Published at 22nd of August 2026 8:05 am

Chapter 1949: Traitor’s Spine

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The room was dark.

Crimson rays filtered through the windows, casting ominous light across the floorboard.

Two chairs occupied the center of the room.

The adventurer shut the door and silently took a seat, his back facing the window. Moonlight spilled from outside and bathed him in eerie hues, hiding his appearance.

But one could tell that he was broad-shouldered and had an imposing figure. Most likely, he was a Paladin.

The caprine monster walked around the room, hands clasped behind its back as it looked around curiously. The sound of its hooves tapping the floor echoed in the building.

The adventurer did not speak. He silently observed the monster, his eyes gleaming in the dark.

"How have you been?" The goat monster turned to him and asked.

The adventurer’s eyes narrowed.

"Do not pretend we are friends," he said, his voice cold as ice.

"Fair enough," said the goat monster.

It shrugged and finally took his seat. Its mannerisms were quite like humans’. The way it talked, moved, and carried itself in general was similar to how an aristocrat from human society would behave. It was a cheap mockery. Nothing else.

The only glaring difference was... it was a monster.

The goat monster’s expression turned solemn, and he asked, "What happened here last week?"

"Elaborate," the adventurer said succinctly.

The monster’s eyes narrowed.

"The High Priest and the Puppeteer seemed to have fought over a human who carries the Brand."

The adventurers’ eyes slowly narrowed.

"So that’s what it was..." he murmured as realization dawned on him.

The monster’s bushy brows rose in surprise. "So you really did not know, hmm?"

A moment later, a cold and suffocating atmosphere descended in the room. The goat monster’s aura turned heavy and oppressive.

"Hand the human over," it demanded.

The adventurer, however, wasn’t intimidated in the least. He scoffed, not at all bothered by the monster’s aura.

"He’s not with us," he replied. "He was never allowed entry into the City Hall. You think we’re crazy to let anyone with the Brand in?"

The monster frowned. "Where is he then?"

"Out there somewhere in the city," the adventurer said, shrugging. "Probably already dead."

The frown on the monster’s goat-like face deepened.

The Puppeteer claimed that the High Priest tortured the human and cut his hand. He fell into deep thought.

It caught hold of the hand, but the hand mysteriously disappeared.

So where is that human then? Is he dead? Or is he still being tortured?

Looks like I have no option but to speak with the wolf.

Oh, what a drag...

The monster decided it would pay a visit to the High Priest after its business here was finished.

"Very well," it said.

Its expression turned grim. "And the other thing?"

The adventurers’ eyes narrowed.

"A new group of adventurers has arrived recently," he said. "Among them is a young woman. We have confirmed that she remains untouched."

"Good." The monster nodded. "His Majesty will be pleased."

"I care not for your king’s comfort!" The adventurer growled. "How long?"

"Careful now," said the monster, its eyes narrowing to slits.

The adventurer did not back down. Instead, he threatened, his voice dripping with venom.

"Or what?" he said in a cold voice. "What’re you going to do? Fight me? Do you really wish to fight me?"

The monster looked deeply at the human sitting in front of him. In the end, he offered an apologetic smile.

"You’re right," it said. "In a direct confrontation, I may not be your match. However..."

Its expression twisted savagely. "Threaten me again and I will make sure the City Hall knows of your betrayal, you two-faced scum!"

The human and the monster had arrived at an impasse.

Just when it seemed that all hell would break loose and the two would explode into violence, the adventurer nodded.

"Very well," he said.

There was no longer any heat in his voice.

"How long more?" he asked quietly.

The goat monster resumed its polite expression and said, "The ritual is nearly complete. In this regard, you have served His Majesty well. With the girl you speak of, along with a handful of other maidens from the villages, the preparations will soon be complete."

A faint smile spread across its face.

"It is only a matter of time."

"How long?" The adventurer’s voice turned cold once more.

The monster turned silent as he studied the human once again. After some deliberation, it said, "I suppose a little more than a year."

Its lips curled into a smirk, and it added, "You’ve waited centuries. What’s another year?"

"Remember our deal," the adventurer said in a flat voice. "Remind your king! If he reneges—"

"No threats, please." The monster cut him off.

The adventurer’s face twisted into a scowl. But he said no further.

"Where is the girl?" the monster asked. "Have her brought to me. I shall take her away immediately."

"She’s not at the City Hall," the adventurer said, shaking his head. "She’s out there in the city. I’m not sure of her exact location, but she should be somewhere near the sun temple."

"Oh, how unpleasant," the monster commented. "I sensed so many of your people out there in the city..."

Its lips curled into a ferocious grin. "Should I kill them all to find her?"

"Do with them as you please," the adventurer said, waving his hand in dismissal.

"Tsk. Tsk. Tsk." The monster shook its head. "You humans sure are the worst. No sense of camaraderie."

It tilted its head, revealing a mocking smile.

"Or perhaps... it’s just you. A traitor’s spine and a scoundrel’s blood."

The adventurer rose to his feet, radiating a cold and murderous aura.

"If it weren’t for you being the vampire king’s messenger, I would have skinned you alive, then made good roasted meat out of you," he said, a dangerous glint in his eyes.

"You see, I’ve never tasted a talking goat before."

The monster’s expression turned dark.

"Now, gallop away." The adventurer turned to leave. "Tell your king I’ve kept my end of the bargain."

The monster growled. "What about the girl? You don’t expect me to break into every safehouse in the city, do you?"

"I’ll arrange it," the adventurer replied. "Have your underlings wait in this house ten days from now."

With that said, he picked up the talisman and went out the door.

The goat monster sat alone in the room, crimson light bathing its feral visage. It drew a few slow, deep breaths before rubbing its furry face with both hands.

A faint smile gradually returned to its carmine face as it rose to its feet.

"Oh, well." It muttered

"Time to meet the wolf."

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