The construction site was now marred with crevices and craters from the battle. Metal beams that had been scattered by the Warg were scattered around the area. The night was exceedingly dark except for the half-moon in the sky, and a constant noise of heavy impacts could be heard.

Each blow felt like a wave of hot coal as they washed over Iyo’s frame. After several moments of relentless beating, his body was left ridden with large bruises of unsettling color that stung immensely.

There was a cruel pragmatism behind its movements, that of a human’s. Iyo could feel it to his bones.

While his exterior was razed, Iyo’s eyes were as vacant as Liam’s had been as he struggled internally with himself.

‘I still have to do something, but what can I do? What am I supposed to do?’ For all his questions, they were useless. He never could find any solution and was knocked down into the dirt again.

Despite his anguish, Iyo still tried to get up, but he was stopped by a foot slamming down on his back. The young man was then hoisted up into the air by one of the specter’s arms until he was eye level with the wraith.

Iyo looked into its emerald eyes trying to find some sign of the person he knew but found none. There was nothing in those eyes but the gaze of a monster. Even so, Iyo tried reaching out a slow and unsteady hand towards it. He spoke in a hoarse and weary voice.

“You...how many people did you sacrifice? Am I that much of a monster to you?”

The wraith remained unflinching even as Iyo’s hand reached closer. It then dawned on him that the wraith’s controller already realized that his spirit was broken long before his body was.

“I see…” Iyo’s hand reached the Wraith’s chest and nothing happened. He had no heart to land another strike. His bluff had been seen through. Iyo was then thrown into the side of the clinic building and he slumped to the ground.

The sound of an ear-piercing noise reverberated through the air as they unleashed another deafening howl that shook the wind itself. Iyo could tell it was preparing to use another full-power bite attack to reduce him to nothing.

‘I gotta get out of the way but my body is so weak.’ Iyo struggled as fiercely as he could until he managed to start crawling slowly away. Unfortunately, it was almost pointless. He could not make out of the attack’s radius like that. Despite knowing this, he continued desperately.

‘I can’t stop now. I still have to save everyone, because it’s all my fault.’ Iyo grunted as he dragged himself along the ground. From the corner of his eye, he could see the wraith’s mouth splitting into four again and a sense of dread came over him as the air became still.

‘It's clear there's nothing I can do now. I should’ve known that I would never become someone that could protect…’

A blinding sapphire light spewed out from the Warg’s maw and Iyo closed his eyes. The next thing he knew a strong force collided into his side and knocked him far away. He heard a calamitous noise as the earth was reduced to dust.

However, he remained intact.

“Sheesh, that was way too close.” A familiar voice could be heard through ragged breathing.

“Are you alright, Iyo?”

Iyo opened his eyes in bewilderment to see Allen gradually getting up from the ground next to him and looking exhausted. He was wearing his usual red and black jacket with bandages covering his arms and hands.

“I knew I had to hurry to get here, but I didn’t think I would have to tackle you to keep you from getting obliterated as soon as I did. Hope you’re able to get up soon because I’m probably going to need your help with this specter.” Allen said as he turned over to the now motionless wraith just a few dozens of meters away from them.

“Why are you here, Allen? You should know I’m a Grendel, and that this specter has been sent after me!” Iyo uttered with urgency.

“Yeah, I know all that, but you being a Grendel doesn’t matter to me. You’re just a stand-up guy trying to make the best of a terrible situation. I think it’s helpful to be on the side of people like that."

“Even if that comes with immense danger?” Iyo asked incredulously.

“You wouldn’t be the first. Now, can you fill me in on what that thing is?’

Iyo nodded reluctantly. ‘To be direct, it’s a Warg that’s able to use an attack that allows it to consume a large area in front of it in an instant…and possess the body of a human. Liam is currently inside of that thing." A frown appeared on Allen's face as he heard this.

“You can’t be serious…” Those words came from Allen’s mouth but from Iyo’s expression, he could tell the wounded man was telling the truth.

“I didn’t see anything about that in the files. That makes things a lot harder.”

“Files? You were able to find records on this specter?” Iyo had managed to conclude that Allen and Nera were some kind of specter hunters but did not expect them to be able to obtain information about a matter so top-secret.

“Yeah, we did some digging into all this stuff. Now, I wasn’t kidding when I said I need your help. I’m not sure I can take this thing on alone, much less rip Liam out of it too.”

