannot save it."
In other words, even if Isabella removed the murk currently within Toby's soul, it would invade his soul again so long as enough time passed.
And this murk—the "Baleful Poison" Baya had spoken of—did not originate in the soul. To save Toby, they had to address its source.
Hearing this, Angel's expression dimmed slightly. "In other words, even Lady Isabella cannot save Toby?"
It was rare for Isabella to see such panic in Angel's eyes. She fell silent for a moment before saying, "I can try to disperse the murk in Toby's soul, but I do not recommend doing so."
"Why?"
"Adaptability. Toby's soul-self and that murk are currently in a state of relative balance. Though the soul-self is at a disadvantage, it is still a balance." Isabella reached out and smoothed Toby's slightly raised downy feathers, then continued, "But once that balance is broken, although his true self will no longer be attacked