Lincoln felt the heat around him gradually fade. He sat back, relaxed, and waited at his leisure for Valeria's answer.
Everything he had done was merely to reap the benefits when the Four Divine Beasts killed Valeria. He had agreed to lend a hand, but he had never said he would keep her alive.
Seeing Valeria hesitate, unwilling and afraid to make a decision, Lincoln directly manifested his Dark Sovereign Clone. Lost in thought, Valeria failed to notice.
After a long while, Valeria finally raised her head, but she still stammered, refusing to make up her mind. She noticed Lincoln staring past her and, puzzled, turned to look. Her face was suddenly almost touching another face. Its deep black eyes seemed like an abyss, stealing her soul.
Valeria jerked around. Her trembling pupils and pale face gave her away, but she summoned the courage to look at Lincoln again. He laughed. "See? I'm right in front of you, and you still couldn't detect me. What chance do those few Low-Sovereigns among the Four Divine Beasts have?"
Valeria's lips quivered. At last, she managed to say three words: "I agree!"
Lincoln smiled faintly. His Dark Sovereign Clone turned into black mist and vanished into the water vapor of the Illusion Wave Pool, its aura and figure disappearing completely.
"The right choice!" Lincoln said with a meaningful note of approval. His Fire Chief Sovereign Clone scattered into sparks and left Giant Whale Island.
In Heavenly One Palace, Valeria's face was clouded with worry. She gently slipped off her gauzy robe, waded into the water one step at a time, and closed her eyes.
When she opened them again, Valeria's gaze had turned cold and resolute. She looked toward wherever Lincoln was hiding, not daring to speak, and thought, *Is he trying to