Asakura Hao 【7】

Ah. That gaze, burning with hateful fire, full of malice, was once again directed only at him. It seemed he would never tire of provoking you, pushing you to your limits again and again.

Your face was twisted with anger toward him, and it amused him. After all, after such outbursts, things were rarely resolved with mere words and shouting. Interesting.

Hm, but what exactly triggered your anger? The way he appeared unexpectedly and, after taking care of your friends, brought you here — to the deepest part of the forest on the island? Or was it simply his defiant gaze that was enough to ignite the fire within you? Either way, it was quite amusing. You — one of the most powerful shamans of this era — were so easily led by him.

— So why did you bring me here? you asked through gritted teeth.

Hao stood across from you, leaning his shoulder against a tree, watching you with that same lazy smirk that made everything inside you boil.

— Because, he said, — I'm tired of watching you waste your time on those who aren't even worthy of your gaze.

His words only fueled your anger further. How predictable. You clenched your fists, barely holding yourself back from lunging forward and landing a good hit on him.

— It's not for you to decide how I spend my time.

He chuckled — softly, almost tenderly, sending a chill down your spine.

— You're right, it's not for me to decide.