Chapter 212: A request
Zena’s expression turned pitiful as she moved closer to Setan, her clothing slipping even lower.
"But I’m still shaken... I can’t walk," she said softly.
Setan didn’t so much as glance at her. "Then rest for a moment. I’ll wait."
Zena rolled her eyes at him.
What is wrong with this male? Is he incapable or what? Ignoring a beauty like me... won’t even carry me?
Grinding her teeth, she quietly released her ability again.
Let’s see how you refuse me now.
A sweet, intoxicating scent drifted into Setan’s senses. Heat stirred within him, a restless urge rising as a faint haze clouded his eyes.
Then suddenly—Nina’s face flashed through his mind.
His gaze cleared instantly.
Still... that little female smells better.
Zena leaned toward him, letting herself fall into his arms, but she missed.
Staggering, she nearly fell.
Setan had already stepped aside the moment he sensed it, putting even more distance between them. His expression darkened slightly.
"Seems like your legs are fine now. You can head back."
Zena forced a smile. "...Alright."
She pretended to lean on the wooden stick, limping forward as if each step were a struggle.
She expected him to step in and help.
Instead, Setan merely slowed his pace, walking beside her without offering a hand.
Zena watched him from the corner of her eye.
What’s going on? Did my ability fail?
The male from earlier today had resisted her... and now this one too?
Still, she had to admit—this one was different. Even with her deliberately exposed appearance, he remained completely unmoved. Any other male would have pounced by now.
This wasn’t her first time staging a damsel-in-distress act.
But it was the first time a male who saved her refused her—even under the influence of her ability.
A faint smile curved her lips. Now this... was interesting.
Keeping a male like this around didn’t seem so bad. At least he was better than those who only lusted after her beauty.
She glanced at him again.
Doesn’t matter. I have other ways.
There was no male Zena couldn’t claim.
The walk wasn’t long. Soon, she pointed to a stone house with a courtyard.
"We’re here. Thank you for escorting me."
Setan shook his head lightly. "No need. Go inside. And in the future, try not to go out alone at night. Males in Barbarian City aren’t like those in other cities—many have no bottom line."
Zena smiled faintly. "I understand."
Setan nodded once and turned to leave without hesitation.
Zena watched his retreating figure, her eyes gleaming.
Once he was gone, she returned to the alley where it had happened, following the scent she had deliberately left behind.
It didn’t take long to find the man.
Seeing her approach on her own, the lewd male licked his lips.
"Just as I thought—a slutty little female. Came right back to me."
His eyes gleamed with crude desire. "Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you have a great time tonight."
Zena raised a brow. "Oh? Let’s see if you’re capable."
More like... If you live that long.
She released her ability fully.
The man’s pupils clouded over. Slowly, his gaze turned reverent—obsessed.
"My lady... I’ll do anything for you."
A cold glint flashed through Zena’s eyes as she handed him a bone dagger.
"Then what if I ask you to die?"
"I..."
A flicker of struggle crossed his face. But he still took the dagger, pressing it against his chest—yet hesitating.
Disdain filled Zena’s expression.
Males are all the same. Hypocrites.
She stepped forward, grabbed his hand, and drove the blade straight into his heart.
A muffled groan escaped him before he collapsed to the ground.
Zena cast him a cold, disdainful glance before turning and walking away.
A male like that didn’t deserve to live.
Blood spread across the ground, pooling silently. A life vanished like dust—unnoticed in a city this vast.
***
After leaving Zena, Setan made his way to the city lord’s residence.
"I’m here to see your Great Shaman. Please announce me," he said to the guards.
The guards scoffed. "Where did you crawl out from? Do you think you can just meet the Shaman whenever you want?"
Setan’s expression didn’t change—but a powerful pressure burst from him.
The guards’ faces stiffened instantly. Sensing his strength, their attitude flipped at once.
"Please wait—we’ll report it immediately."
Moments later, they returned and led him inside.
Yosan looked Setan up and down. "What brings you to me?"
At the same time, he quietly probed Setan’s strength—and a satisfied glint appeared in his eyes.
Strong. Just as reported. Worth meeting.
"I want to know if you can remove a Sin Beast Mark," Setan said bluntly.
If the priests couldn’t do it, then he would turn to a dark shaman.
A flicker passed through Yosan’s eyes.
"There is a way," he said slowly. "But it comes at a price. What can you offer in exchange?"
Setan met his gaze calmly. "What do you want?"
He knew someone like Yosan wouldn’t lack beast crystals. The question was what he truly desired.
Yosan stroked his chin.
"Do three things for me, and I’ll remove the mark from whoever you choose."
He was in need of strong fighters—this one would be useful.
Setan’s gaze sharpened. "I agree. But I won’t do anything that crosses my bottom line."
Yosan let out a short laugh. "And how am I supposed to know what your ’bottom line’ is? What if you refuse everything I ask?"
"As long as it’s evil, I won’t do it," Setan replied.
Yosan sneered. "Then you might as well leave. In Barbarian City, what do you think counts as a ’good deed’?"
Setan frowned slightly. "Tell me the tasks first. I’ll decide whether I’ll do them."
For his brother’s sake... he could compromise—within reason.
Yosan considered this, then said, "I haven’t decided yet. Stay in the city lord’s residence for now. I’ll tell you once I’ve thought of something."
Keep him here... then let Zena handle him later, he thought. We’ll see how strong his ’principles’ really are.
"How long?" Setan asked. "I won’t wait forever."
"At most seven days," Yosan replied. "I’ll have an answer by then."
"...Fine. But I won’t stay here. I’ll be on the main road east of the residence. Send someone when you’ve decided."
Seven days, he could afford.
Yosan smiled faintly. "Very well."
Setan turned and left.
The moment he was gone, Gon hurried in.
"Master Shaman, we spotted individuals in the southern plaza today—likely Nina’s mates. There were four of them. Based on descriptions, they match her males."
Yosan’s smile turned sinister.
"They arrived quickly." He narrowed his eyes. "Find their exact location. Then inform Zena to act."
"Yes." Gon withdrew immediately.
Yosan took out a black crystal and infused it with witch power.
A moment later, his eyes widened slightly.
"So... you’re there."