In that second when time nearly stood still, Shade met the demon's gaze. Then the snowflakes resumed their normal flight, and the almost-frozen time began to flow again.
Come to think of it, this was the first enemy Shade had encountered who could manipulate time. Such experience was extremely valuable. If he had not insisted on pursuing Luvia's secret and ultimately learned everything atop Tobesk's clock tower, he would likely have suffered greatly this time.
"Time... It seems I still underestimated you."
"Osenfott" said as he took a slight step back while looking at the silver cross.
"If I didn't have some ability, how would I dare get involved in something like this? Let me repeat myself: I don't want any Mark."
Shade did not lower his guard. Sure enough, just as he had expected, the already dim surroundings grew darker still. All the shadows around them wriggled as though they had come alive, and the colorful world faded into the black and white of an old photograph. At the convergence of all that darkness stood the Stone Mirror Demon-Goth, his body seeming to melt away.
"What is this?"
Something akin to a Mystic Lock, but stronger.
The shadows were already writhing toward Shade, the only thing in this black-and-white world that had not faded. There was no need to hesitate this time. Ochre moonlight shone from his fingertips, illuminating the surroundings. Though it was not as powerful as the Silver Moon, it still bought Shade precious time.
His other hand reached into his pocket and poured the Golden Potion meant to fight demons into his mouth. But it was nothing like Priest Augustus had described. Shade did not need exercise to speed his blood flow and make the potion take effect sooner. The moment the potion entered his mouth,