He didnt know?

Everyone present at the hostage scene wore blank expressions. Even Kirko, the hostage, and the perpetrator, Sakkuth, couldnt hide their bewilderment.

It was Sakkuth, a Level 8 prisoner.

A notorious criminal from the ruthless Reviadon clan.

A villain who nearly caused a dreadful pandemic across the empire.

Despite wearing Bdissem shackles that restrain aura and physical strength, he was still dangerous as hell.

It was because of the diseases and poisons he could transmit through sweat, saliva, blood, and even breath.

His danger level was assessed to be on par with Level 9 prisoners.

Therefore, among some senior guards, there had been occasional suggestions that Sakkuth should have been imprisoned at a lower level, given the burden he posed.

He was a daunting prisoner among the guards, sometimes even evoking fear.

So, this rookie guard casually accepted a cigarette offered by this monster, with no hesitation and no certainty? The senior guards were shocked precisely at this.

It was an act beyond ordinary audacity.

It had already surpassed the bounds of recklessness. Unless one was desperate to die.

Even Sakkuth seemed incredulous as he asked, You didnt know?

No, I didnt.

Vikir replied, puffing on his cigarette.

It was true he didnt know. But gambling with his life was certainly out of the question.

After all, within Vikirs body flowed the venom of Madam Eight-Legs, capable of neutralizing all poisons and diseases.

Madam eight legs consumes various poisons, storing only the essence in her venom sac, where it is concentrated.

It didnt matter what kind of plague Sakkuth possessed.

No matter how vile, how toxic, or how terrifying it was, upon entering Vikirs body, it would simply become nutrients.

Knowing this, Vikir casually put Sakkuths cigarette in his mouth.

But for Sakkuth, who didnt know this, understanding the intentions of the rookie guard before him was utterly incomprehensible.

I dont know what Im seeing right now.

Sakkuth shrugged, seemingly bewildered.

Then he flung Kirko, whom he had been holding by the neck, far away.

Thud!

Kirko sprawled on the ground, coughing up blood.

With broken ribs and collarbones, unable to breathe properly due to the tightness around her neck, her face turned pale upon hitting the ground.

However, as soon as she landed, she quickly got up, adjusted her posture, and unsheathed her knife.

Adaptability wasnt just a skill for her.

If it had been an ordinary junior guard, they would have been done for.

Indeed, if one doesnt die in some nameless skirmish, theyll surely rise to prominence someday.

Vikir glanced briefly at Kirko behind him, reaffirming his judgment.

Then.

You. Are you that fond of her?

Sakkuths voice snapped Vikir out of his thoughts.

Confused, Vikir turned his head to see Sakkuth staring down at him as if in disdain.

Youre risking your life over a mere girl. Do you not understand what it means to be taken hostage, Stupid Garam?

It seemed Sakkuth understood Vikirs (or rather, Garams) willingness to gamble his life for Kirkos affection.

Other guards seemed to share similar sentiments.

Was Garam fond of Kirko?

Didnt you know? Hes always been fixated on Kirko during roll call.

But even so, isnt that too reckless?

Tch, what bravery. Risking your life for an unrequited love.

Bravery? More like foolishness. Just courting death.

Look, the senior senior guards expressions have already changed. It seems theyre inclined to enforce suppression.

Upon hearing the guards murmurs, Sakkuth let out a disdainful snort as if to say, See that?

Youre a sacrificial lamb. A pawn, a disposable pawn. Do you really think those junior guards surrounding us care about one measly life?

Hmph. Well, being so engrossed in whatever nonsense, you probably didnt even notice you were smoking a cigarette stained with blood. A lunatic.

Vikir pondered for a moment.

Well, I was indeed infatuated.

Reading the heartfelt passages about Kirko in the diary, Vikir thought that if he were infatuated like the persona he was portraying, he might have indeed sacrificed himself for Kirko.

But Vikir was not like that.

He had stepped forward with the sole purpose of pursuing strategic advantage.

Well then, lets begin our conversation. Lower your voice from now on.

Was there really anything worth discussing? You didnt put on this show for some girl, did you?

