Chapter 055: The Agreement

Magical beasts are at their weakest during their ascension, making it the best opportunity to capture them. If they let this chance slip by, obtaining a sacred magical beast would be nothing short of a fool’s dream for an empire at the fringes of the Saint Radiance Continent like theirs.

For the eldest princess to have advanced to a One-Star Spirit Magus before the age of thirty was already considered an extraordinary talent on the continent. Though the royal palace of the Bakra Empire boasted powerful Spirit Magi, such individuals were exceedingly rare, and, due to the scarcity of magical beasts, those available for them to bond with were generally of a lower rank. A magus reveals their true might only when paired with a beast of equal strength; thus, these nobles could hardly compare to those with high-level magical beasts at their command.

To capture this beast for the eldest princess, the king had secretly ordered the Lord of Sharke City to seek out powerful individuals to accompany and protect her in this endeavor. To avoid attracting attention and inviting covetous eyes, the lord of Sharke City resorted to covert and desperate measures. He had nearly given up hope over the past few days, only to unexpectedly encounter Shen Duo and Feng Jun, rekindling his aspirations.

After hearing him out, Shen Duo offered a faint smile. She still retained the demeanor of a policewoman from her previous life, rarely revealing emotion in her words or expressions. Yet when she smiled now, it was as if a refreshing breeze swept through the room.

To subdue an ascending high-level sacred beast—what an incredible opportunity! Any magus with the ability would be tempted; why should she help the eldest princess of the Bakra Empire instead of claiming the beast for herself?

“Lord City Master, you’re quite confident to share such information with us, aren’t you?” The unspoken implication hung in the air—was he not afraid they might seize the opportunity for themselves? Shen Duo left the words unsaid, trusting the lord to understand her meaning.

Indeed, the Lord of Sharke City felt uneasy, but he had no other options. The king’s deadline was fast approaching; he was doomed if he failed, so he might as well take a gamble. Still, he was no fool—he would guide events to benefit himself as much as possible.

With a carefree laugh, the portly lord replied, “You two are clearly people of integrity; how could you covet a mere sacred beast? Nonetheless, since His Majesty entrusted me with this task, I must fulfill my duty. So I have a small request.”

He certainly knew how to speak—flattering them while gently introducing his demand. Shen Duo found herself liking him a little more for it. Feng Jun had remained silent throughout, but at that moment, even his sharply arched brows lifted slightly in amusement.

“Say what you must, Lord City Master.”

“I ask that you both swear a Heaven and Earth Pact in my presence, promising never to covet the beast. Of course, I wouldn't expect you to help for nothing—your expenses will be covered, and there’s a reward of fifty thousand gold coins. Once the task is complete, His Majesty will show his gratitude in full.” The city lord watched Shen Duo’s face nervously, uncertain if such a reward would interest her.

Feng Jun said nothing, glancing at Shen Duo with complete indifference to the matter. A sacred beast didn’t interest him; if Shen Duo wished to go, he would not object. After all, any journey brought its own experiences, and seeing the lands of the Saint Radiance Continent was no bad thing.

Shen Duo pretended to ponder, her delicate brows furrowing as if she weighed her options, before she finally looked up at the anxious city lord. “Since you trust us so, we shall accept.”

Her hesitation had its purpose. Agreeing too readily might arouse suspicion, making the lord wary—and that would not serve them. He didn’t know that Shen Duo was no spirit magus; the beast was of little use to her. Even Winged Gale had only stayed by her side for the sake of Yusha. For others, though, the prospect of an ascending Riverbreaker Crocodile was an immense temptation—even enough for some fanatical magi to risk their lives.

Her destination was Niwei City anyway; earning some extra gold along the way was hardly a loss. Besides, a swordsman required real combat to temper themselves; years of training could not compare to the lessons of a single true encounter. Shen Duo, with her experience as a policewoman, understood this deeply. She was not about to miss such a rare chance—encounters with high-level beasts in the midst of ascension did not come often.

She shot Feng Jun a meaningful glance. In unison, they raised their right hands and swore, “On this journey, we shall not covet the ascending Riverbreaker Crocodile. Should we break this vow, may we be cast into hell.” A silver-white light appeared beneath their feet and vanished in an instant—the Heaven and Earth Pact is impartial; any who break it will face severe punishment.

A flash of cunning lit Shen Duo’s clear black eyes. She had promised not to covet the Riverbreaker Crocodile, but made no such vow regarding anything else.

When a high-level magical beast ascends, there are always many lesser beasts drawn to pay homage. Magical beasts, after all, are not fools—they will not leave themselves defenseless at their weakest. A great battle was inevitable, and she would not leave empty-handed.

Seeing this, the city lord’s heart finally settled. The fifty thousand gold coins did not seem so extravagant after all, and his tone grew affable as he addressed them with greater deference. “You two are most admirable. His Majesty awaits my report. If you dislike remaining in the city lord’s estate, please feel free to explore Sharke City these next days. I will assign Dirk to accompany you and see to your every need.”

Dirk, who had been lurking in the corner trying to minimize his presence, breathed a silent sigh of relief and hurried over with fawning eagerness.

With the matter settled, Shen Duo and Feng Jun were eager to leave; the estate, though grand and beautiful, felt stifling compared to the freedom outside.

They took their leave at once, with Dirk dutifully in tow.

Strolling down the streets of Sharke City, Shen Duo glanced mischievously at the aloof man following behind. “Big Brother, is there anything else you’d like to buy?” She dared not address Feng Jun by name with Dirk present. Since the city lord was footing the bill, she would take full advantage, especially since the coming journey would require no small amount of effort.

To her surprise, Feng Jun actually considered the question seriously. After a moment, he uttered two words: “The black market.”

Dirk’s forehead instantly broke out in cold sweat. He surreptitiously wiped it with his sleeve, grumbling inwardly: These two are going to bleed me dry! The black market—just the name alone spelled trouble. It was a place where money flowed more freely than at the auction house. Could these two masters not spare him? He had no wish to be beaten to death by the city lord.

A faint smile touched Shen Duo’s usually cold features. The black market? Indeed, an excellent place to visit.