"This is a Demon's Pearl—only a Greater Demon can possess one. As for its powers, you'll have to study it yourself."
With that, Shava tossed the red pearl to Ashu.
Ashu caught it without ceremony and immediately demanded, "Your strength has dipped dramatically—what happened?"
"I used the Demon's blood that 'His Excellency' granted me, or I truly would have died under the Sword King's blow," Shava explained. "But the price is a period of weakness. Still, I won't return empty-handed—I've barely scratched the surface. I haven't seen that damned Nun nor slaughtered that wretched Divine Mother Goddess Devotee yet."
"Heh, the Demon Huntress Nun could strangle you with one hand now."
"True. But she's not here, is she? Had I sensed her presence earlier, I wouldn't have taken the Sword King's strike head-on."
"How long before you recover?"
