Number Four called out twice, but Modi did not answer. Disappointed as he was, Number Four also breathed a secret sigh of relief. Modi's sudden intervention had put him under immense pressure.
"Damn them. Why are they all so strong?" Number Four grumbled. His gaze shifted to Erik, the big white cat still bound on the ground.
Erik was drenched in blood and breathing in ragged gasps, weak and helpless. His eyes had gone unfocused. Duke Vra's sudden appearance had shaken him badly. When Modi appeared, the threads binding Erik had even loosened for an instant as he fought Number Four for control of his body. Erik had a chance to break free, but he noticed nothing. His eyes were vacant, his muscles slack, as though he had sunk into a memory.
"Erik, it looks like we both have to go to Dotenard," Number Four said, his expression conflicted. He did not want to face Modi either, but he could not turn down the chance Modi had promised him to escape this monster's body.
"Gregory, do you really believe what that man said?" Erik asked feebly. "As far as I know, he plans to sacrifice the Kingdom's population of over a hundred million to resurrect the Sea God. Do you think you'll survive if you go?"
Number Four fell silent for a moment. "I have to try," he said grimly. "This body is nearly at its limit. Maybe in a year, maybe in a week, it'll collapse in an instant—bang—and turn into a stinking heap of rotten flesh. If I take this gamble, I might have a chance." He looked at the big white cat. "Erik, if... if you tell me how you did it back then, I don't have to take you there. I have a feeling that going