Shut up and listen.

As Vikir was about to speak

GARAM!

A voice came from behind.

Vikir and Sakkuth were startled and turned their heads to see Kirko halfway drawing her knife.

Kneel!

Simultaneously, a swift and precise attack flew through the air.

Flash!

Surprisingly, it was an aura so dense and concentrated that it was almost liquid-like.

Was there an epiphany at the brink of life and death?

Amidst this, Kirko, now at a heightened state, unleashed her footwork.

Argh!? You crazy woman!

Sakkuth exclaimed in shock.

Vikir, too, was considerably flustered by the unexpected turn of events.

Fortunately, Kirkos sudden attack was intercepted by fellow guards.

Female guards who were usually friendly with her rushed in and restrained Kirkos arms and legs.

Kirko! Are you out of your mind!?

Youll only make two hostages!

Dont let Garams sacrifice be in vain!

The guards who rushed in from behind grabbed the struggling Kirko and dragged her away.

It was quite a contrasting scene compared to when Garam stepped forward with no one to stop him.

Let go of me!

Kirko pleaded as she looked at Garam.

She saw her comrade, a man who risked his life to save her.

In Kirkos gaze towards him, there was confusion, turmoil, and desperation.

Then.

Dont interfere.

Vikir left a short remark.

!

Kirko momentarily stopped struggling and wore a blank expression.

Vikir reiterated his point.

Youre only causing disturbance.

B-but!

Go..

A clear line was drawn. However, his cold demeanor was interpreted quite differently.

Even those who had just criticized Garams actions as reckless were now amazed.

Such resolute determination to prevent further sacrifice, how dazzling was this sacrificial spirit.

Eventually, Kirko quieted down with a sullen expression, and tension began to flow back among the guards encirclement.

Even among the senior guards, discussions began to arise.

That junior guard has quite the courage. Risking his life for his colleague.

Theres life in his eyes. Its like Im seeing my own days as a junior guard. Back then, it was all about comradeship and patriotism.

Losing such talent would be a great loss.

His name is Garam, I hear. Hes been topping the monthly evaluations among the junior guards for the past few months.

Lets focus on rescuing the hostage first. Well start by discreetly approaching from the rear.

Weve already asked for reinforcements.

However.

Oddly enough, Garam, the one who had become the subject of the rescue, seemed utterly disinterested in the surrounding situation. He simply walked over and stood next to Sakkuth.

However, the atmosphere was somewhat different from when Kirko had been the hostage. Whatever the case, they were finally alone together.

Sakkuth quietly asked Vikir, Hmm Im starting to wonder what kind of conversation were going to have at this point.

Its nice to have privacy. Lets get to the point now.

Vikir spoke in a low voice, audible only to Sakkuth.

The Level Ten construction needs to proceed. If you keep causing disruptions like this, itll be delayed further.

Is that the point?

Yes. The Level Ten construction must proceed as planned. Your riot has already caused a day of delay.

What do you expect me to do, you lunatic? Its your business to deal with that kind of thing, not mine.

Sakkuth couldnt hide his astonishment and anger.

But Vikir remained nonchalant.

Pressing his finger to his lips as if to signal for quiet, Vikir continued speaking in an even lower voice.

A delay in construction is also a loss for you. The moment when the blue sphere in the center of the Level Ten construction zone explodes is the timing. If the construction is delayed, youll have to wait here longer for that moment.

Wait? For what? Whats this timing youre talking about?

What do you think it is, you idiot?

Vikir retorted shortly, as if he found Sakkuths confusion pitiful.

Sakkuths eyes momentarily turned red upon hearing this.

Not only was he psychologically manipulated by a mere junior guard, but he also heard insults like idiot. And it was coming from someone like Stupid Garam.

Just as Sakkuth was about to explode in anger, an unbelievable statement came from Vikirs mouth.

Its the timing when Her Majesty will rescue you.

It was a line enough to freeze Sakkuth in place.

[Sorry for the delay guys, I got very sick and had to stay in the hospital overnight. Im fine now, and will try giving chapters daily.]