章 281:  Chapter 281: System's Artromus

"Elio has overcome worse things," Lucien murmured, more to himself than to others.

"He hasn't faced anything worse than me."

The monster's voice, that unnatural buzz of multiple overlapping voices, froze the blood of everyone present. 

Selene stepped forward, furious and ready to defend Elio, but Lucien stopped her with a gesture.

"What is your objective?" Lucien asked, keeping his voice firm. "Why do you have Elio's book?"

The monster's laughter resonated in the air, a sound that made the soldiers' teeth grind. "My objective is simple: to kill all humans."

Shock at such a direct declaration ran through the soldiers' ranks, but the monster continued: "Although... I could settle for killing the one who holds the title of 'Von' among you. Bring them here and I'll leave with their head."

Lucien caught the implication instantly, the monster didn't know Elio was the Von.