I take one step forward.

It seems like I did make a small mistake. Melheys says However, thats not all my plan was. Preparation is key to any strategy and I did have a contingency plan in place.

Melheys creates another magic gate. If you know the structure of the prison you can still connect two different spaces and transfer between them.

Do you think you can run away from me?

No, Im not escaping. Certainly, I did miscalculate, however, the end result hasnt changed. Ive still won.

The magic gate slowly opens and a person appears from it.

Rays gaze becomes stern.

..Mother..

What appeared was Sheila who had been in the stadium moments ago. She was restrained by Demon Binding Chain <Gigel>.

She seemed unconscious. Has her spirit disease worsened again?

Why do you think her condition got better after coming to Deruzogedo?

Melheys draws another circle and dozens of red precious stones emerged from it.

Destroying one of these jewels will erase one of the rumours and traditions that sustain her life.

Melheys flicks a finger and destroys one of the jewels. I checked with my demon eyes and Sheila was certainly weaker.

Conditions <Lent>. By destroying the jewels the magic Forgetfulness <Neria> will activate and wipe the rumours from the memories of those who know what Sheilas rumours and traditions are.

Theres 46 jewels. Presumably, thats all the people that know Sheilas rumours.

Now that you understand shall we get on with the negotiations?

Ray quickly glanced in my direction.

If I want to save Sheilas life you mean?

Melheys nods graciously

Indeed.

Melheys opens a gate over the jewels and another one over Sheila which sucks them both in and they disappear.

Sign this Contract <Zekt> if you wish to help her.

Even if its difficult to kill me <Zekt> can still tie me down.

Fumu. Then you should kill her.

Melheys looks confused at my words.

..I think I misheard that. What did you say?

I said if you are going to kill her then do it.

I say it again to threaten him and Melheys falls silent.

Bear this in mind though. Theres nothing to protect you if you kill the hostage.

Melheys looks at Ray.

Ray Grandori. Are you sure you want to sacrifice your mother?

Im already prepared. My mother doesnt want me to be sacrificed for her sake.

Melheys didnt respond right away. He probably didnt expect us to ignore the hostage so easily.

..Do you think such a bluff will really work?

Try it and see then.

Melheys keeps looking at me like hes trying to see my real intent.

Well? Hurry up. You didnt take a hostage if you had no intention of killing them did you?

I take another step forward towards Melheys and raise my right hand forming a magic circle.

Apparently, it seems Ill have to show you how serious I am.

Melheys takes 5 gems out of the magic gate and destroys them.

I wonder how long her body will last? he says without seeming to care.

Only five?

.What?

What are you so afraid of? If you are going to break something you break it all and do it quickly. Are you afraid of what Ill do when they are all gone?

.How regretful..

Melheys takes another 20 gems out of the gate.

With this thats more than half.

What about the other 21?

Melheys doesnt answer and just stares at me.

Who are you going to fight Melheys?

I send a huge amount of blood lust his way.

Did you think Id roll over just because you took a hostage?

I put magic power into the formation in my palm and a black sun appears.

You dont seem to have noticed so Ill teach you. When you decided to face me youd already given up your life.

Melheys took up a fighting posture.

At that moment Ray threw his sword at him.

Fuu..!

.Kuhow futile

Melheys brushed the sword off without any difficulty.

If you struggle any more your mothers life will real

In the brief moment that Melheys was distracted Ray jumped into the gate Sheila had disappeared into and I jumped into the one that the jewels had disappeared into.