76 – Shunam! (IV)

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PART 1 – Reunion & Conflict!

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Shunam stood up, but energy hit her, forcing her to sit down again. - “I understand your haste, but being reckless won't help you at all.” - Skarla's calm voice resounded.

“I'm sorry.” - Shunam took a deep breath. She had been searching for so long and when she got close, she almost died. Again the traces were discovered and there was so much information that she couldn't figure out.

In the end, the biggest intelligence group in this region is run by that bastard.

“So... we should capture the Guard Commander?” - Nayara asked.

“Not at the moment. I've made a mess of the intelligence group and perhaps our target could move and escape. We need to be cautious and as such.” - Her gaze fell on Shunam...

[Test of Intellect(Investigation)]

1D20 + 17 + 4 = 27(6+21) [SUCCESS]

Skarla sighed and said intensely. - “I'm going to entrust you with something important, so I hope you won't falter or be reckless, because I promise that if you fail, I'll let you die.”

Shunam was surprised, but nodded and listened attentively. - “There's a place where corpses are disposed of, I think it's called the Great Ditch. With the arrival of our target, not only have the guards and soldiers become more efficient than usual, but the number of executions has increased by 3-4 times. There's a chance there's something there and since your stealth skills are the best, go, get information and avoid conflict as much as possible.”

Skarla beckoned with her fingers for her to come closer and Shunam did so. Skarla lifted up her shirt and pulled down her shorts, which surprised Shunam and the others, but knowing her, they knew it wasn't what they thought.

Skarla placed her large palm on Shunam's furry belly, and a golden and silver light manifested itself, accumulated and invaded Shunam's body. She opened her mouth, moaning as she shuddered, almost losing the strength in her legs, but was held upright.

After a minute, Skarla was a little pale, her palm retracted, Shunam was opening and closing his hands, feeling the strength flooding his veins, the pain no longer felt, the harmony in his body and the energy overflowing.

“I've used a little vitality and internal energy, mixed in appropriate doses to assimilate the techniques I've taught you. This will help you avoid failures, so focus on the objective, gathering information and getting back to me. Even if you see the target, don't dare attack him, because if we want to reverse what he did to you, we need information and we're not going to get anything from a corpse.” - Skarla said seriously.

“Your vitality? Are you crazy?” - Luisel shouted. - “Not that she doesn't deserve it, but isn't that going to kill you?”

“At most I must have sacrificed about 10 years of life expectancy.” - Skarla shrugged. - “And about 30 years of Internal Energy.”

“And you talk as if that's normal? You've lost 10 years! Do you think you're an Elf?!” - At this point, even Nayara and Shunam were alarmed by her casual manner in the face of such a serious matter.

“Stop thinking too much, it's my life and I do what I want. If it was going to harm me, do you think I would? Now get out, I have missions for her and if I fail, you mustn't know.” - Skarla said coldly, Shunam nodded and went to get dressed, then went out to eat and carry out the mission.

Skarla sacrificed so much Life Force and Internal Energy for simple reasons: she has a lot. Because of her absurd attributes, which are illogical both in Murim and in this world, it is obvious that her life expectancy far exceeds the initial calculations.

A Murim Martial Artist uses their Martial Arts and Inner Energy to delay the effects of ageing, or in most cases, drastically reduce the chances of contracting an illness, having health problems and so on, for many years. So it's possible, even if you're old, to maintain youthful vigor, even at 150, 200 years of age or more.

But it's different here. Attributes drastically influence someone's physical and magical abilities. More precisely, his +17 Constitution drastically increased his life expectancy, even if his body didn't pass the rules that would put him on the level of a Legend.

But it can be said that life expectancy is linked to Modifiers and Level. An Aura Master is normally able to live for 150 years or more, by human standards, but for other races it's different. But it's worth bearing in mind that attributes hardly ever reach a modifier higher than +7, even before reaching the Legendary Level, at most it should be +8.

But Legends can live for several centuries or even millennia, depending on the level. In other words, each modifier has a certain weight which, depending on their level range, influences their life expectancy.

So at the moment, she can easily live for more than 300 years, just by relying on her attributes, but together with her Martial Arts, slowing down aging and much more, living for 600 years or more is something simple for her.

And she's still Level 15, so there's no need to say how shocking she'll be at Level 20 or 21.

Not to mention that the calculations are not precise, as there are many factors that influence this, such as her Metamorphosis and much more. Not to mention that it's difficult to measure Life Force and Life Expectancy without a base.

Perhaps she can live for more than 600 years, or unfortunately her calculations are wrong and none of this influences her.

Whatever the case may be, she hasn't felt much of a difference, she'll be back to normal in no time.

[Penalty – Damaged Life Force: For 72 hours, all your physical rolls will be made with a disadvantage].

Skarla received a notification from the system. Normally people wouldn't see this, because of the rules and secrets that the world wishes to cover up. But as she knows, she received a notification about what her prank had gotten her.

And reading that, she shrugged. If without this she was already a freak, with this handicap, she'll still be a freak, just a weakened one. But who's to say that a monster that casts D20 with a +17 bonus, plus proficiencies, is weakened?

If it were to face a Legend it would be a problem, but it would still win.

(Author: A certain “strongest in the world” said the same thing and was split in two).

......

Soon after breakfast, Shunam left for his investigative mission, where minutes later it was Nayara and Luisel's turn to leave together, heading in the same direction.

Yago came down last, looking happy, anyone watching could tell that it had been a good night. He ate, teased a waitress and then said he'd have a look around the city to see what there was to do.

Leaving the “Rotten Kiss”, Yago began to wander the streets of Raven City, buying some street food, observing various stores, intimidating anyone who came too close, then laughing derisively.

Every move was premeditated, with his keen senses noticing several eyes in his direction, but he ignored most of the looks, focusing on the one that attracted him the most.

Unlike the group that had clashed yesterday, where many had been following him since he left the inn, more precisely, he had been watched since he went down to eat.

But what attracted him was that individual with the strange aura on the roof. Yago feels something similar to Shunam, but it's very different, he seems more stable, but also weak and it seems that he's only just arrived in the city and the plan to target him has already worked.

Soon Yago was sighing and walking in a more desert-like direction. It didn't take him long to reach a residential area with few people, a relatively large space. - “How about getting out? It's getting annoying ignoring you following me from the inn.”

At his words, Yago yawned and gradually several people approached, men and women, around 15.

“Yago, The Mountain. A name I've heard a lot, someone who came out of nowhere and when he's near me, the bastard causes the amputation of one of my men. That's not good for business or my image.” - An amused voice sounded and among the people, a tall, muscular woman with large breasts approached.

Whistling*

Yago whistled. - “I didn't expect that. I thought that useless girl was the leader.” - Yago pointed at the smaller, stronger woman next to him. - “Oh, don't open your mouth, I don't want to know who you are.” - He abruptly interrupted her, turning her red with anger.

“I don't think you're popular with women, you treat them like dirt.” - The strong woman stepped forward, her gaze sharp.

“Actually, I'm very popular and loved. I just don't see the need to occupy my mind with useless knowledge. But you, I think it would be interesting to know your name.” - Yago smiled and approached, chin raised.

The woman laughed. - “I'm Manuela, Leader of the Indomitable Tigers.”

“A good name, but before we start killing each other.” - Yago smiled and looked in one direction. - “They've already shown themselves, which makes me curious who the hell you are.”

Manuela frowned and she wasn't the only one; silence dominated the place. - “Are you crazy?” Manuela sneered.

“No. In addition to your men, there was this one who kept jumping on rooftops and buildings, since it seems that all your men have shown themselves and you seem confused by my note, it means that I must have annoyed someone else, but I can't remember. So who are you?” - Yago looked directly at the hidden person, which caused many other eyes to fall on him, where some began to notice that there really was someone there.

“Aren't you going to talk?” - Yago sneered, pulled a knife from his robes and threw it. Even at a disadvantage, she still had a +25 bonus on throws, with the support of her Inner Energy, the bonus was greater, and since it wasn't a Critical Hit.

ARGH!

A shout came and the spy's stealth was undone, showing itself to everyone. A black-clad female figure landed on the ground, gasping as she removed the knife from her shoulder. Her face is covered, but Yago sees what no one else can.

“How did you find me?” - His voice was cold and intense, his murderous aura leaking out and leaving everyone alert.

“Luck, perhaps?” - Yago smiled as he drew his Mountain from its sheath, ready to attack.

“What the fuck?” - Manuela growled and her words were the trigger.

