"I'm truly sorry, but my tea is reserved for those with good intentions toward me. I know nothing about you, so offering you tea would be premature," Adrian explained, shrugging.At this moment, his vigilance heightened. This man had just called him by his name, implying some level of prior investigation."If that's the case, let's not beat around the bush.” Nathaniel produced a token from his pocket. "Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Nathaniel Albarea, deputy head of Mapleston City’s garrison."Adrian's eyes sparked at the realization of Nathaniel's high status in Mapleston, though he maintained a puzzled expression. "I'm just a commoner running a small art studio. Why would the garrison send someone of your stature here, sir?"Nathaniel chuckled at Adrian's words. "You're quite amusing, Adrian."Adrian gave him a disgruntled look. "What's so funny?"Nathaniel's laughter subsided as he continued, "Your disguise is clever indeed. But there's no need for pretense. I'm aware of wh
"It’s okay if you'd rather not tell me. The truth is, I came here to propose cooperation with you this time." Nathaniel's tone then shifted. "The incident in Meadowshire, was that your doing? Since you're so capable, you should join the garrison.""Sorry, I'm not interested.” Adrian immediately rejected Nathaniel’s proposal."Don't be so quick to reject me. Joining the garrison not only offers security and a high salary, but it also allows your potential to be fully developed." Nathaniel still seemed eager to recruit him. He believed that since he couldn't currently figure out Adrian's background, bringing him under his wing might be a good choice. This way, he could slowly investigate Adrian."I have no need for that. I'll develop my potential on my own. I don't need you to worry about that." Adrian continued to refuse. He then stood up and guided Nathaniel toward the door. "If there's nothing else, please leave. But rest assured, I'm definitely not your enemy. I’ll never, ever be,
At the intersection, Herman asked Nathaniel, "Sir, are we really going to leave just like that?"Herman had witnessed how Adrian had unceremoniously pushed Nathaniel out the door. Seeing a leader of the garrison treated in such a way by a kid made him feel a bit uneasy.Nathaniel glanced at Herman. "What else was I supposed to do? Arrest him?"Herman looked around cautiously before whispering, "I think we could employ some covert methods. Perhaps threaten to raid his shop...""Stop." Nathaniel immediately cut Herman off. "We are the garrison, not bandits. Our duty is to defend the peace of the region. We can't resort to such tactics.""But—""Don’t even think about it."Nathaniel strode away, and Herman, who followed him, wore a scowl. They were unaware that a shadow, lurking in a dark alley nearby, was observing their every move.After observing for a moment, the shadow swiftly vanished and reappeared in a secluded location where several other black-clad individuals had been w
"What's going on? Speak clearly. What do you mean ‘save someone?’" Adrian was completely puzzled by Clayton's words. He had no idea what this guy was trying to convey."Hang on." Clayton furtively glanced into the shop, then at their surroundings, leaving Adrian feeling uneasy."What is going on?" Adrian asked, growing curious."Um, can we go inside, sir? I'm a bit worried about talking out here," Clayton asked tentatively, rubbing his hands nervously."So troublesome.” Adrian gave him a disdainful look. Nevertheless, he allowed Clayton in. After all, Clayton was just an ordinary high school student, and Adrian wasn't concerned about him posing any threat.Once seated at the table, Adrian poured Clayton a glass of water. "Go on, what do you want from me?" he asked again in a flat tone."It’s Bailey. He’s been possessed by a monster." Clayton revealed after taking a sip of water.“But who’s Bailey?” Adrian was completely puzzled."Bailey Weeks is my friend. Mr. Adrian, you’ve me
But Clayton refused to seek the garrison's help, fearing they would take Bailey away. Instead, he turned to Adrian for assistance."I see..." Adrian said solemnly after hearing Clayton's explanation. However, he frowned, still harboring resentment from the events of that day.Clayton seemed oblivious to Adrian's expression. "Sir, please, help me.""You seem to be forgetting something," Adrian said sternly.Clayton was momentarily stunned by Adrian's question, blinking in confusion."Aren’t you going to explain how you found where I stay? Also, garrison personnel came looking for me yesterday. Did you leak information about me?" Adrian asked seriously."Um..." Clayton was taken aback. He glanced at Adrian, noticing the latter’s intensified frown. Despite this, he didn't conceal anything and quickly what had happened with Nathaniel."Wow, that guy has some skills. He tracked me down just from a portrait!" Adrian exclaimed."Of course, he's from the garrison, after all." Clayton n
"Is this her house?" Adrian pointed at the mansion."You're amazing, Adrian. You actually managed to figure that out on your own," Clayton exclaimed, giving a thumbs up.At that moment, two people were standing at the door: a middle-aged couple dressed in fine clothes. As Clayton and Adrian approached, Clayton briefly introduced Bailey's family: Taylor Weeks and Jodi Weeks, wealthy merchants with businesses in Mapleston."Clayton, you’re finally here. Where's that monster hunter you mentioned?" the middle-aged man, Taylor, hurriedly asked.It seemed Clayton had informed them about Adrian in advance."Mr. and Mrs. Weeks, this is him, Adrian. I brought him to help us," Clayton introduced Adrian.The Weeks couple looked expectant, but when they saw Adrian, their smiles froze."Clayton..." Taylor was slightly stunned."This man is the monster hunter you were talking about?" The woman beside him, Jodi, also seemed puzzled."Yeah. Now, don't judge Adrian by his age. He's really powe
Immediately after, a strange figure leaped out from the ruins, floating in the air. Enveloped in an exceptionally powerful force, it emitted sinister laughter, casting an indescribable eerie feeling upon everyone present.The figure was revealed to be a sixteen or seventeen-year-old girl clad in a pure white long dress. Her long black hair cascaded behind her, gently swaying in the wind. Combined with the swirling black aura around her, she carried an inexplicable sense of eeriness."Bailey!"The few people below shouted.There was no mistaking it. The figure hovering in the air was Bailey. However, compared to before, the current Bailey looked like a ghostly apparition, emitting an inexplicable feeling to everyone present."The monster has taken over her completely!" Adrian shouted.He was the first to notice a faint black shadow attached to Bailey's body. At a glance, it was clear that the shadow did not belong to her; it must be from the netherworld. As soon as this entity app
Bailey never expected that while she aimed to deal with Adrian, he didn't even bother to make a move himself. General Hydro and General Pyro—two ninth-level powerhouses—were more than capable of subduing her.Swish swish!Two chains swept over, and in an instant, Bailey was bound. She struggled incessantly, attempting to break free from their restraint. But no matter how hard she struggled, the chains remained unmoved. She was unable to escape.Bailey grimaced in anger. "Damn it!" she cursed.Adrian maintained a cold smile. "Now let's see where you run off to."Bailey smirked in response. "Hehehe, do you think you can defeat me by doing this? If I'm going to die, I'll drag this little girl down to hell with me!""Is that so?" Adrian sneered.Ash then appeared and unsheathed his Doomcleaver.Slice!The Doomcleaver struck Bailey's throat. However, instead of blood, a shadow flew out from inside her body. It was the monster possessing Bailey. Struck by the Doomcleaver, it sought