"You truly are an exceptional individual. Rest assured, now that we've chosen this path, I will treat you with respect," Rufus declared earnestly.

This time, Rufus meant it. Despite his previous deep suspicions of Ilyas, he now placed full trust in the latter.

Once Ilyas had been attended to and bandaged, Rufus asked softly, "So, what's our next move?"

Ilyas's eyes gleamed, but he said calmly, "Do you know who that man was just now?"

"No. Do you?" Rufus asked, his curiosity over Adrian's identity piqued.

"I can't say for certain, but I have some suspicions," Ilyas replied. Gazing up at the city tower, he continued softly, "Do you know why Silverboa unexpectedly clashed with Obscura?"

Rufus appeared puzzled.

"It's because of recent events in the capital of Silverboa. There was a shift in power dynamics between the pro-peace and pro-war factions..."

"You're referring to the replacement of the crown prince of Silverboa?"

"Exactly. After the crown prince was replaced, the pro-war