In a hidden corner of Bonn City,

dozens of shadowy figures clad in black robes stood silently in a sunless alley. Their obscured faces were fixed on the man at the center.

“Are we all here?” Seth asked.

“Lord Seth, a few are still missing. They’re on their way and should arrive soon,” one replied.

“Then we wait.”

Seth closed his eyes, falling silent. Though expressionless, an oppressive aura radiated from him, silencing everyone.

Soon, several dark figures appeared. One carried a bulging black sack.

“What’s that?” Seth opened his eyes, raising an eyebrow.

The shadow dumped the sack and pulled out its contents: a brown-haired girl. Thick hemp ropes bound her limbs; cloth strips covered her mouth and eyes. She looked utterly frail. Bloodstains and thin cuts marred her pale face, hinting at rough handling. Yet her light gray Lolita dress and pure white stockings remained spotless. Bound and weak, she exuded a pitiful allure that tempted defilement.

“Ah, boss—you said we lacked a secondary sacrifice. We noticed her magic was abundant, so we brought her back… roughly,” the shadow explained.

Seth stroked his chin, frowning. “Her aura’s weak. Were you too harsh? A dying sacrifice is useless.”

The shadows panicked. “We weren’t rough! She was weak already!”

“Yeah, one light tap and she fainted. Not our fault!”

Seth sighed. “Don’t kill her. Sacrifices to the Demonic Offspring demand respect. Since we’re all here, begin.” He scanned the group. “The Crimson Moon descends soon—the perfect time to summon the Demonic Offspring. We must secure the location and finish preparations.” He paused slightly. “The High Priest sent a special lord to assist. But…” Wariness flickered on his face. “His power is unfathomable. Unpredictable. Dangerous. This sacrifice must succeed. Failure means death for all of us.”

“Yes.”

Tension spread through the crowd. Confusion showed on many faces. Bonn City was a barren border town—no big figures ever visited.

“Lord Seth,” a subordinate whispered, “why would that lord come here?” Others lifted their heads, waiting.

“I don’t know. The High Priest handles this.” Seth shook his head. “But it’s likely tied to that Hero. He’s absurdly strong—just slew a dragon. Young, yet not to be underestimated.”

Nods followed. They’d heard rumors.

“And that lord values this sacrifice highly,” Seth added. “No slacking off.”

“Hm?” Seth frowned suddenly, scanning the alley. Something felt… off. Foreign.

He stood, swung his arm sharply. A blur shot from his hand—

Whoosh—Crash!

Crates exploded into dust.

“Eep!?” A small figure leaped out: blue eyes, white hair, barely four feet tall.

A little girl?

Seth sensed her magic—a faint trace of newly awakened Extraordinary Power. Barely first-tier. Not sacrifice-worthy.

He waved lazily. “Grab her. Alive. Gently.”

“Little eavesdropper,” one shadow sneered. “Lost, tiny thing? Or ran from home?”

“Come with Uncle,” another cooed. “I’ll give you a lollipop.”

Their eyes held cold hunger, like wolves spotting a lamb. This tender fledgling was fair game—the other girl was reserved for sacrifice.

Shadows lunged from all sides toward the defenseless Rayelle.

Seth yawned, propping his chin. Such a frail loli. Weak aura. Breakable limbs. Zero threat. Effortless capture. His men thought the same, activating their Extraordinary Powers for the credit. They could crush adults—this girl was nothing.

But—

Boom!

A deafening roar cut off Seth’s yawn. Wind howled. Bones cracked. The lead shadow flew backward, a blur streaking past Seth’s head. He smashed through the wall behind Seth, leaving a three-meter hole.

Seth’s mouth stayed open, frozen in shock.

What the hell?