Chapter 138: Upheaval (2)

…There were four people, two of them children and the other two barely adults, running through the tunnel. They recalled the words their parents had left them before they fled.

‘We’ll take care of this place, run away and don’t let yourselves be caught.’

So they ran, driven forward by desperation. Not because they knew what would happen if they were caught, but because they knew who they left behind.

“…Ah!”

A light was shining in the distance. They were nearly at the exit.

“It’s done. Guys, now…”

But, instead of continuing forward, they suddenly halted. The exit of the tunnel was being blocked by a solitary form. He appeared to be reading a book, standing directly in the way, but he raised his eyes to stare at them as soon as he sensed movement. His blue eyes glowed in the darkness, revealing a cold light.

“…!”

The moment they saw his face, they couldn’t even step back. Even the thought of running away was impossible. Not from Deculein of the Yukline household, that clan of destruction whose bloodline had been passed down over the centuries. The devil that hunted and massacred Demon Bloods, responsible for thousands of their deaths.

That monster was blocking their path.

“…”

He looked at them; no words or threats were needed. The two children wet their pants under that glare, and tears began to roll down the cheeks of the two older refugees.

“…Hmm.”

Deculein looked behind them down the tunnel.

“No one else is coming?”

“…”

No one dared to answer. Even that simple question was enough to make them feel the noose tightening around their necks.

“…Me.”

The young woman in her early twenties spoke despite the tension, letting out a shrill and pathetic voice.

“Only me. These children are still young. So only me…”

“Don’t overestimate your worth. You are just an individual.”

Deculein spoke in a voice as cold as the winter wind and pocketed his book. At that moment, death crept past them, whispering. At least, the four Demon Bloods felt it had.

“But if you want to make a sacrifice, shall we place a bet?”

Then, Deculein produced a coin.