In the corridor of Passage Six, Clown Leader was trying to force Alicia Plutarch to reveal the identity of the wizard pursuing him.
Clown Leader spun a throwing knife across his palm, then pointed it at Alicia's throat.
There was no trace of a smile on his clown-painted face. His expression was dark. "Talk. Who's tracking me? What school is that wizard from? What spells does he specialize in? Does he have any weaknesses?"
Alicia clutched her pink Pike Bird. She was frightened, but she glared at Clown Leader with hatred. "I told you, I don't know. You killed wizards of the Plutarch Family. Black Wizard, I'll make you pay for that, no matter what it takes. It's my duty."
"You want my family's wealth, so I know you won't kill me. But remember this: among the wizards you just killed were my friends and servants who grew up with me. One day, I'll avenge them."
A savage look flashed through Clown Leader's eyes. "Young lady, you still haven't grasped how things work."
He slashed Alicia's face with the throwing knife, leaving a deep wound.
Alicia screamed in pain and terror. She had not expected the Black Wizard to attack her outright.
A horrifying smile spread across Clown Leader's painted face, and he let out a manic laugh. "Young lady, you're so naive I can hardly believe a wizard like you has survived in this world. I won't kill you, but I can hurt you."
"And right now, you're getting on my nerves." Clown Leader snatched the Pike Bird from Alicia's arms, then opened his hand and let the terrified creature fly.
A row of throwing knives rose behind him and shot toward the pet bird.
"No! Stop!" Alicia cried. "I've raised Pike for over ten years! Black Wizard, don't—"