A broad Great River blocked the way, its turbulent waters surging onward toward lower ground.
Standing before a towering ancient tree, Han Shuo panted heavily and struggled to suppress his frenzied state of mind. His blood-red eyes turned back toward the two people drawing closer.
Beneath the bright night sky, two figures slowly approached. Ferguson carried Makexin with magic, and they appeared in Han Shuo's sight like two drifting clouds.
"You're finally here. I've been waiting for a while!" Fiendish Aura churned around Han Shuo, and streaks of blood-red light coiled about his body. This strange energy had formed when his body naturally absorbed the resentment born of the bandits' fear and unwillingness in their dying moments as he slaughtered them.
"Though your methods were cruel, you saved those people. That proves you aren't utterly devoid of conscience. I've already investigated you and know you don't belong to the Calamity Church. But some of what you possess is too dangerous for this world, so I will capture you and imprison you in the Church of Light forever. I won't take your life, however!" Ferguson flew onto a tree trunk and spoke calmly as he looked at Han Shuo.
Once the Elven Archer Makexin's lovely figure landed lightly, she nocked an arrow and aimed at Han Shuo. A sense of danger suddenly sprang into his heart, making him cast several more glances at her.
"The Calamity Church has nothing whatsoever to do with me, and I have no way of using my knowledge to modify large numbers of dark creatures. Let me tell you plainly this time: I won't join the Calamity Church. In fact, we're enemies. But if you keep hounding me, I don't care whether your reputation is good or bad. Anyone who threatens me, I'll kill without hesitation."