V2 Chapter 44

The next few days were very peaceful for Cian. He didn’t show himself to the Bloodhole Gang at all, causing the Enslavement process for them to be quite postponed for a long while. Not because he was still injured or exhausted but because, the Blue Bird’s people (or so he assumed, which was likely true) become so strict on their monitoring that he doesn’t dare to show any opening as to reveal his real identity. He had only managed to fool these people before because they were letting their guard down, but now, even using [God’s Eye] would be quite difficult as their mental guard was up and even there were several people who were using quite powerful magical items to resist any mind invasion.

They must have been scolded severely by Blue Bird…for them to take him seriously this time despite his still raging and blazing reputation.

Cian couldn’t help but grin upon thinking about Blue Bird’s expression when her guards failed her. Cian had never thought nor dared to even assumed that he would be able to hide his identity from Blue Bird. She was enigmatic to say the least…

However, although he wouldn’t be able to do it doesn't mean he would not be able to cause her any headaches...at all! Looking and finding any pieces of evidence and proofs of his real identity is not that easy—she can think of it and even probably built her confidence about guessing of his and the White Masked Phantom Thief was of the same person, but she would not be able to find any evidence to further prove such speculation. And so, she wouldn’t be able to do anything to him…!

She might be extremely powerful and her status is not something to be light of either, but also because of this pride, she would not stand before him to accuse him without grounds nor confront him—

She would think of this an interesting game and so she would not do anything that can prove detrimental to his plans…without her holding some kind of evidence or proof. This is now a game of chase between a cat and a mouse!

Cian believed that and that pride of hers can be taken advantage to. However, slowly and can’t be anything rash—or else, even if you manage to tame the beast, who knows when it would suddenly get fed up and bite you instead…? Cian wouldn't dare belittle the Blue Bird nor underestimate her...! Cian can be considered a beast but her...she was far more than a beast...!

She is basically a Monster comparable to his mother...!

And so, Cian doesn’t have a choice but to stay put and relax for a while. In any case, playing and flirting with Sibylla was a good way to kill time and it’s something he welcomed greatly. In his stead, Ruka had gone out for a few times. She would change her appearance every time she went out so that no one would ever notice her even when she walked on the street openly. Though often, she would dawn the [Killer]’s attire and appearance to make an appearance in the street, to strengthen the [Killer’s] rumor and make the Bloodhole Gang somewhat apprehensive, as if saying, ‘I’m still here and just giving you time because I’m kind’ kind of mental attack to put them in their place.

This can also turn Blue Bird’s attention from Cian to the [Killer]. Luckily enough, the people observing and monitoring Cian couldn’t bypass the Palace Wall and was just staying in distance for fear of being spotted by Oriel. And so, Ruka’s often absence didn’t catch any attention; in any case, Ruka was still a servant, she was ought to leave Cian’s side one way or another—in fact, it would even be stranger for her to always by his side. It would be improper after all, Cian has a fiancée and she was in this place as well.

As for Sibylla, since Cian was giving her attention these past few days, she was very happy. It seems like it was a dream come true even for her. Oriel sometimes appeared and visits them, all while forcing Cian to train, but that is yet another matter. In any case, it was quite uneventful. Though it was peaceful, Ruka was certainly busy over the past two days. Cian found a few ways to make more money, after spending quite an amount in the Auction Hall a few days ago, as well as spreading his legend as the [Killer]. For example, being an assassin. There were always some 'wanted' notices hung at the city hall that offered an excellent reward to those who manage to catch their thief. The rewards ranged from Silvers to Gold.

Cian even found his image (when he was dressed as Killer) in one of the notices. The reward was the fourth highest – 1, 000 gold. So when Ruka accepted the bounty target, Cian would assume Ruka’s appearance and went out every night while Ruka would assume Cian’s as he lay down under the moonlight, relaxing. Because it was dark at night, it was easy to slip out and in for a few seconds.

As for the slaves that Cian gathered, Ruka was managing all of them, making them start a business to create a firm foundation within the Northern Border. However, after analyzing and studying the Northern Economical situation, Cian found out that collecting medicinal herbs and creating a mercenary team was the fastest way to make money. The Northern Mountain has many kinds of precious herbs that are considered valuable but also dangerous to acquire, and so it was a very profitable business. Therefore, Cian decided to divide his growing forces; one to be a herb collector and Herb Shop while one was to create a Mercenary Team to get rich.

Immediately after he made the decision, he started to plan for it.

Fortunately, though no strong, most of the slaves have fighting abilities. One only needed to have an image change and they are good to go…!

