Chapter 18: Alluring Beauty
Felicity’s sharp eyes lingered on the new gear now adorning Merek—his shadow-draped coat and sleek boots. Her gaze narrowed.
Beside her, Fred’s eyes flickered—not with awe, but with something malicious. Greed.
"Are the essence cores still in there?" he asked, voice light but too quick, too eager.
The moment the question left his lips, a few students perked up. Whispers started. They all knew it—essence cores from that many monsters would be enough to boost their strength, increasing their chances of survival. Split evenly or not, they’d all get a piece.
Merek’s reply cut through the hopeful tension like a blade.
"I ate them all."
Silence fell. Mouths parted in disbelief.
Felicity blinked, amused. While Nero seemed taken aback.
Seeing their faces, Merek’s eyes chilled. His voice lowered into something colder, sharper.
"You expect me to risk my life down there, bleed for every inch, and hand over essence cores like candy? If you wanted one... you should’ve stayed."
The words hit harder than any bullet. Several students looked away, ashamed.