Chapter 284: Who Are They? [2]

’We kept investigating and, in the end, uncovered the truth... that the villages had already been lost long before we arrived. The people had been turned into hollow shells, stripped of everything that made them who they were...’ Etha’s grip tightened even more. ’When we confronted the culprit, or at least we thought we did... he attacked us in a way none of us were prepared for... he turned us against each other... one by one, my teammates fell under his control. They drew their weapons against each other, their eyes empty and their bodies moving as if they weren’t entirely their own. But I could still see them in there, trapped...’

’In a matter of minutes, all of them were controlled. Since he couldn’t get into my mind, I managed to stay free... But as a result, I had to fight them all on my own. I had to keep them from killing each other and from killing me, and all the while he just stood there, watching us tear ourselves apart. Every time I disarmed one of them, another would attack from behind or try to kill the other. Every time I tried to reach them, he would twist their minds further. It went on for what felt like hours. By the end of it, I was the only one left standing. I managed to save everyone but... he had escaped. I... I couldn’t catch him. I... I let that monster get away...’

’...’ Soren opened his eyes, while imagining how difficult it must have been. He couldn’t, because he knew it must have been even more difficult than she just had described. Just like him back then, she too was trying to hide the worst parts, keeping the memories locked away where they couldn’t hurt as much.

’Ethea...’

He called out gently as he closed the distance between them, wrapping his arms around her and holding her gently but firmly.

’It’s okay... You did the best you could.’ He said, stroking her hair. ’You handled it better than anyone could have. You survived, and you saved everyone. That’s more than enough. And... When the time comes, I will be right beside you to help you catch every last one of them. I promise.’

’...’ Ethea didn’t say anything, but her throat tightened as she buried her face into his chest. Sliding her hands up over his arms, she gripped his shirt tightly, holding onto him with everything she had.

’...’

Time passed as they stayed lost in each other’s embrace, holding on until the tension finally drained from her body.

’Thank you, Soren...’ Ethea spoke up at last.

’But...’ She paused, taking a breath before her tone grew serious once more. ’We need to be careful tomorrow. His strength must have grown immensely compared to the past. As for what he displayed today... It was barely a fraction of what he can actually do. I’m sure of it. However, I know his weakness. He mainly relies on his ability and illusions, so as long as one bypasses his mental tricks and gets within close range, he becomes extremely vulnerable.’

’I understand. However, from what you said earlier, he isn’t alone in this. So I think he will have companions to cover up for his weakness... Do you perhaps know who else might be involved?’

’Yes, but I’m not entirely certain. However, since that elf said the spirit said those words, I can assume that the Leech and the Nullifier must be involved in it.’ Ethea speculated. ’They were probably the ones who kidnapped Lady Nuelia and Senior Roya.’

’I see. Do you know about their powers?’

’Yes. They are also incredibly powerful and difficult to deal with. The Leech can steal mana from anything, including living beings. The Nullifier, on the other hand, is the opposite. He has a strange constitution that creates an anti-mana zone. Within that zone, any active spell or cultivation method instantly dissipates, rendering one completely powerless. Furthermore, they are both extremely skilled at close combat. The Leech uses twin daggers, while the Nullifier relies solely on his monstrous body. And together, they are known as the Hollow Pair: one suppresses your power, while the other steals what remains.’

’...That indeed sounds troublesome.’ Soren thought. ’If one isn’t skilled in close combat and has a weak body, they would be turned into helpless prey the moment they step into their range. And I guess the same thing happened to Lady Nuelia and the princess.’

’Right.’ Ethea confirmed. ’They must have been caught off guard and neutralized before they even realized what was happening.’

’Then... do you think I stand a chance against them?’ Soren asked curiously.

’...I’m sorry, dear. But right now, no. While you have improved tremendously in the past months, you are still lacking in both experience and skills. The Leech and the Nullifier have spent years perfecting their abilities against enemies far stronger than you. Unless you have a very specific plan, facing either of them head-on would be suicide.’ She paused, her hand squeezing his. ’But that doesn’t mean you will be easily defeated. If you can fully utilize your unique constitution and outsmart them, I am sure you will be able to find an opening and strike where they least expect it.’

’Thank you for being honest.’ Soren smiled. ’And I’m guessing that their weakness is also tied to their abilities.’

’Mm, indeed.’ Ethea smiled, feeling reassured by his sharp mindset. ’While they make others unable to use their mana thanks to their special abilities, they also suffer from the exact same limitation. The Nullifier is inherently unable to use mana, while the Leech can’t use the mana he steals, even outside the anti-mana zone. His body acts like a temporary vessel. If he absorbs too much mana at once, he risks a core overload that will tear his body apart from the inside. So, they are completely reliant on their bodies and weapons. But of course, they aren’t 100% correct, as I am not certain whether they are still the same as before.’

’It’s still more than I could have hoped for,’ Soren replied. ’At least now I know what to expect. And what to look out for.’

’In that case, let me tell you everything else I knew about them.’