"I know the risks. I know your concerns."
Doctor Schneider looked at everyone.
"But this is my final Words of Sublimation, and generally speaking, High-Ring Words of Sublimation are subtly more powerful and effective than low- and mid-ring ones. To deal with some troubles I may face in the future, I must take this Words of Sublimation seriously.
You needn't worry about me. For now, it's only an idea. If I truly decide to carry it out, Shade, I'll ask for your help."
Any method of acquiring a Core Ling Rune after the fact carried risks, unless the righteous gods directly bestowed their power. But that sort of thing happened perhaps once every few centuries.
Shade strongly suspected that the Doctor wanted "Demon" as his third Core Ling Rune, and he was almost certain of it. Thus, after the meeting ended that afternoon, after he had distributed the opera tickets Vanessa had asked him to give to his friends, he deliberately stayed behind to speak with the Doctor.
"Demon, right?"
Only the two of them remained in the reception room. Shade leaned against the door while the Doctor stood by the window.
"Yes."
He did not hide his thoughts from Shade.
"Having devoured the power of so many evil spirits, I am already very familiar with the essence of demons. In truth, I had this idea when I advanced to the middle ring. Back then, though, I didn't know you, and I didn't have so many opportunities to devour a new demon with every ring.
But things are different now. Since I have the opportunity, I must give it a try."
He clenched his fist.
"So you're saying I'm the reason you have the chance to attempt such a bold idea?"
Shade asked. Bill Schneider smiled.
"Isn't my ultimate goal