Usually, a mere backfire might leave you dizzy and disoriented. At worst, you’d feel a little under the weather for a few days. But the sheer force of the backfire Theodore had just experienced was enough to cost him his life!
That could only mean one thing-the person he had crossed paths with was not to be trifled with. If they came knocking for revenge, there would be nowhere to hide!
“Sir Crane, did you maybe take a knock to the head just now? What else could explain these nonsensical words of yours?”
Eleanor chimed in, her voice dripping with skepticism, “Dustin is just a doctor. What could he possibly do to reduce you to this quivering mess? You look like you’ve seen a ghost, for goodness’ sake. Is it really that terrible?
“Yeah, Sir Crane,” Ezra added, puzzled. He’d done a bit of digging into Dustin’s background. Dustin was nothing more than a rustic, real small-town guy. He had some fighting skills, some medical know- how, and a few tricks up his sleeve. Even so, those couldn’t justify this level of terror.
“You both are hopelessly naïve!” Theodore retorted, exasperation oozing from every word.
“The one who just made me spew blood is no run-of-the-mill person. Their power dwarfs your wildest imagination! “he exclaimed.
Then, he added, “If I were you, I’d quit while I’m ahead and extend a formal apology to this man. Because if they decide to unleash their fury, you’ll regret it before you can blink!”
Theodore was a member of the Mystic Arts Order. Hence, he knew precisely what that kind of intense backfire implied.
When he claimed this person to be at least a master in the occult, he wasn’t blowing smoke. He might be even more powerful.
“Sir Crane, let’s not indulge in baseless speculations,” Ezra cautioned.
“Dustin is nothing more than an ordinary man, I assure you. There’s no reason for you to be so scared,” Eleanor stated coldly. She crossed her arms and eyed Theodore skeptically.
She had doubts about him ever since the incident at the Welch family. Theodore had previously made an error that cost him an ear, as well as her grandfather’s life. Still, Eleanor maintained a polite demeanor toward Theodore. It was primarily out of respect for Ezra.
However, this recent failure by Theodore completely shattered her trust and patience. In her eyes, he was nothing more than a sham who dabbled in the supernatural to deceive people.
“You… How can you doubt me?” Theodore fumed with anger. He had risked his life to offer his insights, only to be met with skepticism. Eleanor, in his view, had no understanding of the gravity of the situation.
“Sir Crane, let’s take it down a notch,” Ezra tried to mediate. “Maybe there’s a misunderstanding here.”
He continued, “I have complete faith that Dustin doesn’t have that level of power. Could there be a chance you made a misstep that led to your injuries?”
“Impossible!” Theodore scoffed. “My methods are flawless, tried and true. I’ve never made a mistake before. This time, I’ve genuinely met someone of superior caliber!”
“Hmph! Flawless, you say? That’s rich, “Eleanor snorted, her expression glacial.
“In the span of a few days, you’ve already messed up twice. It’s ridiculous that you claim you can’t make any mistakes. From what I can see, you’re simply inadequate!”
“You… You’ve crossed the line now!” Theodore was about to blow his top.
However, his emotions backfired against him. Suddenly, he coughed up a mouthful of blood, almost toppling over.
“Sir Crane, maybe you should get some rest,” Ezra suggested, reaching out to help. But Theodore swatted him away and said coldly, “I’ve told you all I can. If you don’t believe me, it’s your funeral.”
With that, Theodore stumbled out of the ward without looking back. He had warned them. If they chose not to listen, they’d have to face the consequences.
“Hmph! What a fraud, calling himself a ‘master’!” Eleanor rolled her eyes, her disdain on full display. “Eleanor, there’s something strange about this. We should look into it,” Ezra proposed.
“What’s there to investigate? He’s just a country bumpkin. He can’t possibly make a big fuss,” Eleanor replied nonchalantly. Then, she added, “If you’re not up to the task, I’ll find someone else. You don’t have to bother.”
“You say that, but serving you and looking out for my dearest is my honor, “Ezra said, playfully embracing her.
“Rest assured, I’ll spare no expense to bring in an expert. Dustin will pay the price!” he affirmed.
“That’s more like it,” Eleanor grinned. Any man who dared spurn her was in for a world of trouble.
