After the Lord of the Abyss awakens

Xius was concentrating on the model and didn't notice the tension between the two cats. He turned his head occasionally and saw them playing with fur balls happily.

They are the most active children now. Besides Vashak, it would be great if Eliog, Beelzebub and Moragos in the dormitory were also so active.

Xius was a little worried.

Although sleeping is necessary for growth, haven't they slept too long recently? The good thing is that they really leveled up in their dreams. It feels like they are really leveling up in dreams, not just sleeping soundly.

In any case, it is always a good thing to make progress, but I am afraid of being bullied in dreams.

Xius's mood is a little complicated.

His children don't like to tell the truth about these things. It has always been like this, especially Baal, who loves to level up, loves to fight, and is often injured, but never tells. He is powerful, but has a strong personality and is very stubborn about what he has determined. It is a good thing, but also a bad thing.

Xiu Si was troubled for a while, but then he was relieved, because this is the child's personality, you can't change it, and there is no need to change it. All parents can do is respect the personality and remind him to be careful and safe.

After more than 8,000 years, how far has Baal grown now?

I still remember that before he left, Baal's level was relatively high.

Now it should be at least... 90 levels, right?

Xiu Si imagined it optimistically.

Then again, a level 90 monster can transform into a human, what will his child look like if he transforms into a human?

Xiu Si was a little expectant, and his eyes fell on the two cats on the table.

The two cats were playing, their paws were full of wool, innocent and lively, and they didn't look like adults at all. It was hard to imagine what they would look like when they grew up.

They are still children for more than 8,000 years now. Wouldn't it take more than 10,000 years for them to grow up?

Xiu Si choked, wondering if he could survive until then. But forget it, just muddle through, it's hard to say what the future will be like.

He took the wool that the puppet couldn't scratch off and asked, "Are you interested in the skill competition?"

The two cats turned their heads at the same time, their desire to win was burning.

Of course I'm interested! This is a war! I must be the winner in the end!

You are really children. Hughes smiled and said, "Levin said that the competition will be on Monday of next week, which is three days later. If you want to compete, you have enough time to prepare. You don't have to compete for a place, just go and have fun and make more friends by the way."

The two cats raised their paws excitedly, but their eyes didn't mean to "have fun" at all.

They thought to themselves, this is a holy war about fathers and honor!

Meow! Must win!

At this time, Beelzebub had just returned and was exercising in the dormitory, and happened to hear this.

He didn't know what he was talking about, but he knew it when he saw the situation of the two compatriots.

Oh, we have to compete again, right? Boring.

However, Beelzebub turned around and saw Zeus's expectant eyes. His cat eyes trembled immediately. He was silent for a while, and then thought to himself, Humph, it's just a game, how can you beat me?

I want to participate in this game too!

He turned into a meow as soon as he entered the cat body, and he might not even notice it.

Beelzebub had just returned from investigating the Dawn Church. His thoughts were stuck, and there was no new information. He was a little irritated,

so he wanted to run back to stick to his father to replenish his energy.

Who knew that these two guys were close to the water and got the moon first, and they had already turned into meows.

But in terms of cat power, how could he lose?

Beelzebub laughed, and suddenly heard a movement behind him. He turned around and saw that Eliog had returned.

Eliog in the shape of a black cat obviously heard the conversation outside. He didn't feel anything at first, but after meeting Beelzebub's eyes, he inexplicably aroused the desire to win.

Everyone wants to compete for the first place, right? Humph, it doesn't matter, I will take action.

Eliog was serious on the surface, exchanging information with Beelzebub, and asked, "How is the investigation of the mastermind going?"

"There has been great progress, and we have basically locked down several suspects."

Beelzebub did not say that his train of thought had been stuck, and asked before Eliog, "What about you?"

Eliog's lips rose, his cat eyes sharp, and said, "It will be soon, that historical research team will be very good at work."

Beelzebub reminded, "But you should know that they are from the Os Empire. The results of their research may be widely spread in the Os Empire and recognized by the citizens of the Os Empire, but only in the Os Empire."

Eliog did not answer.

Beelzebub looked at Hughes outside, "Don't forget, my father is currently in the Oedipus Empire. How can the historical tampering you carried out in the Os Empire affect other countries, or even the whole world, and make most people believe it to be true?"

Beelzebub did not say "everyone" because it is impossible, there is no such absolute thing, and they just need to make most people believe it to be true.

"You don't have to worry about that."

Eriorg smiled and said mysteriously: "I have my own way."

Beelzebub raised his eyebrows, "Oh? You have been in the human world for a long time, you don't have any offline organizations, right?"

"What do you think?"

Eriorg's eyes were meaningful.

"..."

Beelzebub has always suspected that Eliorg's active contract with humans is a conspiracy.

Among all his compatriots, only Eliorg loves to spread his net all over the world and actively participate in various disputes among humans. The contractors are all over the world and even all races.

Before, he thought that Eliog had forgotten his original intention, developed ambition, and tried to conquer the continent or something. But now that he thought about it, Eliog had only one purpose, which never changed, and that was to find his father.

That's why Eliog spread his network widely, placed spies everywhere, and even established an intelligence organization.

That's why Eliog was able to find his father first.

He had been preparing, and finally got that "accident."

Thinking of this, Beelzebub's eyes dimmed.

In essence, he and Eliog are both similar and different. The similarity is that they are both good at thinking, but the difference is that their feelings and actions after thinking are different.

For example, Eliog has no idea about the human world itself. In his view, the human world is no different from the natural world, and humans are just animals that can think.

Beelzebub doesn't like humans except his father, and he particularly dislikes certain human individuals.

He has clear likes and dislikes, while Eliog has an ambiguous attitude, as if he is observing the world through a layer of membrane.

If you put

He is classified as Chaos Evil, while Eliog is considered Chaos Neutral. He sometimes participates in it and conducts experiments that he considers valuable.

Should I be called a compatriot who has the power of [war]? Beelzebub's thoughts moved slightly.

"In short," Eliog suddenly said: "My affairs are in progress. The trouble mainly lies with you, Amon, and Botis."

Beelzebub raised his eyes: "Huh? Why are you talking about me?"

Eliog snorted, "I don't even want to think about what you did."

Beelzebub stopped talking. Even if we don't talk about Him, these two guys Amon and Botis are still full of misdeeds.

Eliog complained slightly: "You know, regarding their history, it is not a matter of how to change or how to explain it, but..."

Amon conquered a country.

Butis destroyed a country.

How do you want him to change or explain what these two sleeping dragons and phoenix chicks did? If you don't ask them about the situation, you probably won't know what's going on, right?

So Eliog was also stuck, stuck on the two Crouching Dragon and Phoenix chicks, and he didn't want to go to them.

Moreover, neither of these two demons is a fuel-efficient lamp. It is also very difficult to ask them about the situation without letting them notice anything abnormal.

If only the two of them were as simple-minded as Moragos.

Eliog's eyes suddenly changed, as if he remembered something important, "Yes, where did Moragos go?"

Moragos?

Beelzebub paused, "Oh, He is still looking for us in the subspace."

Eliog: "..."

Beelzebub: "..."

The air suddenly became quiet.

Eliog: "How many days has it been?"

Beelzebub: "It's been a while."

They were silent at the same time. Moragos' character was one of the most violent among his compatriots. His power was [violence]. Once he lost control of his anger, everyone around him would suffer.

So now, after searching for a long time but unable to find the devil, Moragos' anger gauge has reached how high? And, will other compatriots in the subspace tell Moragos that they have actually returned?

The two demons looked at each other with an ominous premonition.

At this time, Impos noticed that they were back, quietly jumped off the table, tiptoed to them, and asked.

"How's your mission going?"

The two demons who were stuck on tasks said in unison that everything went well.

Yinbosi had no doubts, but his eyes flickered a little. After a while, he honestly explained what Samikina and Malbus had come to find him.

The two demons were dumbfounded.

Although Eliog expected to attract one compatriot, he did not expect to attract two, and there happened to be Samikina among them!

Who doesn't know about Samikina's character? If Samikina knew it, all his compatriots would know it, and he would definitely tell his father.

But Impos shook his head, "No, Vasak convinced him. He didn't tell other compatriots, nor did he tell his father."

Beelzebub was surprised and said: "Samikina actually agreed to hide it?"

Impos nodded, "Yes." "

Eliog and Beelzebub looked at each other, feeling incredible.

That Samikina was actually convinced

Already? Their third brother is really awesome.

Also, Vassago has never been a ruthless man of words, and is extremely energy-saving at ordinary times, but his insight and ability to act are unquestionable.

