THIRD PERSON'S POV
RUSTLE.
Demon and Venom continued to walk through the dense, remote forest. The area was still teeming with enemies, and Demon wasn’t in the mood for another fight. They opted to take a route where they could avoid most of the scattered foes.
RUSTLE.
Venom frowned, his senses alert. He had been hearing that rustling sound repeatedly, and it wasn’t coming from Demon—they were side by side.
RUSTLE.
"Ouch," Venom muttered as he accidentally bumped into Demon, who had abruptly stopped.
Demon’s eyes narrowed as she approached a nearby tree. She quickly shot an arrow into the branches, then closed her eyes, as if sensing something. Without hesitation, she threw the branch she had shot, hitting someone hidden in the shadows.
"Damn!" Carl grumbled as he emerged from his hiding spot, rubbing the spot where the branch had struck him. He shot Demon a glare.
"YOU—" Venom began, ready to attack Carl, but Demon held him back with a single raised hand.
“He’s a mask,” she said coolly, her tone indicating it was all the explanation Venom needed. Venom, however, was less than satisfied, his face etched with confusion.
Demon didn't elaborate. Instead, she stared coldly at Carl, who was now standing and brushing off his clothes.
"Here," Carl said, handing a phone to Demon. "You need to talk to Viper, don’t you? I have another phone, and I’ll make sure he gets it. Just keep your promise!"
Venom’s eyes widened in surprise. “What promise?” he asked, his voice tinged with suspicion.
“Don’t worry, Carl,” Demon replied, her voice eerily calm. “I won’t break my promise.” Venom’s brow furrowed even deeper at this exchange, clearly unsettled by what he was hearing. “But I hope you stay alive until it happens,” Demon added, her tone devoid of concern.
“Tch.” Carl clicked his tongue, shooting Venom a pitying look. “Poor creature,” he muttered under his breath. “I’ll make it there. I want to witness your fall, Demon.”
“Excited much?” Demon retorted sarcastically, snatching the phone from Carl’s hand. “By the way, are you aware there’s another mask wandering around?”
“Who?” Carl asked, his curiosity piqued.
Demon smirked, shrugging her shoulders in a mocking display of innocence. “Is it Brizon or Dos? As far as I know, those two are your people.”
“Hm… sorry to burst your bubble, but it’s not them. This one foolishly made a deal with me just for fun,” Demon said with a grimace, recalling the ridiculous deal she had made. "Oh, you're still here? I'm itching to talk to Conan."
Carl rolled his eyes before turning back to Venom, giving him one last glance that seemed to say, "You have no idea what you’re in for." With that, Carl disappeared into the darkness.
Venom, still baffled, turned to Demon. “What was that about? Whose mask is that, anyway—?”
“There are things you’re better off not knowing,” Demon interrupted, tapping Venom’s shoulder in a way that was more menacing than reassuring. It was clear: this was not just a reminder, but a threat. Don’t dig deeper.
“Shall we move on?” Demon continued, her voice suddenly light and almost playful. “I’m dying for some peace and quiet, and I’ve got a call to make to Viper.”
