Chapter 222
9th-level wizards in this place were in a completely different league in terms of magical abilities compared to 8th-level wizards. It felt like Roderick was an improved version of most of the clumsy parts of Dristan. Delineating an area using mana conduit and engaging in mana control for combat was entirely different. However, that was all.
Considering that raising one level demanded an exponential increase in skill as you progressed, if Para McMatain were to be here, he would be considered a 10th-level wizard,
‘Besides, manipulating mana using Circles seems to have more disadvantages than advantages from the beginning.’
Unlike Lee Shin, who used the mana flow through his entire body, these people created Circles in their hearts and expanded them to manipulate mana. There had to be a difference between utilizing a single organ like the heart and the entire body. Lee Shin engaged in several duels with Roderick to ascertain the skills of this 9th-level wizard, but he quickly thought that he didn’t have to see anymore.
"What kind of sorcery have you cast...!" Roderick shouted in anger, because he too did not expect this outcome.
The moment Roderick cast his spell, all of his magic was dispelled immediately. Therefore, it was understandable that Roderick found it hard to accept the result.
Lee Shin thought it was time to put an end to this battle. The next moment, flames surged from Roderick’s staff.
[White Fire]
At the same time, Lee Shin unleashed a blast of white flames to counter Roderick head-on.
Swoosh—!
The two flames collided, and the white fire engulfed Roderick’s flame.
"Kyahahahaaargh…" Roderick’s painful groans could be heard.
The next moment, Lee Shin withdrew the flame because he saw that Roderick’s eyes were rolled back, body engulfed in fire. Then, Lee Shin threw Roderick over the water vapor to Bednyur using psychokinesis.
"Haa...." Derrick seemed to be out of breath. One could hear his ragged breathing clearly. Noticing that their fight was not yet over, Lee Shin started to realize that the combat power of his opponents was not to be underestimated.
"Sit down," Lee Shin said.
After all, there was really no point in continuing the fight now that Roderick had been defeated. Since Bednyur had been through all sorts of battles, it was likely that he would understand this much. Just as Lee Shin expected, Bednyur also obediently took a seat, following Derrick.
"So… what is it that you want?" Bednyur asked Lee Shin.
His voice trembled slightly. It seemed that Bednyur had not expected Roderick to end up like this. Everyone, including Derrick, seemed to be terrified at how powerful Lee Shin was.
"Okay, so it seems like you guys understood the situation. There is just one thing that I want," Lee Shin said.
After saying that, Lee Shin took out a picture of Sevrino’s daughter, Seyna, from his pocket and placed it on the table.
"Find this girl. If she's alive, bring her back alive by any means necessary, and if she's dead, bring every last bit of her to me." Lee Shin ordered.
"...I mean… It shouldn’t be that hard to find such a beautiful lady…”
"She looks just like Sevrino,” Derrick muttered.
"Yes, that's right. You better not entertain any futile thoughts. Moore, Moses, Lex... with the three of you working together, I assume it wouldn’t be too difficult to find her,” Lee Shin said, looking at the three.
"...I mean, we even have a picture, so finding her is just a matter of time," said Bednyur with confidence.
/p>
However, his face had a complicated look. It was the kind of expression that came from wondering if all this had happened because of just one woman.
"Bednyur, since you’re quick-witted, you would probably know already, but even if you bring a 10th or 11th-level wizard, it won't make any difference. So you better not try to mess with me on this matter,” Lee Shin said, looking at Bednyur.
"...Hey, I have discerning eyes too. Such a thing will never happen," Bednyur replied.
"I will do whatever it takes to stop him," Derrick said with a determined look.
"But, even if you guys are not the one who messes with Seyna, if there is anyone else who does, I will hold you responsible. You understand?” Lee Shin asked, looking at all three of them.
"...Alright. I will accept this responsibility for what I've done," Bednyur replied.
With that declaration, Lee Shin got up from his seat. He needed to go back to his place now because Sevrino and Alice might be worried, waiting for him there.
"We have a truth-seer named Alice on our side. If you cooperate with her, it will be faster," Lee Shin said.
"Understood. I will handle this situation quickly and get to work." Derrick got up from his seat and bowed to Lee Shin.
"You two deal with your own matters, but since you’re in this together now, there will be no good in fighting anymore. How about this? You can give Lex a small reward, and you can assist Moore in absorbing Moses," Lee Shin suggested.
Bednyur took a moment to consider Lee Shin’s suggestion. Derrick also had a contemplative look on his face.
"It's only my suggestion, so do as you please. I’ll get going,” Lee Shin said.
The next moment, Lee Shin turned to leave the room. He had no intention of interfering in their relationship, but leaving them to their own devices might delay things a bit.
Besides, Lee Shin was somewhat certain that in the end, things would not be significantly different from what he proposed. In a situation where they needed to cooperate to find Seyna, they probably could not afford to compete with each other.
***
??Two days had passed. Moses, who had lost most of their combat power, crumbled helplessly under the combined forces of Moore and Lex. With Alice’s help, searching for Seyna was faster than expected.
