"I will ensure his power is safely guided and put to use."
Kryudera stared at him, her gaze sharp as a blade.
"You intend to subject him to private punishment?"
"Perhaps 'precise research and experimentation' would be a more fitting term." Laigushi deftly changed his wording, trying to make it sound more reasonable, more scientific.
"To understand the nature of that power, and so that Your Majesty's empire may better handle similar entities in the future... this is a necessary learning process."
"..."
Kryudera fell silent for a moment, her gaze drifting toward the increasingly chaotic scene not far away.
Yan Huan was like a humanoid calamity beast. Wherever he went, blazing flames followed. The generals and countless guards were run ragged, yet they could not even touch the hem of his clothes.
"Enough." She seemed to have made her decision, her tone turning resolute once more.
"I intend to dispel Hysilens's illusion. It is time to deal with the mess the savior has made."
Kryudera's gaze returned to Laigushi, carrying an unmistakable note of command.
"I will heed your counsel. Withdraw for now, Divine Ceremony Officer, and return to Okhma City to await orders."
"You do not wish to clash head-on with those two guests from the future just yet either, do you?"
"Precisely. Your considerations are most thorough." Laigushi nodded slightly in ready agreement.
"Unfortunately, the Antikytheran construct is incapable of enjoying the pleasures of alcohol."
He made a virtual gesture of raising a glass. "Please allow me to toast your boundless ambition and glorious future with the purest spiritual signal. May your journey begin beneath your feet."
With that, he turned and prepared to slip away quietly.
Not far away, Hysilens, who had been observing in secret, seized the opportunity. She threaded through the chaotic crowd and