If they could still contact the upper world, perhaps their despair wouldn't feel so suffocating.
"There is no time to wallow in defeat," declared Clay with a firm voice. "While I recover, we will search for the Space Master's whereabouts. He is our only hope."
The three divine envoys nodded solemnly.
"Do you have any leads?" Evil Phoenix leaned back in her seat, her exhaustion evident. "If the Space Master wanted to remain hidden, no one could find him."
"True," agreed the Beast King. "But he has a guardian. If we can locate the guardian, we might find him."
"The guardian is a fairy," added Clayton. "Fairies are highly unlikely to descend to the Nether Plane for any reason. And they wouldn't dare to show their face before the demon clans."
The Grim Reaper stroked his chin thoughtfully. "That suggests the fairy might have used their spirit form to leave a seal on the Space Master—a clever strategy to evade detection. This complicates matters."
Clay's lips curved into a small, knowing smile. "I have an idea."
Closing his eyes, he summoned a pair of black wings that materialized behind him. The wings detached, transforming into a small, slime-like creature with tiny, fluttering wings.
"Shadow!" exclaimed Evil Phoenix, her face lighting up with joy. She scooped up the tiny creature, cradling it near her ample chest. "You've finally returned to your child form! I've missed you so much!"
"Kyunn!!" Shadow squealed, snuggling closer, clearly relishing the affection.
Clayton coughed, half-annoyed, half-amused.
"What about Light?" asked the Beast King
"Still asleep," he replied with a shake of his head.
"What a pity." Grim Reaper sighed. "But I see what you're thinking. Shadow can become a shade. Not even I, the master of shadow and shade would be able to tell it apart from the real thing. Only the second-pillar Demon King—the evil swordmaster—can see through it. And, of course, Space Master."
Evil Phoenix's eyes widened in realization. "You're planning to have Shadow use his shade and identify anyone who notices it?"
"Kyunn!!" Shadow chirped affirmatively.
"Your task won't be easy," she murmured, kissing the tiny creature repeatedly. "Here's some encouragement."
Clayton rolled his eyes at Shadow's evident delight. "That's enough. Shadow, go."
With a final, enthusiastic "Kyun!!" Shadow disappeared, slipping through the walls. Its beastly aura vanished completely, undetectable even to the envoys.
At the same time, a horse-drawn carriage arrived at the gate of Hawk's residence. Gwyneth stepped out, her sharp green eyes catching sight of a peculiar black ball with small wings buzzing nearby.
"What an odd-looking monster," she muttered, wrinkling her nose. "So ugly." Dismissing it, she walked into the estate.
"Kyun?" Shadow paused mid-flight, sensing her gaze. It observed the green-haired girl entering its master's residence. No one else—not even the guards—seemed to notice it. Confident in its stealth, it resumed its journey, flitting around the kingdom in search of its target.
And so, it missed the one person who had briefly spotted it—the elusive Space Master.
Meanwhile, the other envoys returned to their respective kingdoms using teleportation stones, each planning to search for the Space Master through their own methods. They resolved to remain discreet, placing their hope in Shadow's success.
Back at the estate, Clay retreated to his chambers. Normally, his vision would link to Shadow's, allowing him to see through its eyes. However, in his weakened state, maintaining the connection was impossible. Trusting Shadow's instincts, he decided to rest, confident that the creature would return when it found the Space Master or encountered a formidable demon king.
Unbeknownst to him, the Space Master had already entered his residence.
"Young master, a lady has come to see you," the butler announced from the doorway.
"Who is it?"
"She introduced herself as a young lady from the Hall mansion."
Clay raised an eyebrow. A Hall? Could she be Rocco Hall's new daughter? Why would she come here?
"Where's my mother?"
"Lady Hawk is at the palace with the other knights."
Clay suppressed a groan. His 'mother' was usually his shield against persistent young ladies. He had perfected the art of playing the mama's boy to dissuade admirers. Yet here was someone bold enough to confront him directly.
"Tell her I'm unwell and don't want to be disturbed," he instructed, settling back on his bed.
The butler returned five minutes later, looking harried. "Sir, the lady insists on meeting you. She even cast fire magic and threatened to burn down the living room."
One of Clay's eyebrows shot up. Fire magic? Within his domain? He would've felt it by now. Judging by the butler's pale face, however, the magic seemed real.
"Illusion," he murmured, his mind racing. For a seventh-level mage like his butler to be deceived, the caster had to be incredibly skilled. An eighth-level mage? Impossible—such a prodigy would be famous. So who was this girl?
"Throw her out," he ordered, brushing off the thought. His recovery was his priority, and dealing with a stubborn girl wasn't worth his energy.
Moments later, the butler returned, even more flustered. "Sir, I'm sorry, but the lady claims to be your girlfriend. She says your relationship was witnessed by all the Wisdom Academy students."
Clay's eyes snapped open. His mind reeled. Girlfriend? There was only one girl who had ever dared to make such a claim: the stunning green-haired girl who had roped him into a fake relationship for a bet.
"Her name is Gwyneth?" he asked sharply. "Rocco Hall's adopted daughter?"
"Yes, sir. She's waiting in the living room."
Clay jumped out of bed, his irritation giving way to curiosity. Why would Gwyneth bring up their false relationship now? What game was she playing?
Striding toward the living room, he threw open the door. Gwyneth stood with her back to him, her green hair elegantly pinned. Sensing his presence, she turned, her hazel eyes meeting his.
At that moment, Clay realized two things: first, Gwyneth was even more captivating than he remembered. And second, he didn't even know his supposed girlfriend's full name.
But why was she here? Their fake relationship had served its purpose. Or so he thought.