Elise was elated to see the second exam but at the same time the excitement had passed for her a little more than before. Truthfully, one of the many reason for her to chose becoming a Church member because she wanted to find Ian once again, and the place where she had to live in.

"The second exam is harder than before," Ian warned her, looking directly into her eyes, "Once there was a case from the second exam where only a single person survived." 

Hearing this, Elise's brows raised in curiosity. "Who is it?"

"It was Dalton Lone," answered Ian and he brought the letter to his hand, reading it with an uninterested expression, "At that time they were told to survive in a forest near Hurthend for four days. It didn't take two days before the people there to die. Since then the exam had been modified due to the amount of victims. Still it didn't mean they guarantee safeties for the participants as the victims for each exam are still there." 

His eyes then moved at Elise, looking directly, he said, "I think you know how much I don't want that to happen to you, do you? I won't restrict you because that's not how love works and even if I could do that, I won't do it to you, I want to respect your wishes."

"I know," Elise smiled at him, thankful at how Ian had put so much thoughts and consideration to respect her choice. "Since you helped me to see which magic I am compatible with, I have never gotten to see my elements." is it because she lack the talent to use it?

Ian smiled, nudging his hand to her chin as she looked down, "It's not a rare thing for elements not to show, yours are shadows, the rarest of most elements which could be more reason why it isn't easy for the elements to be summon. But I would never be at rest if you leave in your current state," he solemnly said, "You are not perfectly strong enough to protect yourself during this time and no offense, but woman usually lack more power than most men."

Elise also knew that it would be dangerous if she goes the way she is now, "I only have the power to turn things to ashes."

Ian tugged his lips and poke his finger to her cheeks that were red as he continued to inch closer to her, "That is what we are going to use today, sweetheart. Your power is unique and powerful, if you know how to control and channel the power inside you, it would be your strongest power and ally to protect yourself."

Ian wondered if anyone would expect a day like this to come for him, a day where he would put aside his ego for the sake of his bride. Truthfully, Ian hated the idea of sending Elise to the place where there would be fights, deaths, and germ-filled men in the second exam. If he had been pushy enough, there was a high chance Elise would listen to his words, but that would not be her.

He had promised to grant whatever wishes she has including all the selfish desire Elise would soon make in the future. Due to her past, Elise sacrifice many things, including her emotions and her selfish desire, but to Ian desire and selfishness would not defile Elise, instead it would only giver more color she needed. Just like how she accepted death and to kill in her own thought, in the future there would be more option which would be too terrible for her to choose. Knowing this, Ian knew this exam would be one experience that would be a good lesson to her. 

"Will you help me to practice?" Elise disliked the idea of being weak, because she knew that if she dies she would make people sad and there was a strong feeling in her that she didn't want to kill anyone. 

"Of course, honey, who else would help you if it's not me," Ian tilted his head to the side and kissed her forehead when a knock came on the door of the dining room which was far away from where Elise and Ian had seated at. 

Maroon entered with a bow, his face then looked up. With how strict and expressionless Maroon was, it was hard for one to read his emotions or thought which had Elise to wonder if she had seen it wrong as she had seen a serious expression from the butler. 

"My Lord, the people from the Church request for an audience," Maroon reported with a face that held little to no emotions.

Ian raised his brows in surprise but not enough to be shocked. He trailed his glass again before pushing it again to the table, "Bring them to the sitting room and keep them company." and without waiting for another order, Maroon bowed to accept the instruction and left with the door closed behind him.

"The Church members?" asked Elise to Ian. Taking from Maroon's expression it doesn't seem like a good news. 

"These guests often comes and go on their own accords, don't they?" Ian clicked his tongue faintly, "I would like to have a time where no humans and creatures alike intruding to our time like worms, but that would mean killing people, and that's a no, I know," Ian said while looking at Elise's eyes. If anyone says they would kill every last creature in this world, it would be either a joke or nonsense, yet the effect of the words turn different when Ian stated it as he does have the power and will to do so.

"I will come with you," Elise said while standing up, but he held her face and kissed her cheeks lightly.

"You can come later, there is your little friend who you've been waiting to meet right?" Ian saw Elise's brows raised in a thought and his smirk grew more whimsical. "I hung him on the same tree I tied him to in the past. He must be yelling mouthful of curses now, before the church members come to the garden and head chick speaking in human language can you take care of him?"

Elise was correct, "Hallow?" and Ian nodded at her words.

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A/N: Update schedule~ I am keeping a very busy and very disorganized schedule. I am trying to post two chapters I am preparing for stocks but it isn't easy as I thought it would. But I will keep up about two chapters. Estimating with Beijing's time, I will post a chapter at 12:00 (night) and another chapter would be up at the latest 9 (morning)