Suddenly the murderous figure drew two daggers with a magical glow, then disappeared like a ghost, appearing next to a mercenary the next moment, who was unable to react as his head flew off, at the same time as she threw both daggers which pierced the throats of two other mercenaries who were enveloped in malicious energy, their veins turning black as they fell and were already dead.

“BITCH!!!” - Manuela roared and ran with her sword, other mercenaries did the same.

The cold-eyed assassin waved her fingers, the daggers disappeared and appeared in her hands, only for her body to disappear, her senses to be deceived and another mercenary, unable to react, to have his head cut off.

Watching the massacre, Yago found this technique interesting, but understood that it was some kind of magic from the daggers. In an instant, she had killed six mercenaries, almost halving the number of starts.

Another interesting factor is that she took care of those who could be said to be the strongest. Of course, apart from Manuela and the woman next to her who must be her second-in-command, both of them are very strong and would be more difficult to kill with this technique, but those capable among the other mercenaries seemed easier.

'Great perception, some skill that allows you to measure someone's strength, or something close to it. - Yago smiled as the counterattack began.

The assassin retrieved her daggers and skillfully blocked Manuela's attack, repelling her sword, opening her guard and ready to behead her, but blades were approaching and sensing the danger ahead, she gave up and focused on defense and dodging.

The metallic sound resounded constantly, blades being defended and deflected, the assassin leaping into the air and spinning, showing off her incredible flexibility, until Manuela attacked, she defended in the air and was propelled away, taking a lot of damage, but her feet skidded on the ground and she got up as if it were nothing.

“Are you just going to watch?” - Manuela roared at Yago.

“You came to kill me or beat me up to give me a message, as for this weirdo... I have no idea what her reasons are, but since she's started killing everyone, it means she wants to silence everyone here.” - Yago said calmly.

“FUCK! LET'S KILL THIS BITCH AND THEN GO ABOUT OUR BUSINESS!” - Manuela roared, veins popping out of her forehead and neck.

Yago rolled his eyes, grinned and advanced abruptly like a bull. Contrary to his enormous size, his speed was impressive, overtaking Manuela's group in an instant and reaching the assassin.

Montanha collapsed on top of the assassin, wide-eyed, tasting death, but with all his strength and senses to the extreme, he noticed an opening, moving ever so subtly and perfectly to the side, out of Montanha's reach.

BOOM!

An explosion resounded with the blow, and at the same time, the assassin climbed up the blade and waved her daggers, cutting Yago's arm and heading for his neck, but a large palm appeared in the way and was cut off.

Yago's eyes widened, he couldn't understand what had happened, what was that movement so fluid and perfect, how had she missed?

But what she doesn't know is that because of her disadvantage, it was a “Critical Mistake”, giving her opponent the opportunity to counterattack, and she had a “Critical Success”, causing devastating damage.

Soon Yago, wide-eyed, tasted iron in his mouth, couldn't hold it back and vomited a mouthful of blood.

Manuela appeared and struck the assassin, who was astonished to be expelled with a large gash in her abdomen. Manuela looked at Yago, noticing the veins popping out and turning dark, along with the blood he was vomiting.

“The daggers have some kind of magical poison. That shit took 68 HP points off my attack and it looks like I'm going to lose 1~4 per second, I don't know for how long.” - Yago growled. - “I'm also suffering from penalties to my strength and senses.”

Manuela nodded and ran at the assassin who advanced towards her and just as they were about to collide, she disappeared. - “NO!” - Manuela roared and heard the shouts of her men.

At this point, those who remained no longer wanted to be here and began to flee, an act that hurt Manuela's pride and confidence. The assassin ignored the fleeing men and advanced against Manuela, but there was a woman in the way, one that Yago refused to know the identity of.

Terror appeared on his face as he saw the approaching blade. Manuela screamed, running to block, but it was too late.

Guarh!

A choking sound rang out, the assassin's head going backwards, a large hand on her neck, as her legs moved forward, becoming straight. Her eyes widened as Yago's cold countenance threw her to the ground.

Her body propelled downwards, she tried to react and roll away, pulling her legs in, but Yago's fist came down faster than a meteor, connecting with her face which sank into the ground, dust rose and her legs were pointed in the air, shaking along with her whole body.

Yago stood up, cracking his back and neck, waving his bloody fist. - “You're not dead, are you going to keep pretending?” - Yago said coldly and his words woke up the woman who fiercely attacked with the daggers, but his leg was already down, stepping on it and sinking his head into the ground.

