Bloodline Traders! II

"Stop. Someone's up ahead," Ryan whispered, his soul form flickering at the edge of visibility.

Rex's heart skipped a beat as they crouched behind the staircase, the heavy footsteps above growing louder.

"We move now, no noise," Ryan's form gestured sharply.

Rex and Darius followed behind. Arcane was placed into the Tamer's Sanctuary for the surprise element; if something unexpected happened, she would also be the unexpected.

There were two rooms, one opposite to the other, and the boss's chamber was at the end of the hallway.

Rex pointed at the left room, eyes sharp, and pushed open the door in one smooth motion.

Inside, two people turned their heads—one man and one woman—while getting cozy in bed.

Startled, they stood up quickly.

But before they could speak, their attention shifted… as Arcane flickered and unleashed her lightning bolts, striking their legs and rendering them immobile—one strike, two bolts.

As Arcane finished her attack, Rex and Darius moved toward them, suppressing their shouts.

Rex pointed his dagger, while Darius raised his new, shining sword.

"W-Who are you people?" the man stammered, fear flickering in his eyes.

"Shut up. Make a sound or shout, and you both die."

"Aah… ah, listen, sir," the woman grunted in a cracked voice, painfully standing up on a single leg. A mixture of confidence and fear flashed in her eyes as she seductively moved with practiced grace.

Darius narrowed his eyes and warned, "I told you not to move, or we will kill you."

"Don't worry, young man. I won't shout," she said in a soothing tone, continuing to stand. Limping, she walked toward Rex, clearly sensing he was the leader, a knowing smirk tugging at her lips.

"Handsome, if you don't kill me, we can do whatever you want," she winked and leaned closer to Rex. She had no weapons—just her well-honed charm.

"W-What are you doing, Tillota?" the man cried, eyes wide, his voice laced with anger and shock. A memory flashed—this same scene, but with himself in Rex's place.

"I'm sorry, darling. I was only near you because of your brother," she said mockingly, wrapping her arms around Rex like she was already his. Her warmth pressed against his skin.

[Taming Complete]

[Subjugated Rank: {Tillota} - {Rurik}]

Noticing Rex wasn't resisting, she whispered, "Thank you, handsome. You won't regret this," and leaned in, trying to kiss him on the cheek.

Darius, watching silently, shook his head as Rex's eyes gleamed sharply.

Splurt!

Rex's expression darkened as he drove his dagger into her neck. "Did you think I'd fall for that?" he said coldly, pushing her back. Her eyes widened as she collapsed.

"W-Why…?" Rex looked down, his voice low. "I know your kind very well." A few bitter memories flickered through his mind.

Her eyes, wide with disbelief, slowly dulled as blood pooled beneath her.

Rex turned his gaze to the other man. Seeing his piercing and indifferent gaze, the man began begging.

"P-Please don't kill me. My brother…Murik. He's a 2–Star Ascender. and Works directly under the boss. I-I can give you money, whatever you want," the man pleaded, but after noticing Rex's cold gaze he crawled toward Darius and clutched his leg.

[Tamed Entity: {Tillota} | Loyalty: 5% | Status: Perished. Would you like to devour the entity? Y/N]

[Congratulations, you have received...]

[Skill Book... x1]

[Mana Crystal... x1]

Ignoring the man's whining, Rex focused on the loot. The pleading blurred into the background as he picked up the skill book and crystal.

[Clean (0%) (0/100) : Cleanses your body of dirt, sweat, and unpleasant odors, leaving you feeling fresh as if you've just stepped out of a revitalizing bath.]

[Delay: 10s]

After learning the skill, with a disappointed look, Rex glanced at the Mana crystal. Unlike Darius, who took a whole night to absorb two, Rex used it instantly—as the results were immediate.

Mana, stronger and more abundant, surged into him. After a brief moment, his previously disappointed expression bloomed into a dazzling smile.

[Congratulations, host. You've been promoted to Ascender 2-Stars.]

A magnificent prompt appeared before him—not surprising, as he had devoured the mana of many.

I'm growing too slowly. I want more power. His eyes gleamed with resolve.

Then he glanced at the man, his expression calculating. "We will not kill you. I'll give you my word," Rex said calmly.

Hearing the words he wanted most, the man—Rurik—brightened.

"What ability do you have? I need someone useful," Rex asked casually.

"I-I'm useful! I have a sound barrier skill. It can silence the surroundings," Rurik stammered, mentally thanking his brother for teaching it.

"Hmmm... That is useful," Rex said, offering his hand to help him stand up. The man smiled faintly, nerves easing. He grabbed Rex's hand and pulled himself up though still bleeding.

Rex supported him by the shoulder as he limped.

"Can you take me to that drawer?" the man asked. With a nod, Rex led him to the drawer.

Opening it, the man pulled out a small green vial and downed it in one gulp.

Rex noticed the effect—the man was easier to support as his weight was reduced from before.

"Darius, this man stays with me as a hostage. You back us from behind. If anyone comes, I'll push him as fodder," Rex muttered. The man looked at him, with wide eyes.

Technically, Rex still wouldn't be the one killing him directly.

"Use your skill. If everything goes smoothly and quietly, you won't be killed," Rex said with a smile.

After Ryan's soul form confirmed the hall was clear, they opened the door to leave.

Just then, a man stepped out from the opposite room. The two parties locked eyes.

{Use your skill—sound barrier—quickly,} Rex commanded telepathically. The man obeyed.

"Darius, kill him instantly," Rex ordered.

Darius nodded, used [Blink Step], and closed the distance in a flash. The man dropped dead without a sound.

"Haah, there goes my loot" Rex sighed.

Not even Rex could hear it. The silence was absolute.

Rex glanced at Rurik, who stood quietly by his side, the sound barrier still active. A slow smile tugged at his lips.

Now just a single man remained—and after him, the boss's room awaited in silence.