“Sorry, but you won’t be able to rely on me. My power is only able to enhance my capacity for destruction and it’s not something I can control well. You’re better off without my help.”

Allen inhaled heavily. “Come on, I know this Wraith attacked your mentor before because you were in his care but that doesn’t mean it was your fault what happened to him.” Allen had gleaned this knowledge from the records stored in the flash drive he got from the realm of dreams.

Using that information, he was able to piece together that Iyo had been avoiding people purposely to keep anyone else from becoming targets. Allen had first thought that Iyo would remain at home to lay low. However, Iyo instead surprised Allen by deciding to confront that darkness out in the open and all by himself.

‘He’s a lot braver than I am. Just how can someone be that selfless when he’s the one with the largest target on his back?’ Allen pondered this to himself.

Iyo responded in a low voice. “That’s not it. I was the one…” Iyo’s eyes widened as he looked up to see the wraith remaining still and realized it had gone too long without moving at all. “Wait, you said “we” earlier. Where’s Nera?”

Allen turned his attention to the wraith as well before speaking.

“Based on the looks of it, she should be confronting the one who’s pulling the strings behind this whole fiasco.”

***

“I don’t care what went wrong in your life for you to end up sicking monsters on people, but I’m giving you the chance to stop now before I have to beat you to a bloody pulp.” Nera declared aggressively. She spoke to an odd figure wearing a black trench coat and a dark mask that completely obscured their face. In one of his hands, was something that resembled a hi-tech walkie-talkie with a cord leading down from it while the other was concealed by their coat pocket.

“You think I’m going to just stop because you told me to?” The figure spoke with an unnaturally deep voice that was clearly being altered by a voice modulator. The two stood atop a four-story building that was about half a block away from the construction site.

“I think you’re going to stop because we already figured out who you are, dumbass.” She taunted.

“And who would that be? It’s hard for me to take the claims of an errant vigilante at face value.” Even with their voice being modulated, Nera could still pick up the condescension oozing from them.

“Enough with that act. You should save it for someone who gives a crap because you might as well not be wearing a mask to me, orchestrator.” Nera said that last word with a knowing emphasis that made the figure pause for a moment.

“What do you mean by that?” The masked figure asked.

Nera chuckled in response. “So, one word was all it took to make you start shaking in your boots? Fine, I’ll let you know just how out of your depth you are.” Nera folded her arms confidently behind her back before continuing.

“My lackey and I dug up some stuff on specter control devices and found out info about their effective range. Along with that, the security cameras on the exterior of this building are the furthest possible away from the site while still being in that range.” Nera’s ears picked up a muffled grunt that betrayed the disguised figure’s irritation.

“Even if that’s the case that a couple of nobodies could get access to data pertaining to something so outlandish. How would you even pinpoint my location down to this spot? There are dozens of security cameras in this area, including at the clinic itself.”

Nera pointed back to them in response. “You. You’re the one who pointed it out for us.”

“Wait, what are you-” The words suddenly halted as they remembered something.

“You told us that you spotted nothing but cracks on a roof the other night, however, you told your boss that you spotted nothing at all. Isn’t that right, Mr. Miller?”

‘‘If you think you’re going to catch me with a trick like that. You watch way too many detective movies.” The person in the trench coat scoffed.

“Then, what about this? It makes sense that you would try to throw suspicion off yourself by seeming like a normal person, oblivious to specters. But why would you, Miller, the designer of the clinic and head of surveillance, keep this information from the top brass of Hieronymus Pharmaceuticals? Especially, when Miller was so adamant about getting the AGF involved.”

“Just when are you going to reach your point?” The masked figure was beginning to wonder if she was simply stalling for time.

“Shut up, will ya?! I was just getting to the good part.” Nera shouted, silencing them."The only way that would make sense is if it was because you weren’t even supposed to be able to see it in the first place. The cameras along this building aren’t within the scope of the site’s surveillance. They’re a closed network as well.” Nera let the deductions sink in gradually.

“...That means someone would have to hack into them directly each time, and that someone would have to have a high level of technical expertise. Enough expertise to also know how critical the functions of microcontrollers are to the design of the clinic. The one who fits all that criteria is Miller, and that cord leading away from your device is probably hooked up directly to this building’s cameras as well.”

The masked figure jerked his head toward the device before refocusing on Nera.