Just as Yago was about to step again.

“STOP!” - A roar came and something hit him, but he defended himself and stepped back, sliding along the ground. - “I don't know what's going on, but enough of this barbarity! Arrest everyone!” - A man roared, whom Yago recognized as the Commander of the Guard.

He had an intense gaze, but when his gaze fell on the motionless woman with her head sunk into the ground, he looked worried and angry.

“That bitch killed my friends! That damned murderer came out of nowhere and started killing everyone!” - Manuela roared, it turned out that her men who had fled had been brought in by guards.

“It doesn't matter! You'll all be taken for investigation, if you resist, you'll be enemies of Raven City!” - Roared the commander and the guards moved in to seize everyone.

Manuela roared, this was absurd, they could resist, they were all strong, but going against the City Guard is not wise. Yago surrendered, the commander's gaze on him more intense.

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PART 2 – Investigation!

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Following Skarla's orders, Shunam went to the Great Ditch. It wasn't difficult to find out where it is. She asked some children, who without asking pointed her in the right direction.

In a few minutes, she reached the city's sewage treatment center. She stealthily jumped over the walls and outside, she found the sewage outlet and the large crack in the ground, the “Great Ditch”.

Crouching down, she saw various human bones, rotting flesh and so on. Without hesitation, she jumped, covering her nose to avoid the pungent smell and circulated her energy as Skarla had taught her, as she felt the sensation of something trying to invade her.

This place is covered in miasma, a common energy among the Undead. Places with a lot of corpses that have been disposed of incorrectly tend to generate miasma, which can lead to the birth of Undead.

But naturally, the people of Raven City know how to deal with this. They periodically come to cleanse the place, casting holy spells to purify it.

Shunam observed her surroundings and began to run, investigating the walls, heading towards the city, until she found the sewer pipe. She entered and went to the grating, grabbing it and exerting force, to see if it could be moved, but it's welded, there's no way to remove it and there's no sign of it having been removed.

There are signs of repairs, but they are old. It has receded because there is no access from the sewer to the town. So there's probably nothing in that direction, but she still investigated the surroundings of the pipe, scrubbing the walls, using her heightened senses, perception to look for abnormal things.

But in the end, she found nothing. Realizing this, she retreated and went in the opposite direction. She followed the crevice, observing the traces of many old corpses, many of which had been there for decades and certainly on top of even older corpses.

Shunam reached the end and found nothing. She decided to take a second walk around, before going upstairs and thinking about what to do. She took an item from her storage, used it with a little mana. Soon the stench and dirt on her body was gone, which would no longer hinder her stealth.

It's hard to be stealthy when you stink of sewage.

“Skarla said that the number of executions has increased three or four times this month, but the corpses in the central pile don't look so young, they look three months old or more...” - Shunam thought, observing the spot where there are wheel tracks, as well as a small dirt road, due to constant use.

This is the main place where corpses are dumped, but on closer inspection... the tracks are old. The traces of the tracks are there, but they are damaged, which means it rained and from their memories, it doesn't seem to have rained recently.

“Corpses aren't being spawned here.” - Shunam narrowed her eyes and scratched her chin thoughtfully.

“Have you discovered anything?” - A calm voice sounded, Shunam frowned. - “Why are they here?” - She asked.

“We've been sent for support.” - Luisel said calmly, looking around. - “What did you find out?”

Shunam decided not to ask, Skarla makes the decisions and from what little she knows, she won't explain why such a decision was made. - “Skarla said that there's been a 3-4 fold increase in executions, but I haven't found any recent corpses, the wheel marks and footprints are old, they predate the rains, but I don't think it's rained recently. The bodies are being dumped elsewhere.”

“You've already investigated down there. Have you investigated the edges of the crevice?” - Nayara asked, looking and listening.

“I investigated the crack from the sewers to the other end, three times, I ran my hands along the walls. I didn't find anything unusual. But I haven't yet investigated the edges on the surface. I was about to do that.” - Shunam said.

“I see, so carry on. You're stealthier than us and shouldn't attract attention. Luisel, let's look for nearby structures, there must be a hut or something nearby, because they weren't spawned here, they were taken.” - Nayara said calmly.

She has worked as a soldier for years, dealt with rebels and learned many things. Nayara has great strategic vision.

No one disagreed with her words and they began to move.

...

