‘If it was preparing to be a Demon five years ago, then it might already be a Demon by now. This is getting worse and worse.’

The situation was much more serious than Henry had expected. If Black had already evolved into a Demon, then there was a high probability that it had ventured out into the depths of the Demonic Beast Forest rather than remain in the 6th district.

“Do you have any other information you can tell me?”

- There is, but I can’t say that I’m certain about it…

“Anything. No matter how trivial it may sound, any information you have is valuable right now.”

Encouraged by Henry’s words, Holtervelt began to describe his death in greater detail.

- So… right before I was killed, Black came toward me, wearing the skin of my comrade. Mm… so that was right before it entered me, too. It seemed amused by how terrified I was, like some kind of deranged killer. Right then, it told me, “Know that it is an honor to be eaten by me, for I will soon become a Demon.” Then it entered my mouth. It felt like everything happened very quickly, you know? How should I put this… it kinda felt like I was hypnotized, or in a daze…?”

“You think...