"How could it be a bird?!" Confusion flashed through Shali's eyes. "I clearly didn't sense any sign of life before."
Angel did not answer her. Instead, Falina said, "It's simple. You're weaker than he is—much weaker. That's why you couldn't sense him."
Shali froze. She was weaker than this childishly dressed bird?
She found that hard to believe... But just as the thought crossed her mind, a terrifying pressure dragged her into a pitch-black world. The only things she could see there were two crimson eyes ahead of her, each as large as a bronze bell.
With a shudder, Shali snapped back to reality.
The pressure that had made even her soul tremble was gone. Before her stood only a seemingly harmless seabird.
"There, there. She's already apologized. Don't give her trouble." Angel reached out and stroked Toby's head. "Besides, she didn't actually touch you."
Toby chirped twice, and his fierce air finally subsided.
How could Shali not understand now? This bird truly was far stronger than she was. To release such terrifying pressure, he had to be at least a half-step wizard, perhaps even a wizard-level Demonic Beast!
Shali swallowed, moistening her dry throat.
Come to think of it, Angel's earlier punishment had been gentle. He had only left her dazed, without truly hurting her. If the bird had come after her underwater, she would probably be dead by now.
As Shali struggled with lingering fear and a pounding heart, Angel asked, "Can you still sense the emotional field around him?"
Shali hesitated, then nodded. "Yes. It's very faint, but he's giving it off constantly."
Angel raised an eyebrow. "Can you describe what you sense?"
Shali closed her eyes and carefully felt the subtle, hidden fluctuation around Toby. "Malice, ruthlessness, madness, anger... and something I can't quite put into