“You think you’re smart, don’t you? Do you not realize how commonplace specters and people with skills in electronics are in this city? Even if everything you said was true, there’s no way that would be enough evidence to confirm my identity.”

“You’re right.” Nera agreed in a lackadaisical manner.

“I am?” This was said in utter confusion.

“Yep, but I happen to know someone who has a pretty close connection with Mr. Hunstad. It might not be enough to prove your Miller to him, but it should be enough to get him to check the times when the wraith attacks happened and you were off the clock.” Nera stated confidently. Along with the evidence that had already been collected, that was sure to determine whether or not Mr. Miller was a likely suspect or not.

There was a long pause before she got a response from the masked figure.

“Very well, it seems that there’s no point in wearing this mask anymore.” The dark mask was taken off to reveal blue eyes staring back at Nera with a somber face framed with brown hair. The man known as Chester Miller had finally revealed himself unceremoniously.

“I knew it! It’s going to be a whole lot more enjoyable beating your face in without the mask.” Nera declared with a glint of anger. However, Miller’s next words sullened her expression almost instantly.

“Is that rage directed at me because you’re worried about your Variate friend, Lana O’Fahy? Instead of relying on being drip-fed Organem by greedy Crafters, what if I told you I could give all that you needed? So much so, that Lana wouldn’t have to worry about it anymore, at least, for the short while she has left.” While he spoke, he covertly reached into one of his pockets

“Why…do you know about that?”

***

“You really think it was Mr. Miller?”

Allen nodded. He just got done explaining the details about how they had found out who the likely suspect behind the Shadow Thief Incident was.

“All the details line up well, don’t they?” Allen affirmed. He realized that it would be more difficult for Iyo to accept since he had known the person longer.

“They do, very clearly. I don’t want to accept your words yet, but they make a lot of sense to me.”

“That’s fine. We just need to figure out what to do with that giant furball of darkness over there before it starts moving again.” No later had he finished saying that, did the Wraith regain motion and charge straight toward them.

“Already?! What happened to Nera? She was supposed to take care of that part!” Allen exclaimed as he started ducking and dodging to avoid the wide sweeps of the specter’s claws. “Hey, Iyo! I could really use your help anytime now!”

Allen yelled frantically as he dived to the ground to avoid another attack before quickly rolling back to his feet. This allowed him to just narrowly avoid getting smashed to smithereens by a heavy slash.

“I already told you. There’s no way I can help you without making things worse. I already ended up drawing blood from Liam!” Iyo shouted uncharacteristically.

Allen’s eyes widened but he was too preoccupied dodging to properly respond.

“I see why he’s so hesitant now. I wish I could use Subtle Iron on it, but Liam is in there and I can’t risk hurting him either. There’s gotta be a way to make sure everyone leaves here in one piece instead of in pieces.” Allen thought as he avoided a swipe so powerful it left a gust of wind that pushed him back. “If only we could cut out all the specter from around Liam, but I don’t have the skill to do that. Wait, Iyo’s a wood carver and a hedge trimmer. It sounds ridiculous, but if his power works like he told me it does, he’s our best shot.”

Before he could put his plan into action while crouched on the ground from the Wraith’s last attack, it suddenly stopped and started howling so strongly that it unleashed gale-force winds that kept him pinned. It seemed like Iyo was desperately trying to say something to Allen, but he could not make it over the velocity of the air.

Then, the wind and noise instantly abated and the specter’s jaw split into four, a horrendous sight for Allen to see up close.

‘...get out of there! It’s about to wipe out everything!”

‘Everything? Then, where am I supposed to go?’

Allen had no more time to think before his immediate surroundings were engulfed in a blinding sapphire light. A thunderous cacophony shook the area and a cloud of debris filled it. When the clouds of scattered dirt subsided, Iyo saw that there was a wide circular crater that encompassed the spot Allen had stood. However, Allen was nowhere to be found.

Iyo rapidly swerved his head around until he thought to look up and saw Allen dangling precariously from the hook of a large crane overhead.

‘I managed to avoid it by using Subtle Iron to leap into the air at the last moment. But, I’m not sure if I can safely land from this height with that monster waiting for me the instant I do. Honestly, I’d rather try to climb down instead regardless.’ Allen broke into a cold sweat as he contemplated the drop below. It was at least thirty meters high.

Meanwhile, the dust settled some more to reveal the Warg specter once again. Something was different about its visage now, it had gotten much larger. It was as tall as a semi-trailer truck.