If he is serious, he will not even lose to Agares in some aspects.

Vasak's personality is like this. He doesn't like to work hard, especially in front of his father, because he doesn't want his father to see him tired and worry about him.

"Laziness" is both nature and disguise.

All of their compatriots are quite selfish.

Then, Impos continued: They both went to find Lelagin. ?”

Eliog was surprised, "Lelagin? Where is he?"

Imposs: "It is said that it may be at the end of the Western Continent. Samikina was worried about Lelagin's situation, so he took Malbus with him."

That place belongs to the [Ultimate Land] and is extremely special. In order not to lose the direction, two demons are really needed to fix the position.

Beelzebub thought that Samikina could handle it with just one demon, but Samikina had always been cautious, maybe because of Agares' incident, he became more cautious.

This is understandable.

Although Malbus can't be so obedient.

Eliog's expression changed, and in the end he had no choice but to give up to Imposs and Buyer. Not to mention Persia, Buyer is naive and often acts on a whim, and it is not surprising to do anything. And it was impossible for Impos to be able to withstand Buyer.

"But... let your father play the role of the Lord of the Abyss, it's really a shame you guys can do it."

Impos didn't regret it at all. He clenched his claws in front and insisted, "Don't you think this is a good strategy?"

Beelzebub said coldly: "The most dangerous identity is the safest identity? That's what you think."

Yinbo choked up and was actually told the truth.

Beelzebub: "But don't forget, some of our compatriots are not that smart."

"yes……"

Because Persia is worried.

And the next second, Beelzebub couldn't hold back his excitement, "But, my father is indeed handsome."

Eliog also agreed: "Our father should intimidate the world! Let all mankind and all races worship him!"

Impos's eyes widened.

Hoho, they all have a unanimous opinion on this!

They were meowing and making noise, as if they were holding a meeting, or just chatting.

Hughes was at a distance and couldn't understand the meow language, but he felt that the relationship between the children was getting better and better.

What a good thing. Compatriots should communicate more and play more to cultivate family ties. Hughes smiled unconsciously.

The little puppet on the table followed his father's gaze.

He doesn't care about these three guys, he only knows that a war is about to break out!

He will crush them and win the first place!

-

at the same time. On the other side, the Magicians Association.

The great magician Milad was thinking hard, with a heavy look on his face, and suddenly couldn't help but ask the assistant next to him, "What impression do you have of magicians who raise cats?"

The assistant, who was preparing the potion, was surprised when he heard this: "Don't you also have a cat?"

Milad coughed: "Do you have any impression of magicians other than me?"

, there are many magicians who bring their pets to the association every day.

Milad laughed: I really didn’t notice →, although if I think about it carefully, there are quite a lot of them. Many of us magicians really like to keep pets. "

"Right..."

The assistant seemed to be thinking of someone, rolled his eyes, and recalled: "There is another one who brought two cats today."

Milad: "Bringing two cats? He really loves cats. Who is this person?"

The assistant nodded, "I was also curious at the time. I went over to find out more and found out that he was a magician from the Oss Empire. He came to our association to study magic and lived nearby."

"Os Empire?"

Milad was a little surprised.

Recently, events in the Os Empire have spread all over the world. Gods from another world are attacking, but they turn back inexplicably. It is suspected that several strong men came to the rescue. Later, a scandal that has been gathering dust for many years was exposed, letting the whole world know that gods from other worlds are coming. the truth.

In just a few days, what happened in the Os Empire was enough to be engraved in history.

Especially the sacrifice of the brave Roger was an epoch-making event.

Milad was doubtful about this. In the days after hearing about this incident, he often made bets with others that Roger could not die like this. However, later he changed his mind and believed that even if Roger was still alive, he would choose to "die." "Well, he must choose a way to retire. Otherwise, it is not a good thing for people to be so old and still entangled in worldly affairs.

Everyone understands this tacitly.

However, Milad sincerely hopes that the brave Roger... and the other missing braves are alive. They deserve the best ending, not a bleak ending. The humans in this world owe them too much. They only enjoy their achievements, but rarely give them anything in return.

I remember that when he was young, he seemed to have met the brave Roger. At that time, the brave Roger had already passed away and seemed unable to fight anymore. Unexpectedly, decades later, the brave Roger would go to the front line and fight head-on. A powerful alien god.

