Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

Valerie generally feels irritated whenever she sees Selner because there is something about her gaze when she looks at Austin that makes her cautious.

However, at the moment, she was thankful for her arrival since they really needed support.

Especially if someone is well aware of the situation on both sides.

Now, the four of them, including Sebastian, were sitting in a private room to discuss things.

It was the same room where Austin stayed when he was here.

"What do you plan on doing?

" Selner started with Austin's opinion on the matter.

Austin didn't hesitate to reveal, "I will go there and bring him back.

""I will be coming.

""Me too, young master.

"The other two instantly added with their eyes holding the stubbornness that knew no rejection or allowed an argument.

Selner raised her brows and said, "Didn't she clearly state that Austin has to go alone or she will harm Adam?

" The violet-haired woman asked them.

And since the Demoness has asked only for Austin, she surely would first inspect that he truly is alone before she would release Adam.

Valerie clenched her fists and said, "There is a high chance that the demon wouldn't liberate my father even if Austin goes there alone.

So either it's with us or he won't go.

" Her heart felt heavy when she spoke those words, but to save someone close to her, Valerie couldn't risk the reason she was alive.

Seeing the rising tension between them, Austin changed the topic, "What do you know about the Demoness?

" His knowledge comes from the game, but surely, Selner, who has permission to wander to any realm, must have more information on the heir of darkness.

Selner leaned back in her seat, her eyes drifting toward the ceiling as she said, "Someone who recently got into control.

She is a naive Demon who gets easily provoked.

However, because she has the blood of Astaroth, underestimating her would be lethal.

Other than that, none of the Generals are under her control, but only lesser demons.

"Austin asked, "Are these demons on the same level that attacked my father's carriage?

"Selner nodded in response, but then she added, "Although I haven't seen him, I heard there is a brother of Amenytr.

You need to be careful of him.

"Austin let out a slow breath.

There was indeed an army waiting—but if they were anything like the ones he'd already fought, then victory was still within reach.

The real threat was Amenytr...

and her brother.

They were bound to be in a completely different league.

"Can't we ask for the Council's help?

" Sebastian suggested.

"This involves a human hostage.

It's their mess, to begin with—they should take responsibility.

"But Selner, arms crossed and tone cool, replied, "They won't take any action.

Not with limited resources and no concrete proof of what—or who—is on the other side.

"Austin glanced at her, voice calm but loaded with meaning.

"Speaking of the Council… you know who's letting all this happen, right?

"Valerie and Sebastian exchanged confused looks, but Selner just stared back at Austin, a quiet fire in her eyes.

"I think his time has come," she said.

"Tolerating any more would be foolish.

"If that bastard really was the one enabling demons to slip through the cracks into the human realm, then Selner knew she had to act—and soon.

"Do it with evidence," Austin advised his voice firm.

"Otherwise, you'll make an enemy out of the entire Council.

"Selner didn't respond.

She neither confirmed nor denied—only stood in silence.

Valerie was about to ask what they were talking about, but before she could, Selner shifted the conversation.

"Austin," she said, "I want to assess your Shard.

"Austin blinked.

"My Shard?

" He hesitated for a second but then nodded.

"Alright.

"He summoned his dagger and stood up, handing it to her.

Sebastian remained wary.

He wasn't sure why his Lord trusted this woman so easily—but Valerie showed no concern, so he believed Selner must have earned that trust somehow.

Selner studied the Shard intently, one hand cradling her elbow while the other cupped her chin.

"You've progressed," she finally said, "but not enough to inherit your third fragment.

"Austin lowered his eyes slightly.

"I know.

I should've been more focused on training.

"Selner shook her head.

"You're already advancing at an incredible pace.

Forcing yourself further would only bring harm.

"She rested a hand on his shoulder.

"Stop trying to carry everything alone.

You have people you can rely on now.

"Austin gave a nod, taking her words to heart—but the cloud of worry didn't quite leave his face.

Because the truth was...

they still hadn't found a clear path forward.

Bringing Valerie and Sebastian to the other side would risk everything—including Adam's life.

Once they crossed the Sea of Separation, the demons would know.

They'd be waiting.

Watching.

And there'd be no sneaking past them.

After a moment of quiet thought, Austin finally asked, "What would happen if I inherited the third fragment of my soul in my current state?

"Selner exhaled deeply, arms folding as she looked him straight in the eye.

"Too much of a burden on your soul.

You haven't reached the stage where your spirit can carry something that heavy.

"Her voice grew firmer.

"And since you're talking about fragments—know this: the third won't be helpful.

To draw out your Shard's full potential, you'll need the fourth fragment.

But if you try to inherit that now...

your soul will shatter.

You'll die.

"She didn't sugarcoat it.

She couldn't afford to.

If it were the third, maybe there'd be a sliver of hope.

But facing an entire demon army would demand more.

And that meant reaching for power his soul couldn't even survive touching.

"So, what you're saying is…" Austin's eyes narrowed, and a spark lit in his tone, "...

if I absorb it now, my soul gets damaged, right?

"Selner's brows drew together.

Something in his voice threw her off—there was no despair, no hesitation.

Just a dangerous sort of calm.

"Yes," she replied cautiously, watching him closely.

But Austin was already thinking ahead.

"I can't absorb it," he said, "but I can temporarily use it...

right?

"Selner looked genuinely confused now.

"But the burden would be the same.

That level of power—it'll still crush you.

So how do you plan on handling that?

"Austin's lips curled into a grin.

"I have a way.

"°°°°°°°°°A/N:- Thanks for reading.