“Why did that thing get so big all of a sudden?” Allen's question was left unanswered as he was out of Iyo’s earshot. The Warg then rushed to the bottom of the crane and started tearing it apart. The hook Allen was holding desperately on to started to aggressively shake while he scrambled to ascend it.

Iyo was confused by how wildly the specter was attacking. It was somewhat more refined in its approach before. He wondered if Nera was still distracting its controller even if not fully keeping them occupied. He was interrupted from his pondering when he heard a loud creak followed by the crane’s arm collapsing to the ground.

Allen had successfully scaled on top of it and just barely was able to avoid slamming down to the ground with it by tumbling off at the last second.

“Ugh..” Allen groaned and clutched his head as he got up. He was next to Iyo again.

“That’s going to hurt in the morning. Who am I kidding? It’s fucking hurting now. Just why did that monster become giant-sized?”

“Before, when it used its bite attack. It just dispersed the debris outward from its teeth. Now, it seems to be absorbing it in order to accumulate mass.” Iyo stated flatly to him.

“Gotcha, that sounds like it would be really cool if it wasn't trying to maim us.” Allen remarked before noticing where Iyo was looking. He saw that the Wraith had inadvertently crushed itself under the arm of the crane and was now trying to lift the enormous hunk of metal off of itself.

‘He must be really worried if Liam’s doing alright under there.’ Allen reflected on his own sense of detachment to the situation and realized that he had not considered Iyo’s feelings on the matter. He did not even know the past Iyo had to make him shun his own abilities. ‘I’ve just assumed that anyone would see having that much power as a gift.’

“Listen, Iyo. What happened with Hisato wasn’t your fault. It was this monster’s.”

“You don’t understand.” Iyo started. “This Wraith didn’t kill my sensei. He died from a wound he received saving me. Mr. Hunstad, told you about his condition, didn’t he?”

Allen nodded silently. “Only a little bit. What happened? Why was he hurt and why did you need saving?”

Iyo sighed deeply. “You know what Grendels are, don’t you?”

“Yeah, people with magical abilities tied to their blood itself with an unusual appearance brought on by that.”

“That’s right, they’re called different things in various places. In parts of Africa, they’re known as Anansians, they’re called Arcadians in the Mediterranean, and in Japan, we’re referred to as Yokai. Like most places, we’re forced to live on the outskirts of the Underworld and left to the whim of specters. In particular, my family consisted of Oni residing in a small village with other Oni.”

“Incredibly large people with pointy horns and teeth?!” Allen asked as politely as he could while trying to hide his amazement. “But your body’s not that big and you’re missing the horns. Were those just lies from the books I’ve read?”

“Not those parts at least, I’ve always been the runt of the pack. My horns haven’t grown in fully and I’m probably the smallest out of anyone in my family. Regardless, I wanted to prove I was just as capable as any other Oni. When specters overrun my village, I tried to protect the treasured monument of my village and failed. We lost way more than that in the battle and, in our darkest hour, we were struck with a deal from an Astrean Crafter to be given a haven in Atelier City with exceptional members of our village serving under him in return.”

“And did they accept the offer?”

“We had no choice. Despite taking the offer, the “Bone-white Calamity” happened and I was separated from my family. That’s when my sensei found me. He was a friend of my parents. My stubbornness to accept his help led to him being injured due to me attacking a specter and him having to shield me from debris I was too reckless to notice.”

“So, that’s how he was injured, what part did the Warg play in all of this?”

“It showed up a little over a year ago. Hisato Takamura was a Crafter strong enough to fend it off, but, a few months later, he still succumbed to the injuries he had sustained saving me.”

"I see...” Allen's words trailed off as he struggled to find the right words to say.

"Now, you must realize that I’ve never been able to rise to the occasion when it mattered and my powers have always led to destruction. The “help” you’re asking for will only lead to disaster.”

“Is that how you really feel?" Allen started with the first things that came to his mind after failing to come up with anything well-thought-out. "I saw those wood carvings at your house while we were looking for you and they have a hint of your power on them. I think your art is more than just destruction.” Allen declared solemnly. A moment later, a roar was heard as the Warg finally lifted the heavy machinery off itself with a massive heave. It wasted no time in hurling itself at them.

