"What's the point of being the hegemon if I don't get to do whatever the hell I want?" Liam muttered, but just loud enough for Hybris to hear him. Hybris didn't respond; she couldn't. She's always been the one pestering him to be more like the hegemon, and now that he's stepping forward? To think I am trying to stop him from being what he's meant to be. Hybris stepped aside. The hegemon shouldn't back down from anything, he follows his will without fault, regardless of what the consequences might be. "I said, how much for the demihuman? Don't make me repeat myself," Liam said coldly, his blood red aura painting the environment crimson. The passerbys didn't know what was happening, but the pressure from Liam was way too daunting to ignore. "Dammit, the bastard is a divine true named county blessed," the man thought to himself, fear beginning to creep its way up his chest. "But so fucking what? Newhaven is a major city, and there's a country level blessed guarding this city. What e
"What's up with her?" Liam asked lightly, his voice tinged with curiosity. He wasn't sure what to make of the woman before him, but then again, this was a city filled with oddities and peculiarities.Liam lowered his gaze once more, observing the demihuman. She appeared to be in a trance-like state, her fluffy ears fluttering ever so slightly. Apart from the few cat-like features, she looked remarkably human."Master," she repeated, her voice trembling.This time, Liam definitely heard her. He had just bought her, so by default, she should consider him her master. Yet, she had a spirit that refused to be trampled on, no matter how much her previous master had tortured her. It would take more than a purchase to earn her true acknowledgment, not that he particularly desired to be seen as her master.The demihuman's eyes flashed with a mixture of fear and curiosity. Liam was definitely human, yet his core seemed similar to, or perhaps even of higher quality than, theirs. "It's mother," s
The table wasn't rowdy, but the silence spoke all the words that needed to be understood. Lilith might have a child like body, or might even be the youngest didn't mean she was any less in the loop, it was clear that multiple organisations are playing a game of chess, with the reward being unique blessed gems. But clearly some unforseen circumstances rose that lead to the current situation. If its so serious why even send a mortal officer and a county level demigod, Lilith still had her adorable smile but her mind was racing towards a different direction. Mr George is clearly here for a similar motive but for a different boss, it should be the original owners, the Techon family, and Hazel and midas are clearly after these gems on behalf of the world government. Archoness of the void, Peacemaker, a name that inspired both hope and fear echoed in Liliths mind. The world government should have a slight edge when it comes to having a ruler, a world level blessed is the one singul
The streets of Newhaven glowed with a soft, luminous light, casting long shadows that danced along the cobblestones. The lampposts, though seemingly ordinary, imprisoned elementals within their glass confines. These ethereal beings buzzed in despair, their delicate wings beating against the barriers that held them. Their light, though bright, failed to pierce the deepest alleys or illuminate the dank, oppressive cells of the auction houses where unspeakable transactions took place.For us, the denizens of the danger zones, the arrival of humans brought a harsh revelation. Technologically manufactured devices ceased to function in these zones, rendering even the most advanced guns useless. The only tools and weapons that worked had to be crafted from resources found within the danger zones. To the humans, those resources included us, the inhabitants of Emerald Glaze.Artifacts, however, were an exception. These ancient and mystical objects retained their power in the hands of humans, b
The exterior of the bathhouse was a blend of traditional Emerald Glaze and modern architecture, with wooden beams and sliding paper doors that seemed to invite you into a realm of both history and comfort. The front entrance, framed by delicate lanterns, glowed softly, casting a welcoming light.Stepping inside, the air was warm and humid, infused with the faint scent of eucalyptus and lavender. The reception area was cozy, with soft lighting that cast a golden glow over the wooden floors, making everything feel bathed in a perpetual sunset. A friendly attendant greeted Jacky and Liam with a polite bow, her voice like a gentle melody as she welcomed them to the bathhouse.Beyond the reception, the bathhouse opened up into a spacious area divided into various sections. To the left, private changing rooms provided privacy and comfort, each equipped with soft towels, plush robes, and lockers for personal belongings. To the right, a row of showers ensured guests could cleanse themselves b
Mr. George's fair skin had turned bright red, resembling a tomato left out in the sun too long. The body of the demigods tended to be sturdy and capable of enduring the majority of what the world of man could throw at it. But George's unblessed body had a complexion that seemed to be auditioning for a lobster festival.The steam of the sauna burned like hot coal, but to the demihumans, it felt natural and normal. They basked in the scorching heat like it was a mild summer breeze. The sauna itself, constructed from fragrant cedar wood, offered dry heat that seeped into the muscles, providing deep relaxation. It wasn't unusual to see patrons emerge from the sauna looking like they had been reborn, but Mr. George walked out looking like smoked fish."Damn freaks, every last one of them," Mr. George muttered with a dark scowl as he left the heating room with a towel barely clinging to his waist. He looked like a crimson parade balloon a random demigod thought as he went into the sauna.
Lilith raised a brow, a flicker of suspicion dancing in her eyes. Mr. George had always been the least level headed among them, but waltzing into the ladies' bath wasn't his style. Something had definitely spooked him."Oh hey, Mr. George, what's up?" Lilith's voice was light, but her eyes were sharp, scanning his face with a calm exterior.Mr. George was still breathing heavily, his muscled chest rising and falling in a predictable pattern. Beads of sweat glistened on his forehead, and his usually composed demeanor was replaced by an urgent, almost frantic energy."I saw Liam... the hegemon," he gasped, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and awe. "He just left the sauna. Hurry up and find him."Lilith fell silent for a moment, her thoughts unreadable to Mr. George. Her eyes narrowed slightly, and then she gave a light nod."Sure, I'll get right on it."The moment she finished speaking, a mighty divine sense erupted from her petite frame, encasing the space around the bath and beg
The air was thick with the stench of mold and unwashed bodies, mingling with the metallic tang of blood and rust. The only light came from a single flickering torch mounted on the damp stone wall, casting eerie, shifting shadows that danced like malevolent spirits. These shadows seemed to mock the prisoners, their movements almost taunting in the dim glow. Rows upon rows of iron barred cells lined the narrow, winding corridors, each one cramped and filthy. The cells were designed to hold demihuman prisoners, their shapes and sizes varying to accommodate the diverse forms of the incarcerated. Some cells were elongated with reinforced bars, tailored for those with serpentine tails or multiple limbs, while others were smaller and more confined, meant for those of diminutive stature. The bars themselves were coated with a grimy mixture of rust and dried blood, a testament to the brutal conditions within. Chains and manacles hung from the walls, coated in a thick layer of grime and r