The Shadow Demon, which had been full of complaints, immediately fell silent.
It rose from the ground like a mad creature, wrapping around Aiwass's right hand as gently as dozens of entwined snakes, greedily licking up every drop of blood, along with the spaces between fingers and the back of the hand.
Not until the Mana Pool within Aiwass was completely depleted, unable to produce another drop of mana, did the "Shepherd's Nurturing" ritual come to an end.
Aiwass withdrew the Ritual Dagger, and the wound scabbed over by itself.
Even though that scorching, searing blood had vanished without a trace, the Shadow Demon still intently licked Aiwass's right hand, reminiscent of a pup continuing to lick its master's palm even after having eaten the food from it.
"...It seems you like it a lot."
Aiwass's face was pale, but the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.
His voice was somewhat weak—half due to blood loss, half due to severe pain.
