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“What are you going to do?” said Zeff.

Rather than answering, Daro asked a question of his own. “How long have you two been stuck here?”

‘Several days, we think,’ said Ax. ‘It is difficult to tell.’

“And how do you feel, right now?” said Daro, stepping closer to Zeff and eyeing him up and down.

“Fine...?”

“Fine, you say?” The man looked abruptly annoyed. “Pardon me, but I must inspect you now.”

“What do you mean inspect?”

“Physically. May I have your permission to lay my hands on you? It won’t take but a minute, nor will it be invasive.”

The edges of Zeff’s mouth curled down. “Why?”

“I will explain after. For now, please. ‘Twill be a mere examination. Quick and painless. I promise.”

His frown only deepened, and he looked to Ax for some sort of guidance.

‘Well, at least he is asking for permission,’ said the reaper privately. ‘Just say yes.’

Zeff released a growling sigh. “Very well. Do what you must.”

“Appreciated.”

The man’s hands found Zeff’s face and turned his chin left, then right. He brought Zeff’s head down to his own and then stared directly into his eyes.

Daro’s black pupils and brown irises went gray, then the sclera did, too, making them look almost like they’d turned to stone.

Then Zeff felt the entire world waver, as if it were suddenly closing in around him. A great pressure arrived all over his body, as if he’d been wrapped up in cloth.

His body wanted to panic. Wanted to twitch and flail. But his mind remained firm. Unbothered.

Then Daro’s eyes went from mere gray to pitch black, and the intensity all around Zeff heightened. Doubled. Tripled, perhaps.

Zeff was unfazed, however.

This strange state continued on for a few moments more, and then it abated. Daro’s gaze returned to normal, as did the world.

“Hmph. Interesting.” Daro let go of his face and moved down to Zeff’s left arm, feeling along the wrist with both thumbs. “Sorry about that,” he said without looking up. “That hadn’t been what I intended to test, but I noticed something and grew curious. I suppose I shouldn’t be too surprised that a Water Dragon would be in possession of that.”

Zeff wanted to ask what, but he held his tongue. Daro seemed to be focusing, and questions could wait until this exam was over.