On that evening itself, when the sun just set, Cian was lying on his bed to study the book he picked up from the Palace Library of the Northern Border, though not as much and lively as the Capital’s Library, it also has some unique books to read. One of them is a book to learn about making medicine and potion. Just then, there were firecrackers bursting with noise outside along with the sound of a crowd of cheers. Cian called Ruka and asked why there were celebrations. It was only then that he knew that the General Profar was back and the firecrackers were used to welcome him. Ruka then asked if Cian wanted to go and join the crowds.

It seems like he and his troops had just gotten back from the skirmish in the Icy Lake Valley, a few kilometer distances away from Okmahun Demon City against the Human Army of Haaravar Empire. So that's why...

Cian smiled, but his body language showed that he was too lazy. He replied, "What is so good about joining the crowd? Anyway, I’m going to do something, so don’t enter the room tonight…" He then turned and walked back to his room.

Ruka looked at his back with confusion. But she didn’t care about it, after all, indeed, for her master, such a thing is unnecessary. However, she was indeed quite disappointed by not able to sleep with her master tonight, but since he ordered there must be something important he needed to do and so she could only obey. On the other hand, for Cian’s lack of care about the arrival of the general was quite strange. After all, welcoming a victorious general is a royalty’s obligation but in the first place, her master was not the type of person who would do that. Furthermore, her master seemed to be still sulking after being denied participation in the war—

Sometimes, Ruka finds her master very childish... though only in some unexpected circumstances.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

“…well, I guess I would be sleeping on the servant’s quarter—and I would once again be bombarded surely by those people’s question about master…” Ruka sighs bitterly as she started walking towards another kind of battlefield.

… …

“Well, whether me not participating in this war this time is a good thing or a bad thing…doesn’t matter. At the very least, with Blue Bird’s scrutiny, I can’t do much—guess, I’m going to visit the Bloodhole Gang tonight, they should have made a firm decision by now. My next plan will depend on their decision—!” Cian grinned evilly as he walked leisurely towards his room.

… …

The night sky was like a black curtain that covered the Okmahun Demon City. The faint, cool light of the moon passed through a layer of cloud and scattered down. Finally, it landed in a room where a black-robed, young man was sitting at the top of the bed, his eyes gleaming with excitement. He was finally going to extract his spoils of war. He smiled and waved his hand. A large black-colored object immediately appeared in this somewhat big room.

The black-colored item was quite big. It occupied over half of his room when it appeared. Gem-like bone wings reflected a faint light as warm lamplight radiated on it, giving it an exceptionally strange appearance. This thing was naturally that Magical Beast corpse that Cian had paid a great price to obtain from the Demon Gate Auction House. “It’s time to see what kind of surprise this fella would give me…!” Cian smiled as he quickly looked over the Chimaera corpse that had appeared in the room. His body moved and he leaped down from the bed. After which, he slowly walked to the side of the corpse. His eyes slowly took in the sight before him.

Due to this monster corpse having been dead for a long time, the flesh on its entire body had dried and shrunk together. Therefore, one would normally be unable to identify just what monster it was from its outer appearance. Fortunately, he possesses the [Eye of Night] that enables him to see and identify several things—something like an [Appraisal] kind of ability in some games and novels he had read before…

“Now then,” Following his intention, his black bracelet suddenly wriggled and transformed into a sharp knife on his hand. Cutting a strip of its flesh, Cian devoured it. It’s raw…and most of all… it’s tough…! Cian’s brows furrowed. Although he wanted to cook this first before eating but since he would risk being exposed if someone sees it or even saw a chunk of its flesh, Cian didn’t dare ask for the cook of the Palace to do it. Furthermore, because of his Demon Identity and Physique, eating raw meat is not a problem for him unlike when he was still a human. Since there was no risk of being contaminated after ingesting harmful pathogens found in raw meat, eating it raw for him was not a problem…or so he thought….

However, the meat was completely unpalatable—!

Cian’s brows furrowed in disappointment and regret. What is this…? The meat is super tough! It’s a thousand times tougher and more fibrous than a beef shank would be…!

As someone who liked eating delicious food and drinking exquisite beverages and wine—eating this meat is like eating shit!

I should have known…! Damn! I got taken in by the while fantasy setting. I thought that Chimaera who was said to be as delicious as Dragon meats would be good… those authors of those books he had read before are goddamn liars…! Though, it should be his mistake for eating it raw—and besides, the flesh had already been dried up, losing its freshness and juiciness. So eating it raw and expecting something would surely be stupidity…!

