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A meal, was it? That was a surprising offer. In all her visits to this place until now, she’d never been given food. In fact, with so many reapers and Methusel around, she’d been under the impression that food was not even a subject that crossed their minds.

Which had made her pity the handful of servants who had to live here.

Granted, none of her previous visits had been for that long. She’d only been allowed to stay for a few hours at a time, if even that.

A look of amusement seemed to cross Gardorox’s fishy face. ‘You look surprised. You thought us incapable of providing sustenance, didn’t you?’

She supposed she could admit that. “Er, yes...”

‘Heh. Then you are in for a treat. As is your reaper.’

Gema was confused. “What do you mean?”

‘I shall let that be a surprise.’ Gardorox’s tail fin waved broadly to the side. ‘Please escort young Gema to her quarters. Dinner will be prepared shortly.’

And just like that, the reapers all began to disperse, not even bothering to inform each other that they were leaving. They simply flew off at a leisurely pace, going up into the ceiling or through the walls or even into the polished floor. Only a couple of them remained behind to strike up a conversation with each other.

Another Methusel appeared on her right--one she hadn’t even noticed a moment ago--and motioned for her to follow.

She did so.

As they walked, she decided to try consulting Ozolos one more time, despite knowing that it was most likely pointless. ‘Do you have any idea what they were talking about back there?’ she asked.

‘Yes,’ said the reaper privately.

Which was more of an answer than she’d expected, at least. But she still kept pressing. ‘And? Spill the beans, Ozzie. C’mon.’

‘They are trying to seduce me.’

She couldn’t help blinking. ‘Uh... say what?’

‘This is how it starts. Appeals to fleshly indulgences. Reminders of mortal pleasures. Things thought long lost to us. ‘Tis a potent strategy.’

‘Okay, yeah, I get that much. I think. But... “Seduce,” though? Is that really the right word for it? I mean...’

‘It is. Once seduced, control soon follows. Manipulation. Even slavery. Of the mind. And soul, too, no doubt.’

‘Whoa. Um. Alright. Don’t like the sound of that.’

‘Good. Remember your training. Hold truth. And see this place for what it really is.’