Chapter 7: Spies, Bribes, and Betrayals

The wheels of a dusty black carriage rolled down the old trade road.

Inside sat three cloaked figures — Eren, Zenis, and Jessy — their faces hidden beneath shadowed hoods.

The carriage rattled as they neared the towering gates of the City of Traders, a place where gold ruled and trust was always for sale.

Zenis leaned forward, whispering to Eren,"There's a demon spy in this city. He used to feed us information. But it's been months. No letters. No signals. Nothing."

Eren raised an eyebrow. "Dead?"

"Maybe," Zenis said with a sneer. "Or worse… comfortable."

Jessy stayed quiet, casually sharpening her claws.

Soon, they reached the city gates. Armed guards stood tall, blocking the road.

"State your business," one soldier barked.

Zenis reached into his cloak and flashed a bag of coins."We're merchants. From far away. Just here to trade..."

The soldier's eyes lingered on the coins, but before he could speak, Eren leaned out the window with a smirk."Five gold coins if you shut your mouth."

The guard straightened instantly, like a soldier saluting a king."…Welcome to the City of Traders, noble guests!"

The massive gates creaked open.

As their carriage rolled into the city, the streets burst with color and noise — merchants shouting prices, kids running barefoot, women in silks laughing behind fans, and rich men parading carriages made of glowing wood pulled by horses with silver-plated hooves.

Zenis pointed down a side street."That way. He used to live near the eastern garden."

They got down and started walking.

Then they saw him.

A tall, handsome man strutted through the street in bright robes, two stunning women clinging to his arms. He laughed loudly, like he owned the world.

Eren stopped in his tracks, eyes twitching."…I want that," he muttered.

Zenis growled."HEY, PIG! YOU'RE ALIVE?!"

The man froze mid-step.

His eyes widened in pure panic. He dropped both women and bolted like a rabbit on fire.

Jessy didn't hesitate. She swung out a foot—

Trip. Slam.

"ARGH!"

He hit the dirt hard.

Before he could get up, Zenis yanked him by the collar and dragged him into a nearby house. The door slammed shut behind them.

Inside the Spy's House

The man coughed, wiping the dust off his now-ruined robes."You guys—! What the hell?! I thought you were dead!"

Punch.

Zenis's fist smashed into his jaw."You thought we were dead?! You stopped sending reports and started living like some royal clown!"

Punch.

"We thought you were captured! Or killed!"

Punch.

"And now you're out here — living with humans?!"

Jessy kicked him in the side. He wheezed.

Zenis grabbed a chair to throw — but then came a calm voice that cut through the chaos like ice:

"Stop."

Everyone froze.

Eren stood at the center of the room, hands in his pockets, eyes glowing faintly.

"…Where is the hero?"

The spy lay groaning on the floor, blood dripping from his nose.

"You mean… Derik? Derik the Hero?"

Eren nodded slowly.

The man blinked, confused. Then his eyes squinted in suspicion."…Wait. Who are you?"

Eren crouched beside him. His voice was calm.

"You should know just by looking in my eyes."

The spy hesitated — then met Eren's gaze.

And froze.

There was no mercy. No light. Only a void wrapped in flame.

He shivered uncontrollably.

Eren's voice dropped, barely a whisper.

"Then start talking… pig."