“Looking for death?” This was the first time in tens of thousands of years someone had dared speak to me like this. Strangely, I felt genuine pity for Chelse—he must’ve misunderstood the phrase entirely.
“Are you picking a fight with *me*?” I shot back indignantly to Chelse before me, though my thoughts screamed otherwise. “Aren’t you ashamed, young master of the Cher family? Bullying a mere commoner like me—you’re staining your noble house’s honor!”
“Oh~? Backing down now?” Chelse sneered coldly. “Weren’t you all high and mighty moments ago, ranting about hating racial discrimination? Turns out you were just hot air. Too bad—today, I *will* deal with you, commoner. You’ll lick the soles of my shoes and beg for mercy.”
“Kid, just beg now if you can’t handle it,” the tiger-eared beastman whispered beside me. “Don’t lose your life over this.”
*How amusing. Absolutely delightful. I can’t wait to see Chelse’s face later—it’ll be priceless.*
“Take him away!”
“Yes, sir!”
At Chelse’s command, guards seized me and dragged me toward the guild entrance.
“If you beastmen are scared, stay behind,” Chelse taunted the wavering group. “You’re all just cowardly trash anyway.”
Beastmen were fiercely proud—they’d never endure such insults. Especially since I’d been captured *for defending them*.
“Let’s follow,” the tiger-eared beastman declared.
“But… we’ll get dragged into the conflict! Our mission—”
“The boss is right,” the old sheep-eared beastman cut in firmly. “Beastman honor bears no stain. We *must* save this kid. He’s magicless—he’ll suffer horribly.”
“Then let’s go.”
United, the beastmen followed, battle-ready.
“Stop here. Release him.”
In a secluded, silent corner, Chelse ordered his men to let me go, eyes glinting with mockery.
“U-um… Are you *sure* no one’s here?” I stammered, glancing around with feigned fear and confusion. “If someone sees this… won’t your secret get out?”
“Ha ha ha~! Dozens—*hundreds*—have vanished here by my hand,” Chelse grinned arrogantly, savoring my act. “This is *my* territory. Scream till your throat bleeds—no one’s coming.”
“Oh~? Then I’m relieved.” I nodded slightly, as if deeply pleased. “Finally… I can play with you freely.”
“Wha—?! Are you cracked?!” Chelse sputtered. “All of you—attack! Beat him till he’s *crying uncle*!”
“Yes, sir!”
Guards stepped forward with wicked grins, knuckles cracking. They’d played this punching-bag game countless times.
“We’ll protect you, kid—run!” The beastmen rushed to shield me.
“No need. I’ve got this.” I stepped between them, palm raised to hold them back.
“But you have no magic! You’ll be—” The tiger-eared beastman froze.
So did everyone else.
An overwhelming pressure crashed down—and kept rising.
Colossal magical force pinned them all. Faces paled. Limbs locked. Not a breath could be drawn.
“Kneel!! You weaklings who’ve never known fear.”
Thud! Thud! Thud!
At my words, every guard collapsed. Veins throbbed. Flesh screamed. Bodies felt ready to shatter.
“Who… *what* are you?!” Chelse stood pale-faced yards away.
Dozens of elite guards—shattered in an instant. *Impossible.*
This magicless boy… Could he be a high-tier mage?!