Shunam investigated the edges of the crevice, keeping a distance of 10 meters, it took time, but she investigated thoroughly, but nothing was found, no abnormal or recent tracks.

On the other hand, Luisel and Nayara, using the facade of adventurers, walked around, hunting animals for fun. They climbed to higher ground to get a better view of the area near the city.

Shunam, knowing where they might be, came up to them and informed them that he hadn't found anything.

“It's unlikely that they're inside the city, they certainly take the corpses outside, if they stay inside the city, they could arouse suspicion. Even if Necromancers aren't public enemies, many despise them and are executed for desecrating corpses.” - Nayara said calmly, scratching her chin and looking out from the top of a hill.

“I think we might need Skarla. With just the three of us, it'll take days to thoroughly investigate this place. Not to mention that we don't know what we're looking for. Skarla can detect life from kilometers away.” - Luisel said seriously, sighing lazily.

The two agreed.

“Let's walk around a bit more. You mustn't go too far with the carts to dispose of the bodies. They mustn't arouse suspicion.” - Shunam said.

“But you can get around that by swapping wagons, which increases the scope of the search. It could even be in a nearby village.” - Nayara pointed and Shunam frowned at that option.

“Even so, let's look around a bit.” - Luisel elbowed Nayara, who was forced to agree.

Soon they were off.

[Fate Dice – 1D20 = 17]

They spent the next few hours walking around and expanding the search area. They mainly followed roads, looking for tracks and distancing themselves to a certain extent.

On the way, a small group of goblins attacked them. There were only 9 goblins, they were a little stronger than usual, but nothing worthy of attention for the trio. They slaughtered them and, as it was getting dark, decided to return with the rabbits they had hunted.

What they didn't discover was that the goblins they had killed were related to their objective.

(Author: Those damned girls failed their investigation tests!)

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PART 3 – Prison!

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In Raven City prison!

Bang!

A firm fist hit a table.

“You mean to tell me that you were being recruited by Manuela, leader of the Indomitable Tigers, when you detected this woman following you and watching, you ordered her to leave, she didn't leave and then you attacked her, who instead of running away, just started killing everyone?” - The Guard Commander growled.

“Yes. This crazy bitch came out of nowhere and started killing people. It was crazy, she even tore my arm and almost decapitated me, her blades also had some kind of magical poison, that hurt a lot!” - Yago showed the wounds on his arms.

...

To the Guard Commander's misfortune, the story was repeated on everyone's lips. The reason is simple: Yago has told all the mercenaries that the Guard Commander seems to have something to do with the assassin, even if he doesn't understand why, so he has told them the story he is telling and if they all want to get out of here alive, they must repeat it.

And as expected, nobody wants to die, so they told it, not in as much detail, but still giving credibility to Yago's story.

In the end, they were sent to the abnormally empty prison.

...

“Hey, what the fuck is going on?” - Manuela growled as she looked at Yago sitting in the saddle next to her.

“Believe me when I say that I have no idea. I really don't remember pissing anyone off apart from you. I think we've got ourselves into some weird conspiracy, so you'd better be on your guard, I don't think our story will be accepted, because... they seem to be in need of corpses.” - Yago looked around. - “I don't know what's going on, but we're in trouble.”

Manuela bit her lip and sat down, staying alert. Everyone was on edge.

...

["Listen up. The city guard commander's wife is a skilled assassin, she must be weak now and I think it's hard for her to wake up, I injected energy to deactivate her brain, so she's no different from being brain dead."]

["I think they're going to try something tonight, so stand by. Don't be discovered."]

......

The hours passed and soon some food was brought in.

“Eat up, tomorrow your trial will take place.” - A soldier.

“Trial?! What the fuck are you talking about?” - Manuela shouted as she stood up. - “My men were killed by that murderous bitch, we're the victims here!”

The soldier ignored her and left. Yago looked at the soup and bread, detecting some strong substance, understanding that it must be a sleeping pill.

Yago didn't think and ate, then sat down in a corner and fell asleep. As time passed, some ate and others didn't feel like it. Hours passed and objects were thrown into the cells.

A gas was released into the air, frightening those who were awake, but they were quickly put to sleep. None of them were able to resist, regardless of how strong their resistance was, with the exception of Yago of course. That garbage didn't even enter his body.

Then a group wearing masks entered. - “Take them away quickly.” - Said an aggressive voice, muffled by the mask.

