Everyone was still crawling, barely conscious.
I myself was bleeding badly.
It was difficult to even activate my Range Shiftling.
Seems like some time had passed since our defeat.
I could see a huge throne before us.
On that throne sat a Dragoling.
I am certain he was a Dragoling.
A giant one.
He even dwarfed someone as massive as Sir Tego, though I doubt he is comparable to Sir Tego in terms of power.
What am I even thinking at a time like this?
Near his feet was Nini.
This is bad.
His foot was pressed against her neck.
I could see Surya staring with furious eyes.
He was pushing himself past his limits.
I could see him desperately trying to stand up. The effort itself was tearing apart his skin.
[Surya]: Don't... touch her!
He groaned.
Haidoro increased the pressure.
I could see Nini struggling to breathe.
Pratik: Let's talk this out... please don't hurt her...
I may sound pathetic and weak, but it doesn't matter anymore.
If it can save my friends, I can do anything.
Go to any lengths.
Even if it destroys my pride.
My reputation means nothing compared to their lives.
The giant Dragoling remained silent.
His foot did not move an inch.
We were completely vulnerable.
We couldn't do anything.
Suddenly, I heard footsteps.
Someone was walking toward us.
Haidoro shifted his gaze.
With all the strength I could gather, I turned back.
It was Yash.
He could barely stand because of his fever.
His cheeks were red and his face looked pale.
[Yash]: I have a deal you won't refuse. Leave them alone.
Haidoro slowly lifted his foot from Nini's neck.
What kind of deal is Yash about to make?
Please don't let it hurt him.
[Haidoro]: Interesting. And what deal would that be? You liberated millions of slaves. How exactly do you plan to pay for that?
He asked calmly.
I still couldn't see his face properly.
The light behind him flashed from the ceiling, leaving his face buried in darkness.
[Yash]: How about getting your hands on the Gretoling Prince instead? He would be far more valuable for this deal, wouldn't he?
No.
Don't tell me he is—
[Haidoro]: How amusing. You will bring me the Gretoling Prince? And how exactly are you planning to do that?
No!
God damn it, no!
[Yash]: The prince is standing right before you, making this bargain. I am Yash Chandrika Putra, Prince of the Gretoling Empire.
He actually did it.
I clenched my fists tightly.
I could see Mala and the others shutting their eyes in frustration.
Even Haidoro looked surprised.
Then came his dark laughter.
[Haidoro]: In that case, I shall take you as my slave.
I could see Yash's eyes trembling.
He was struggling to remain conscious.
His fever was only getting worse.
How is he even still standing?
In the next instant, Haidoro threw a belt around Yash's neck.
A dog collar.
My eyes widened.
That's it.
To hell with the bargain.
To hell with everything else.
The moment I become stronger—
I will kill him.
I swear I will.
Tears formed in the eyes of Mala and Lila.
Even Surya was glaring with murderous rage.
Haidoro turned and began walking away, dragging Yash behind him.
Yash scratched something onto the floor with his blood.
'12, analysis, combo.'
What does that even mean?
I called out in a rough voice.
Haidoro stopped walking.
Pratik: Make sure you always keep a dog collar with you.
Haidoro walked out of our spacecraft, taking Yash with him.
I could feel it.
My eyes had completely turned red.
This was the first time.
The very first time I truly understood it.
So this is what they call—
KILLING INTENT.
I want vengeance.
That's right.
I will make sure no one suffers a fate like this ever again.
Not just for Yash this time.
I will make sure no ordinary person is ever forced into slavery again.
Suddenly, my heart thumped.
Then it happened again.
My vision faded.
This darkness...
It feels comforting.
To be continued...
---
EXTRAS:-
CROCUS
Six weeks had passed since Crocus was defeated by Pratik.
The Hunter Dragon had already regained 20% of his original power and had far surpassed the Pratik who defeated him six weeks ago.
He was still meditating deep inside the prison, slowly reclaiming his sealed strength.
The seal applied by student Krishna decades ago was gradually weakening day by day, releasing tiny fragments of Crocus's power over time.
The Sorcerer Commander turned Marshal, Griho, was keeping a close watch on Crocus while casually reading a Herto Company newspaper discussing the power struggles across various empires.