Monsters versus humans.

For the average resident of the Great Lands, who had lived their entire life in a city behind walls, the answer to which side to be on was obvious.

Monsters killed and devoured humans; they were natural enemies, yet both could suffer from accidental natural disasters brought about by the energy of the world.

But this was no different from dividing the world into black and white. Those who dared to enter the gray area could gain an advantage only if they were prepared for it.

"One thousand two hundred lives..." Vaarh croaked. "As far as I know, that's most of the population of Varthon. Hah... Great, it's nice to deal with someone who isn't afraid of high stakes."

Daren didn't know what to say; he couldn't believe what was happening. Kreyn wasn't just talking to the Elder of the Arakta Worms, he was offering him more than a thousand people as a sacrifice!

"However..." Vaarh leaned forward. "What you are offering me, I can only get in the future, only if your plan works. What can you offer me right now? Something that will make me go against the Wurhen Family with someone like you?"

In fact, Kreyn was not prepared for this question.

However, now the situation was much better for him. He no longer needed to offer any treasures; instead, he could pay with blood and flesh.

Could he sacrifice the prisoners in the jail? Well, he had that option, but unlike the inhabitants of Varthon, these were his people.

After a few moments, Kreyn grinned as he held up one finger.

"I can't offer you hundreds or even dozens of lives right away, but how about one special life?"

Vaarh narrowed his eyes.

"Are you talking about an Origin?"

Kreyn nodded. "Yes. One Origin from the Wurhen Family should be enough to convince you of my intentions, shouldn't it?"

"Indeed..."

His low grumble echoed through the caves.

"Now, I am ready to hear your plan, Kreyn Skard."

The difficult part was over, as Kreyn moved on to what he did best—negotiating.

...

Crack. Crack. Crack.

The crackling of the fire echoed through the deep night, protecting the guards from the cold winds. Some of them slept, but others waited with their leader, Merina.

"Miss, are you sure this isn't a trap? Maybe we should turn back?" one of the guards suggested.

Merina shook her head.

"No. It was my mistake. I underestimated these lowlifes. We don't know if they're holding Lady Laura hostage or not. Tomorrow... tomorrow we'll find out." She bit her lip almost to the point of bleeding. "All that's left is to figure out what we can offer this bastard. What could someone like him want? Maybe—!"

Suddenly, there was a loud creak as the prison gates opened.

Merina jumped up as the guards abruptly woke up and grabbed their swords. They had expected action at night, but not in the middle of the night.

Step. Step. Step.

A girl with crimson hair and a cold gaze emerged from the prison.

It was Azura who stood alone before their camp.

"Kreyn is waiting for you. He is ready to show you that Laura is alive and well. You can all come in together or stay here. We are not afraid of you."

Merina frowned.

"How do I know you won't attack us from all sides as soon as we enter the courtyard?"

"You don't." Azura's icy gaze pierced her. "This is your only chance to find out if we're lying or not. There won't be another chance."

The main advantage and disadvantage for both sides was how valuable Laura was. Merina simply couldn't refuse.

"Tsk, fine, we'll all go together." She clenched her fists and pointed at one guard. "You, you stay here. You'll let us know if anything happens to us, understand?"

"Yes!" The guard stood up straight. "I won't let these criminals deceive us!"

Merina nodded as she and a dozen guards followed Azura.

She felt that something was wrong, but she couldn't return to Ardur with bad news. She had let him down too many times; the next time could be the last.

Crack.

The gates closed as the guard remained alone by the fire. He nodded deeply and headed for his horse. He had to be ready to flee if something went wrong.

"Miss Merina believes in me." The guard clenched his fist to his chest. "I must be vigilant and—"

Thrust!

The dark blade emerged from his neck as a hand in a black glove covered his mouth, soaking in blood and preventing the guard from making a sound.

In just a few seconds, the guard's gasping stopped as he collapsed to the ground in a pool of his own blood.

From the darkness emerged a tall figure with obsidian hair and black eyes that flashed with a sharp glint.

The dark cloak covered Valyra's broad shoulders as a faint purple light shone at its edges.

She smiled slightly as she looked at the dead guard and walked over to the horse, patting it gently on the shoulder.

"My powers came in handy, right?" Valyra muttered, looking toward the gate. "Kreyn... Depriving me of such a spectacle, you are a cruel man..."

...

As soon as Merina found herself in the prison courtyard, her eyes widened. On the other side was Laura, alive and unharmed, standing next to Kreyn.

"Lady Laura!" Merina exclaimed in shock, mixed with joy. "Hurry, we've come to rescue you! Just say the word, and we'll return to Varthon right now!"

The guards drew their swords, but no one was going to attack them. The prisoners just watched them from the sidelines, and Kreyn behaved surprisingly relaxed.

"No..."

"Agh?" Merina gave a puzzled look.

Laura shook her head.

"You don't understand, I've decided to stay here. I... I don't want to live in my father's golden cage anymore."

It was difficult for her to say this, her voice trembling with uncertainty.

"B-But! Lady Laura! These people, they're enemies! They're murderers and criminals! You shouldn't even bother looking at people like them!"

Step.

Before Laura could respond, Kreyn stepped forward.

"Merina, I showed you Laura, and even though you don't believe it, I am an honest man. I am willing to give her to you."

Both girls were puzzled.

"But, we will settle this matter as the Wurhen Family is accustomed to doing, through force!" Kreyn exclaimed with a cunning look.

In response, Merina merely smirked as she confidently stepped forward.

"Pffft! Is that all you can come up with?" She snorted. "Come on! Show me what you're capable of. I'll easily defeat a worm like you!"

"Hmm?" Kreyn raised his chin arrogantly. "Who said you would fight me?"

"Ah...?"

At the same moment, a shadow leaped from the roof. With the earth shaking, Groza landed in front of Merina.

With a thunder strike, a heavy stone sword covered in glowing runes appeared in her hand. Lightning bolts ran along the blade, reflecting off her platinum hair and deep eyes.

"Let's see who's stronger," Kreyn said to himself. "A servant of the nobles or a leader of the entire world who has fought hundreds of battles?!"

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