Rean sensed Behemoth—now fused with his own power—stirring restlessly within him, as if on the verge of resurrection. Behind the rock wall, the black sphere radiated an intensely ominous aura, sending a chill down his spine.

How rare. What could possibly unsettle him?

Stepping closer, the analytical power of his Eye of Deconstruction intensified. To his astonishment, the black sphere had no physical form—not a magic congestion, but something entirely unprecedented, unseen in any tome.

Without a doubt, this was what Mammon sacrificed so many Stardust Lizards to conceal.

Curiosity deepened. *If it’s some unique demon beast… maybe it’d give me a satisfying fight.*

Rean placed a hand on the wall, ready to shatter it. *Rock like this? One strike would do…*

“Solidify and Harden.”

A cyan flash flickered across the stone—unchanged. He turned, hands on hips, whistling as he stuffed the lizard corpses into a sack, tossed it into dimensional storage, and strode toward the exit.

“All done. Next spot.”

“Why cast a reinforcement spell on plain rock?” Olga asked as they walked away.

“If mining continued forward, the cave might collapse. Redirected future work—that’s all.”

Rean knew Olga hadn’t seen inside the wall. A harmless lie.

He hadn’t shattered it. He’d reinforced it.

At the last second, he changed his mind. Though the loneliness of having no worthy opponents was tedious, now wasn’t the time for indulgence. Eliminating Mammon’s forces came first.

More importantly—he refused to let pointless battles scar the city behind them, a place woven with his memories and traces of *her*. He fortified the wall enclosing the sphere until even a seventh-tier fire explosion couldn’t budge it, forcing future miners to detour.

*Have I grown this cautious…? Getting old?*

He walked ahead, a silent smile on his lips.

Exiting the crystal mine, a warm summer breeze greeted them. The trio headed toward Mammon’s southern gate outpost.

“Speaking of which, Cang Lin—you carry two swords, yet never wield both?” Olga glanced at the blades on Cang Lin’s back. Like Rean, she sensed the blue sword’s uniqueness; she hadn’t seen her use it against the lizards, and Rean seemed curious too.

“Bluntness invites dislike,” Cang Lin chided gently.

“Says *you*! You were curious too—don’t deny it!”

“I… Mind your own business!” Olga snapped after Rean’s feigned critique, then bluntly exposed his thoughts. Rean’s expression froze.

“Now, now—don’t argue over trifles,” Cang Lin stepped between them as the air warped slightly from their clashing auras. Once the pressure eased, she added with a wry smile, “Traveling together signifies a bond. Don’t let this strain it, alright?”

*Such an irresistibly sisterly remark…*

Rean inwardly sighed. That gentle elder-sister tone, paired with knowing eyes and soothing voice—a triple assault that melted resistance. Dangerous… yet he wished the useless angel beside him would learn it. Daily life would be far less infuriating.

(Though he’d never admit traveling with Olga stemmed from zero “fate”—only her stubborn clinging.)

“Hmph. Didn’t mean to argue… He’s the one acting high and mighty.” Olga’s resentment softened slightly, then her lips curled into a wicked smirk, eyes narrowing. “You wanted to see the sword? Too bad. I need something to blow up. I’ll handle the outpost alone—Cang Lin, don’t interfere.”

“Eh—wait! That place isn’t like the mine—!”

Before Cang Lin could finish, Olga dashed up the slope. Cang Lin moved to follow, but Rean gently held her back.

“Relax. She’s got this.”

He knew Olga’s strength. As Gabriel’s personal guard, mere outpost soldiers wouldn’t trouble her. *(Though if they did… Demon King rescue mission? Perfect chance to humble her.)*

A golden orb rose from below, drifting over the camp. Soldiers emerged to investigate—then beams shot out. One pierced a soldier’s chest; he vanished into smoke before screaming. Two more beams swept randomly. Ground melted to molten orange. Soldiers dissolved one by one.

Holy magic.

Resembling Light magic but uniquely wielded only by angels or rare human saints—typically healing or protective. Yet Olga’s version was pure annihilation: instant, painless, devastatingly effective against demons.

The one magic Rean could never learn.

The orb plummeted, engulfing the camp in flames. Rean turned leisurely to the stunned Cang Lin. “See? Told you.”

Even he silently acknowledged it: without Authority of Gluttony, he’d need an eighth-tier defense to survive those beams.

“Now I understand. My journey… hasn’t been meaningless.” Cang Lin nodded thoughtfully. “So many powerful beings beyond imagination. I’ve gained much.”

*No. That one’s not even human…*

“Traveling reveals wonders,” Rean said, glancing at her. “Is that why you journey too?”

Her gentle smile vanished. Eyes darted away. A bitter, complicated curve touched her lips.

“I… suppose my reasons aren’t so leisurely.”

*Landmine stepped on.*

Rean’s stomach dropped. Her journey was necessity, not choice. Casual chat had hit a sore spot.

“My apologies. I brought up something painful.”

“Hey~ All done! Back?” Olga called from below, flushed with triumph, hands on hips. Catching Rean’s gaze, she stuck out her tongue playfully.

*Idiotic angel…*

*…But this time? GJ (good job).*

“Seems she wrapped it up. Let’s go.”

“Mm.”

Quests cleared effortlessly, they returned through the nearest city gate.

At the Adventurers’ Guild, the receptionist—having assumed these “wealthy amateurs” would quit—stared in shock. Less than three hours had passed.

*(Well… understandable if they got scared.)*

“Um, Mr. Schumel! Glad you’re safe. It’s fine if—”

“Do you accept Stardust Lizard hides? Thirteen. And the southern outpost is destroyed.”

Rean dumped the sack on the counter. Rope undone—aroma of grilled meat filled the air. He activated a crystal; flames consuming the camp flickered midair.

The receptionist stared at the roasted lizards, pristine hides, and burning hologram. A hot flush crept up her cheeks.