Seun-mi Ho stood motionless within the energy cage, his muscles twitching as he fought to stay calm. The bluish light of the walls surrounded him, pulsing slightly with each attempted movement. The magic of the cage seemed to drain his strength, making resistance futile. However, his mind was racing, refusing to give in to panic.

Aven, who had walked away moments earlier, suddenly returned to the cage, but something about him had changed. His usual arrogance had evaporated, replaced by a palpable nervousness. He wasn't smiling anymore. His hands trembled slightly as he stood a few meters from the magical barrier.

"You know," he began, his voice slightly cracked, "I have to admit something. When I first met you..." He trailed off, looking Seun-mi in the eyes. His throat tightened, and he quickly averted his gaze. "When I first met you, I felt... I don't know, something weird. Something that scared me."

Seun-mi remained silent, but he could clearly see the signs of distress in Aven. His eyes, which once gleamed with calculated malice, were now filled with visible anxiety. It was almost as if he were struggling to keep himself together.

"Yeah... I was acting, you know?" Aven resumed, his voice becoming more unsteady. "I thought I was clever, that I could manipulate you easily, get you into this trap without any issues. But... the moment I saw you, I felt something. It was like... like a shadow was following me, telling me I should stay out of your way."

Seun-mi understood then. Passive Intimidation, the skill that had recently improved, was already working on Aven. Even without intending to, the aura of intimidation Seun-mi projected affected those around him, creating a mental pressure few could withstand. Despite Aven's attempts to mask his fear with confidence, it was clear the effect of the skill was gnawing at him from the inside.

"Don't you think it's funny?" Aven continued, a nervous laugh escaping his lips. "Me, a seasoned mercenary, I've fought monsters, assassins, crazy mages, and yet... you... you scare me just by standing there... without even moving." His eyes grew wet, and he wiped his trembling hand across his face. "I'm terrified, okay?! I thought I could control everything, but this feeling... it's unbearable." He took a step back, his legs shaking.

Despite the situation, Seun-mi kept his gaze fixed on Aven. He could feel the man's fear, a fear that intensified with every second. But the energy cage prevented him from exploiting this weakness. He needed to stay patient, wait for the right moment.

"Aven." Seun-mi's voice was low, but each word carried an implicit threat. "Do you really think you can keep me locked up here forever?"

Aven shook his head, tears beginning to stream down his cheeks. "No... no, I know it's temporary. But this cage, it's special. It won't let you use your magic or any of your abilities. It neutralizes your mana, makes you as harmless as a simple villager." He sniffled loudly, trying to regain control of himself, but his body visibly trembled. "That's what reassures me, you know? As long as you're in there, you can't do anything."

Seun-mi clenched his teeth. A cage that neutralized mana. That's why he felt so weak. Every attempt to summon his power was instantly absorbed by the magical walls. He was trapped, unable to tap into his skills or use his magical energy to escape. But something told him that this cage, though effective, might have a flaw. He just needed to find it.

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

"Do you think this will protect you forever?" Seun-mi asked, his voice calm despite the anger simmering inside him.

Aven, wiping his tears with the back of his hand, nodded frantically, but before he could respond, another man appeared at the edge of the trees. He wore dark leather armor, and a long sword hung at his side. His eyes gleamed with a cold light as he approached the cage with a satisfied smile.

"Well, Aven, crying already in front of our guest?" said the newcomer in a mocking voice. "I told you not to spend too much time near him. This adventurer… he's different." He stepped closer to the cage, inspecting Seun-mi as one might observe a rare animal in captivity.

"You're really something, Seun-mi Ho," the man said, his smile widening. "I've heard of you. You've got quite the reputation. That's why we captured you. You're worth a lot of money, my friend. And trust me, someone's willing to pay big for you."

Seun-mi frowned. "Pay for me?" he repeated, already guessing the rest.

The man burst into laughter. "Oh, yeah. A rich collector. A man who… let's just say… enjoys fine young men like you." The man leaned forward, a lewd smile twisting his features. "Ever thought of a career in hospitality? Because that's where you're headed. This guy, he's got a very specific taste. He likes strong, rugged adventurers with potential. You're exactly what he's looking for."

Seun-mi's blood boiled. His jaw clenched so tight he could almost hear his teeth grind. This wasn't just about survival or dignity. This was an insult, a deep humiliation.

"You're going to sell me as a sex slave?" he asked, his voice cold.

The man nodded, unfazed by Seun-mi's anger. "That's the plan, yeah. And believe me, he's going to pay a fortune for you. You have no idea how much a collector like him is willing to spend for an adventurer like you. You're lucky, you know? You could've ended up dead in some ditch. Instead, you're going to live a life of luxury, even if it's not the one you chose." He laughed again, his eyes sparkling with malice.

"And you, Aven?" Seun-mi asked, his piercing gaze settling on the man who had been crying moments earlier. _"You're okay with this? You're really going to sell me too?"

Aven avoided his gaze, visibly uncomfortable. He fidgeted, his hands growing clammy. "It's not... it's not like I have a choice," he stammered. "We just follow orders. It's business, nothing personal."

"Nothing personal," Seun-mi echoed, his voice rough with restrained fury. "You realize you've just signed your death warrant, right?"

Aven swallowed hard, stepping back again, but the other mercenary laughed once more.

"Oh, you're way too confident for someone in a cage. You'll see, your tune will change soon enough when you're in your new master's care. Maybe you'll even grow to like it, who knows?" His words dripped with cruelty, his eyes gleaming with sadistic amusement.

Seun-mi felt a wave of disgust, but he remained calm. He knew that rage alone wouldn't free him. He had to think, find a solution. This energy cage wasn't infallible. Nothing is.

"Keep laughing," he murmured, his eyes glowing with a dangerous light. "Because soon, I'll be the one laughing."

The mercenary shrugged, indifferent to the threat. "We'll see. In the meantime, rest up. Your journey starts tomorrow. And believe me, it's going to be a long trip before you reach your new home." He turned to Aven. "Come on, we've got preparations to make."

Aven, still nervous, nodded and followed his companion, casting one last terrified glance at Seun-mi before disappearing into the forest shadows.

Seun-mi was left alone in the cage, the silence of the night slowly settling around him. But he didn't feel defeated. No. He knew it was only a matter of time before he found a weakness in this energy prison. And when he did, those mercenaries would deeply regret their decision.

"They really think they can sell me?" he murmured as he stared at the walls of the cage. "They have no idea what's coming."

A dark smile spread across his face as he mentally prepared his revenge.

End of Chapter 13.