From Tsubaki's performance that morning, Sebastian could already sense the shift within her. With the aid of his observers and telepaths, he could glimpse fragments of her inner thoughts. Tsubaki still longed for the Jewel of Four Souls, yet her obsession was no longer the crazed hunger described in the old tales.
"This girl isn't bad at all," Sebastian mused.
His gaze lingered on the gleaming jade placed beside the bed. He gave a faint nod, and for the first time, a trace of approval toward Tsubaki settled in his heart. Had she snatched the jade earlier, counterfeit or not, Sebastian would have branded her untrustworthy. Yet by stopping her deepest desire, she had proven herself worthy of his trust.
"Perhaps she really can be treated as one of my own." He sighed, stretching his shoulders as he prepared to rest. "It's tough to get a good night's sleep…"
But before he could close his eyes, a faint thump echoed from above, "Someone's here…"
On the roof, a figure cloaked in a black robe moved silently across the tiles. It was Inuyasha, slipping into the village.
Sebastian had long suspected this. The monster that the two monks failed to eliminate was none other than him. Inuyasha, cautious of Sebastian's strength, had stayed hidden near the mansion the entire day, only daring to approach once he saw the monks leave.
"How do I get the Jewel of Four Souls?" Inuyasha crouched on the roof, his mind racing.
He knew the truth: Sebastian was strong. He had seen with his own eyes how Sebastian and his followers crushed the God of Death. Confidence usually fueled Inuyasha's impulsive nature, but tonight it withered beneath the shadow of Sebastian's power.
"I can't beat him. The only way… is to steal it." He wrapped demonic energy around his feet, pacing uneasily across the tiles.
"Planning to steal this?" The sudden voice behind him made his heart leap. Inuyasha nearly slipped and tumbled from the roof.
Sebastian stood there, the Jade of the Four Souls glittering in his hand. His lips curved into a faint, knowing smile as Inuyasha's hood fell back, revealing his panicked face.
Every move Inuyasha made had already been within Sebastian's grasp. Surveillance devices and wards surrounded the mansion, quietly watching. Sebastian hadn't acted earlier only because Inuyasha had kept himself in check.
That the half-demon had come to here was no surprise to him at all. Inuyasha's obsession with the jewel eclipsed even Tsubaki's; he dreamed of using it to shed his half-blood and ascend into a full demon.
"I'm strong!" Inuyasha declared, though his trembling voice betrayed him. "Hand over the jade, now!"
It was little more than a bluff, and both of them knew it.
"Long time no see," Sebastian said, narrowing his eyes.
"What are you talking about? We've never met!"
"Oh? Didn't you stand aside yesterday, watching us crush the God?" Sebastian's smile was razor-sharp.
Inuyasha stiffened. He hadn't expected Sebastian to know his secret. But when his eyes fell on the jade in Sebastian's hand, reason gave way to greed. He lunged, reckless. But Sebastian vanished in an instant, teleporting away with his Portable Chronoshift Device. Inuyasha swiped at nothing, nearly tumbling forward, only for flames to roar at him from behind.
Sebastian reappeared and hurled a fireball. The blaze lit the night, forcing Inuyasha to twist out of the way. The attack would have roasted him alive if Sebastian had intended to kill. But the restraint was clear.
"Damn it, what is this ability?!" Fear etched itself across Inuyasha's face. He could already tell: their power wasn't even close to the same level. Escape was the only option left.
He bolted toward the forest. "Once I reach the trees, I'll be safe!"
But in the blink of an eye, the forest vanished. The familiar roof of Sebastian's mansion snapped back into focus around him.
"What, what happened?!" Horror widened his eyes.
Sebastian sat calmly nearby, relaxed as though enjoying the night air. "If you can escape today," he said evenly, "I'll let you go."
"Do you mean it?" Inuyasha asked, hesitant, desperate.
"I have no need to lie."
Hope surged in the half-demon's chest, and he sprinted with everything he had. Yet every time, the teleportation pulled him back. Once, twice, a dozen times… thirty-five failed attempts later, he collapsed, drenched in sweat, his eyes hollow with exhaustion.
"I… I can't run anymore…"
"Have you given up?" Sebastian rose, his steps deliberate as he approached, "As a thief, you deserve punishment."
Inuyasha shut his eyes; certain death was upon him.
But Sebastian's voice was steady, almost amused. "Your punishment will be this: serve as the guard of my estate for the rest of your life. If you prove yourself worthy… perhaps one day I'll grant you the jade you covet."