Saint Gunko took another perfectly natural step forward and continued evenly, "I know the Davy Clan better than you do. They are not worthy of trust. Burdened by an obsession with some kind of 'mission,' they lie low in a corner of the world, scraping by. If you trust them too much, things will not end well for you."
Ron smiled and took another step back, keeping a distance from her that was neither too close nor too far. Only then did he slowly reply, "Thanks for the warning, but... ever since I realized I shouldn't learn about someone through other people's mouths, I've stopped caring what anyone says."
Saint Gunko's gaze darkened slightly, as though something had briefly flickered in those eyes. She did not answer immediately, falling silent for a moment before slowly saying, "Ron, are you truly determined to interfere in this world's affairs? Can't you simply be a spectator?"
"Depends on my mood," Ron said lightly.
Saint Gunko: "..."
"If there's nothing else, that's it. Bye. Don't come looking for me again." Ron waved at her, then turned around naturally and walked away.
Saint Gunko seemed to have more to say and instinctively stepped forward.
Boom!
Ron's figure erupted in golden light in an instant, transforming into the Golden Nine-Tailed Fox Demon and charging away.
Saint Gunko stood where she was, watching that fleeing figure in silence for a moment.
Then the corners of her lips suddenly lifted slightly. A faint trace of amusement surfaced in the eyes exposed beyond her cloth band, as though she had finally confirmed something. "Are you afraid of me, Ron?"
"In other words, you're worried I'll kill you."
As she finished speaking, a pair of pitch-black wings burst from her back. Their broad span spread through the narrow space of