Third Wheel

"So… they failed, uh?" A voice emerged from the darkness.

It belonged to a young man.

His eyes were crimson, and he stared into the vast night sky.

All alone, he felt the loss of the subordinates he had warned. To think they had still failed despite his help.

"It's just like Jared to get in my way…" His eyes narrowed as he replayed the battle that happened on a screen created by Magic.

The panel showed how Jared fought against the Nether Beast, not missing a single thing.

"So he can even handle one of those things. Impressive."

The boy in the darkness was Stefan, and his lips curled up in a smile while he rewatched the fight one more time.

"I guess this is the end of the Netherlores. They were useful, but I really shouldn't consider them family."

As his voice echoed in the silent night, his gaze fell on the blond boy once more.

"Still, Jared… you took your time facing off against just one of those."

Stefan, who comfortably sat on a high cliff, looked beneath him.