A New Ally and Ominous Tidings

A talent like that makes one an enemy of the entire world! Everyone knew An Jiu couldn’t use magic, but what they didn’t know was that she could actively nullify it.

It was a good thing I managed to recruit her when I did, Liyahiss thought. If I ever had to face her in a fight, I wouldn’t have the first clue how to handle her. While I can’t use her talent myself, I can certainly summon her and have her use it!

Now that An Jiu was her subordinate, she was bound to be of great use in the future.

“An Jiu, what are your plans now?”

“I’m going out to fight! I’ll slaughter every last monster!”

“Do monsters deserve to die?”

“Every last one of them deserves to die!” As she spoke, An Jiu’s brow furrowed deeply. Her amber eyes darkened, becoming as gloomy as a midnight abyss, brimming with rage and frustration.

“If you insist, I won’t stop you. But do you really want to go in your current state?”

An Jiu froze. Grief had clouded her mind until now, but as she collected herself, a wave of pain washed over her entire body. She must have been injured when she was kicked off the stage earlier; her delicate frame was never meant to withstand such a brutal attack.

“My advice? Postpone your revenge for now. It’s never too late to let your body heal first.”

An Jiu considered this. It seemed she really had no better option. She was just about to agree when a crucial thought struck her. “But… I don’t have any money for treatment, meow…”

She hadn’t had much money on her to begin with, and what little she had was mostly spent upon entering the city. The remaining amount was nowhere near enough.

“Is that so? That’s no problem at all. I know an expert who is skilled in healing. Come with me, I’ll take you to her, and she’ll treat you for free.”

“Really, meow? You’re such a kind person! Then I’ll be in your care, meow.”

“No need to be so polite. We’re partners now.”

Just like that, Liyahiss focused, sensing Hillisa’s location. She took An Jiu by the wrist and began leading her in that direction. Liyahiss could have simply borrowed Hillisa’s light magic to heal An Jiu on the spot, but that would spoil her plan of luring the girl home to show off her new “trophy.”

Besides, a short delay wouldn’t kill her.

Meanwhile, in a sumptuously decorated hall…

An elegant, golden-haired woman sat upon a high throne, listening to the report of a young woman kneeling before her.

“Reporting, Commander. We have ascertained that the location in question is the territory of the Witch of Gluttony.”

“I see. If it was her, then such an extraordinary phenomenon is hardly surprising. You’ve worked hard on this mission. Be sure to get some proper rest.”

“It is my duty, Commander. I shall take my leave.”

After the young woman departed, the commander’s brow furrowed in thought.

Why would the Witch of Gluttony do such a thing? Could it be an omen of some impending disaster? I have a terrible premonition… I can only hope I’m wrong.

Meanwhile, inside the VIP room of an inn…

“Have you investigated the matter I assigned you?” a voice asked.

“Yes. The rumor is true—the object is indeed in this city. However, whether its effects are as miraculous as the stories claim has yet to be seen.”

“Rumors don’t start from nothing. It is my last hope for changing my future! Even if there is but a sliver of a chance, I will obtain it! Whatever the cost!”

“Forgive my bluntness, but is that thing really so important?”

“You wouldn’t understand. It’s decided. Go and prepare.”

“Yes.”

The door closed softly, leaving the room’s occupant alone. Their eyes glinted a deep, mesmerizing scarlet, like an abyss that could swallow everything whole.