Ace's previous question made Emilia's already broken-down expression to mix itself with a tinge of perplexity.

"W-what do you mean?" Emilia murmured with a pale expression on her face, her broken voice tinged with fear and a hint of denial.

"So weak," he looked at her even more coldly than before. "Need me to spell it out for you?"

"How long are you gonna continue to ignore reality? For instance, why is it that you ran away from me the moment you saw me? Because I frighten you? But I'm sure that's not all, right? Isn't it because you're more scared of your own darkness?"

"What are you-?" she raised her head abruptly.

Ace met her eyes, a silent acknowledgment passing between them.

"What you felt was fear of being taken over. The fear of being taken over by your own darkness. You let it out the first time and now that you've done it, there's no turning back."

Emilia shook her head in denial, not bothering to understand Ace's words. "Stop. Stop. Stop. Stop. Stop…" she repeated firmly, shutting her ears with her hands.

"Remember I wasn't the one who killed that big guy, it was you. You did it for your survival. But more than that, it's simply because you couldn't hold back your grudge and anger that you had hidden behind your mask of model student."

"Stop!" she continued to deny it as Ace immediately leaned towards her, wrapping his hand around her neck.

"In any case, since you saw too much, I can't let you live anyways," said Ace with a cold and murderous gaze, slightly starting to strangle her neck with a minimum amount of pressure.

When she looked at him, Ace's eyes were those of someone who wouldn't hesitate to do it. She knew full well that he was capable and willing to do it.

"I don't really have a reason to let you live really. You have no utility to me, and your eyes don't seem to have any will left in them. So I might as well ask while I have the opportunity…" Ace coldly gazed at her from above, his eyes peering into her soul. "Any last words?"

Emilia was taken aback by his words.

'I'm gonna die? Is this how it ends? But maybe… just maybe… it'd be much simpler to just die instead of suffering like this,' she thought, blinking as if trying to shut her eyes from reality.

Reopening them, she met Ace's deep and cold gaze which possessed a darkness that was deeper than any other. As if enthralled by it, she realized the truth.

Light may disperse the darkness, but it doesn't make it vanish. That was because darkness could only be consumed and devoured by a greater darkness. And Ace, the person standing in front of her, had that darkness in him...

No. He was darkness itself.

It didn't matter if she died now or later, the harm was already done and there was nothing that could change that fact. Her death would only hurt a few who truly cared about her. Those who didn't, would simply continue to go on with their lives, including those that had made her suffer.

As that realization hit her, at that very moment, rage filled her aching heart. The unfairness and injustice of it all that made her want to vomit in disgust stopped her tears as she then grabbed Ace's arm, gritting her teeth.

'No. Not like this. I don't wanna die like this. I still haven't paid back big sis for all she's done for me. I still want to have fun with Mira. And most importantly, I still haven't paid back that man for what he made me go through. I won't die. Not until I kill that man and have my revenge.'

"I don't wanna die yet. I still want to live. It doesn't matter if I have to plunge into the darkest abyss. Break me or use me however you want. But I refuse to die without having gotten my revenge," Emilia announced, her eyes full of defiance, hatred and determination.

"Are you asking me to spare you right now? All of it for your revenge?" Ace asked, his voice carrying a hint of curiosity. "And what would I gain from letting you live? You have no power or authority I could want. At this point, you'd just be dead weight more than anything."

"I'll prove you wrong," Emilia retorted, a resolved expression on her face though still trembling with fear. "I promise I'll become useful to you. And if I can't, then you're free to kill me whenever you feel like it."

'Well, would you look at that? She grew a backbone when she realized that she was going to die. The injustice people feel when they are wronged, and the need for revenge that stems from it are powerful catalysts. Though a broken puppet is easier to manipulate, if they don't have any drive then they are useless,' his thoughts developed as he stared deep into Emilia's eyes. "Her magical talent is something that is quite desirable so… I might as well use her for all she's worth."

"Fine," Ace released his grip, extending a hand instead. "I'll trust in your potential. But be warned. Don't dig your nose too deep in my own business. And if you prove to be useless, I won't hesitate to kill you on the spot."

"As long as I can get my revenge, I don't care," replied Emilia while Ace's thoughts became more sinister.

'Yes. I know. I'm the same. But unlike you, I'm prepared and willing to sacrifice everything and do anything if it helps me accomplish my goal. Even if that includes using you, your weakness or anyone else. Whether it'd be friends or allies, I'll discard everything if that's what it takes. That's all there is to it."

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Meanwhile, in a place veiled in darkness, the mysterious figure in the black tailcoat, stood by a window, his eyes gleaming with a sinister light, in the darkness that shrouded his face.

"To think she got away. What a blunder," he murmured to himself, an irritated tone in his voice. "I've suffered great losses thanks to this. And that person won't be very pleased about it. But in any case, now that I finally found you, I promise you that no matter what it takes, you shall finally be mine."

The figure's form dissolved into the shadows, leaving behind an eerie echo hanging in the air.

"Yes. All in preparation of the promised day when our master finally descends on this mortal world."