The group stood still after Crest left. Elysia called softly after him, but he didn't turn.
Ronan sighed and rubbed the back of his neck.
"Was that really necessary?" he asked, glancing at Airi.
Airi clicked her tongue.
"What I hate more than a weakling is a weakling pretending he's the victim."
She crossed her arms.
"He acted like a child. Whining, sulking, like the world owed him something."
Arkel stepped forward, uncertain.
"Maybe... maybe we treated him unfairly. I mean, he was trying."
Airi rolled her eyes.
"That's on you," she snapped. "You want to show your ass to every fucker who pounds fake respect into your guts, be my guest. But don't make it my problem."
She waved a hand toward the palace.
"Seeing you I realize that the Hero got it wrong," she went on. "Demons aren't getting smarter. We're just getting dumber."
She crossed her arms.