“Fuck~ help me out here, this bastard weighs more than a bull!” - The one who tried to lift Yago shouted and three more came to help.

Everyone was taken alive to the back, a secret compartment opened and there were wagons waiting, they were thrown in and covered.

The wagons headed for the east gate.

“What have you got there?” A guard asked.

“We're under the command of the Commander. Some criminals were arrested today and caused a lot of death and confusion, the commander killed more than he should have and... I think he understands what we're doing.” - Said the leader of the group.

“Ah, I heard there were conflicts earlier. Okay, we don't want our commander to be criticized for clearing the city of some garbage.” - The guard snorted and ordered the gates to open.

...

Following the road, the wagons soon stopped and we could see an equal number of identical wagons. The wagon drivers changed and returned to the city, while the new ones led the way down the road.

...

1 hour later. The terrain they've entered is very rough, the wagons were moving a lot, but the sleeping gas is certainly potent, no one is showing any signs of waking up.

And it looks like they've finally reached their destination. Strong presences were manifesting themselves, heavy footsteps.

“What have we got? Why did they send live experiments here?” - A choked voice sounded as it pulled back the cloth covering the bodies.

“Apparently the Commander's wife attacked these people after she was discovered. The Commander captured them and sent them, but the main reason is because of this giant here.” - The leader commanding the wagons pointed at Yago.

“That's Yago, The Mountain. An adventurer who has made a name for himself in the last month. Apparently he has a unique ability, where at Level 10, he has physical capabilities that allow him to go head-to-head with those at Level 15. I think the master will like to experiment with someone like that, which is why we brought him.”

“Oh, there was someone like that?” - The choked voice came closer, grabbing Yago's limbs. - “Strong as steel. The master will love this material, I wonder what he'll create with someone like this.” - A laugh rang out. - “Send everyone inside, the master is waiting.”

Yago considered whether or not to do anything, but decided to wait a little longer, to understand the situation better before acting. He soon felt something being placed around his neck, a magic item that sealed his magical power and aura, unfortunately, he doesn't use either of them.

......

The miasma was heavy, the suffering even greater. You could hear the wails of trapped souls, being tortured for unknown or non-existent reasons.

Corpses and people were being dragged around by deformed, flawed people who could only obey simple orders, while being led by the successes who exuded great power.

“What have we here?” - A condescending voice rang out full of curiosity, the stench of death rising.

“Father, the Commander has sent new specimens for his experiments and one of them is this man who apparently has a Special Ability. He's Level 10, but he has the strength to beat a Level 15. He also damaged the Assassin.” - Said the choked voice in submission.

“Oh-hoho~ interesting, let me see.” - A chuckle sounded as the small furry figure approached, looking curiously at Yago.

His name is Senmei, a rabbit Beastkin, Jinmei's father and recognized by the codename “Mad Scientist”.

“Oh~ what an impressive body. I can feel the massive vitality, it looks sick, but nothing to worry about. God~ the quality of that material is impressive, I feel like I'm facing a dragon. That must have been hard to take down.” - Senmei laughed as he touched Yago.

“He surrendered to the city guard, ate the baptized soup and was affected by the sleeping gas.” - The choked voice mocked.

“Good, he should sleep for a few more hours. As for the rest... this one.” - Senmei touched Manuela, grabbing her large breasts, pinching her muscles, moving her face. - “Her quality is good, I think I can create a companion for you.”

“I would be honored, father.” - His choked voice sounded happy and excited, licking his lips as he looked at Manuela.

“As for the rest... they're all good quality, but these two are the best... send these three to my lab, I'll use them now, send the rest to prison.” - Senmei selected three mercenaries at random, as well as pointing to the corpses.

Then he took a look at the Assassin, checking the condition of her skull. - “Severe damage, but she doesn't look dead. She should be awake by now, send it to my desk, I'll open it and investigate.”

......

Hours later!

“Huh? Where am I?” - Manuela woke up, gasping as she looked around, finding Yago next to her, the atmosphere very different from the city prison, but still a prison.

“Where are we?” - She lunged forward, grabbing his collar.

“Another prison.” - Yago said, ignoring her and pointing beyond the bars.

Manuela watched and froze, her heart squeezing and clutching the bars, observing the huge underground prison space, with several cages and there must be dozens of people, monsters and animals imprisoned.

“What the hell is this?” - Manuela swallowed her saliva, fear rising in her eyes.

