Chapter 31: A Meeting of Two Women

"…Seventh victory! Mr. 'Lord of Shadows,' do you need a rest?"

Cohen casually tossed aside the scimitar he had seized, its edge now notched and dulled, and said calmly:

"Continue!"

It was a landslide!

Unstoppable!

The chasm between levels became meaningless before Cohen. Even Tier 2 opponents rarely lasted more than five minutes against him. With the dragon-strength of a One-Punch Man, an impenetrable absolute defense, the stunning arts of a dual-practitioner of magic and martial skills, and the elusive, ghost-like skill of disarming, his winning streak was unstoppable.

The spectators were in a frenzy. Compared to the ethereal and distant "God Calling," this kind of visceral, bone-crunching combat that defied rank was far more intuitive and exhilarating. Everyone in the stands was cheering the name "Lord of Shadows."

Raymond’s side was cluttered with invitations from the dignitaries of the first and second tiers, their contents dripping with sycophancy and goodwill. The so-called dignity of the nobility was worth nothing in the presence of someone who could converse with gods as equals.

As the last opponent, a Tier 2 peak [Shadow Dancer], collapsed under Cohen's fist, his twentieth consecutive victory was secured!

Experience Points: 150/300

He was not far from Tier 2 now!

The audience rose to their feet, hands held high, their cheers merging into a powerful wave of sound that threatened to shatter the confines of the arena. Scorching gazes converged on Cohen from all directions, all seemingly asking the same question:

Will you continue tomorrow?

Cohen did not disappoint them. He took one hundred gold coins from his belt and tossed them steadily to Raymond:

"I have no interest in the [God Guard Reserve Camp], but I am interested in the divine favor. I will reach thirty wins tomorrow!"

Cohen’s actions sent the crowd into a fresh wave of agitation. The ecstatic cheers, filled with reverence and anticipation, were like blinding sunlight, illuminating every corner of the arena.

Raymond approached Cohen with a thick stack of invitations and sighed:

"I underestimated you. I will honor my master's command and do one thing for you. My actions regarding Chloe were wrong; he has already received his due punishment. I hope you will not pursue this further."

Cohen did not take the invitations, saying indifferently:

"I never had a major conflict with him to begin with. You handle these things for me."

Raymond paused, withdrew the invitations, and instead handed Cohen a badge engraved with two crimson moons.

Cohen refused again:

"You might need a new one by tomorrow. Let’s leave it at that. As for exactly what I need you to do, I will tell you after I finish tomorrow's match."

Nephthys walked over, hesitating as she spoke:

"Sir..."

Cohen looked at Nephthys, who seemed to be struggling with her words, and smiled softly:

"Beautiful lady, I look forward to helping you resolve your troubles."

Nephthys’s face flushed slightly as she shook her head:

"Sir, there are indeed things I wish to tell you, but this is not the place. After you are finished, could you accompany me somewhere?"

"With pleasure. Besides, I have a few people I would like you to meet."

Cohen naturally and familiarly took Nephthys’s hand, as if the gesture were one he had repeated countless times. Nephthys’s cheeks turned red, but she did not resist. Feeling such trust for a man she had only known for two days left a faint, imperceptible trace of bewilderment in her heart.

Cohen led Nephthys directly toward the first-tier VIP area, his destination the private box of the "Pale Wings." Many in the first two tiers were still watching Cohen. Seeing him head straight for the "Pale Wings" without looking back, they couldn't help but show expressions of disappointment. They lacked the standing to compete with the "Pale Wings" for anyone.

Cohen knocked on the door, and Mr. Mordo’s familiar voice came from within:

"Come in, my 'God Caller'!"

Cohen entered the box, where Isabella was hunched over a desk, flipping through a book. Seeing Isabella again after many days, the corners of Cohen's eyes relaxed involuntarily. The beauty of the Daughter of the Golden Wings was truly enough to bring joy to one's heart. Nephthys, accompanying him, was also struck by the beauty of the stunning woman in the room.

Isabella showed no extra expression; she seemed indifferent to Cohen's arrival, glancing at him only briefly before returning to the ancient tome on the table. Cohen stood there, feeling slightly awkward, wondering why Isabella was suddenly so cold toward him—she hadn't even offered a greeting. Was she still angry about him flirting with her last time?

Cohen took the initiative to break the silence:

"Let me introduce everyone. This is Ms. Nephthys, my partner for the next five years."

Hearing this, Isabella slowly raised her head, a hint of interest flickering in her eyes:

"A Mind-Weaver—certainly a fine partner."

Isabella placed deliberate emphasis on the word "partner." Before Cohen could continue, Isabella rose from her desk, her red heels clicking elegantly against the floor as she walked over to Nephthys and extended a hand:

"Hello, lovely lady. My name is Isabella Winzer; you may call me Isa."

Cohen’s brows twitched, clearly surprised by Isabella’s behavior. Winzer? The small weaver felt a jolt of shock—the Winzer family of the "Pale Wings"! Isabella... right, the name! No wonder it sounded so familiar; the woman exuding such noble authority in every gesture was the renowned Daughter of the Golden Wings!

Nephthys quickly reached out to shake her hand, replying:

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Winzer. You are as beautiful as the legends say."

Isabella, however, lightly pinched Nephthys’s small hand and chuckled:

"It certainly feels nice. No wonder someone is so fond of it, unable to let go."

Nephthys shuddered slightly, a crimson flush racing up her face. She struggled to pull her hand back, biting her lip and remaining silent. Cohen, feeling utterly embarrassed, stood in silence for a few seconds before saying:

"Ms. Winzer's identity must be kept absolutely secret; you must not tell anyone."

Nephthys nodded gently.

Cohen looked back at Isabella, whose face had returned to its cold indifference. He opened his mouth, then stopped, unsure how to begin.

Isabella’s voice was cold and clear:

"Speak. What do you want, bringing your little sister to me?"

Cohen raised an eyebrow; this woman was too sharp. He couldn't hide any small movement from her. Cohen weighed his words:

"I heard the 'Pale Wings' possess a ring called 'Insight.' Well... I want it."

"Insight," a legendary-grade magical artifact, was considered a mediocre item for most, serving only as a storage device. But for a [Mind-Weaver], it was an invaluable artifact. It not only enhanced mental interference capabilities but also protected a Mind-Weaver from losing themselves while invading another’s mind.

Isabella clearly understood the true value of "Insight" and grasped Cohen’s true purpose for wanting it in an instant. The woman narrowed her beautiful eyes, staring straight at Cohen, her red lips parting:

"Asking one woman for something on behalf of another, Mr. 'Lord of Shadows,' you certainly have a way with things!"

Cohen quickly added:

"I can trade with you!"

"I don't want to trade."

Cohen was stunned, whispering:

"Why? Doesn't the 'Pale Wings' trade in everything? Logically, as the Daughter of the Golden Wings, shouldn't you uphold that principle?"

"There is no 'why.' Being unreasonable is a woman's privilege."

Cohen was left speechless, wondering why Isabella was suddenly harboring such hostility toward him. Truly, a woman’s temper was unpredictable. He sighed slightly; never mind, he would bring it up again when she was in a better mood.

Mr. Mordo, unable to bear the bizarre atmosphere any longer, spoke up:

"The person you asked me to arrange has agreed to meet you tomorrow night. Don't be late."

Cohen nodded slightly and turned to say something more to Isabella, only to find that she had picked up her book again, radiating an aura that forbade any approach. He sighed softly and led Nephthys away.