In the Main World, at Via's secret residence in the Asgar Kingdom.
Ever since secretly assassinating six great nobles, Via had stayed hidden, waiting to see how the situation developed.
The estate stood on the outskirts of the Royal Capital. On paper, it was a silk merchant's vacation villa. No one knew its true owner was Via.
Only here could Via, the "shadow," enjoy a moment's peace.
A lounge chair stood on the back lawn. Via reclined in it wearing a mask that made him look like an overweight merchant in his forties.
A plump little dog was playing with a young boy on the grass. Not far away stood a fair-skinned woman. She was not especially beautiful, but she looked kind and capable, and her eyes shone with maternal warmth as she watched them.
Any neighbor who saw them would have felt a pang of envy. What a happy family!
Via gazed lazily at the clouds, utterly relaxed. No one would have guessed that this easygoing merchant was the killer who had thrown the Royal Capital into a panic not long ago.
Then a voice sounded beside his ear. His body stiffened, and he went on alert.
"Modi! It's you!" Via recognized the voice. Modi had appeared before him last time.
Unlike Kebayifu, who had been powerless against Modi, Via was a Calamity. He was not as strong as Modi, but he could put up a fight.
Besides, Modi's identity could not withstand scrutiny in the Asgar Kingdom either. He would not openly turn against Via unless he had no other choice.
"My friend, there's no need to be nervous. I won't hurt your family." Modi's voice sounded again. Despite his words, the threat was unmistakable.
Via gave a cold laugh and, to Modi's surprise, raised a hand and