"Little Xiliya, I heard you talking about me from a long way off. Were you saying something bad about me?" Yilikasi's voice came from the staircase.
His voice was not particularly loud, yet it was like a drawn sword. Every word carried a sharpness that seemed to pierce the air, reaching everyone on the second floor with perfect clarity.
An immensely powerful presence accompanied his voice.
That presence was not a God's Domain, nor was it deliberately released pressure. It was an edge that emanated from his very bones-like a sword of ultimate sharpness that needed no drawing, the cold gleam flowing along its blade alone enough to chill everyone who saw it.
Everyone looked toward the staircase. Three figures were coming up the steps, led by a middle-aged man who was not particularly tall or imposing.
He wore a dark gray robe, its cut simple and neat, without any unnecessary ornamentation.
His face was lean, his cheekbones slightly prominent. His gray-white eyes resembled two sword points honed to perfection. As they swept over everyone present, each person felt as though an invisible sword had lightly pricked their soul.
That edge made even Loa's eyes sting a little.
He instinctively narrowed his eyes slightly, marveling inwardly. So powerful. If a Seven-Star Demon was already this powerful, just how strong were those Prefects?
The newcomer was none other than Kapa City's lord, Yilikasi, known as the "Blood Sword Demon." The two people following him also had deep, powerful auras. Judging by the emblems on their chests, both were Six-Star Demon experts.
Everyone bowed. "City Lord!"
Everyone except Xiliya. Rather than bow, her eyes lit up, and she hurried forward, her voice filled with undisguised delight. "Uncle Yilikasi, what brings you here?"
Loa froze. Uncle? He turned to look at Xiliya, then