“I never thought tuakana[ Brother] was stupid.”

Brandon halts in his tracks, unable to believe what he just heard. My mind must be playing tricks on me. Yes, it must be the sickening stench of death and decay clouding my mind.

He continues moving when he hears the voice again. This time, it is much louder, and the half-demon clenches his fists so hard that his nails cut into his flesh. Turning around ever so slowly, he regards the half-demon with hooded eyes. What’s his plan now?

The ever-dutiful Ultima reminds his absent-minded master of the dire situation of the subject and only then does the half-demon react.

“Are you...