The three ice needles the Doctor had provided were only slightly thicker than sewing needles. They were icy cold from end to end, and holding them even gave the impression that their temperature could affect the soul. As for the shields he had mentioned, they were actually three porcelain bowls. Snowfield scenery had been painted on their outer surfaces, though Shade had no idea whether the Doctor had painted them himself.
If he had, then the Doctor was quite talented at painting as well.
The methods for activating both the shields and the ice needles were very simple. Shade had originally assumed they were Alchemy Items created through demon knowledge, but even when he activated "Vision Demon" and examined them with his eyes nearly pressed against the items, he could not detect the slightest trace of demonic power.
Therefore, they were very likely Alchemy Weapons made using the Demon Hunters' alchemical formulas. That made Shade suspect that perhaps the Doctor had obtained more than just demonic power.
It was soon ten o'clock at night. Shade left Little Mia in Luvia's care, and Luvia saw the two of them to the basement.
Only after stepping out of the Tree Hollow did Shade realize that the weather in Vesta Woodland was exceptionally pleasant tonight. Stars glittered in the night sky, while March hung high above, bright and cold.
He did not head into the city with Iluna right away, instead first paying a visit to the Elf Girl's Tree House. Although it was late, the blonde elf had not gone to bed. She sat on the second-floor platform of the Tree House, carefully wiping the four "Elven Antique Arrows" she had acquired beneath the moonlight:
"Don't you have something important to do? Why are you wasting time coming here?"
Seemed she had