A distance from the city of Hazigatemia, where the Moore family resided, was a free city named Balkan. Using Alice's Eyes of the Wise Man, they narrowed down the scope and quickly discovered the slave traders who were oppressing those of a different race in Balkan. Lex’s employees were the first to locate Seyna.
"What did you just say? A slave market operated by Haines? Who cares about that! Gather the soldiers immediately! We must rescue her, even if it means defeating Balkan!” Bednyur shouted on the phone.
Bednyur Lex, the owner of Lex, put down his phone with force and got up from his chair.
"Have the car ready immediately! We're going to Balkan," said Bednyur.
"If they are talking about Haines that I know, he practically owns the city of Balkan. If you try to take his slaves without talking to him first, I’m not sure how he will react. Maybe… it might be better to negotiate and—" the assistant said to Bednyur in a worried tone.
After hearing that, Bednyur clenched his teeth, his face filled with anger.
"Ugh! That damn old bastard! Do you really think that crazy old man with an insatiable lust would have left Seyna alone?” Bednyur shouted.
At Bednyur’s question, the assistant froze on the spot.
"...What should we do? Lee Shin said that if someone touches a single hair of Seyna, he won't stay quiet," the assistant said anxiously.
"Damn it! Why is everything so complicated all of a sudden? I thought we were just wrapping up the Moses case well! Why does it have to be that perverted old man who has Seyna?" Bednyur shouted in frustration.
Bednyur’s face turned red as he got into the car.
"If he dares touch even a single hair on Seyna’s body, there will be war. I will erase every trace of Balkan!” Bednyur shouted again.
"I’ve contacted Mr. Derrick already… but should I also contact Mr. Lee Shin?" the assistant asked Bednyur.
"...Um… N-no wait a moment. We’re not a hundred percent sure whether Seyna is still held captive there, right? So, let's just check first and then get in touch with Mr. Lee Shin. Because I think there's no need for Mr. Lee Shin to be alerted prematurely," Bednyur replied.
"Understood," the assistant said.
Meanwhile, Derrick, who had received Bednyur’s call, carefully read the documents and photos sent by the informants.
"Ugh fuc…!" Derrick muttered as he pored over the documents.
A few months ago, a group of diverse races attacked Haines' slave market. It was an attack to rescue their people who had been captured by the Haines’ slave traders, but it ended in failure. In the end, they were captured too.
Among them, a female slave who had managed to escape multiple times was captured again a few months ago, received “re-education” to instill obedience, tortured, and was put up for slave auction. Then, she was purchased by a wealthy couple, and just recently fell into the hands of Haines.
"This is maddening," Derrick muttered.
He grabbed his throbbing head. Why did it have to be her, captured as a slave and fallen into the hands of Haines? It was not Haines that he feared. It was the thought of what that infamous old man known for lust might have done to Seyna that terrified him.
"Damn it, now that it's confirmed that Seyna is in the hands of Haines, so..." Derrick muttered, and dialed the number on his phone with his shaking hands.
Beep— Beep— Beep—
With each passing signal tone, tension mounted. When the call finally connected, Derrick broke out in cold sweat.
"Mr. Lee Shin! We’ve found Seyna,” Derrick said.
***
At Haines' residence, Haines, standing tall, lashed the slave who was kneeling on the floor with a long whip.
Whoosh— Whoosh— Whoosh—
The slave was half-conscious, and his eyes seemed to have lost focus.
"Hey, you bastard! How dare you spill water in my office?" Haines shouted at the slave, furious.
While the slave was bringing some water to Haines, he had spilled a few drops onto the floor. The slave bit his lips and collapsed to the floor without even screaming.
"Ha... haa..." After catching his breath, Haines had the other slaves clean up the spilled water and blood.
He also told them to take away the fallen slave. Then, he sat down on the couch.
Knock knock—
A butler entered the room.
“A guest has arrived, sir," said the butler.
"Who is it?" Haines asked.
"It’s Derrick Moore," the butler replied.
"What? Why the hell is that guy here?" Haines asked, looking confused.
Haines was puzzled because he did not think he had anything to do with the Moore family who was one of the Five Great Families.
"Tsk, what a nuisance. Get me some clothes," Haines said to the butler.
"Yes sir."
Several beautiful slaves helped dress Haines, who had been wearing only underwear. Then, he moved to the reception room. There, Derrick Moore, with a stern expression, stood with his employees.
"Oh wow, what brings the head of one of the Five Great Families here?" Haines asked, looking at Derrick.
"Well, you know. Someone took something that they should not have, without knowing their place," Derrick replied.
He casually talked about it, putting his hands on Haines’ shoulder. Haines' cheeks trembled for a moment when he said that, but he quickly composed himself and spoke calmly.
"Haha... I don't know who that person is, but that scumbag deserves to be torn apart because they made you come all the way here,” Haines said.
