The tunnel toward the question mark was steeper than the previous tunnel network. But it wasn't enough to slide down it, so Ackster rode the bird, and Shanshi walked.
The tunnel also carried a new degree of intensity, similar to when Ackster stepped beyond the area with the bird's home and entered the tunnels that led him to the gatekeepers. But it wasn't quite the same oppression and threat in the air. It was more like the air was filled with mystique and promise.
Ackster didn't like it.
But it wasn't like he could ignore it. He glanced at Shanshi.
"Try to keep up."
Without waiting for a response, Ackster urged his bird forward. He encouraged high speed.
Shanshi looked at the bird with wide eyes before sighing and transforming into a bat of blood. He flapped as hard as he could. Ackster's words weren't just a suggestion. He had used the power of the Deal to order Shanshi.
"Damned brat."
*I heard that.*
'Damned brat.'
