"Somehow, I feel dumbfounded that you really think so, but on the other hand, I am also proud. It means we, the elders, are doing quite the good job as guardians," the Half-Fallen one said with a hint of prideful mirth, though her face soon regained its focus.
"But now that you'll be leaving soon for the Ascension Academy, perhaps I'll let you in on a few secrets..." she added, the loudness of her voice slightly toning down as Ryuk's ears perked.
"What secrets?"
"In this world, Ryuk, we're never alone," the Half-Fallen one said, all bits of jest and casualness leaving her face as Ryuk's eyes sank into their depths.
"Have you heard of the Knulls?" she asked, and Ryuk nodded.
"We of the Ten Families have had no choice but to bond together with other races and, along with ourselves, to fight them. And yet, do you know, we are still losing?"
