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Back in the normal world, their second conversation was continuing, too.

"What'll you do with all these giant boxes?" said Hector.

"Return the Idkin to where they belong," said Sermung. "That will take time, however. I must discern the correct destination first. Or destinations, most likely. I doubt they have all come from the same place."

"Do you know how Jercash would've brought them here?"

"With the aid of one of his madmen, no doubt. His most dangerous quality is his ability to engender the cooperation of others--even those who might otherwise remain lone operators. But tell me: if you are from Atreya, then how came you to be here in Andeyal?"

"My country's prince is currently stuck in the city, due to everything going on. I came here to ensure his safety."

"But how did you arrive, if as you said, my men have the city under a lockdown?"

Ah. Hector saw what he was getting at but hesitated. That was quite sensitive information, he felt, but this was also Sermung he was talking to here. Maybe the most trustworthy man in the entire world, if reputation was anything to go by.

But it wasn't.

Hector didn't know him. Not like that, anyway.

And sure, perhaps they were getting to know each other extremely quickly thanks to their auras, but in a weird way, that was actually making it clear to Hector just how much he didn't know about this living legend in front of him--how much he couldn't know. There was far too much in that aura. Both concealed and not. Too many things for Hector to wrap his head around, especially in a single conversation.

"You are wary of me," observed Sermung. "Perhaps that is wise, though I can't help feeling somewhat slighted, seeing how much I have already shared with you."

"You volunteered all that," said Hector. "And I appreciate it, but... we also just met, you know."

"Your secret is that valuable to you, is it? Very well. I shall not pry."

"Are you sure about that? I get the feeling you can already see just about anything you want."

"Hah. It is never that simple. Prodding into others' secrets always carries with it some level of risk. But... perhaps you should be taking further measures to guard yourself, as well? You may have been sharing more than you intended. And future encounters of this nature may not be as benign. You understand my meaning?"

Hmm. "I think so."