Kaela seemed so shocked after hearing about the three Paragons.

Shane couldn't help but tilt his head in confusion.

Realizing what she had just blurted out, Kaela cleared her throat and explained.

"Nothing… Can you tell me more about the churches?" She asked.

Vale decided not to pry too much as he didn't really want to get involved too much with this woman…

However, since she had the authority here, he decided not to be on her bad side.

"Yes. They govern faith, magic, and politics alike. And unlike here, Immortals are mostly hidden." He answered.

Kaela seemed to have expected this and nodded.

"That's normal for the lower-realm Immortals. Interesting. How about your Arcane Arts?" She asked.

"Right… We also have Arcane Arts. But…" He paused, carefully shaping his words. "…We commonly practice twelve. Or maybe thirteen if you managed to get lucky."

"Ohhh… That's interesting… What are those?" she asked softly.

"Yes," Vale said and recited the twelve arts.

"Dark Arts. Summoning Arts. Mystic Arts. Elemental Arts. Knightly Paths. Alchemy Arts. Rune Arts. Beast Arts. Holy Arts. Combat Arts. Psychic Arts. And Transformation Arts."

Kaela frowned slightly, tilting her head. "I guess the thirteenth would be Spirit Arts. It's a pity since there are sixteen Arcane Arts, right?"

Vale nodded… The remaining arts are Primordial Chaos Arts, Celestial Arts, and the most terrifying Void Arts. He hadn't realized this difference could expose him so easily.

"Yes… That's also the reason why I came here. I wanted to broaden my horizon." Vale said. Though it wasn't the truth, it was also not completely a lie.

Kaela tapped her chin thoughtfully, eyes narrowing as though calculating something. "Interesting… That means your realm is lacking in knowledge. Or… it has been cut off from the greater truths for a very long time."

Vale said nothing as he observed her reaction.

He had revealed enough. But deep down, unease stirred in his chest. He could feel her curiosity growing bigger…

Would she see his origin world as a mystery worth studying… or as prey to be conquered?

He had no idea what she wanted to happen now.

However, a different idea came to his mind… How about befriending her, or any of the organizations like the Abyss Watch Guild or even the Luminis Hold, and get some assistance from them.

After all, their realm would soon be attacked by Chaos Arts Practitioners… The Void Arts Practitioners might also come once the Timeless King's seal in their world had weakened.

Kaela's gaze lingered on him, before she finally smiled.

It wasn't a threatening smile, it was soft, almost playful…

"Very well… I've decided. You'll remain by my side for the time being."

"…Huh?" Vale was confused. It felt like he just heard a confession.

"It's for your safety, of course."

It seemed like she was just concerned, but looking through her eyes, Vale knew that there was a mischievous light.

"After all, you're an outsider. If word spreads, others may not be as welcoming as I am. Father's decree has thrown the city into turmoil, and… well, there are always those who take advantage of chaos."

Vale was unable to reply for a moment.

He doubted she cared that much about his safety. More likely, she didn't want to let him out of her sight.

'This…'

Vale was unsure what to do since he also didn't want to provoke her… After all, if her father, an Arcane Immortal at the peak, wanted to pry his secrets out, Vale would have no way to resist. Perhaps, cooperation was the best option for now.

"…I suppose I don't have much choice, do I?" he said dryly.

Kaela chuckled. "Smart man."

She gestured for him to sit across from her as she poured two cups of blue tea.

The aroma was floral, but it was oddly heavy, almost like a perfume… She pushed one toward him.

"Drink. It calms the soul."

Vale eyed the cup suspiciously. "This isn't poison, is it?"

She gave him a mock-offended look. "Do you really think I need poison? If I wanted to harm you, Vale, you wouldn't even have time to blink."

"…Fair point." Vale sighed and took a cautious sip. Surprisingly, the tea was soothing, even clearing some of the heavy pressure still lingering in his chest from Kilo's earlier decree.

Kaela watched his reaction while swirling her own cup…

"You're interesting, Vale. You try to be careful, to keep things hidden… but that only makes me want to know more."

Vale wryly smiled at this. Of course it does.

Seeing his discomfort, she laughed softly…

"Don't look so grim. I won't pry more than necessary. For now."

"…That's not very reassuring."

Kaela tilted her head, feigning innocence. "Isn't it?"

Vale sighed as he decided to just return to his realm if it became unbearable.

This woman is dangerous in more ways than one.

"Fine. Then at least tell me why your father conscripted everyone. He mentioned the Abyss, but I can tell that wasn't the full story."

Her expression grew more serious.

"You're right. What my father said in the hall was only part of it. The seal in the northern wastes is weakening faster than expected. If it breaks completely, the Abyss will pour through, and even Arcane Immortals will struggle to contain it. Not just Demon Saints would come, multiple Demon Gods might appear. If that happened, we might have to find a different realm to escape to…"

Vale froze at these words…

'Oh… No…' He was already panicking…

"Hahaha! Look at you… Don't worry, there's no way your lower realm can handle an Arcane Immortal. Even if we have to flee, it will be to another higher realm." Kaela added with a laugh.

Vale frowned. "Then… why force every Immortal into service? Wouldn't the lower tier just be fodder?"

"Not exactly," Kaela replied, her tone calm but grim. "Demonic corruption spreads like wildfire. When the Abyss opens, it's not just powerful invaders that appear—it's the land itself that turns. Forests twist into poisonous jungles. Rivers will change… Even ordinary beasts turn into fiends. We need every hand possible to push back the corruption before it swallows the region."

'Now… That sounds dangerous…'

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