The Stranger had guessed right, but he had also guessed wrong.
Because the person at the door was not merely one of the two—it was both of them.
After all, the loser did not need to choose an entry or accept the soul enhancement from the Path Trait. Once they finished viewing the results screen, they were immediately ejected, while the victor had to remain behind with the Pillar God for a while longer.
The white-haired old earl rushed in at a brisk pace, leaning on his cane.
He seemed to have developed some physical symptoms from failing the Promotion Ritual. Just yesterday, he had still walked with great vigor... yet after the Promotion Ritual, he had immediately needed to support himself with a cane.
There was no doubt that these were symptoms of severe damage to his soul.
But even with the cane, he walked as if he were racing a car—as though he would miss the train if he were even a moment late—charging rapidly into the room.
First, he angrily tore away the red lampshade covering the electric light. Then, gritting his teeth through the pain, he insisted on using the immobile foot to kick the sacrificial offerings forcefully aside. It seemed that the pain actually made him feel more comfortable.
Although he did not take his anger out on the Stranger, his fury was plainly visible.
"Earl Karl..."
The Stranger awkwardly went forward to greet him in a low voice.
"Call me General, Lieutenant Lore!"
The old man answered in a loud, sonorous voice.
Along with his voice, another sound rang out beside him, crackling like a bonfire.
His golden pupils shone brightly, as though flames were burning within them at all times. In truth, that was exactly what was happening—with a single thought, a newly