Chapter 180 – Negotiations Concluded

Bloodclaw’s expression at this moment looked somewhat… torn between laughter and tears. He let out a deeply helpless sigh, spreading his pale hands as he said:

“You know, after all, we’re both… people of the evil alignment. Although both you and I are likely true to our natures… well, this is our first meeting, right? Neither of us can fully trust the other, so…”

“So you’re worried I’ll run off with the Docleina Man-eating Tree while you’re away from the slums heading to Black Fort?”

Punk had no desire to drag out the conversation like before, so he unhesitatingly cut off Bloodclaw’s rambling.

Caught off guard by having his intentions exposed so directly, Bloodclaw’s smile froze on his face. He gave an awkward chuckle and said:

“…Alright, you saw through me. But I have my reasons too. The Docleina Man-eating Tree is practically the last of my meager possessions. A poor beggar always gets paranoid about the last coin in his pocket, don’t you think? And these maids of mine really aren’t capable of guarding the place…

So… why not accompany me to Black Fort? Just this once, once is enough. In six months the Docleina Man-eating Tree will be able to move independently, and then I won’t need to trouble you anymore…”

Bloodclaw scratched his head with an embarrassed expression, smiling apologetically at Punk.

It must be said that Bloodclaw’s concerns were quite justified, for the moment he proposed going to Black Fort together, Punk had already started eyeing that Docleina Man-eating Tree.

Punk genuinely considered seizing the opportunity to snatch the Docleina Man-eating Tree and flee while this guy was away. After all, his own shabby base could be abandoned without regret, and possessing the Haitzita Magic Box meant he had no fear of being tracked down.

But Bloodclaw clearly wasn’t as foolish as he appeared. Though he made the request in a negotiating tone, the blood once again surging through his vessels indicated that if Punk refused, an inevitable fight to the death would likely ensue.

After careful consideration, Punk coldly met Bloodclaw’s wary gaze and said indifferently:

“First, the meeting time and location will be specified by me. Second, I require reasonable compensation. Hmm—I think three fresh Doclayna Man-Eating Fruits would be appropriate!”

Having said this, Punk stared expressionlessly at Bloodclaw, who remained unsettled for a long while, while Golem Two beside him once again poised herself for action.

When hearing the first part of Punk’s demands, Bloodclaw merely stiffened. But upon hearing the second half, his muscles began to twitch.

The Docleina Man-eating Tree produced only one fruit per entire year. Three Doclayna Man-Eating Fruits represented three years’ worth of harvest. Meaning, if Bloodclaw agreed to Punk’s demand, he’d essentially be handing over three years of accumulated gains.

“Mage… please don’t push… your… luck… too… far.”

Bloodclaw practically squeezed these words through gritted teeth in his rage, crimson patterns unconsciously creeping across his face.But Punk showed no fear, meeting Bloodclaw’s gaze with an unyielding stare as his terrifyingly condensed Formal-Level mana wildly billowed his black-and-red Mage Robe.

“I think you need to recognize the difference between strength and outright bullying. Moreover, Doclayna Man-Eating Fruits have a shelf life of over five hundred years. I don’t believe you don’t have some ‘stock’ saved away as collectibles.”

BANG!

The moment Punk’s words fell, Bloodclaw shoved the trembling cat-eared maid from his embrace, his crimson claws tearing through the air with a shriek as they shredded the stone table. A terrifying bloodthirsty glow radiated from his scarlet pupils.

“What, are you choosing to fight?”

Punk responded with an unflinching cold laugh, completing the spell model for “Kinetic Burst” within milliseconds. Simultaneously, the Abyssal energy on Golem Two’s body began to writhe and surge.

The destructive aura from two Formal-Level powerhouses instantly engulfed the entire Alley, leaving the cat-eared maid curled in the Corner too terrified to even breathe.

The standoff lasted a full minute before concluding.

Bloodclaw ultimately wasn’t one of those chaos-aligned maniacs who would recklessly lose control, nor did his strength provide sufficient confidence. Thus, he finally conceded in this confrontation.

“Two Doclayna Man-Eating Fruits—that’s all I have. If that’s not enough, then let’s fight. Believe me, even if I can’t escape, I can certainly drag you down with me to be slain by Vic!”

As he spoke these words, Bloodclaw’s eyes blazed with crimson light and murderous intent.

Seeing Bloodclaw like this, Punk knew he had nearly pushed this guy to his limit. Any further extortion would truly provoke a violent reaction, so he shrugged and nodded calmly.

“Two will do. As for the time and place… let’s meet at Sunset City’s Frostfall Festival in one week!”

Having said this, Punk turned and strode into the darkness without looking back.

“The Frostfall Festival? Under Vic’s watchful eye, there’s indeed no chance to set traps… however…”

Upon considering Punk’s suggestion, Bloodclaw—whose ferocious glare hadn’t yet faded—quickly deduced the other’s intention. But he still had one question to ask:

“…Hey, what about the concealment issue? Neither of us has a public-facing identity, right?”

Perhaps having shed his earlier facade, Bloodclaw’s voice no longer sounded sunny and cheerful but carried a cold, ruthless edge.

“Figure it out yourself. Get caught and die, then.”

Punk’s reply was simple and left no room for argument.

“Hmph!”

Watching Punk’s figure gradually vanish into the darkness until it disappeared completely, Bloodclaw snorted coldly, then frowned and rubbed his sore wrist.

Although his earlier “fist-to-fist” encounter with Golem Two had seemed like an easy upper hand, in reality, that strike clearly hadn’t been as effortless to withstand as it appeared…

After this sudden negotiation where he’d been at a disadvantage from start to finish, Bloodclaw’s mood was undoubtedly foul. But as a purely evil-aligned being, he certainly wouldn’t seek solace in drink somewhere secluded.

Instead, he gracefully surveyed his surroundings, finally settling his gaze on his own cat-eared maid.”Alright my little darling, had enough fun now? Time to come home with me~”

Bloodclaw’s voice was exceptionally gentle, so tender it became almost cloying, sounding as if he were genuinely coaxing a kitten with good intentions. Yet in his current expression, there was no trace left of the “kind boy next door” image to be found.

At this moment, Bloodclaw’s smile contained only endless bloodlust and cruelty, his crimson pupils overflowing with twisted desire and emotion. Step by step, he approached the cat-eared maid who had already begun crying, then slowly scooped up the trembling girl in a princess carry.

“Master, master… I’m sorry… Please forgive me……”

“Be good now, how could I bear to punish my adorable little kitten~ Let’s go back and play some fun~ games together, shall we?”

Having said this, Bloodclaw ignored the uncontrollable trembling of the little maid in his arms and, with a distorted smile, transformed into a crimson streak of light that swiftly vanished into the distance.

Just five votes short of one hundred monthly votes, shamelessly begging for votes~ Next chapter will be the Frost Snow Festival!

(End of Chapter)