Drazhul and Xavira arrived at Malreth's office not long after the summons.

The heavy doors creaked open, and the two stepped inside without any sign of hurry.

Drazhul walked in first.

His armor clinked softly with each step, stained from old battles.

His broad shoulders nearly filled the doorway, and his sharp eyes immediately scanned the room.

"Why did you call us," Drazhul said flatly. "I was in the middle of training my troops."

Xavira followed behind him, moving with slow grace.

Her long coat brushed the floor, and a faint smile rested on her lips.

Her eyes lingered on Malreth, measuring him like a piece of merchandise

Malreth leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled. "Straight to the point. I like that."

He waved a hand lazily. "I sent scouts through the Demon Gate. All of them died."

Drazhul raised an eyebrow. "All of them?"

"Every last one," Malreth replied. "No reports. No bodies. Nothing."

Drazhul let out a low laugh. "So you finally ran into something that bites back."

Xavira chuckled softly. "How unfortunate. You were so confident during the last council meeting."

She tilted her head. "If I remember correctly, you said you would handle everything alone. You even claimed a larger share of the profit."

Malreth's smile tightened for a moment, then relaxed. "Plans change."

Drazhul crossed his arms. "So now you want our help."

"Yes," Malreth said openly. "This other world is not weak. That makes it valuable."

Xavira's eyes gleamed. "Valuable how?"

Malreth leaned forward. "Strong beings make the best merchandise."

Xavira smiled wider. "Slaves that fight back fetch higher prices. And the ones that don't sell…"

She licked her lips lightly. "They still have their uses."

Drazhul snorted. "Always thinking with your stomach."

Xavira shrugged. "Food is food. Especially when it screams."

Malreth laughed greedily. "See? This is why I called both of you."

Drazhul's grin turned sharp.

"Strong enemies also mean good battles. My soldiers have been bored. If that world can kill your scouts, it might be worth invading."

Xavira folded her arms. "But let's be clear. If we help, you don't get the biggest share anymore."

Malreth nodded quickly. "Of course. Of course. I will compensate both of you well."

Xavira tapped her finger against her chin. "I want first pick of any captured beings."

Drazhul added, "And I want command over the initial assault force."

Malreth spread his hands. "Done."

Xavira laughed softly. "Then it seems this Demon Gate just became very profitable."

Drazhul smirked. "Or very bloody."

Malreth leaned back again, eyes shining with greed. 'Either way, I win.'

Before any of them could say more, the air in the room shifted.

A quiet step echoed.

A man appeared near the wall as if he had always been there.

All three froze.

Malreth's eyes widened. "Velmor?"

Drazhul's hand moved closer to his weapon. "What are you doing here?"

Xavira's smile faded just a little. "You usually don't show up unless it matters."

Velmor stood calmly, hands folded behind his back.

His face showed no excitement, no greed, only interest.

His eyes moved from one demon to the next, taking everything in.

"I came because it matters," Velmor said evenly. "I brought news."

Malreth frowned. "Can't you see we are busy?"

Velmor nodded. "That is why I came now. This news is… very interesting."

Xavira tilted her head. "Then say it."

Velmor looked at Malreth first. "There are otherworlders here. From the world connected to the Demon Gate."

The room went silent.

Drazhul blinked. "That's impossible."

Xavira's eyes narrowed. "Only demons can pass through the gate."

Malreth leaned forward sharply. "And even if they could, the demonic mana would corrupt them."

Velmor nodded slowly. "Normally, yes. But they are here. That much is confirmed."

Drazhul let out a short laugh. "So they survived the mana."

Xavira's lips curved upward again, this time sharper. "Strong bodies. Strong minds. Very valuable."

Malreth's greed flared instantly. He slapped the armrest. "Good. Then we change the plan."

He leaned forward, voice low. "We catch them. Alive if possible."

Drazhul grinned. "Interrogate them. Learn how strong that world really is."

Xavira smiled sweetly. "And if they break…"

She shrugged lightly. "They still won't go to waste."

Velmor cleared his throat. "Ahem."

Malreth glanced at him, then waved a hand. "Yes, yes. You get a share too."

Velmor smiled faintly. "That is all I needed to hear."

---

Garion kept walking at an unhurried pace, hands behind his back, eyes calmly scanning the streets of the demon city.

The sounds of shouting demons, clashing metal, and crude laughter filled the air around them.

Stalls sold strange meats and bottled liquids that smelt wrong.

Demons pushed past each other without apology.

Violence broke out in corners, then faded just as fast.

Behind him, the disciples followed in a loose group.

Dahlia frowned more and more the longer they walked. "Master… we've been here for days already."

Dion scratched his head. "Feels like sightseeing."

Eliza stayed quiet, but even she tilted her head slightly, confused.

Arden finally spoke up. "Master, why are we just… walking around? It feels like recreation."

Garion didn't stop. "Because we are."

The group froze for a moment.

Dahlia blinked. "You mean…"

Garion glanced back, a small smile on his face. "Exactly what you think."

Dahlia stared at him. "You're waiting for trouble?"

Garion chuckled softly. "I'm waiting for something interesting."

Garion slowed his steps and looked around the street one last time.

"For now," Garion said calmly, "just walk. Look. Remember this place."

Dahlia frowned. "Why remember it?"

Garion's smile widened just a little. "Because this will be the last time you see it like this."

The disciples exchanged uneasy looks.

Eliza's eyes narrowed slightly. She felt it too. Something faint. Something watching.

But Garion didn't acknowledge it.

Unnoticed by his disciples, his senses were fully open.

He wasn't wandering aimlessly.

He was waiting. Waiting for greedy demons to move. Waiting for hidden eyes to grow bold. Waiting for the inevitable moment when someone would think they could test him.

Just like in the novels from his previous life.

Someone always took the bait.

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