Nevernight occupied the most luxurious street in Newdali City—a paradise for the rich and nobles. If you had money, it could fulfill any desire, be it young girls or noble ladies. All it took was cash.

At the same time, Nevernight was Newdali City’s most chaotic spot. People from all walks of life mingled here: generous mercenaries, gentle and refined noble sons, and exotic young maidens aplenty.

Layne, dressed in a crisp white suit, admired Nevernight’s girls. These weren’t red-light district types. Here, the girls were wealthy—even with money, you couldn’t just hop into their beds.

"Layne, if your father finds you here, will he beat you to death?"

Several youths who’d come with Layne teased him while eyeing women.

"He won’t kill me. At most, he’ll break my legs. Enough talk—let’s split up. Tonight, we’ll see who beds down in Nevernight."

"Man, you’re so impatient! It’s a whole night—what’s the rush?" Layne’s friend grumbled.

"What do you know? These girls aren’t naive outsiders. Winning them over takes real effort. I’ve found my target. Brothers, see you at dawn."

Before his words faded, Layne vanished into Nevernight’s crowd.

He’d truly spotted his mark: a slender, tall woman in an off-shoulder purple slit dress. Her snow-white skin glowed faintly under neon lights.

She moved through the throng, her eyes sparkling with a soft radiance.

Layne figured that if he won her tonight, he wouldn’t need to chase women for half a year. Straightening his tie, he strode toward her.

......

Meanwhile, at Nevernight’s entrance, Emma in a fiery red gown stared at the dazzling revelry. A cold smile curled on her flawless face—the nauseating scent was inside.

Next, the crimson-clad Emma cast an illusion spell on herself, hiding her beast ears and tail from human eyes, then stepped inside.

The moment she entered, lustful stares landed on her. It infuriated her. Those greedy gazes made her want to shred them apart.

She crushed her rage and headed for her target. Men who approached were scared off by her savage glare.

Soon, the tall, wild-looking Emma caught a mercenary’s eye. In Leo Kingdom, the Mercenary Guild and Mage Guild held immense power—few dared cross them.

"Fiery little lady, here to play?" The hulking mercenary barged through the crowd, carving a bloody path. Those he hit suffered head or foot wounds.

His body radiated an energy aura—nonlethal but painful.

Blocked by him, Emma’s pupils burned with fury. "Fiery little lady? You mean me?"

"Who else? You’re the only one in red here," he grinned.

"Your stench sickens me. Back off before I lose patience."

"Huh, young but hot-headed. What if I refuse?" He advanced.

"Then die."

Without warning, Emma raised her right hand. A crimson magic sigil flared in her palm. "Turn to ashes!"

Boom!

A torrent of flames engulfed the mercenary.

"Ahhh!!! Murder!!!" Screams erupted. Panicked onlookers fled.

Emma ignored whether he’d turned to dust. Her gaze locked on her target’s direction.

The fiery figure vanished.

Elsewhere, Layne had just charmed tonight’s goddess and was about to invite her out when flames shot skyward. A crimson blur flew straight at him.

Layne was dumbfounded. This was Nevernight—who dared use magic here?

Before the thought settled, the figure showed him exactly who.

"Filthy rat, you have fine looks. But the moment you noticed this queen, your fate was sealed. Ashes for me!"

Dumbfounded, Layne chanted as a fireball hurtled toward him: "Omnipresent wind spirits, become my wings—Wings of Wind!"

Azure wings materialized behind him. He snatched the purple-dressed woman and soared upward.

Layne thought: saving her now meant intimacy later.

His plan crumbled when the fiery figure chased him, hurling fireballs.

Layne’s mind blanked. What the hell! This wasn’t the script! I just saved a girl—why’s she after me?

The woman in his arms was equally stunned. A DarkMage, saved by an orthodox mage?

Even orthodox mages bowed to her beauty.

My allure truly captivates all, doesn’t it?

But this guild mage’s magic was fading. Should she drain his power?

She tilted her head, blinking at Layne thoughtfully.

Layne had no clue the girl he saved plotted to steal his magic. If he knew, he’d be scared to death.