This time, it wasn't practiced. It wasn't noble.
It was real.
The smile of a predator.
Well, Kael mused darkly, if I can't steal them… someone else can.
Venom, he thought.
The name echoed like a whisper in his mind.
And from the hollow depths within him, something stirred.
A slithering presence—half-sentient, half-malevolent—stirred from its slumber.
It didn't need to be told twice.
Venom had already tasted Kael's thoughts. Felt his intent.
It began to move.
A thin, shadowy thread crept through Kael's sleeve, inching slowly toward his hand, like a whisper crawling along his skin.
Robin cleared his throat behind him.
"As per the duel's terms," he said, tone formal, "you may copy the Rank 3 spell scrolls present here. Only ten are stored in the royal vault."
Kael turned, keeping his expression neutral.
"Only ten?" he asked, feigning surprise. "I would've thought the royal family had more in reserve."
Robin's shoulders tensed slightly.