"Yes, that's right. He's a scumbag. So, speaking of that, can you help me find him?" Derrick asked Haines.
"I mean, if there is anything I can help with…" Haines replied.
At those words, Derrick gave a chilling smile.
"So, you’re saying that you are willing to cooperate, right?" Derrick said, looking at Haines. “Tell them to come in!”
"Yes sir," his employee replied and made a call somewhere. The rest of Moore's employees, who had been waiting in cars that had surrounded the Haines' building, got out of the car and entered the premises.
"W-what are you doing?" Haines' face contorted in anger.
"I’ve heard that someone who shouldn’t be in such a humble place is here, so I’ll just look around for a moment and leave right away,” Derrick said.
"...Are you kidding me right now?" Haines' face contorted again.
However, as soon as Derrick heard that question, he snapped.
"Do I look like I'm joking right now, you perverted scumbag?" Derrick glared at Haines and said.
Swoosh— Swoosh—!
At the same time, dozens of swords were drawn. Haines' subordinates who were gathered in that area felt the danger and drew their swords. On the other hand, Derrick had only one of his employees there with him.
Haines still seemed to be composed. No matter how powerful the opponent was as an 8th-level wizard, on his side, there were eight 7th-level guards and many more who were at a lower level.
"Even if you’re from the Moore family, I can't tolerate you hurting m-my pride like this," Haines said. His voice quivered in anger. However, Derrick paid no attention and shouted once again.
"What are you waiting for? Tell them to come in and search this place thoroughly!" Derrick shouted at his employee.
"No! That must never happen! Make sure no one comes into this building. If a single one of them set foot in my building without my permission, you will be held responsible for it!" Haines shouted in anger.
"Yes!"
"Yes sir!"
At the same time, loud noises echoed from outside. The sound of military weapons and gunfire could be heard from all directions.
"Do you really think Haines can handle all of this?"
"...I've been through hell and back. Do you really think I could survive if I had given in to such threats?" Bednyur replied.
"Tsk. What a stubborn old man…”
At that moment, the noisy sound of a propeller started to come from the sky. Haines, wondering what was happening, turned to look outside with a frown. Not long after, he could see over ten helicopters hovering around the building.
"What’s going on! What are those!” Haines said in an irritated voice.
"It seems to be Lex's military helicopters," his subordinate replied.
"Lex? Ugh, these bastards! Why are they here?"
While shouting, Haines turned around and saw Derrick, who was laughing nonchalantly.
"Who are they looking for that both Moore and Lex are here?" Haines muttered.
"I am not sure either.”
Haines, grumbling under his breath, was about to go outside, but he decided to turn around, clenching his teeth.
"All right. So, who is it that you are looking for? I'll send them out. So, just tell me," Haines said, looking at Derrick.
"Well, you don’t need to know who we are looking for. We'll find them ourselves and leave. So just stay quiet," Derrick replied.
"...Are you still going to act this way toward me when I’ve backed down?” Haines said.
“Wow, you used to be so impolite to me until this point but now that Lex is coming, you are acting so polite all of a sudden. Why is that? Is it because you’re scared to confront both Moore and Lex?" Derrick provoked him.
At Derrick’s taunts, Haines could not do or say anything but clench his fist.
"Did you really think that there were only one or two big companies that took slaves from me? If you go out so recklessly like this, Moore and Lex will also have a hard time," Haines said, looking at Derrick.
"Hahahahaha!" Derrick laughed loudly while clutching his stomach in response to the threat, looking at Haines with pitiful eyes.
"Go ahead and call them all. But you know what? Who do you think is behind us?” Derrick asked back.
"..." Haines could not say anything, because he had a hunch that these words were not just hot air.
In fact, Haines had heard the news of Moses' recent downfall, that Lex and Moore were cooperating, and that Moses was quickly absorbed by Moore. Haines had been wondering what Lex was getting in return and why they were transferring their share of Moses to Moore.
But now, he was starting to understand. There was someone behind them, and that someone was looking for something that he possessed.
"Who on earth is behind you guys?" Haines asked with a confused look.
"Well, I think you should ask that person over there. He will understand your feelings better than anyone else," Derrick replied, referring to Bednyur.
When Haines turned around, there was a loud thud and the door broke apart. From there, Bednyur showed up.
"Huh? The chairman of Lex?” Haines seemed confused.
Haines was taken aback by the fact that both the head of the Moore family and the chairman of Lex had come here. Although Derrick was already well known for being hands-on in dealing with matters on the ground, the chairman of Lex was known to act as the man behind the curtain. Therefore, Bednyur’s appearance before him left him speechless.
"You damn perverted old scumbag!" With a face full of anger, Bednyur approached Haines and slapped his face.
"Keugh...!" Haines groaned in pain.
A guard who was standing next to Haines tried to protect him, but he was blocked by Bednyur’s assistant. Haines, who had fallen to the ground, held his cheek and looked at Bednyur.
"Well well... hitting him once does feel a bit refreshing,” said Bednyur.
ker1
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