“Whew~ Finally sent those troublemakers on their way…”
Feilin watched Derek’s retreating back and muttered quietly.
“Thief God Morr, I pray my transaction tomorrow goes smoothly.”
She closed her eyes again, praying for herself.
After praying, she raised a hand to wipe the fine sweat from her forehead and touched her furry ears.
With a grunt, Feilin climbed onto the bar counter and stood tall on its surface.
“Everyone! Assemble!”
She shouted at the people in the tavern.
“Does Lord Morr have new instructions, boss?”
“Is it to steal a holy relic from the church? Or grab gems from the city lord’s mansion?”
The thief-mage below whispered sneakily.
“Put away those little thoughts of yours, Morrison!” “I don’t want to have to bail you out of jail again.”
She picked up a tankard and threw it at the talkative mage.
But a translucent magical shield appeared around the mage.
The flying tankard merely struck the shield, creating ripples.
“Yes, yes, the boss is absolutely right!”
Mage Morrison hurriedly took out a dried squid strip and offered it to Feilin.
Munch munch~ “Where’s that new guy, Edward?”
Feilin chewed on the squid strip, her words unclear as she inquired about the whereabouts of the guild’s new recruit.
“I sent him to Black Rat Street for some… community service.”
“But he might be a bit rusty, so he’ll be back later.”
Mage Morrison replied after a moment’s thought, simultaneously complaining about Edward in his mind.
‘This newbie wouldn’t get caught on his very first theft attempt, would he…’
“You’ll be responsible for informing him later then.”
“I have an announcement for everyone.”
“That is, we’re moving tomorrow!” Feilin declared with full authority.
“Moving? Why?”
“Even though there’s a hole here, we can just fix it up.”
The people below erupted in chatter, discussing among themselves.
“This place is too damp! It makes my tail get wet and limp, damaging my dignity!”
Feilin made up a random excuse to fob them off, her blue pupils sweeping over each person.
Immediately, she noticed the headcount still didn’t match.
“Where is Gavin?”
Feilin’s cheeks puffed up with anger as she pointed at the thief trio, now missing one person.
The remaining two members of the trio looked at each other, trembling as they spoke.
“Gavin… he said he had a stomachache and went to the toilet.” “You lot really don’t take me, your boss, seriously, do you!”
Feilin rained spittle as she berated the guild members below the counter.
—
In a certain alley behind the Squid Tavern.
Gavin pressed himself tightly against the wall, slowly sliding into a dark corner.
His face still bore the fist marks from his two companions, bruised and swollen.
“Cough! Cough! Cough!”
A fit of violent coughing erupted.
He suddenly clutched his heaving chest, as if his lungs were about to be coughed out.
Blood continuously seeped from the corners of his mouth and nostrils, mixed with fine, frothy bubbles.
But he paid it no mind, his bloodshot eyes wide open as he huddled motionless in the corner.
After a while, his abdomen swelled up like a balloon, then suddenly contracted inward.
“Cough! Cough! Gag!”
A large mass of plasma was vomited out, splattering onto the damp floor, mixing with the filthy water.
Guided by an invisible force, the plasma gathered in the center, forming a vortex.
The plasma within the vortex grew upward, slowly outlining a rough humanoid shape.
First feet, then thighs and torso, and finally the head.
Like a master sculptor carving into a large block of blood.
A completely naked young man appeared in the alley.
His appearance was ordinary, no different from a farmer tilling fields in the countryside.
His right hand was missing the ring finger and little finger.
He slowly raised his hand, pointing at a vagrant sleeping not far away.
The old scars on the vagrant’s body instantly burst open!
A stream composed of blood appeared in mid-air, rushing towards the naked man.
The blood swirled around him, gradually solidifying.
In an instant, a blood-red robe draped over his body.
“I said not to disturb me at this time.”
“This is the sacred moment when I am closest to Liola.”
He walked up to Gavin and spoke plainly.
Gavin’s legs gave way, kneeling on the ground, his lips trembling.
“Respected Lord Marco, I… I didn’t mean to disturb you.”
“I suspect… Big Tail Rat has betrayed you.”
Upon hearing this, Marco fell into thought.
“You mean that stupid dog?”
“No, my lord, she’s a fox…” Gavin whispered in correction.
Marco was suddenly contradicted, making him laugh in annoyance.
“You’re right, but I’m not here to debate that.” “Explain specifically how she betrayed me.”
He couldn’t be bothered to argue about dogs and foxes, directly asking about Big Tail Rat’s situation.
“Not long ago, two new clients came to the guild.” “They were asking Big Tail Rat about the vampire attacks in the city.” “I vaguely heard them mention something about ‘Marco’ and a ‘transaction location’.” “So I suspect Big Tail Rat sold you out.” Gavin laid out everything he knew to Marco.
“Good, very good. That stupid dog is indeed untrustworthy.” “Good thing I left a spy in the Scavenger’s Guild.”
“Wouldn’t you agree, Sir Gavin?”
Marco sneered, patting Gavin’s greasy head.
“Yes, yes, Lord Marco is truly brilliant!” Gavin hurriedly agreed.
“Who were these two new clients?” Marco asked.
“One was a wandering physician named Vivian, the other was a new knight from the church, Nolan.” “Oh, and the priest Derek you specifically mentioned, he also came to the guild.” Gavin said.
“Derek… going for a secret drink again?”
Hearing this name, Marco suddenly paused.
Then he looked down at his maimed right hand and muttered.
Even with his abilities, repairing this minor disability would be effortless.
But he had intentionally kept it as a reminder to himself.
Derek… he gave me two chances…
Once at the seminary, once during the pursuit.
He didn’t know what mindset to have about this.
Was it the shame of being spared, or the relief of escaping death.
Thinking of this, a bitter smile appeared on Marco’s face.
“Not for a drink. Priest Derek also sought out Big Tail Rat.” “And then Big Tail Rat betrayed you again!” Gavin said excitedly.
“Hahaha, good, excellent!”
Marco suddenly threw his head back and laughed.
“Tomorrow night…”
A sinister, cold glint flashed in his eyes.
“I must properly entertain our good partner here.” “And then go have a nice chat with Vivian and Derek.”
A ball of blood condensed in Marco’s palm.
“This is a little reward for you.” “I hope your performance tomorrow night doesn’t disappoint me.”
With that, he threw the blood ball at Gavin.
The ball covered Gavin’s face, slowly seeping in through his mouth, nose, and other orifices.
Finally, the blood ball disappeared, and dark red magical patterns surfaced on Gavin’s body.
“Thank you for your grace, Lord Marco!”
Gavin, who had been listless just moments ago, instantly became exhilarated.
He felt like a bull in heat now, with boundless strength coursing through his body.
Marco gave him a faint glance.
Then his entire body began to melt like a wax statue.
Slowly dissolving into a puddle of blood, he vanished on the spot.