"Bastard!" Haley imdiately turned to Ainsley and said in an urgent voice. "Do sothing else!"
But Ainsley just stood there in complete silence. Sweat trickled down his wrinkled face — sothing he’d never seen before. After all, Ainsley was his butler, soone who had reached Ascendant rank a long ti ago.
"My young master, please... do sothing else," he replied, voice certain yet filled with worry. "That guy’s stronger than , maybe even as a rival as one of the Clan’s Grand Elders."
He hadn’t expected things to go so badly. He never even thought there could be soone stronger from so random Order.
Then he asked in a deep tone, staying cautious, already prepared to flee at any mont.
’’Who are you?’’
Silence.
"How funny. Where was your attitude before? Only now you notice because I revealed a bit of power?"
"I didn’t expect soone so stupid and lowly to belong to a so-called Mighty Clan. Maybe the Wolfe Clan really is heading toward decline."
The butcher slowly opened his mouth and said:
"Maybe we should invade your Clan."
Silence.
A tense atmosphere hung over the entire tavern for a while... until the butcher suddenly burst into loud laughter.
He laughed for a full minute before stopping. Then he casually sipped his ale a few tis.
"What a joy. You can call E. That’s not codenae, and don’t worry too much about it — today, you’re my client. I always take my jobs seriously."
"Sigh..." Ainsley let out a deep, slow breath, then looked at his young master and used voice-mana to communicate silently.
"My young master, please stay calm. I’ll handle this. This isn’t sothing you can deal with."
Haley stayed silent, clenching his fists in fury and helplessness.
He knew this playground didn’t belong to him. After all, he was just a Novice-rank individual. Even if he had rare talents or tricks within that rank, they were aningless now.
He was arrogant and pompous, but not a fool.
Still, he would rember that fat face. He swore he would kill that pig one day.
"Alright. Everything’s good now. Let’s get this contract done. You know, everything we do has to be witnessed by paper and blood. We’re very, very professional."
[E] slowly took out an old scroll from his spatial storage and tossed it toward Ainsley.
Ainsley carefully unrolled the scroll, still watching [E] closely. The man just scoffed at his caution.
"Huh! That is..." Ainsley grimaced for a mont. Then he gently placed the scroll on the table and asked:
"Who are you? What’s the na of your Order? And why do you have sothing like this — a creation of a master craftsman who shouldn’t even be alive in the world anymore?"
"Huh? Is all that really necessary? Just sign the scroll, and I’ll give you what you want."
But Ainsley frowned and replied with suspicion:
"You’re really a ’professional’? Then at least tell about the trader we’re dealing with."
The old man considered carefully. First, there was [E]’s strength. Then, the scroll. He was certain this man wasn’t just so random rcenary, just like their Order wasn’t ordinary either.
Before he accepted this scroll, he needed to be sure. No matter what, his young master’s life was more important than anything else.
" Fine." [E] sighed and took another sip of ale before continuing.
"My Order’s na is Doombringer. We’re just a small group trying to grow, that’s all. Our job’s simple — kill whoever we’re paid to. Like I said... just like the first ti we t."
"Right!"
"And now, read it before I take back the contract."
A wave of hesitation swept through Ainsley’s mind at those words. But then Haley’s voice rang out with urgency:
"Read it! I want it."
There was desperation in his tone, as if he truly feared the contract would vanish if they waited even a mont longer.
"As you wish, my young master," Ainsley replied, setting aside his doubts and unrolling the scroll. His mind buzzed with unspoken questions, but he had no choice. He could always refuse later, if the contract proved unworthy.
Two hours passed.
"How many more tis do you need to read it?" E asked, sounding almost annoyed. "We only have one requirent. My contract contains no traps—it’s safe, fair, and very professional!"
Ainsley stroked his chin in silence for a mont before giving a slight nod.
"You’re right. But everything just feels too smooth for us. And nothing in life cos free... except the shit falling from a bird in the sky."
The butcher only grinned.
"You’re not wrong. But you’ll only understand why I made it if you take this."
Then he flicked a coin toward Haley with a casual flick of his fat fingers.
"Take care of it. You won’t get another chance if you lose it."
Haley caught the coin and examined it with narrowed eyes. It was a crimson coin, cold and heavy in his palm. A snarling devil’s face was carved deep into the center, and a strange, nauseating aura radiated from it.
This was exactly what a Skill Coin was supposed to feel like.
"Is there anything... unnatural?" Ainsley asked cautiously, watching his young master’s expression.
Haley didn’t answer. Instead, he smiled faintly and whispered under his breath:
"System."
A screen appeared before him, only visible to his eyes:
Na: Haley WolfeSex: MaleBloodline: Mana Blessed by the God of the SwordAge: 16Level: NoviceSkill Coins: Empty
Would you like to accept [Sanguine Coin]?
First Condition: Genital mutilation of yourself.
Second Condition: Bathe in the sacred, untainted blood of ten thousand virgins.
Skill Unlocked Upon Completion: Blood Arts
"What the hell...?" Haley’s thoughts spiraled into a black pit of disbelief and horror.
"What am I supposed to do? That’s impossible."
Neither of the conditions was even remotely achievable. Self-mutilation? Bathing in the pure blood of ten thousand virgins?
In that mont, Haley finally understood why the contract had seed so safe and smooth.
They had gifted him a coin of legend—but only because its conditions were monstrous.
He had expected hardship, but not this.
This... was insanity.
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