The consciousness between people really cannot be compared. There is a huge gap between mere mortals who brag and real heroes.

It is commonplace for people to save the world, and their achievements can make bards talk about them for days. But what about some people?

Milad couldn't help but think of the Jupis family, which was famous for its sword masters, and the sword master Ferrol.

Ferrol's loss of an arm at the border is a big or small thing, but if he offends the old monster in their family, it probably won't be easy to handle. It is normal for their family to guard against shortcomings. If the opponent was not a memory beast living in the depths of the dream, but an ordinary strong man, their old monster would probably have wiped out the family long ago.

...Thinking too far ahead. Milad shook his head, and suddenly his eyes became solemn, and he said silently: "How could I forget that if someone from the Jupis family hears about the competition, he will definitely come to cause trouble."

Ferbi, the younger brother of Sword Master Ferrol, is a well-known playboy in the city. He does all kinds of evil, loves to keep pets, and also loves to torture pets, whether animals or humans. He is notorious and a complete sadist. Every time he does evil, his family will punish him, so others, even the royal family, dare not speak out.

As we all know, Fei Bi also raised many cats, including a powerful tiger snake cat, which he often brought out to scare many passers-by.

With Fei Bi's perversion and desire to win, how could he possibly hear about this and not make any move?

, the one he raised was level 62, which was stronger than most humans. How could an ordinary cat win against it?

King Levin could not refuse Phoebe's participation. So when the time comes, Feby will definitely come to disrupt the situation and prove that his cat is the strongest cat in the country.

Millard had a feeling it wasn't going to go well. And most importantly, will "No. 1" really come?

Well, that may not be correct. I should say that the cat from the "number one" house will really come?

Milad didn't dare to say for sure, he could only say that maybe... it was possible.

King Levine’s action is better than no action. At least I'm not willing to be a waste.

Milad lamented the complexity of personnel matters as he approached the previous magic circle with a solemn gaze.

After that, he studied this magic circle for a long time, and he also drew it dozens of times. The picture was drawn, but replicating the magic did not mean that he could understand the magic.

He still doesn't understand this magic and its most important simplification [idea].

Milad was very itchy about this, and really wanted to find "No. 1" to ask what the idea was.

In order to solve this problem, he did not hesitate to assist King Levin.

He also sincerely hopes that "No. 1" will appear as Levine said!

-

The next day. News spreads throughout the city and even the country that the King is launching a cat skills competition.

The nobles of each major family knew the news first, and each one was more inexplicable than the last.

Some people were confused: "The king is crazy? Why is he holding such a game when he has nothing to do?"

Others sneered: "I've heard that he is a cat slave, but I won't pretend now."

"No, he just calls on the people to bring cats to participate in a competition just for his own preferences?"

Some courtiers were very dissatisfied and started talking about it in taverns and other social places.

An official who knew the specific situation broke the news: "Don't worry, I heard that the king used his private money to carry out the project, so we have nothing to say."

The person next to me was surprised: "Oh?"

The neutral said: "Why are you so excited? Isn't this a good event? Our people love cats, and there are many cat owners in the country. Carrying out such competitions is conducive to enlivening the people, enriching the country's entertainment life, and enhancing people's confidence in the country. Isn’t it?”

Someone was convinced and nodded: "That makes sense. Wait, this is official talk. If he holds a competition by himself, there is no guarantee that he won't do anything to let his cat win."

"With so many pairs of eyes staring at him, what are you afraid of? Does he dare to do anything in front of everyone? No way."

"really."

"Forget it, forget it, he is a frustrated king and just looking for something to do. It's still his private money, so let him do whatever he wants."

Of course, some people present didn't quite understand what the so-called "private money" of the king meant. Did it mean King Levin's private property? He actually did business behind the scenes?

After several rounds of discussions among various departments, they finally decided that it didn't matter, there was no threat, it was just a matter of doing it, and they could also bring their cats to participate, right?

Haha, a cat skills competition? The winner must be their baby!

Some members of the family were seriously preparing to participate, casting their eyes faintly at their cubs.

The news spread wider and wider, and it reached the Jupis family just as Milad expected.

to Faber's ears.

Fei Bi has been extremely irritable these days. He was furious because his brother had his arm cut off. He told everyone many times to hunt down the memory beasts and exterminate them all, otherwise their family would lose face.