“From what I've heard, there's someone these freaks walking around call [Father]. We're probably in the lair of some necromancer or some lunatic who does human experiments.” - Yago pointed at the stitched-up freaks walking around.

“My men, where are they?” - Manuela started searching, running around and spotted a nearby cell, finding what was left of her group. - “Hey! Where are Mailes, Karton and Bruno?”

“I don't know, when we woke up, they weren't with us and... they don't seem to be in any nearby cells.” - The second-in-command, the woman Yago doesn't want to know the name of, said in a frightened and worried tone.

“If they're not here, it means they're at the bastard's table.” - A weak voice sounded next door.

“On the table? What do you mean?” - Manuela growled.

“The owner of these things mixes bodies, creating extremely strong and strange aberrations. If your friends aren't here, it means the bastard must already be dismantling them, creating another one of his monsters.” - The old man spat in disdain.

“Your voice and face... look familiar. Aren't you Hartman, the Commander of the City Guard?” - Yago suddenly said, being able to investigate this old man well.

“I am.” - Said the old man, a little surprised, but without the strength to show it.

“Are you the bastard who imprisoned us?!” - Manuela shouted in confusion.

“It wasn't him. This old man can't even walk and... look at how old he looks, he must be 20 years older than the bastard who imprisoned us.” - Yago said calmly. - “The one who arrested us is a fake and this must be the real one. But I'm curious, why are you alive?”

“The one who took my place, the one they call the Commander, was made using my son. My son was born with the Unique Ability of disguise, he can take the form of whoever he has blood for. So I'm just used to have my blood drawn, for him to consume and become me. The problem is that constant use wears out my life, so I shouldn't have much time left.” - Hartman laughed and started coughing.

“Hey! Quiet!”

BANG!

A bang came and a huge gorilla-like aberration arrived, broad-shouldered, huge-armed and exuding great power. Its face was square and protruding, with huge eyes and a brutish countenance.

“You bastard! Filthy freak! Where are my men?” - Manuela roared as he banged on the bars.

“Your men? Father's experiments? They're already dead.” - The freak shrugged, Manuela getting even angrier and about to grab him, but Yago pulled her away, preventing her from doing so.

“LET ME GO! I'M GOING TO KILL THAT SON OF A BITCH!” - Manuela struggled, but she was forced to sit down while Yago stood in front of the railing, staring at the freak from above.

“When I get out of here, I'm going to stomp on your head until it bursts like a watermelon.” - Yago said smiling.

“Hahahaha! I don't care about you.” - The freak laughed and his attitude changed in an instant, looking at Manuela. - “Hey, Dad says you're going to be my wife. I'm going to have a lot of fun with you, I hope you last longer than the last one.” - He started laughing.

“Oh, your wife, her?” - Yago pointed and the freak frowned, Manuela was already shouting insults. - “That's great, I love married women.” - Yago laughed and turned to Manuela, gave her a wink and touched her chin.

“HEY!” - The freak roared. - “DON'T TOUCH HER!” - He punched the cell.

[“Let's try to provoke this freak, if he opens the cell, I might kill him.”] - Yago said mentally to Manuela who decided to accept.

Soon Yago showed Manuela to the enraged freak, where he grabbed her huge breast and took hold of her lips, the freak's enraged howl resounded, he punched the cell.

“LET HER GO! SHE'S MINE! MINE!” - The freak shook the cell, but the two wouldn't stop.

“Yours? I'm sorry, but I'm going to take her for myself, she's not even resisting.” - Yago sneered and Manuela flashed her middle finger at the freak.

“I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!” - The roaring aberration opened the cell, bursting in and Yago threw Manuela aside, the aberration advanced against Yago, only to see a fist collide with his face, the force spinning him around and in an instant his skull collided with the floor.

His legs were grabbed and Yago looked at him with disdain. - “I told you it was when I got out.” - Saying this, he dragged the freak out of the cell, then stomped on its head, again and again, until the sole of his boot hit the ground.

Releasing the freak's legs, Yago picked up the keys and threw them to Manuela. - “Once we've finished here, we can pick up where we left off.” - Provocatively, he stroked the collar around his neck, but decided to keep it on, it's useful in so many ways.

“Okay, time for a bit of fun.” - Yago grinned as he snapped his fingers, as several freaks were running towards them and many of the imprisoned were trying to help by grabbing them, slowing them down as much as possible.