Chapter 73 Duchess's Arrival

Virelle's POVMy breath caught in my throat as my eyes darted to his face searching for any signs of consciousness. But his eyes remained closed, and his expression was as calm and serene as it had been before. Not a single twitch of awareness marred his features.

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I was utterly floored. How had he managed to dodge that? The thought circled my mind, insistent and unanswered. My confusion only deepened when I glanced at Big Brother. His expression wasn't one of surprise or frustration but one of quiet expectation as if this was exactly what he had anticipated.

"What—" I began, but before I could voice my questions, Big Brother blurred into motion. His body became a streak of red light as he launched another glowing punch and this one was aimed directly at Ethan's jaw.

Ethan who was still unconscious evaded the strike with a swift turn of his head with his precise and fluid movements. My jaw dropped as Big Brother unleashed a barrage of punches in quick succession.

His jabs, hooks, and uppercuts—all targeted Ethan with unerring accuracy. Yet, despite his relentless assault, Ethan dodged every single one of them. His movements were almost hypnotic and a blend of instinct and grace that defied explanation.

It was as if he were moving to the rhythm of an unseen dance and his body responded to threats he couldn't possibly perceive. Seeing this unbelievable scene made no sense to me.

Ethan remained unconscious with his eyes closed and his face unchanging, yet his reactions were faster than any trained warrior I had ever seen.

Big Brother finally halted his attacks, lowering his fist and stepping back. His chest rose and fell with controlled breaths but his eyes were fixed on Ethan with an expression of part satisfaction and part intrigue.

Ethan, too had stopped moving and stood perfectly still in the center of the room. His body was straight with a straight posture and his eyes shut.

The disheveled mess of his hair framed his face but his expression had not changed in the slightest. He looked like a statue as if he had nothing to do with anything happening outside.

"It's just as I thought, though Ethan is caught in an illusion or mind technique of some sort his fighting and self-preservation instincts haven't dulled.", Big Brother exclaimed with satisfaction marring his features.

Even though I was impressed on hearing his explanation my confusion only deepened.

"Then why did you try this? How does it have anything to do with his current condition and can it help us in resolving it?", I exclaimed in a frustrated tone at the actions of Big Brother who looked embarrassed on hearing my accusations.

Big Brother looked momentarily sheepish at my sharp tone and scratched his head awkwardly. But then his face lit up as if struck by sudden clarity, and he responded in a slightly patronizing tone.

"Virelle, you're still young and inexperienced," he began, clearly relishing the role of mentor.

"You don't realize that I wasn't just testing Ethan but was checking whether his soul sense was completely trapped. If he were really in a hopeless situation his instincts wouldn't have responded to my attacks.

But the fact that he dodged proves his soul isn't in immediate danger of being wiped out or taken over. We can at least breathe easier now as he will awaken eventually."

I had been preparing to scoff at his actions, expecting a poor excuse but his explanation silenced my disdain. His reasoning, while unconventional made sense in reality. My expression softened into one of contrition. Sёarch* The Nôvelƒire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"I am sorry Elder Brother for doubting your intentions.", Big Brother laughed sheepishly and said in a mild tone with a warm expression in his eyes.

"It's okay, Virelle. I know you didn't mean it and even I didn't know the reason behind my actions. I only wanted to test if he had the legendary Primal Instinct of close combat warriors. I was very eager to know this after the underground fight outside the Scarlet Hollow City.

But your questions forced me to reflect over it and I realized the importance of my actions too."

I had a scowl on my face hearing his reasons but before I could retort a cold voice travelled over making me shiver all over and I flinched suddenly.

"Which fight?"

The voice made my blood run cold. I flinched instinctively and my body stiffened as a tall dark shadow materialized beside us as if it had always been there, unnoticed until now.

The figure was over six feet tall and its form was shrouded in tendrils of darkness that resembled flowing hair. Two glowing red orbs stared directly at me, radiating an icy authority that pinned me in place.

The shadow had no visible mouth but its voice was unmistakably feminine and carried an edge of command that demanded obedience. I opened my mouth to respond, but the words caught in my throat.

Before I could speak, a thud echoed through the room. I turned my head to see Big Brother kneeling on one knee and his right hand was pressed solemnly to his chest.

"I Victor Eralith greet you, Lord Crimson Edge. I have come bearing a message from Lord Father," he declared in a steady and respectful voice.

"Hmm, get up little Victor. No need for such formalities, I will listen to you but first tell me what happened to you three and I don't want to listen to any falsehood or you both will be punished severely.", though Master said she didn't want any formalities, I could tell from her voice that she was very pleased from such a gesture from big brother.

I was a little nervous as I started explaining all the events we experienced today. It started from our descent into the Scarlet Hollow City till the events of Blood Chalice Tavern's auction to Big Brother eventually winning the bid for the moon elf girl.

Master listened in silence and didn't interrupt me anywhere.