Enel turned back to the crowd, the dagger now glowing faintly as he lifted it high into the air. His voice boomed, carrying over the heads of the stunned villagers. "From now on, we stick together. We don't need spies or cowards serving fallen gods among us!"
Surprisingly, the people erupted in cheers. Their cries were filled with anger, relief, and something else—hope.
From behind, Lana watched with furrowed brows. She shook her head slightly, her voice low as she muttered to Allison, "Even when he kills their own, they cheer for him. Surely it's not love. They've only just met him."
Allison, her arms crossed, glanced at Enel with a faint smirk. "It's charisma. The mark of a leader. He was born for this."
But Lana's expression darkened. "He only wears the coat of leadership when it suits his agenda," she said softly. "What he really wears is the skin of a snake." Despite her words, there was no venom in her tone—only a quiet observation.
---