But everyone said that the Memory Beast lives deep in the dreamland and is not easy to hunt down. If they don't do it right, many people will die.

Just die! Just wipe out the memory beasts.

He demanded strongly, but to no avail. He was so angry that he stamped his feet at home and had no place to vent his anger.

When he heard the news about the skills competition, the first thing that jumped out of his heart was, interesting, whose pet is stronger and needs to be compared? Of course it's from their family.

Fei Bi clenched his fists and grinded his teeth, with a fierce look on his face, and walked angrily all the way to the basement.

Down there is a prison where all kinds of pets, including humans, are imprisoned. In the face of power, all things can be slaves, let alone mere humans.

He walked in the prison, his leather shoes clanking on the ground, and walked straight to a cell.

There is a tiger in the prison.

He has a strong build, more than two meters tall, has a powerful and domineering appearance, and is surrounded by overflowing magic power.

To be prepared, it is actually not a tiger, but a tiger-snake cat. The evidence is that its tail is not just a tail, but a conjoined snake.

The snake's head crawled on the ground, sizzling, its eyes glowing red, and its body twisted dangerously.

In Oedipus' empire, there is actually no clear distinction between cats and tigers. A cat can be a tiger, and a tiger can also be a cat, depending on how you interpret it.

And Fei Bi has the power to "explain".

He stared at the growling tiger snake cat and sneered: "In terms of power, which cat can compare with you."

Let it go out to compete, and I'm afraid it can eat up all the small cats present.

Fei Bi is very confident and is looking forward to the day of the skills competition.

"King Levin, no matter what you are planning, I want you to know that you are shooting yourself in the foot!"

"I'm looking forward to your regretful appearance."

-

In the past few days, the Imperial City has been extremely lively, and more and more citizens are taking their cats out with them.

The King did not disclose the competition categories, but only revealed part of the assessment content, such as combat effectiveness and intelligence.

Not to mention intelligence, combat power is quite limited. Think about it, cats are pets and they hurt when you hold them in your hands. How can they come out to fight?

Can't beat it. And I heard that the tigers next door are out. Is this rule really okay?

In fact, King Levin himself was panicking. He had never held such an event before, and it was relatively temporary. The rules were not clearly formulated before the rules were issued. Now, even big cats and monsters may come to compete.

How to fix it? He hurriedly consulted with the prime minister.

The prime minister seemed to have expected it, stroking his beard and said: "The arrow has to be fired when it is on the string. Since your majesty is already halfway prepared, let's continue. I will find someone to help manage order. Milad also values ​​this matter, he doesn't He will stand by and watch, a great magician is enough to control the field."

The anxiety in Levin's heart was immediately reduced by half, and the prime minister could always say what he wanted to hear.

At this point, he could only take a gamble. His only concern was risk management. This aspect really depends on Milad.

-

these days

, Hughes was busy shaping and leveling up, and at the same time busy doing magic research, and didn't have much time to do other things.

His four cats are very sensible, and they actually divided their labors to run his bookstore.

Maybe it was the novelty, but there were quite a lot of customers, the book purchase rate was high, and the price per customer was also high, which really made him a lot of money.

To be honest, Hughes came out of the abyss penniless. If it hadn't been for the help from Priest Xilin... it seems that he wouldn't have starved to death. After all, he didn't need to eat.

-

A few days later, competition day arrived, and Hughes got four spots in advance, recommended by Levine, without even having to audition.

He took the children out and received many curious looks along the way.

Either he was shocked by the beauty of his children, or he was shocked by how he could bring such a young cat to participate in such a terrifying competition.

You know, everyone saw it on the day of the audition. Many people did whatever it took to win, sending out real tigers and various feline monsters.

Is this still a cat contest? It’s basically a Tiger game!

Did he bring the cat there? They will be eaten by tigers!

There was a lot of chatter in the minds of passers-by.

The look in their eyes made Hughes flinch a little.

Hughes lowered his head and asked the children if they were still going to participate. This game might be very dangerous.

Hearing this, the four cats all looked at him, as if they didn't care about the tiger at all.

Hughes stopped worrying. My child has lived in the abyss for more than 8,000 years, so ordinary monsters are nothing.

