‘You saw that? No—felt it?’ Raon called out to Wrath as he watched Rensia’s trembling hand. Wrath lowered his deep blue eyes. – “It was definitely anger.” He nodded, saying that anger had flared within Rensia’s soul. ‘Anger mixed with resentment and fear.’ Whenever Rensia met certain adults, her hand would tremble ever so slightly, subtle enough not to be obvious. At first, he had simply noted it down, thinking it was normal for a child to fear adults. But just now, she had shown not only fear but also anger and resentment. That meant there was definitely a problem. The anger that had surfaced in Rensia had vanished in an instant, as if it had never been there. – “That’s not natural.” Wrath shook his head coldly. – “This land has devoured the anger.” He frowned, looking at the ground and ceiling. Raon bit his lip slightly. There was something in Montiro that consumed human Deathly Energy, Demonic Energy, and even negative emotions. ‘Now it’s time to call her.’ With the Demonblade’s information confirmed, it was time to summon the necessary people and request their help. “Are you listening to me?” The man called Felix stepped forward, looking down at him. He was well over two meters tall, so Raon had no choice but to look up. Rensia bowed her head, saying it was her fault. “Miss Rensia has done nothing wrong.” Felix gently pushed her aside, though his brows were furrowed. The moment his hand touched her shoulder, Rensia shuddered. Raon tilted his chin at him, saying he had no idea who he was. “I am Felix, commander of the Spear Guard.” Though anger was in his tone, Felix’s manner remained polite. “One of those so-called five heroes?” He chuckled lightly and nodded. “I’m no hero. I’m just a defender of this city.” He shook his head, saying he wasn’t worthy of such a title. “Let me ask again—why bring Miss Rensia here? You know this isn’t a place for someone her age.” His brows furrowed as if questioning his judgment. Raon clicked his tongue as cheers from the arena reached his ears. “Well, you’re not wrong. I didn’t pay enough attention to a teenage girl.” He apologized and flicked a silver coin to Rensia. She blinked and caught the coin midair in one go. “A-Are you sure you’ll be okay?” She blinked quickly in concern. “The hero here will show me around instead of you.” Raon smirked and tossed Felix a gold coin. Perhaps because of his earlier words, Felix nodded calmly. “But this isn’t necessary.” He returned the coin untouched and stepped toward the arena entrance. Telling Rensia to wait at the church, Raon followed Felix inside. ‘Strong, but nothing unusual.’ He narrowed his eyes at Felix’s back. ‘A Master high-class martial artist. That’s it.’ Like Kalop, he was strong for his age, but that was all. His height was more impressive than his skill or presence. Still, appearances could be deceiving. Judging by Rensia’s reaction, Felix wasn’t a normal human. – “You’re just going to leave her?” Wrath narrowed his eyes in concern for Rensia. ‘I can’t cling to her now. That would draw more suspicion.’ Though he was worried, leaving with her now would only attract unwanted eyes. Better to appear as if he was just enjoying the arena. Felix stood in the circular stands and pointed to the sandy ground three floors below. Stained red, likely from the fighters’ blood. “The betting counters are there. No limit on stakes, as far as I know.” He pointed to the crowded booths, saying they could wager as they pleased. “No limit? I like that.” Raon’s lips curved just as— The bloodstained iron door opened, and a hulking giant with muscles like armor entered, along with a short but solidly built young man. Since it was pure physical combat, both had suppressed their aura. “No bets now,” Felix said, shaking his head. “Let’s just watch then.” Raon leaned over the railing with mild disappointment. “Do you gamble, hero? Doesn’t quite suit your image.” He tilted his chin at Felix. “A friend comes here often. You learn whether you want to or not.” Felix pointed to the short fighter in the arena. That fighter was likely another defender of Montiro like Felix and Kalop. “Well, I’ll be going—” “Not going to watch your friend fight?” “The outcome’s already decided. No need.” Raon snorted at his retreating back. The crowd’s roar drew his gaze back. Felix’s friend had reduced the giant to a pulp and was raising both hands in victory. Feigning surprise, Raon’s eyes swept the arena. ‘A bloody fight in front of a betting crowd…’ Yet no Deathly Energy or Demonic Energy. – “Impossible. As we saw…” Wrath twisted his mouth as he looked down. – “This place is absorbing all negative energy.” He shook his head with certainty. – “At this scale, something massive is being sacrificed.” Wrath furrowed his brows, imagining the horror. Turning toward the voice, Raon saw a well-groomed red-haired man approaching—Burren, disguised as a thug. He tilted his chin, having seen him with Felix. Raon shook his head, sending a rising aura message to Burren. [Listen and pass this to the black market agents. Montiro is…] He relayed everything he had learned so far. The arena’s noise and crowd ensured even the Black Tower couldn’t eavesdrop on such a high-level aura message. “Just here to watch, then?” Burren maintained casual small talk despite the heavy news. [One more thing. There’s someone we need to call. She’s…] Raon tightened his fist as he named the person. After losing and winning money, Raon stayed until the last fight, then left. Rensia sat on a church bench, knitting. The color was different now—she was making new clothes. “Knitting’s a hobby?” He sat beside her, shaking his head. “When did you get here?” She smiled and set her work down. “Did you enjoy the arena?” “Very. Lost everything.” He pulled out an empty pouch. She blinked in surprise. “It was spending money for today. You’ll still get yours.” He held out his hand reassuringly. “T-That’s not what I meant…” “Why’s your mouth dry? Didn’t eat the candy I bought you?” “I’m saving it for my siblings.” She smiled faintly, saying she wanted to share it at home. ‘Right, she took food home before too.’ At the seafood restaurant, she’d packed food for her siblings. And judging by her knitting, she truly cared for them. Raon nodded at her green eyes. “Mind if I visit your home?” She stared wide-eyed. “Yes. I want to see the siblings you treasure so much.” “Lost money. Feeling hollow.” He said he wanted to calm down. After some hesitation, she nodded. “It’s dinner time. How many siblings?” He pulled out a gold coin. “Four? That’s a lot.” “They’re not blood-related.” Her tone was affectionate nonetheless. On Montiro’s western outskirts, a shantytown. Rensia opened the door to a well-kept, though old, house. Four children, aged around five to eight, ran to her. Seeing Raon, they froze in wide-eyed surprise. They trembled, scared despite being with their sister. “He’s not a bad man.” Rensia smiled and introduced him. “He’s a good guest I’m guiding. He even bought you dinner.” She set down seafood on a broken table. “Wow! Shrimp and lobster!” “There’s sashimi too!” The kids dug in eagerly, avoiding the oysters. “Did he buy the candy yesterday too?” A little girl tugged her pants. Raon waved their thanks away. Scanning the tidy home, he noted—no parents, Rensia was raising them. And the youngest’s shirt matched the one she’d been knitting earlier. – “A commendable girl.” Wrath patted her head. At fifteen, she worked as a guide, maintained the home, cared for the kids, and made their clothes. The youngest waved him over. “I’ve eaten plenty of money today.” “You’ll understand when you’re older.” Watching them eat filled him as if he’d eaten. “Well, you’re doing fine. I’ll go now.” She rose, but he waved her off, telling her to care for the kids. ‘I don’t want to involve that place…’ Biting his lip, he walked away. ‘I’ll find another way.’ Watching surfers in the emerald sea, Raon clicked his tongue. ‘Still found nothing.’ Even after a week of intensified searching, no trace of the Black Tower or its demons—and no Deathly Energy or Demonic Energy. If they stayed too long, they’d draw suspicion. A decision was needed. Runaan, disguised as a shy tourist, was following a worm on the beach. “Ugh! Don’t pick that up!” Martha, posing as a mature woman, slapped her back. The two had grown closer. “Yes! Sold and bought all I needed.” “I’m done too,” Krein added. Rensia’s eyes widened as she realized they were leaving. “A merchant can’t stay forever.” Drawing on the sea’s water energy, he created a soundproof barrier. “I want to ask you something.” “You said Montiro was full of happiness.” “No place or person is happy all the time. That’s a dream—or a nightmare.” She fluttered her eyelids. “I’m perceptive, you know.” Ignoring Wrath, he continued. “You tremble when meeting certain adults—especially known figures.” She looked at her hands, swallowing dryly. “Are they hurting you?” “Just nerves. Really…” Since she stayed silent, he shifted to a more emotional appeal. “I didn’t have an easy childhood either. Always wary of adults.” Biting his lip, he said, “So I can tell. You’re not in a good situation.” She gripped her needle tightly, shoulders trembling. “If something bad is happening, tell me now. I can take care of you and your siblings.” If he could get her out, he might find answers—or at least a lead. She stared blankly for a while before parting her lips. “No. We’re happy. The adults help us.” “You were scared of Felix. I saw it.” “If you don’t tell me now, I can’t help later.” This wasn’t just about finding the Black Tower—he wanted to help her. “I was scolded a lot for being naughty when I was younger. That’s all.” She scratched her head. “Really, nothing’s wrong. Don’t worry. And don’t tell anyone. People might take offense. And…” “If you’re leaving, do it quickly. As soon as possible.” She stood, brushing off sand, and wore her doll-like smile again—sending a chill down his spine. “I’ll go first today!” She bowed and left the beach. Raon bit his lip, watching her small back. He had thought to stir her emotions, but it seemed a mistake. “Shouldn’t we grab her?” Krein asked. “No. She said nothing important. Let her think it’s just a rich man’s whim.” He hadn’t mentioned Zieghart or the Black Tower, so even if his identity vanished, the plan wouldn’t be compromised. “We’ll leave in three days to avoid suspicion.” Raon ran a hand through his hair with a sigh. ‘Nothing’s easy here…’ Ready to depart, Raon gazed at the darkening sea. ‘What should my next identity be?’ It would be hard to move more freely than as Merchant Kayden. – “That’s not the only thing bothering you.” Wrath narrowed his eyes. ‘Right. I’m worried about her.’ Rensia hadn’t visited in two days. He was concerned she might talk—and for her well-being. “All ready,” Krein said. “Me too,” Dorian added. “Then tomorrow at dawn, we leave. Load the wagon…” The door opened, and Rensia stepped in with her familiar blue backpack. “I thought you weren’t coming anymore.” He decided it was best to push her away for her sake. “…Why haven’t you left?” She shook her head, asking why he was still here. Sensing she might say something important, he formed a soundproof barrier. “Why should I leave like I’m running away?” “I’m richer than you think. I’m not afraid.” He flicked a gold coin. “There are things money can’t fix. Leaving would be best for you.” She bit her lip, her perfect expression cracking. “That makes me want to stay more—to find who’s bothering you and might target me.” He tilted his chin arrogantly— And Rensia set her backpack down, suddenly lifting her shirt. “W-Wait! What are you—Ah!” On her right side, a black heart-like mass jutted out. The sight of it beating sent a cold shiver down Raon’s spine.