Chapter 438: A Dead End

**Thelma Zane’s POV** For humans, mental illness is a silent affliction, but for demons, it can become a weapon of mass destruction. As Leviathan’s excitement grew, a sense of dread settled in my chest. Her words that followed were like daggers, piercing through any lingering hope I had. “So far, I’m very pleased with how this play has unfolded,” she said, her voice brimming with mock satisfaction. “But the actors seem to be faltering, pushing the narrative toward something disappointingly predictable. How about we shake things up? A little intermission, perhaps? We can let the actors rest and bring in the clown for some lighthearted entertainment.” She paused, a twisted smile spreading across her face. “This city has exactly forty-four thousand five hundred and seventy-six humanoid inhabitants. That includes the pointy-eared elves and your loyal puppies. Of course, a great city-state like this should have more, but since some have already fled, we won’t force them to return f