People were coming and going at the entrance of the venue, and it was noisy. He was holding a basket in his left hand, which contained two cats, one black and one silver, with a round cat head protruding from the collar. Milk Tea's hair was very beautiful, and he was holding it in his right hand. A gray cat.

Levin, who was in disguise, recognized him at a glance and hurriedly greeted him.

Of course, Hughes recognized Levin and walked to the second floor.

Levin smiled and said: "This is the host's seat. When the game starts, we will watch from here."

Hughes could see that the venue was quite large, no different from a gymnasium. The competition place was in the central venue, and even the track and other competition venues had been arranged.

"There are seven competition events in total. If you win at the end, you will be ranked first."

Levin gave him a booklet and introduced: "The first event is a 100-meter race. If you finish in the top ten, you can enter the next round."

"I see."

Hughes put down the cat in his hand, caught the booklet, turned to them and said, "That's the waiting room over there. You go there first, be careful not to run around and get lost."

The four cats nodded heavily and then disappeared immediately.

Levine still sighed, "Your children are really...incredible."

Forgive him for saying that, except for "incredible", he could hardly think of any other words to describe it.

At this moment, Levin suddenly trembled, and from the corner of his eye he noticed Feby on the opposite viewing platform.

Fei Bi was very arrogant. He brought a group of bodyguards to escort him, and also moved a sofa chair. He crossed his legs and looked down, with eyes that were sure to win.

Levin's eyes were solemn and he glanced at Milad in the audience.

Milad noticed his gaze and nodded to him, while noticing Hughes beside him.

Milad thought to himself, where has he seen this young man? Is he a friend of the king?

But he didn't have time to think too much because the agreed time for the first round was approaching.

"Get ready to start."

Milad ordered his subordinates.

I saw that the two doors below the venue were wide open, and the staff took out the cat contestants.

There was a commotion on the stage, waiting to see what happened.

Levin was even more excited and couldn't help but look around at the people on the stage.

According to Levine's hypothesis, the "number one" cat should also strive to be number one.

In other words, the owner of the cat who wins the last place in this competition is most likely the person who ranks first.

He was a little worried about his plan before, but now he thinks this idea is really great! Named cat fishing plan! Chase the owner by chasing the cat!

"Which cat will win the first place?"

Levine was looking forward to it very much. He even felt that there was no need to compete until the end. He could tell from this first game alone!

I saw that all the cat contestants came to the track, and everyone wanted to win or lose.

If people knew that there were four abyss monarchs here. Even if the people present say less, it will frighten the psychological shadow for a lifetime.

But to be honest, the situation on the runway seemed a bit strange. The four kittens were walking in front of the big cat and tiger, looking menacing and confident.

The other cats and tigers didn't know what happened, but they were so timid that they didn't dare to step forward.

What is going on?

Milad and other staff members were curious.

Fei Bi frowned dissatisfied.

However, within a few seconds, the game was announced to begin.

The host shouted, "Start, listen to the whistle!"

Everyone stared with eyes wide open, holding their breath.

Cats racing, this is a rare sight!

But in less than a second or two, sonic booms were heard one after another, and smoke and dust were billowing off the field.

Many people didn't react, but in the blink of an eye, the winner was obvious enough.

"Four cats tied for first place!"

The host's voice was trembling, causing a sensation in the audience.

Phoebe jumped up directly from the sofa.

Levin was dumbfounded, how could there be four!

He looked again, his face was even more horrified. Because he recognized that they were all Mr. Isius's cats!

Levin looked at Hughes beside him in shock.

Hughes was waving to his children, his pure black eyes were full of love, and a smile spread across his lips, saying gently: "They are very cute, right?"

But, cute?

Levin's body trembled, and he caught a glimpse of everyone's stunned expressions. He thought to himself, Mr. Isius, they are not cute, they are scary!

Whose cat can run at the speed of sound in a race? I can't see the movements clearly at all!

The other cats and tigers are scared.

They are still standing at the starting line, trembling and fur standing upright, at a loss and dare not move!

Is your cat really only in the 30s?

Levin was stunned.

Wait, Mr. Isius's cat won and tied for first place, then what about the cat of the "first ranked"? Shouldn't the cat in the first place be in the first place?

"This..."

Levin was confused, but after a few seconds, he suddenly widened his eyes and trembled violently, thinking of a very scary possibility.

He turned his head to look at Hughes, his heartbeat accelerated wildly!

Should, shouldn't it be? !