Lucan followed Maris down the winding corridor toward the temple, a place he hadn't yet visited due to Mordecai.
"So, Lucan-sama," Maris said cheerfully, "the temple is just ahead."
Lucan nodded appreciatively. The corridor was grand, lined with intricate carvings and adorned with the soft glow of magical lanterns. The atmosphere was serene—until, Alec stormed down the hallway with an expression that could sour milk.
"Hold it right there!" Alec bellowed. "I challenge you to a duel!"
Before Lucan could even blink, a menacing marionette with ghostly white eyes popped out of nowhere. The puppet moved with uncanny agility, and in one smooth motion, it grabbed Alec by the collar and sent him soaring through the air. Alec's face transformed from fierce determination to sheer panic as he flew out of sight.
Lucan's jaw dropped. "Well, that's one way to dodge a duel."
4th Bonus Chapter