The Tenth Shadow turned toward him, its voice calm. "You're one of the very few who've managed to reach this place."
Max tightened his grip slightly. "You can talk?"
The shadow gave a faint laugh. "Of course."
Then it looked toward the distant horizon. "I'm not like the other nine."
Max stayed silent.
"The strength of every shadow you faced was decided by me," the Tenth Shadow continued.
That caught Max's attention at once.
The shadow looked back at him. "The First Shadow, the Second, and all the way to the Ninth. I determine how strong they are when a challenger enters."
Max's gaze sharpened. "So the shadows aren't fixed?"
"No." The Tenth Shadow shook its head. "They're adjusted."
Its voice remained calm. "Talent, cultivation, combat ability, and potential. All of it is taken into account."
Then it paused. "And in your case, I made the Ninth Shadow stronger."
Max's expression shifted slightly.
The Tenth Shadow laughed softly again. "You noticed, didn't you?"
