Eric rubbed his nose and remarked, "I don't know much about Shadow, and I haven't fought with him, so I dare not guarantee anything. If he's on par with your mentor, I think I can hold my own against him to some extent."

"That won't do." Ruth sneered. "My mentor suggested we keep Shadow in Salt City, preferably eliminating him directly!"

Eric frowned. He never dared to guarantee such things. The more he learned, the more he realized his shortcomings. If Shadow was on par with Pierce, he would