Chapter 66
Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 66
Chapter Title: Chapter 66 - 66.
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 66
Chapter Title: The Underground Auction
We stepped into the space that Manes had opened.
A total of two stories high.
It was spacious with a circular structure reminiscent of the Colosseum.
The interior decor was luxurious too, the harmony of red and gold quite pleasing.
It looked just like a well-appointed theater.
'How much money did they pour into this place?'
I stood at the second-floor circular railing and scanned the surroundings.
Five men were seated on sofas placed here and there like in a hotel casino.
No other humans in sight.
There were several doors on both the second floor and scattered around the first floor.
It felt just like an imperial palace banquet hall.
Otherwise, in one corner stood a semicircular stage.
With curtains drawn behind it, that must lead to back and forth passages.
'Some noble must have ordered this.'
As I scanned the surroundings, recalling who might have built a banquet hall like this, my priority was finding blind spots.
Fortunately, the people downstairs hadn't noticed us yet.
We could hug the walls or flatten ourselves prone.
The positioning was good for covering our eyes too, so the risk of detection seemed low.
'Gotta nab 'em right on site.'
The dank smell hanging in the air.
Even the orange lighting couldn't mask the grim atmosphere.
My brow furrowed involuntarily.
Something was definitely going on here.
Since something was clearly happening, we had to catch them in the act.
That way, no need to gather separate evidence.
'The scene itself is evidence.'
Even as stray thoughts crossed my mind, I kept scanning to avoid blind spots.
Circular shape made it tricky to find any.
"Master. Come in."
In the midst of it, Actaeon flung open the door behind my back.
No sound at all—when did she open it?
I nodded and lightly rubbed Manes's shoulder.
A signal to head into the room together.
'It worked.'
Manes looked at me and nodded silently.
Thanks to our extreme caution, not a single footstep echoed.
As we entered the room, Actaeon closed the door again.
Seemed casual, but utterly silent.
Was this technique? While I marveled, Actaeon spoke.
"Master. No blind spots, and hidden passages will need more searching to confirm."
"Right."
"How about we claim one room and ambush anyone who comes in?"
Make space if there isn't any?
Not a bad idea.
"Sounds good? Better than hunting for hiding spots. What do you think, Aunt?"
"I'm fine with it. If anyone's inside, we subdue them the moment we open the space."
Manes nodded as she looked around.
Everyone agreed, so I felt at ease.
"I think so too."
"We can summarily execute the ones who look like total scum on sight... but let's go with capturing for now."
"Yes. But break their limbs first."
I like live captures too, but we need to neutralize them thoroughly.
That way they can't run or lash out.
"Good. Might as well chop 'em off entirely. If the crime gets exposed, just keep 'em alive."
Manes nodded as if it made perfect sense.
She's got fire—love it.
"Then let's call it for today and move when we get word?"
"Sure."
Manes nodded and opened the space.
Plan set, starting point secured.
Very productive time.
A few days until the news we wanted arrived.
I holed up in the cult leader's room like I was dead.
Thanks to Manes, I visited the bitches, but that was it.
No other outings.
"Your Highness, word that people are gathering."
Five days of boringly rolling around the room in anticipation.
Finally, the news we wanted.
I'd held back on rice cakes not knowing when they'd bite, but now?
Can't hold back anymore.
"Aunt."
"Ugh...! Finally going, huh. Took damn long enough."
Manes stretched and rose, joints cracking loud enough to hear from here.
"Wait a sec."
Manes opened and closed a space, then brought Ekyon and Antiope.
Manpower boost—feels solid.
"Bring my girls too?"
"No need."
I shook my head at Manes's return.
Adding the sisters to this lineup would be overkill.
So just me, the three bitches, and Manes headed to that dank underground space.
Precisely, to one room on the second floor there.
Quiet.
Well, the room was quiet; outside was bustling.
"They haven't arrived yet?"
Manes scanned around, then opened another space.
Beyond it, a view gazing down from dizzying heights.
"Opened a door in the ceiling?"
"Yeah. Makes it easy to watch. They can't see up here."
"True enough."
A bit blinding near the lights, but bearable.
Not eye-watering.
We could see below, but they couldn't see us.
Door tiny as a keyboard key, blinding light masking it.
"What the hell are they doing to build a space like this?"