Allen acted quickly and used Subtie Iron to propel himself away from where Iyo was and the monster followed. That was the first time Iyo had gotten a good look at that technique. He noticed that it was pure black like a specter’s miasma. It caused him to wonder something.

“Allen, are you…”

“Yeah, did you figure I was Crafter?” Allen answered between evading being ripped to shreds every few seconds. “Well, I’m not. I’m just someone who’s on the path to becoming exactly like this monster. But, I’ve already decided that’s not happening!”

The young man braced himself right before the arm of the Wraith rammed into his crossed arms after missing with a claw swipe. The impact numbed his limbs and sent him flying a great distance away. It was a struggle for him to skid to a stop without falling over.

“I’ve failed at things I’ve attempted before. I ended up making things worse when I’ve decided to help others and I decided to stay put when people have needed me the most. And to tell the truth, I definitely felt shittier for the latter.”

The Warg lunged at him again. This time dragging both its claws through the ground until right before they reached Allen. It then raised them up, tearing the ground apart and unleashing a small avalanche that catapulted Allen into the air along with countless rocks. Allen used one of them as a stepping stone and rocketed away with Subte Iron.

He was now directly in front of Iyo, about a roof’s length away.

“That’s how I know that decisions, not just outcomes, are important!” Allen shouted as the Warg continued its relentless pursuit of him. “I thought you said you didn’t believe in superstitions, right Iyo?! But you already think that you can decide the future. That if you try to protect anything, it’ll end up a disaster. No one can decide that. Isn’t that what your mentor’s words meant?!”

Iyo’s eyes opened up further than they had before, and his fingers slowly clenched into a fist before uncurling themselves.

“Trust in the abilities that you’ve honed for years, not an undecided future. Even if the outcome may not turn out like you hoped, there’s worth in the path you take. That’s what I believe!” This was exclaimed at the top of Allen’s lungs as he prepared to throw himself out of the way of the gargantuan Wraith’s next attack. He stumbled on a loose rock and lost his balance. He would not be able to avoid being hit with a direct strike this time and his body would surely break under its force.

“Ebajutsu: Willow”

These two words resounded and a trail of yellow light split through the darkness. It left a blazing streak on the Warg. That streak split in all directions like a willow tree around it and burst outward. The wrath’s frame was rent apart instantly in a cloud of miasma and dust.

Appearing from that, was the unconscious body of Liam. Before he could fall, Iyo grabbed hold of him. Ember-like particles drifted from two fingers Iyo had aligned like he was holding a knife in them. He had used his power to carve Liam out of the specter just as Allen had envisioned, but it was still incredible to see.

‘Just how powerful is this guy? It’s a good thing he learned how to control it, even if he had to realize that fact." Allen grinned and rose to his feet.

“Thank you, Allen. I had confused my past with what the future held for me. But now I’m sure, the world is a canvas I need to draw my path out on in spite of fearing if the rain will wash it away.”

“Woah, that sounds heavy. Glad you were able to get something worthwhile from what I said.” Allen brushed off the gratitude with an awkward grin and rubbed the back of his head.

‘Words that come straight from the heart are hard for me to give out. They’re just so sappy. But in extreme situations like this, I guess I can’t help letting them rise to the surface.”

“To point the conversation in another direction, how do you think your friend, Nera, is faring?” Iyo inquired.

“I’m not sure. But I trust that she can handle herself.”

***

Nera listened to Miller as he rattled off all the information he had accumulated on Project Eitr. She was able to verify with her own knowledge that what he said was true.

“Just how do you know all of that?” Nera shot the question at him like a dagger.

“How? I’m a high-ranking electronic and software designer and the infamous Shadow Thief. You and that magicless thug of yours aren’t the only ones who can dig up dirt.”

“Even so, I’m not going to just let you slide after everything you’ve done!”

“You don’t have a choice. Not if you care about your friend. The hue of a Variate’s hair is a sign of how much life they have left. The more its color fades, the closer you are to your grave. Yours color is halfway gone, and Lana barely has any left. However, some Organem can slow that process down, and you know I have the abilities and connections to get you a surplus of it.”

“But like…why would you? I mean…what’s the point to all of this?”

“It would be meaningless to tell you. I’m sure it would escape your understanding. Just trust that accepting my offer is for you two's own good.” Miller proclaimed as stared directly into Nera’s eyes while retrieving something stealthily from his pocket.

“You’re right. I have to…” Nera unfurled her arms and threw a rock at Miller’s hand. “...Stop you!”

