Whiff of the Prey

Unbeknownst to Bowen, just after he left the White Order, the atmosphere in the office changed completely. Every person in the office seemed to be controlled like puppets for the past hour. Their pupils occasionally glowed red, a detail even Bowen failed to notice.

A bright red veil of smoke began to gather from all corners of the office building, even from outside. It all flew towards a particular area in the ceremonial room, as if drawn by a magnet. The smoke gathered in front of the magic circles, eventually forming a beautiful, seductive hourglass figure.

She appeared like a phoenix amidst the flames, wearing a long, bright red one-piece dress that hugged her body and accentuated her curves. The dress had a daring slit, revealing legs as pale and smooth as ivory bathed in moonlight. Wrapped in a deep red fur shawl, her arms reached out like a tempting call, promising a touch as soft and enchanting as silk. Her full, blood-red lips hinted at exciting pleasures, while her fingers, adorned with polished ruby nails, seemed to cast a spell of attraction.

Her pitch-black hair framed a face of extraordinary beauty, topped with a crown glowing in fiery red, akin to a ruler of passionate desires. Her eyes, glowing like smoldering embers with their slitted pupils, held a magnetic gaze. Delicate tendrils of crimson smoke swirled around her. She embodied temptation incarnate, an irresistible waltz that ensnared mortals in a rapture of desire, a symphony of emotions that stirred the very core of their souls upon seeing her form.

She was the same lady who ended Ian's life in Allar.

[Haaa! Babysitting is too hard. I should go on a long vacation after all this], she thought. She snapped her fingers, and everyone in the office began to faint and fall down. With that, her work here was over. She had gone too far in helping Bowen this time, even if this act might come back to haunt her. She knew this was the calm before the storm, and she would be the fuel for it. Even if she got destroyed in the process, she would have to do it. No, she would certainly do it. With that, she disappeared in a flash, leaving no traces as usual. After a few minutes, everything returned to normal inside the office. Everyone started to wake up and resume their work as if they didn't even remember what had happened minutes ago.

John swiftly walked over and asked the receptionist, "Did any other customer come today?"

"No, sir. We only have the customer seated on the bench."

"Oh! It seems like business will be as dull as usual. Okay, make sure the customer fulfills all four requirements to obtain a slave master permit. Even if they lack one, send them away."

"Yes, sir. I will," she said, nodding.

___________

At the same time, in a vast room, numerous glowing spherical crystal balls floated around an elegant lady dressed in white. Her face bore a serious expression, and her hair glowed blue like the deep sea. A deep scar marred her otherwise beautiful forehead. She wore a choker necklace adorned with three exquisite gems, her slave collar. Seated on a sleek, minimalist rocking chair with seamless curves and a levitating cushioned seat, she gazed out of the window. Ultra-modern skyscrapers intertwined with ancient trees, flying maglev cars and autobots, and dragons maneuvering through levitating crystal neon lights that illuminated the sky. From the 160th floor of the building, where she resided, everyone seemed like ants.

"My lady, there is a situation in the South-Yuria continent," a butler informed as he slowly opened the heavily secured automatic door. He never needed to seek permission to enter that room since he had started serving her.

She turned slowly and accepted the crystal ball that the black-clad butler handed to her. A faint but fierce red energy swirled within the crystal. As soon as she touched it, she recognized who it belonged to. "Succubus Queen!!! She's still alive?"

Her eyes twitched for a moment before returning to their cold demeanor. She nonchalantly loosened her grip on the crystal ball, which fell heavily to the floor and shattered into pieces.

"Oh, my lady! What an accident. I will clean it up soon," the butler said calmly, fully aware that it was intentionally broken to keep the matter hidden. He didn't want to know more. If the lady intended to reveal it, she would have told him openly. If she didn't, then he wasn't worthy of knowing.

The ever-calm lady resumed gazing outside, her lips forming a subtle, mysterious smile. She had caught the scent of her prey. She was Lady Drusilla, the founder and president of the White Order, the 41st pillar of the Dark Empire.

—————

"This is the cheapest one we have, 68 bronze coins. If you find it unaffordable, you can leave," the saleswoman said with disdain, looking at Bowen and Mason.

Earlier, Bowen had inquired around and finally learned about a high-end store selling jewelry and magically imbued ornaments. But upon arriving, he was not only treated like a child but also treated as if he were poor. No one bothered to show him the items, even when he asked multiple times. Finally, a newly joined intern was begrudgingly pushed forward by her peers to assist him. And now, her attitude was on full display as she presented the cheapest collar in the store.

"Did I ask for the cheapest one?" Bowen inquired, looking at the saleswoman.

"Of course, you didn't ask. But I'm not sure if you're even worthy of buying this," she replied without bothering to hide her displeasure.

"Oh! Then what do you think we are worthy of?" Bowen retorted.

"Obviously, you're only worthy of living on the streets. We don't cater to beggars," she sneered, as the other salesmen and women burst into laughter.

Bowen understood that their modest attire from AswalT town was likely the cause. He clenched his teeth, wanting to prove that he could purchase anything in the store. He even contemplated displaying the golden Starfall emblem and making them bow before him. Whether in his past life or this one, he wasn't accustomed to being looked down upon. His patience had its limits.

Just then, the store's door swung open, revealing a young man with large circular glasses and a disheveled appearance.

"Oh, you're here, boss. We were getting bored playing in the store. We're taking the day off," one of the saleswomen declared, ready to leave.

"And I need another month of advance pay, along with a 30 percent raise in my salary," the young man stated.

"B-but I just raised your salary last week," the boss stammered in disbelief.

"That was last week, boss. This is for this week," he shrugged.

The newcomer had her own demands. "I'll be on vacation next month. Don't forget to pay my wages if I'm not present, boss."

Saying this, they left the shop one by one, not bothering to introduce Bowen to their boss. The young man with glasses eventually slumped onto a sofa in the corner of the store, his mind so preoccupied that he even missed Bowen's presence.

"Excuse me," Bowen called out after a while. He could sense that something was amiss with this store.

The young man noticed Bowen and Mason standing there. He quickly stood up and began to speak anxiously, "I-I'm terribly sorry. I was lost in thought. Please forgive my distracted behavior." He bowed deeply, displaying his sincerity.