Antiope behind me muttered, brow furrowed.
I'm curious too.
"Who knows. Orgy party? Torture? We'll watch."
Manes sighed, peering through the space she'd opened.
Answers soon.
The other women seemed to think the same, staying silent.
Watching every scene and change beyond without missing a beat.
I too kept eyes glued to the spectacle unfolding below.
Vigilance unwavering.
Anyone approaching would be obvious anyway, but just in case.
The event will begin shortly, so please take your seats, esteemed guests.
After a long wait, someone finally took the stage.
A man in a suit.
'Magic.'
Voice echoing evenly everywhere, mana flow too.
Definitely using unique magic.
I wonder what we'll see today. Truly curious.
Demonkin are a dime a dozen, so plenty to choose from.
Ears perked, keywords jumped out amid the chatter.
Demonkin, worthless things, toys.
Just listening painted the picture.
"You okay?"
I sidled up to Antiope behind me and asked.
Same race, might be shaken—worried.
"Yes, Your Highness. I'm fine. Don't worry."
Antiope smiled softly.
No forced smile—relief.
Now, let the event begin. Shall we start with Slave Number One?
Minutes after the humans below filled their seats, chatter ceased.
Thud. Thud.
Footsteps pierced the silence, ascending the stage.
Someone emerging from behind the curtain, guarded by another.
Two-man team.
One a woman with a hugely swollen belly, like she was pregnant.
The other a man gripping the leash around her neck from behind.
She looked terrified; he was stone-faced, like it was just a job.
As you see, our opening act is a pregnant demonkin. Feel free to enjoy her right away or crush the baby in her belly. Plenty of fun either way, right?
The thought "no way" flashed through my mind just before.
The emcee opened bidding.
Subject: ownership of the woman.
Seated humans raised hands.
Men and women.
Young voices, older ones.
All ages and genders.
Starting with raping a married woman.
Even bragging about the thrill of gang-raping her with the kid.
'Flip it now?'
As I toyed with mana in deliberation, the man's voice rang out.
Congratulations to the winner! You can enjoy after all auctions end, so please stay seated despite the anticipation.
Even this bullshit had to wait till the end.
Heard that and bided time.
'Fucking psychos.'
Kids, pregnant women, elders, etc.
No discrimination by age or gender, all sorts of tools prepped.
All the lives traded like goods were demonkin.
No humans.
Clandestine vibe.
No morals.
A space for sex crossing every line.
At least not spilling blood and guts like some demonic summon ritual...
Influence of Sex Survivor maybe?
"Tons of beast bastards. Can't see faces but can tell 'em apart, so nab 'em all."
Manes sighed, gazing below.
No imperial rage, but same mind—reassuring.
"Actaeon, scout surroundings and block any potential secret passages. Antiope assists, Ekyon with me to subdue them."
"Yes."
The three bitches replied curtly.
Voices stiff, faces matching.
Subhuman scum.
Sweep 'em all from down there.
'So damn frustrating.'
Frustration drew a sigh.
Light sex fantasy flipped straight to dark fantasy genre.
All right, final auction concluded. Now, those who wish to enjoy on stage and those preferring privacy...
Auctions over, closing remarks flowed.
Time to move.
"Nephew. Got a spell to wipe 'em all at once? Too risky for me."
Manes stepped forward inquiring.
If yes, great; if not, she'd handle it.
"I do."
I steadied my breath, then circulated mana.
Into countless rays of light.
One, two.
Numerous light thorns floated by my side and above my head.
'Been a while.'
Smooth travels.
Bitches stepping up eagerly whenever trouble arose.
Two reasons I'd barely needed this spell...
About time to use it.
"Precise strikes look good, but can you control it?"
Manes smirked.
Teasing yet concerned—appreciated.
"Thirty-five is no problem."
"Yeah? Want you to light the fuse first then? We'll fan the flames."
"Much obliged."
Bitches, huh.
Nothing to say, just a wry smile.
Smiling, I unleashed light needles toward the open space.
Patter. They fanned out like a spray, stabbing toward targets.
Men, women. Elders, youth.
No mercy for age or gender, but only by race.
"Guh...!"
"Kyaa?!"
"Urk...!"
Men's groans.
Women's screams.
All sounds erupting as Manes opened a new door.
Straight to the stage.
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