Chapter 111: Chapter 111: Secrets Unknown

For the first time ever, Aengus seriously questioned his own identity. Was this body also from another world, like the young leader's?

"But how could he know his identity?" There were no clues apart from this young man before him.

"Bella, I need to ask him something. Don't kill him yet," Aengus said with a serious tone.

Bella turned and smiled. "Sure, sweetheart. Ask away—he can't escape anyway."

The young leader was in a dire state, his bones and body twisted in a disturbing manner.

Aengus leaned in closer, while Bella stepped back slightly, giving him some space. She understood that invading personal space too much could lead to distrust. Until they could share their secrets equally, she was willing to tolerate it.

Ignoring Ashter's agonized cries, Aengus leaned in closer and whispered, "Hey, which world are you from? I'm one of you. If you tell me the truth, I might let you live."

The young leader's eyes went wide with shock. "H-How did you know?" His voice was a shaky whisper, disbelief etched on his pale face as he scanned Aengus from head to toe, searching for any clues. Then, something clicked in his mind. His expression shifted, recognition and fear mingling in his eyes.

"So, you're a trial participant like me? What... what is your family name in the higher realm?" he asked, his voice trembling, as though speaking too loudly would summon something terrible.

Aengus inwardly smirked but kept his face composed, his exterior calm as if this was nothing new to him. In reality, his mind raced. This was his first real lead to uncovering the truth about his identity and the origins of these Unique Skills. He had to play along carefully. The answers he sought were within reach, and this Ashter might hold the key.

"My name is Aengus... Degaro," he replied, his voice steady.

The reaction was immediate. Ashter's eyes went wide with horror, his face draining of color. He stumbled back a step, trembling. "D-Degaro?" His voice cracked. "Y-You're from that ruthless Devil Family? B-But...

how? H-How could you be here?" He stuttered incoherently, as if even speaking the name was enough to curse him.

"N-No, leave me alone... I can't... I can't stay here any longer! You're a devil... I have to inform everyone!" Panic overtook him as he struggled to rise, frantically trying to summon the strength to flee. His dragon wings flared, and his body tensed, ready to escape at any cost.

"Yes, I got my answers."

"Good," Bella replied, her voice sharp. "But did you find out how many of them there are? And their positions?" She pressed, wanting to be sure.

Aengus hesitated, a frown crossing his face. "Uh..." His words trailed off as if caught off guard. "No, I didn't. I was asking him about... something else," he added slowly, his uncertainty clear.

Bella's lips curled into an amused smile. "Don't worry, sweetheart." She waved it off, her tone laced with a mix of affection and danger. "They'll tell us what we need to know." Her eyes flicked to the trembling humans, kneeling before them, their bodies shaking uncontrollably despite being under the charm's influence.

She stepped forward, her voice dripping with venom. "Now, tell me, you filthy humans. How many more of you are out there, besides this place?"

One of the charmed humans responded mechanically, his words hollow and devoid of any emotion.

"We have entered in several battalions, numbering five thousand."

Bella's eyes narrowed slightly, her surprise barely visible. "Why are you here? Who sent you?" she demanded.

"We were ordered by the Dragon God's Shrine to collect demon cores... for unknown reasons."

Bella's jaw clenched. "Where are the others? Tell me their exact locations."

"They are scattered throughout this region, attacking villages and tribes, slaughtering them to gather demon cores," the man answered in a monotonous voice, oblivious to the rage building in Bella.

Her fists tightened, a wave of fury rising through her chest. "Filthy humans!" she hissed, her voice trembling with contempt. "You dare to slaughter the innocent? I'm ashamed to share even a drop of your blood."

Her eyes glowed with murderous intent. "Die."

In an instant, all the kneeling humans and the humans on the battlefield fell lifeless, as if Death God itself had passed judgment upon them.