Ex rank talent Awakening: 100% Dodge rate

Who are you?" Greg asked again. His voice was icy cold now, his expression mirroring it. One thought occupied his mind: eliminate the threat before it escalates.

"Bind," Greg commanded, but this time, his tone was not casual.

He had invoked the Dragon's Tongue—a mythical language that bent reality itself when backed by mana. Words with weight. Words that made the world listen.

But nothing happened.

No chains. No bindings. Nothing.

The demon woman stretched with a casual elegance, almost mockingly. She had done it intentionally—to show him his attempt had failed.

"Dragon's Tongue, huh?" she said, her voice smooth and amused. "When was the last time someone used that on me? Drakonix wouldn't dare back when I was in my prime. Or baby Leviathan, maybe…"

She gave him a small, appreciative nod.

"But I must admit, yours is impressive. You're something else. Still, it won't work on me. My bloodline isn't bad either. And your mana reserves? Nowhere near strong enough to wield Dragon's Tongue properly against me. Especially not in this world, where there's barely a trace of mana to work with."

The woman smiled—but there was no warmth in it.

Only calculated confidence and the aura of someone who knew exactly what kind of monster she was.

Hearing her casually mention Drakonix and Leviathan sent warning bells through Greg's mind. He steeled himself, not planning to hold back if the need arose—but even with that resolve, he couldn't stop the worry gnawing at him. What would happen to the others if he went all out?

"Relax. I'm here to talk, not to fight," the demon lady said, her voice smooth, almost teasing, as she tried to ease the rapidly declining mood in the room.

"And why should I believe that?" Greg asked coldly.

"Simple," she replied, her tone matter-of-fact. "If I wanted a fight, I'd kill the woman behind you first to disorient you. Then I'd have the fight I came for. It's that easy."

Greg's expression darkened at the threat. Behind him, Kate's face tightened, her eyes narrowing with quiet fury.

"Who are you?" Greg asked again, this time his gaze analyzing her carefully.

She smiled, completely unfazed. "You're quite the handsome one, aren't you? Pictures and videos didn't do you justice." She leaned back slightly, crossing her legs, still ignoring his question.

"I asked a question," Greg repeated, his voice louder this time, his patience thinning. "Sword."

He invoked the dragon tongue. In response, a sword materialized in his hand, gleaming with condensed mana. Still, the demon woman remained unconcerned. In fact, she seemed even more relaxed, sinking deeper into the sofa, her posture regal and amused, like she was watching a play unfold.

"Quite temperamental, aren't you?" she said, her lips curving into a smirk. "And greedy too. I thought Jessica would've been enough for you, but it seems not. That one behind you already holds a piece of your heart. How big is it, I wonder? How many can it hold?"

Greg's skull throbbed. He honestly didn't know if she was taunting him, threatening him, or just casually toying with his mind. But every time she spoke, he found himself on edge. Kate, however, processed the demon's words differently—her heart skipped a beat at the implied meaning.

"Who the hell are you?" Greg asked one final time, his voice sharp as a blade.

The demon woman sighed. "So impatient. I'm Lilith. Demon Lord of Lust. Once upon a time, I was Kyle's business partner. Now? Alone in this cruel world… and soon to be your partner," she said, her tone turning playful again.

"And why would I want a demon for a partner?" Greg asked skeptically.

"Because you need my help," she said cheerfully, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Greg frowned, clearly not expecting that answer. "And what exactly would I need your help for?"

"Kyle," Lilith replied, her tone suddenly serious. "I get why you're on edge, I really do. But if I meant harm, I wouldn't be here alone. I'd be marching in with the armies of the world, the demon horde, and Kyle himself. But here I am—alone. That should tell you something."

Greg remained silent, but he listened.

"And how do you plan to help me with Kyle?" he asked. "I don't think I need your help."

"Simple. I know where you can find him. And I can help you fight the demon god."

Greg's eyes narrowed. "And why should I trust a demon?"

"If I truly wanted to kill you, I could've done so a long time ago," Lilith said, her voice calm. "I've known about your safehouse for ages. You were never really hidden—not from me. But I chose not to act. Because I saw potential in you, even back then."

"Potential for what?" Greg asked, still suspicious.

"To free the ancients," Lilith answered. Then, her voice lowered, firm and honest, "And more importantly, to take my revenge on the demon god."

Greg studied her. He noticed a slight shift in her aura as she said those words. It was subtle, but unmistakable—her killing intent had flared, even if only slightly. The others didn't notice, but Greg did. He had known hatred before. He still carried it. And in that moment, he could tell—Lilith truly despised the demon god.

"I see," Greg muttered, slowly sitting down on the nearby sofa. He was tired of standing, and more importantly, he no longer sensed any immediate danger from her. "So you're angry and want revenge. But I don't need your help. I've got everything under control."

"Relying on Jessica?" Lilith muttered under her breath with a smirk. "Well, if you think that's the best play, sure."

The moment Jessica's name was mentioned, the atmosphere in the room shifted sharply. The tension spiked.

"What do you mean by that?" Greg asked, his relaxed demeanor vanishing instantly.

"Relax, pretty boy. If I wanted to expose her, she'd be dead already," Lilith replied with a chuckle. "You don't take betrayal lightly. But Kyle? He's worse. Far worse."

Greg stared at her, eyes narrowing further. "How do you know all this?"

"Because from the beginning, sweet boy…" Lilith leaned in slightly, a playful glint in her eye. "I was part of the plan."