The fake bain

Ningtin focused his eyes intently on Prince Khane. "If you've seen him before, that means it's really him!"

Arnin spoke up immediately after Ningtin, turning to face him. "But he lost his memories and can't even remember his martial arts skills. And now he claims he knows Bain? He's not sure,married man!"

Then Arnin turned to Prince Khane, his expression inquiring. "Are you really sure it was Bain you saw? How do you know it's truly him?"

Prince Khane closed his eyes tightly in frustration, then opened them again. Arnin was the one who had suggested keeping prince khane's secret and not revealing that he had lost his memories. But now, Arnin had blurted it out to Ningtin.

Prince Khane faced Arnin, expecting him to understand his mistake. But Arnin simply stared back, awaiting Prince Khane's response.

Finally, Prince Khane looked away. "Arnin is right, I'm not sure. But somehow, I feel like I do."

Ningtin raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Arnin's revelation as he realized. "No wonder you didn't recognize me initially," he said, leaning in closer across from Prince Khane.

"It seems you've lost more than just your memories." Ningtin's grin accompanied his words. "Your sword and essence, aren't they also gone?"

Arnin sighed, regretting his careless disclosure. He slapped his hand over his mouth, as if to prevent further slips.

Prince Khane met Ningtin's gaze, his silence speaking volumes.

Ningtin settled back with a grin, his expression thoughtful. "No wonder you changed your name. I understand now. Rest assured, I don't intend to exploit your vulnerability."

Lady Pherna intervened, turning to Ningtin beside her. "Even if you planned to take advantage of his weakness, Arnin and I won't allow it. We stand by his side."

Arnin redirected the conversation. "You were discussing Bain. Please continue."

Ningtin's eyes distant, recalling the fateful night. "The demon Bain, absent for years, suddenly appeared in Essed, wreaking havoc.

We thought he was dead but he wasn't.Ancient texts describe Bain's true form as a golden fox. I witnessed it myself."

Lady Pherna's curiosity sparked. "How can you be certain it was Bain?"

Ningtin's conviction was unwavering. "He declared himself Bain, claiming to be the golden fox. His attire, too, matches the legends. Though his face remains unseen, hidden beneath masks or hoods, one detail stands out: his black attire, revealing only his piercing eyes."

Prince Khane listened intently, recognizing the description, yet uncertainty lingered.

"Is that all that made you think it was Bain?" Arnin asked Ningtin, curiosity etched on his face. "Did he transform into his true form? What did he look like?"

Ningtin began to explain, "He didn't transform, but he claimed to be Bain. He had claws and used fire—"

Arnin interrupted, a sly smile spreading across his face. "Have you fought this Bain before?"

Ningtin nodded. "The other night, I, Meiyor, and some martial artists engaged him. He was... incredibly powerful."

Arnin's eyes narrowed with a smirk on his face. "You fought him; surely you saw his eyes through the flames. What color were they?"

Ningtin concentrated, revisiting the memory. "His pupils were black."

Arnin chuckled, folding his arms across his chest.

Lady Pherna's curiosity was piqued. "What's amusing?"

"It's a fake," Prince Khane stated, his voice firm.

Arnin's smile broadened as he faced Prince Khane. "Ah, it seems you genuinely know Bain. Tell me then, what's the color of his eyes?"

Prince Khane hesitated. "I don't know the color, but I'm certain it's not black."

Arnin placed a reassuring hand on Prince Khane's shoulder. "Then, brother, I'll gladly enlighten you and our friends here."he said as he faced them.

"Bain's pupils shift between three colors: red, gold, and silver," Ningtin revealed with a knowing smile.

"However,When they're gold and red, he's harnessing immense power, and when all three colors appear, he's unleashing his full potential."

Ningtin patted Prince Khane's shoulder, drawing him closer. "Lady and married man, this brother of mine is right; we're dealing with an impostor.

But I fear his presence will attract the real Bain, high-ranking demons, or perhaps both."

Lady Pherna's eyes sparkled. "Essed will indeed heat up this year."

Arnin's expression turned serious. "It's not too late to turn back. What's your bodyguard's name? I'll instruct him to retreat."

Ningtin's tone was firm. "You cannot leave Essed."

Lady Pherna intervened, her voice filled with conviction. "Why retreat? We should eradicate demons, protect the weak, uphold justice, and forge legendary names!"

Arnin's smile masked his concern as he looked at lady pherna "My lady, you underestimate the situation. Most martial artists, including us, are only at Phase 5.

Bain and other high-ranking demons possess unfathomable power, far beyond the earthly demons we defeated in Tamil. Our best hope lies with heavenly immortals and gods."

Lady Pherna's eyes narrowed. "I never knew you were so timid, Arnin. In Tamil, I held high expectations for you."

Arnin's expression turned somber. "This is suicidal. Sometimes, retreat is the wisest choice. If you fall to a high-ranking demon, will anyone remember you? Who knows your name?"

"You!__" Lady Pherna began to speak, but Ningtin interrupted her.

"You can't leave Essed," Ningtin warned, his gaze serious. "If you try, you'll perish. Since Bain appeared, the city has been sealed; entry is possible, but exit is impossible."

Arnin's face fell, despair creeping in. "We're trapped? My dreams, shattered! I longed to become a renowned martial artist, settle by the ocean with my lovely wife and children—"

Ningtin's expression softened, sharing his own aspirations. "I, too, dreamed of martial arts greatness, returning to Alsan, my hometown.

My ideal wife would be stunning, with curves like a fairy—full breasts, thick waist, and hips that defy the heavens. I adore hearty food," he grin,then chuckled as he looked at arnin.

Arnin nodded enthusiastically, raising a thumb in approval. "A thick lady is indeed a blessing."

Lady Pherna shifted uncomfortably, her gaze drifting to her own chest, perturbed by the men's candid discussion.

"Absolutely!" Ningtin exclaimed. "I desire a woman with substance, not one as light as a feather with barely noticeable curves.

Take Meiyer, for instance – I could have managed her, but she's a formidable woman, far stronger and in a higher phase. She's more like a man!

She even sleeps on her stomach, flaunting her...ahem...flatness. How could I possibly romance such a woman? On our wedding night, she was even the dominant one!"

Just then, a commanding female voice reverberated through the air, sending shivers down Ningtin's spine.

"Who dares gossip about me?!"