In the grand hall of the ruined palace, which exuded a strange sense of faded majesty, walked Alex and the group.

The hall was spacious, its former grandeur still lingering beneath the layers of decay. But even with all that, the tension in the air didn’t lessen.

Alex walked beside the so-called boss, their steps echoing softly against the cracked marble floor. The others—the women and warriors who had accompanied the boss—trailed just a step behind, their eyes locked onto Alex, filled with wariness.

The image of Alex killing a three-star, star-connection realm archer without giving him a chance to retaliate was still fresh in all of their minds.

The archer’s death wasn’t very surprising; what was startling was that Alex hadn’t even used his real strength to do that.

The man beside Alex—the boss—carried himself with ease, exuding confidence that came from ruling this place for years. “Tell me, stranger,” he began, his voice smooth yet laced with an underlying sharpness, “where exactly do you come from? I haven’t seen someone like you before.”

It was clear that this guy was still not sure about making a move against Alex. He was trying to dig deeper into Alex, but would Alex just tell everything?

‘Heh.’ Chuckling inwardly, Alex replied with a smile. “A place far from here.”

The boss chuckled, shaking his head. “Cryptic. I like that. But you didn’t just wander in, did you? No one does. So tell me, what is it that you want?”

[Even beggars know what you’re here for,] Sophie commented at the guy’s question.

Alex had literally announced what he wanted in the market yesterday, yet this guy, who is supposed to be the boss of this city, didn’t know about it?

‘Well, let’s play along for now,’ Alex thought, leaning against a weathered pillar, glancing at the man with a faint smirk. “I could ask you the same thing. You seem interested in me. Why?”

The boss made a thoughtful hum, pacing slightly. “Strong men don’t walk into places like this without a reason. And you…” He pointed at Alex’s blade, still covered in blood. “You’re not here to join us. So, are you here to take something? Or maybe… to take someone?”

Alex chuckled. “Maybe I just wanted a nice chat.”

“A nice chat, huh?” The boss rubbed his chin, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Well, if you’re looking for a chat, why don’t we make it worthwhile? I could use someone like you. This city, as ruined as it is, has its perks. You’ve seen them firsthand—the power and the control. I could offer you a piece of it.”

Alex tilted his head, studying the man carefully.

Until now, Alex gave just enough reactions to keep the conversation going, but never enough to satisfy the man’s curiosity. It was clear that the man had no interest in having Alex under him, nor did Alex have any interest in such an offer.

But Alex had dealt with people like this before—people who ruled through manipulation and control—they thrived on knowing more than they revealed.

“I heard that you guys do slave trading,” Alex smiled, changing the subject, and the man, hearing his words, had a sly glint pass through his eyes.

“Oh? Are you interested in women?” The man quickly questioned, an ambiguous smile marred his face as he added, “Or maybe you like them young.”

Alex closed his eyes, not saying anything for a while, appearing hesitant. The boss, looking at that, frowned. “Do you want someone? Maybe you have your eyes on someone?” Moving closer to Alex, he added, “I can arrange any girl you want in this city, so you don’t need to hesitate.”

“Any girl?” Alex questioned, his eyes opening as he pushed off the pillar, his gaze flickering briefly around the room.

The boss’s smile widened. “Yes, yes. Ask away—”

His voice, however, was cut short as Alex pointed at a certain girl behind the man. She was as beautiful as the other two women, her auburn hair falling down her waist, framing her enchanting face. Her beady emerald eyes stared at Alex with a frown.

The boss stared at the woman Alex was pointing at, momentarily, his expression unreadable before he turned back to Alex, passing a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

“I’m sorry, but these are my women,” the boss said, his arms crossed behind his back.

[They’re moving, Alex.] Sophie warned as soon as she noticed the sudden shift in the atmosphere.

‘I’ve known for a while,’ Alex responded calmly. It wasn’t now; he had noticed it earlier, but now it was undeniable—there were movements beyond the doorways. People were moving silently. Surrounding them.

“You know,” Alex glanced at the surroundings, speaking in a low voice, “I don’t associate with men who go back on their word.”

Flicking his sword and wiping the blood off it, Alex added, his voice almost disappointed. “Especially when they try to stab me in the back.”

The boss flinched as he saw Alex’s stance, and so did the others surrounding him. His smile faded as he stared at Alex. “You’re a dangerous man, Alex. It would be foolish of me not to be prepared.”

“Hah…” With a sigh, Alex shook his head. “Then let’s stop pretending.”

The next instant, nine illusionary stars flared to life on his chest, swirling rapidly, and before anyone could react, Alex moved.

The boss reacted, but barely. His eyes widened as he saw Alex’s sword changing into a claw, aiming for his neck. Instincts kicked in, and he raised an arm to block.

What he couldn’t see was that there was a line dotted with stars headed straight for his chest. It was Alex’s heroic rank sword technique—rising star sword art.

The boss realized the neck was faint and tried to shield his chest, but it was already too late.

Alex’s palm, covered in Verathian that had shifted into the shape of a claw, plunged into his chest.

A sickening crack echoed through the hall as Alex’s fingers closed around the man’s heart, tearing it from his body with one fluid motion.

“Arghh!” The boss gasped, his body convulsing before he slumped forward, dead before he hit the floor. The air in the room grew still.

Staring at the heart in his hand, Alex’s nose scrunched up. “I knew this guy had a black heart.” Glancing at the woman he had pointed at before, he questioned, “How could such a person deserve such beauty as you?”

The women and the warriors around him did not scream, nor did they move. All of their expressions mirrored surprise, but no panic.

That was until the woman in question moved. Her emerald eyes narrowed as she stared at Alex, her expression calm despite what had just transpired.

Alex turned to her, still holding the heart. His voice was casual, almost conversational. “No more pretending?”

A heavy silence followed. The remaining people exchanged glances, tension thick in the air. Then, the woman sighed, stepping forward with a slow, deliberate grace. She moved to one of the broken thrones and sat down, crossing her legs.

Even after seeing everything, she was composed. Unbothered.

“How long have you known?” She asked, her voice smooth and unwavering.

Alex tossed the heart aside, watching as it landed with a dull thud. “Since the start.”

The woman nodded as if expecting the answer. “And how did you know?”

Alex smiled. “He was a good actor but couldn’t copy the real thing.”

The woman chuckled, leaning forward slightly. “You seem experienced.”

Alex returned the smirk. “I am pretty famous from where I come.”

The woman—the real boss—nodded her head, not prying deeper as she gestured for Alex to sit on the throne opposite to her.

“Shall we talk business now?” She asked, and Alex, after pondering for a while, nodded his head, not seeing any harm in observing how things would play out, especially when this woman was stronger than he had anticipated.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep