Book Six: Chapter 197

The guardian of this place still exists. The First Elf and Saint Nicholas created a loophole in the rules by combining a human soul with the body of the guardian. Though you may have defeated the prior owner by removing his soul, technically the guardian remains. If you wish to claim this place, you must either have the guardian’s permission, or you must defeat him.

“Oh, fuck me...wait! Does this mean that the Krampus can’t claim this place either?” Hope welled up in Mike’s chest.

The old man nodded. Indeed it does. The loophole that prevents you from taking it also prevents him from doing so. Try as he might, he shall have no reign over this place without a mortal soul to assist him. That has ever been the rule, and it shall remain that way until the end of time.

Mike looked at the Krampus, then back at the old man who was now stooped with age, his beard nearly to the floor.

“You know, most people don’t end conversations with temporal theatrics