Villain Ch 1680. TOUCH HERE TO ESCAPE
The sanctified glow that once emanated from its armor had shifted. Now it pulsed with corrupted mana, muted gold infused with black threads. The three halos didn't re-form—instead, a single cracked ring of tarnished light spun behind its helm like a loyal but broken crown.
The construct's torso lifted slightly, gears stalling before clunking into motion. It knelt.
Larissa raised an eyebrow. "Did you just... adopt the church toaster?"
"Yup."
"Do I get one?"
"No."
"Hmph."
He walked back toward the center of the room, glancing again at the now-dead statue. Still no change. No dramatic cue. No magical ding. Just eerie quiet.
"So…" he exhaled. "How long are we going to be here?"
Larissa sat on the edge of the altar like she owned the place now. "I mean, we could just... talk. While we wait."
He narrowed his eyes.
"That tone," he said.
"What?"
"That tone. You're either going to flirt or ask me about my feelings."
