A/N: Correction, they didn't sell all the soul crystal, kept some of them for Miho

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Brant coughed lightly, then corrected himself, fingers brushing against his chin.

"I mean—the way his metal plate declared him dead didn't resemble an actual death. It felt more like a disconnection. As if the plate itself was destroyed… or the connection to the mage was severed."

He paused, eyes narrowing as he studied Lily closely, as though peeling back layers one by one.

"Tell me," he continued, his tone turning clinical. "Do the two of you share a soul bond? I mean, you seem to be absolutely sure."

The question struck Lily like a slap.

"H-how do you even know about that?" she blurted out.

Brant hummed softly, the sound vibrating in his throat.

"It's common knowledge in the core and inner cities. When two people are deeply in love and share… passionate contact, a natural soul bond can form."

He met her gaze, eyes sharp—yet faintly amused.

"But believe me, it's far from common. The deeply in love part is rarer than breaking a rock with clay."

He watched Lily expectantly, lips curling into a knowing smile, clearly anticipating the flustered reaction typical of someone her age—but—

"Oh… well, I guess that explains it," Lily said thoughtfully, completely unfazed, as if her love life hadn't just been laid bare.

Instead, the girl standing beside her turned beet red, squirming from side to side, eyes darting away as her imagination ran wild.

Even Brant raised a brow.

"And?" he pressed. "What do you feel? Where is he? Do I need to pick him up?" His tone was casual, but his eyes were alert.

"Oh? You'll go?" Lily tilted her head, closing her eyes briefly as she reached out with her senses.

"But I think he's already headed toward us."

Her brows knit together slightly.

"He's moving fast. Like… really fast."

"You can sense each other's location too?" Brant asked, genuine surprise slipping through his composed demeanor.

"Well… that's a little fast," he muttered.

"What do you mean?" Lily asked, opening her eyes.

"I mean that even if one forms a soul bond with their partner, it usually takes decades to reach what you're doing now. At best, most people grow old with only an elementary connection—barely enough to sense when the other is in mortal danger."

Unconsciously, Lily's lips curved upward.

"Doesn't that mean our bond is strong?"

"Not just strong," Brant replied slowly. "With this speed, it might even be unbreakable."

He looked at her intently as he spoke, watching her smile widen by the second.

What Lily didn't realize was that Brant was quietly fishing for information. For all that he had given Leo—two blue-tier treasures—he knew remarkably little about the boy. Especially about his true capabilities. And after dealing with Leo directly, Brant had already concluded one thing: the boy was a tough nut to crack.

So now, with Leo confirmed alive, he shifted his focus.

And the only remaining opening was Lily.

And what better way to loosen a tongue than flattery?

With Brant's age and experience, such tactics were second nature.

"Even I formed a soul bond with my lovely wife," he said smoothly. "And just so you know, it took us nearly three decades to reach even half the level of yours."

He let the words sink in before continuing.

"Is this the stage you're currently at?"

Hearing that Brant himself possessed a soul bond, Lily's interest visibly grew.

Lily huffed proudly within her senses.

"We can even sense each other's emotions."

This time, Brant was genuinely stunned.

"Emotions?" he echoed. "Really? That's… extraordinary. At least fifty to sixty years' worth of progress. Incredible." He shook his head. "At this rate, if your growth continues, you might even be able to speak to each other across distances in just a few years."

"Talk?" Lily's eyes lit up. "I can talk to Leo even when we're far apart?"

But Brant seized the opening immediately.

"Of course you can," he said warmly. "And you know, my wife would be far better suited to guide you than I. She's a professor at Aurelius Beast Academy."

He smiled inwardly. At this moment, he realized that more than information, what he truly wanted was this monstrous pair within the academy.

Lily hesitated, clearly considering the offer—then shook her head.

"No. I'll go wherever Leo goes. So don't tell me—tell him."

Brant's lips curved into a satisfied smile.

"Well, at the very least, you can suggest it to him. I promise you'll receive the best treatment there."

His gaze then drifted to the stiff girl standing beside Lily—and recognition flickered across his face.

Wasn't she the girl with the five-star spirit talent?

Interesting.

"And I can even arrange for this girl to come along, if you wish." After observing Lily long enough, he had already deduced that the black-haired girl was important to her.

"Mm." Lily nodded.

"You still won't tell me what's unusual about the boy?" Brant asked.

"No." Lily refused flatly.

"Well…" Brant exhaled. "I suppose I lost."

He spoke more to himself now, though his voice carried clearly.

"He caused quite a ruckus during the trials. Killing a Mid 3-star Rootspire Behemoth? The instructors had a hell of a time towing away that massive corpse."

"Leo killed a Mid 3-star beast?!" Lily burst out, practically bouncing in place.

"Yeah. I still wonder how he managed it…"

"Hah! It must've been Shyra. He always overworks her. Poor kitty…"

Brant's ears practically twitched.

Shyra? Kitty?

Was he taming beasts? But wasn't his talent soul-based?

"Hoh?" Brant asked casually. "It must be a big beast?"

He deliberately chose the words, 'big beast', implying he knew about Leo being a Beast Master, gambling that Lily wouldn't notice the implication.

"Yes, she is! So big she can carry both of us at once," Lily replied before drifting into her thoughts. Even Lunaria might be able to do that now…

"He defeated such a behemoth with only one beast?" Brant said, impressed.

"No, he even has Nir—!" Lily froze mid-sentence, eyes going wide.

She snapped her mouth shut and glared at him.

"You… I don't like you. You made me spill things."

Brant only chuckled.

"Consider it payment for the necklace you're wearing. Nothing in this world is free."

Lily continued glaring as Brant's figure faded into the mist, his voice lingering like an echo.

"Don't take it off," he said calmly. "I'm certain it'll be useful… very soon."

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