Oh well, at the very least—I got something…! The moment. the meat entered his stomach, immediately after, substance-like energy flowed within his bloodstream before being absorbed into his body. After some refinement, it turned into threads of pure magical power that entered his body and slowly strengthening it, causing him to close his eyes to even savor the strengthening process. He can feel all his cells wriggling in excitement, as if having a festival, they are jumping in delight. He was also feeling as if thousand tiny ants were crawling steadily on each and every nerve and veins on his body—itchy but also somewhat…

Due to his trashy physique, (—in terms of Demon Standards) as well as the higher level of the beast which can be said to be a few higher in rank, he was able to clearly feel the surging power and change. One must know, this was a Demon King Class Monster meat…!

After a few minutes, it started to calm down, after absorbing all of the meat’s efficacies. Now I know the reason why, most nobilities are buying Higher Rank Monster Corpses—this sudden promotion in strength is really addictive. Cian slowly opened his tightly shut eyes. He sensed the soundless joy that was emitted from his cells after being filled with strength. However, even though it’s like this, Cian still recall the warning that Sitana had once given him.

Consuming Monster Flesh is not a bad thing. However, consuming more than one can endure is something different entirely. One must know there limitations and exercise restraint. Too much is always dangerous and prone to harm. Monsters have their ferocities and this was engraved in their bones and flesh and eating them too much can affect one’s mentality. Other than that, is the addictiveness that is borderline foolishness. If one didn’t have restraint, they would be addicted to consuming monster flesh and that would be another problem of itself—

These were the reasons, why even in the Demon Capital, Sitana prohibited Cian to consume Monster Flesh daily to strengthen his physique. Lower ranking monster flesh is not a problem but higher ranking monsters were something that Sitana let him consume in a proper regulation—

Well, not like Cian can be easily be influenced or addicted. However, that is that and this is this, Cian stared at the Chimaera before him and frowned. Although he wanted to eat it now after feeling that his hidden injuries were recovering at a faster rate but the taste and flavor was just too unpalatable. “I guess I’m going to postpone eating it now…” He can just borrow some spices in the Palace Kitchen and cook it himself…at the very least, he has some confidence to make it edible.

“…And the next s,” His attention went towards the jade-like bone wings of this Chimaera, the [Abyssal Hawk Wings]. He shifted his feet and stopped when he was next to the jade-like bone wings, which were twenty to thirty feet wide. His hand gently rubbed the bone wings. A frigid feeling could be felt from his hand. However, this icy-cool feeling contained faint warmth. It was difficult to imagine that this dried corpse, that had been dead for an unknown number of years, would still be able to emit heat.

“…if this was in Earth, even if it has no value, just it being an artifact or a fossil would surely make millionaires and billionaires go crazy! A beggar can literally become a billionaire in one night…!” Cian muttered as he caresses the jade-like bone wings that were somewhat transparent. Activating his [Night Eye] Cian was able to see an unusual energy covering the bone wings like a mist. There even those that seemed to be flowing within the bone wings, like a bloodstream.

“Clang! Clang!” Cian’s finger gently knocked on the jade-like bone wings. The toughness that was transmitted to his hand caused him to nod his head in satisfaction. His [Night Eye] immediately narrowed as his magical power followed his finger and quietly entered those wings.

Magical Power, that is dyed crimson carefully traveled through his bones. However, before he could let it loose, the bone wings suddenly emitted a bright jade-like glow. Cian’s spirit was immediately sucked into some unknown place and appeared to have entered a tornado. A wild and violent suctioning strength brutally tore his magical power into nothing. Cian’s narrowed eyes were suddenly opened. His hand withdrew as though it had been shocked by electricity. His eyes revealed a thread of lingering fear as they study the jade-like bone wings. Some shock surged into his heart.

Although he had already expected it, but he did not expect the bone wings to have such a wild and violent power. Moreover, the thing that caused Cian to be most surprised was that the energy still emitted a miniscule feeling of life. It’s as if a live and domineering Abyssal Hawk was glaring at him with predator-like eyes. Such a situation was really mysterious.

“It is indeed worthy of being the wings of an [Abyssal Hawk] that is said to be as rare and powerful as Phoenix or Netherworld Bird. It was even said to possess the power and might to fight against even Dragons. This would not be easy—if it’s not me that is your opponent,” Cian grinned evilly. He licked his lips. Some fiery heat gradually surfaced in his heterochromatic eyes.

At this moment, his right eye suddenly started swirling while emitting a bright crimson light. And the light shot out towards the Bone Wings, in that instant, Cian felt his soul being pulled out from his body.

Then, Cian sunk into darkness.

… …