Nera lunged at Miller with her full speed. The man was alarmed, by the fact she had refused his offer so suddenly and that the item he used to control the Warg specter had been sent off the edge of the building.

“Just what are you thinking?! Don’t you care about your friend at all?” Miller yelled as he avoided a wide kick from Nera. He then pulled out a wand-like Stylus from on of his pockets and appeared to draw a Sigil in the air. However, Nera, being unable to perceive magic, could not see it.

“Wheelwright Craft, Page 4 - Cardinal Winds!”

She still attempted to avoid whatever it was, but a gust of wind ended up knocking her a ways away.

“Tch!” Nera clicked her teeth and watched as MIller dove off the side of the building. With no hesitation, she leaped after him. Miller looked up in shock as he saw her falling down with him.

“Magical Aerial Lariat!” Nera kicked from the side of the building and clotheslined Miller in the throat the moment he reached the ground. She defused her fall by rolling on the ground. Meanwhile, Miller choked while coughing uncontrollably. Nera outstretched her arm and pointed a finger at the self-described Shadow Thief.

“I do care about my friend, but if you think I’m going to trust someone as shady as you then you’re mega delusional. Plus, I’ve already decided to place my bets on that magicless thug you mentioned earlier, Allen Lee!”

“Then, I truly feel sorry for you.” Miller derided in a hoarse voice as he spotted what he had dived after, a strange-looking emerald flute that seemed to be covered in flesh and had multi-colored goat-like eyes in place of keys. Nera followed his eyes’ movement. She could only tell that it was a flute and that it was important.

She sprinted towards it but Miller was closer. He reached the flute first and then used his mystic skill to rush away toward the construction site by blowing a gust of wind under his feet. Nera did not miss a beat and followed closely behind.

***

While trying to see if they could get Liam awake to explain things, Allen and Iyo heard a crash from behind them.

“What is going on here? Things are not going as I planned at all.” Miller complained in subdued frustration.

“So, he was the one behind this.” Iyo commented in a subdued tone.

“Yeah, I guess I was right?” Allen agreed.

A few moments later, Nera came running into the scene after chasing Miller and circled around to group up with Allen and Iyo.

“That’s the guy all right and completely crazy. I still have no idea what he’s doing all this for. But I’m positive that flute in his hands is how he was controlling that specter. Speaking of which, is it still around?” Nera spoke to them in a hushed tone.

"That's a flute?" Allen stared at the horrific object in concern."Nevermind, we managed to deal with the specter. Well, Iyo did most of the work. It turns out that it also had the power to possess people which is probably how it was able to sneak onto the site unnoticed.”

“Liam was the victim. It’s taken a massive toll, and now he’s cold as ice.” Iyo added. Nera knew who was in his hands now and grimaced.

Miller butted in.“That was a necessary casuality. Now, unless they want to end up like him, I suggest that both your friends here leave now, Iyo.”

“I don’t want to hear another word out of your mouth unless it’s surrender!” Nera yelled at Miller then spoke to Iyo. “I feel bad for grilling him so hard now. I’ll make up for it by making sure he gets somewhere safe fast. Iyo, can you take him to that large tent fast Nera pointed in the direction of a decently sized brown tent. Iyo nodded and dragged Liam there who was muttering while drifting in and out of consciousness.

It was then just Allen and Nera facing off against Miller.

“So, now that we’ve find you out, will you tell us what all this is about? What’s your problem with Grendels that you would go so far?” Allen interrogated.

“I have no grudge against Grendels or Crafters or Variates. I simply seek a horizon where they all can can exist in harmony.”

“Well it damn sure doesn’t seem like it. About that offer you gave me before, I’m not going to go for that.” Nera declared fiercely.

“It’s the same for me. I don’t need to know your motive to know that you're trying to do something horrible.” Allen followed.

Miller frowned in response and tore off his trench coat, revealing a mesh combat armor suit with teal neon lines running along it. He deposited his flute into one of the suit’s many compartments then pulled out two wand-like Styli.

“I was hoping that there would only have to be two casualties at most tonight. However, things don’t always go according to plan.” He traced two teal circular Sigils to his left and right.

“Wheelwright Craft, Page 3 - Saw Mill.”

Two extremely sharp saw blades appeared in the air and immediately shot at Allen and Nera as fast as arrows. The attack happened faster than Allen could raise his arms to block it.