The executives.

Pervard's mind raced as he recalled everything he knew about the Phoenix Clan.

Most people might be ignorant about it, but I've read on hidden archives about the Volacris family in the Phoenix Clan.

Our Crimson Hand is in deep trouble. I should've been allowed to kill myself. My master would've known the moment I died.

He grit his teeth in frustration, realizing that even biting his tongue wouldn't end his life due to his advanced cultivation.

We're doomed... Sweat dripped down Pervard's face, and fear crept into his heart—a fear that had not been evident earlier.

As the speech ended and the mood among the servants lightened with relief, Oasis instructed his guards.

"You two, come with me."

The city lord went to reunite with his children, but Oasis made his way to the basement, where Rex and Pervard were held.

Both men were suspended, their hands chained to the ceiling and their feet hanging limply.

Oasis's eyes narrowed as he looked at Rex, who was still feigning unconsciousness.

"Stop pretending. You woke up seconds after I knocked you out," he said coldly.

With their arms chained above them, both men dangled in defeat.

But something about Pervard had changed. His once defiant expression was now subdued, almost resigned.

"You two, call back the other four," Oasis commanded his guards, who left immediately.

Oasis stood in the dimly lit room, his cold gaze shifting between Rex and Pervard.

"Since you two seem unwilling to talk," Oasis began, his voice calm but menacing, "I'll have to play with you a bit."

He casually mentioned,

"I met someone named Rurik. I ended his life." His words were sharp and direct, causing a visible reaction in both Rex and Pervard.

At the mention of Rurik's name, Pervard's thoughts raced.

Rurik?! Does that mean Vikar is dead too? Panic surged through him, but his face remained emotionless.

How much does this kid know?

Oasis's gaze shifted to Rex, who narrowed his eyes in response.

The moment their eyes met, Rex felt a wave of dread wash over him.

Damn, I can't even look at him. I feel like I'll die just from that gaze, Rex thought, struggling to remain still.

"Since you're a lackey of an executive," Oasis said, his tone eerily calm, "which one of the three councils are you under?"

Oasis paused, then continued, "Let me guess—Karn, the leader?"

!!!

Rex's eyes widened involuntarily, betraying him. Oasis smirked at the confirmation.

So, the brat knows the leader, Pervard thought grimly, his heart pounding.

"Or perhaps... The Widow?" Oasis added, his words piercing like daggers. causing Pervard's heart to skip a beat.

Pervard's mind raced. Does he know about the second council as well?

Oasis stepped closer to Rex, his eyes gleaming with an almost casual intensity.

"I'm talking to you," he said, placing his hand on Rex's stomach and looking up at him.

Oasis flicked his finger, unleashing a searing blue mana string that sliced through Rex's arm in one fluid motion.

Rex's scream echoed through the basement as he writhed in pain, the severed arm falling to the floor with a sickening thud.

"Speak now, or by the time you die, you'll be nothing more than a torso," Oasis said coldly, his gaze unwavering.

Rex's entire body shook as he tried to withstand the pain, but Oasis's threat loomed large.

He remained silent, but the searing agony began to break his will.

"Tell me about the executives. I know seven of them are in labor camps, forcing young boys and old men to mine," Oasis said, his voice laced with a warning. 

"You're still not speaking?" Oasis asked, his voice darkening.

Seeing his resistance, Oasis summoned blue flames into his palm, the heat from the flames instantly filling the room.

The flames danced ominously in Oasis's hand, casting an eerie light on Rex and Pervard's faces.

Blue flames! Pervard thought, shocked by the sight.

What kind of flames are these? Rex, too, was in disbelief as the flames burned hotter than anything he had ever felt.

Oasis moved the flame toward Rex's remaining arm, starting at the fingertips.

The skin blackened and turned to ash as Rex let out another scream, unable to endure the torment any longer.

"I'll talk!" Rex finally cried out, his voice hoarse. "I'll talk!"

Rex gasped for breath, pain evident in every word as he finally gave in to Oasis's relentless pressure.

Blood dripped from his severed arm, but the threat of more agony forced the words from his lips.

"Vakar... Vakar the Vulture of the Valley," Rex stammered, his voice trembling.

"He's one of the fifteen. Then there's Pervard... the Cruel Hand," he said, casting a sideways glance at the defeated Pervard.

"And the others?" Oasis's voice was cold, showing no hint of mercy.

Rex grimaced, his body trembling as he continued.

"Kraxis, the Hammer of Ironfist... he's responsible for the slave trade routes."

"Selene, the Venomous Fang... she runs the poison operations, lethal in every region."

Sweat poured down his face as he fought to speak faster, hoping the pain wouldn't return.

"There's Jarn, the Blade of Frost... he's a northern enforcer, a deadly blade."

"Helvar, the Shrouded Ghost, controls the shadows—he handles most of women and girls luring."

Oasis listened quietly, his expression unreadable.

"M-Malkor, the Tyrant of rocks... he controls the rock territories near ironclad."

"Wave.. he inspect the other executives and collects the reports."

"Thorne, the Crimson Knight, a merciless warrior. And Varian, the Ironclad, he's in charge of making our armors and weapons."

"Those are the ten I know for sure," Rex said between labored breaths.

Oasis leaned in slightly, his azure eyes gleaming. "And the remaining five?"

Rex hesitated, fear evident in his wide eyes.

"The Widow... she controls the last five. I don't know all their names, but they're her personal assassins."

"They handle... the dirtiest work. The ones she trusts with the most dangerous missions."

Pervard, tied nearby, clenched his fists as Rex spoke.

Damn it. We're doomed. He's spilling everything... Pervard thought, his mind racing with panic.