"If you hurt somebody or get hurt by somebody, you just might be experiencing a real fight." — Shanks
---
The voice wasn't Zero's.
'Fool, he's using magic.'
Zeke registered it mid-stance, attention splitting between the approaching storm of shadow and crackling dark lightning and the unfamiliar presence threading through his mind.
Anton.
'What do you mean, he's using magic?' Zeke replied.
'He's converting ability circuits into mana circuits — more versatility. A boon of Gluttony and his demonic nature. They're hell's favorite for a reason. Quite talented, magically.'
'I follow. But how are you talking to me telepathically?'
'Magic. Telepathy, technically — a martial art skill that skilled magicians eventually replicated' Anton answered, his mental tone carrying the particular smugness of someone who knows exactly how impressive they're being.
Then, a beat of silence.
'Wait. How are you able to do it?' Anton asked, catching up to the strangeness of his own question.
