Chapter 40: She Must Die
The Crown Guard Commander’s office, atop the main headquarters.
Rolof, heavily bandaged, sat at his desk, his expression grim, his aura dark, waiting.
After a long silence, a shadow stretched across the room, a graceful figure emerging from its depths.
A woman with a seductive, almost worldly air, her partially exposed chest adorned with intricate black Demonic Runes.
“You’re late, Isabelle,” Rolof said, his voice low.
Although her appearance was different from their last encounter, he recognized the Demonic Runes.
She frequently possessed different bodies, appearing to him in various forms.
She frowned, tossing him a vial. “That stench is unbearable. Drink this, then we can talk.”
Rolof took the vial and drank, his chaotic aura subsiding, his usual stern demeanor returning, though his face remained pale.
“I had… business to attend to,” Isabelle said, her brow smoothing slightly, the pungent scent of Rolof’s corrupted bloodline finally fading.
She examined him, a sneer on her lips. “I didn’t think you had it in you. They were your comrades, after all.”
“…This path requires… sacrifices. I was prepared,” Rolof said, his voice low. “And if I had left them alive, it would have complicated matters.”
“Only slightly. And in exchange, I received a few… unexpected surprises…” Isabelle’s lips curved into a faint smile, remembering the purple-haired little girl at the execution ground, the one who might be the Abyssal Lord.
Her original plan had been simple: sabotage the Imperial Festival. It was connected to the ancient empire, the one that had fought the Abyssal Lord, and she had hoped to find some information about her.
But now, the purple-haired girl, who was clearly more closely connected to the Abyssal Lord, perhaps even the Lord herself, had become her priority.
Rolof and the festival were still part of her plans, but they were no longer as important.
Rolof sensed her indifference and fell silent.
He knew he was just a pawn. His only hope of escaping this fate, of shedding his monstrous form, was to see Isabelle’s plan through.
“Don’t worry. I haven’t forgotten my promise,” Isabelle said, seeing his concern, a cold smile on her face. “A mere taste of my bloodline… I’m not that stingy.”
“But even the lowest form of demon is still a demon… not like your current, filthy, disgusting form.”
The only reason Rolof hadn’t completely succumbed, hadn’t become a Fallen Demonspawn or a Demon Hunter, was the potion Isabelle provided, which slowed the demonic corruption.
“I know,” Rolof said, taking a deep breath and handing her a file.
“Perhaps this will interest you.”
“Hmm?” Isabelle was surprised. This was the first time Rolof had proactively offered her information. She took the file, her interest piqued.
As she read, her expression turned serious. “Are you certain this is true?”
“Absolutely,” Rolof replied.
She closed the file, a faint smile touching her lips. “No wonder… I couldn’t find her.”
The file detailed the beastkin’s encounter with a purple-haired little girl named “Ara,” who had mysteriously disappeared.
According to the beastkin, the girl had been looking for someone named “Bai.”
That’s why they had brought her to the execution ground, to meet the “Bai” who was also supposed to be there.
And then, Isabelle’s power had backfired on Ara, trapping everyone in the abyss of their souls. Ara had vanished, and Bai, who was supposed to be there, was nowhere to be found.
Either Bai had taken Ara, or Ara had followed Bai.
Isabelle knew more, and this information was crucial.
“Bai… I believe you’ve mentioned her before,” Isabelle said, her voice so soft and gentle it sent a shiver down Rolof’s spine.
“Just a strange girl. I suspect she served in the Knights… but she’s too young,” Rolof said, trying to maintain his composure. “She’s very strong. I couldn’t gauge her true power.”
“A knight… hmm… no matter. As I said before, just kill her,” Isabelle said dismissively, tapping her chin. “Ten Shadow Guards? No, too many. Five should be sufficient…”
“You’re going to send your demon guards into the capital to assassinate someone?” Rolof’s eyes widened.
“With me here, there will be no loose ends,” Isabelle smiled.
“For a single, suspected knight? The festival is about to begin. Sending your guards in now might alert them,” Rolof said, his voice low.
“Don’t you have a way?” Isabelle waved her hand dismissively. “Find an excuse, distract the Crown Guard, even for half an hour. That will be enough.”
“Why?” Rolof still hesitated. If this went wrong, Isabelle would only lose an avatar, but he would die a gruesome death.
“Bai must die,” Isabelle said, her eyes narrowed, a chilling glint in their depths. “She’s definitely connected to that damned ancient empire. Otherwise… why would she be looking for her?”
She almost said the Abyssal Lord’s name. She wasn’t ready to reveal Ara’s potential identity yet.
“Is Ara that important to you?” Rolof asked, his voice low.
“Very important. I must find her… I can’t let her leave with that… thing, Bai!” Isabelle gritted her teeth.
If the unawakened Abyssal Lord placed her trust in a descendant of the ancient empire, what would happen when she fully awakened?
Would she still lead the Abyss to conquer all worlds?
No, she wouldn’t let that happen…
Isabelle’s determination silenced Rolof.
Finally, he lowered his head.
“…As you wish.”
Up next: killing? (finally!!!!!!!)