Until just a moment ago.
The old man's final thought, at the instant the black dot descended.
"No… How can he be a Level Two Crystalized Wizard… I haven't… advanced yet…"
The Bone Fragment shattered, turning to dust.
Ian retracted his Spiritual Power, his gaze darkening.
'Eye of Dusk…'
He remembered the black-robed figures he had encountered in the Withered Forest during the Demon Hunting War.
They were skilled in Soul Attacks and assassination, and enjoyed hunting down promising Lone Wanderers.
'So that old man was the sleeper agent they left behind in Shadow Moon.'
'The last sleeper agent.'
'In that case, I've unintentionally helped the High Tower get rid of a parasite.'
The corners of Ian's mouth pulled into a cold arc.
'Just as well.'
'The old grudge is settled, the threat eliminated.'
'My state of mind… it doesn't seem to have changed much.'
'This old dog… he was too weak. Killing him didn't have the effect of vanquishing any inner demons at all.'
