NOVEL'S EXTRA: I Will Die at the Peak-Chapter 83: Nepesis (1)

While things were getting complicated in the south, Azenike was walking through the city’s most deserted, rarely visited streets. With a long hat covering most of his face and a plain yet neat suit, he moved silently through the crowd.

No one turned to look at him. Even though he tried to blend in with his gloves, the shadow hiding his face, and measured steps, his tall and muscular build was enough to draw attention.

A few minutes later, he arrived in front of a fairly large, two-story tavern. He quickly scanned his surroundings; apart from an old beggar crouching in the right corner, there was no one around. This part of the city was usually like that anyway.

When he pushed the door open, a heavy scent of raspberry and fermented grapes filled his lungs. The place was dimly lit. Under a dull yellow light, a few men sat slumped at their tables, surrounded by empty bottles. They were the source of the thick stench.

Behind the bar stood a tall man with green hair. He wore a navy-blue suit with a pair of glasses tucked into his collar. His eyes were almost closed, but a sly, fox-like smile played on his lips.

Azenike approached him with steady steps and took a seat on one of the empty stools. The man kept wiping the glass in his hand as he spoke.

"Would you like something to drink, sir?"

Azenike shook his head, removed his hat, and set it on the edge of the counter. His clean-shaven face and sharp, resolute gaze were now visible.

"I’m not here to drink. I’ve got a question. Is this Nepesis’ place?"

The green-haired man paused, the smile on his face faltering slightly before quickly recovering.

"I think you’ve got the wrong place. This is just an ordinary tavern," he said casually.

Azenike leaned in a bit, speaking in a tone only he could hear.

"I’m sure this is the place. So don’t waste my time. Take me to your leader. Don’t worry—I won’t say a word to TTAO about this place. There’s no need to be afraid."

The sly look vanished from the man’s face. Inwardly, he thought, Who is this guy? How does he know TTAO’s on our trail? He hesitated for a moment, then placed the glass down and moved toward the back. With a quick glance over his shoulder:

"Follow me."

Azenike stood and followed him calmly. They opened a barely noticeable door hidden between the liquor shelves behind the bar. When they stepped outside, they entered a secluded alley overlooking the tavern’s back courtyard.

Only a few people were around; some were heading home from work, while others slipped into corners, avoiding attention.

The man knocked on a door—first three slow times, then five fast, and finally, with both hands, two at once. The door creaked open, and a short, chubby man poked his head out.

"Brutus? Shouldn’t you be inside the tavern? What’re you doing here?"

Brutus shrugged and pointed to Azenike behind him.

"This guy wants to meet the boss," he said, his voice serious.

The chubby man—his name was Dreny—looked at Azenike with suspicion and grumbled.

"The boss gave strict orders not to meet anyone. And you bring someone here?"

Brutus replied in a calm, soft voice.

"Dreny, listen. Go tell her. The man behind me knows TTAO is onto us. So don’t ask questions, alright?"

Dreny’s face tensed. Tiny beads of sweat formed at his hairline. He opened the door and stepped aside.

"Alright... Go ahead. Boss is upstairs."

As Brutus walked in, Azenike barely paid attention to the exchange. His only concern was to get this over with and leave. When they reached the second floor, a long hallway stretched ahead. Most of the doors were plain wood, except one. It had a large red ’X’ painted on it.

As Brutus approached that door, a loud crash sounded from inside. A door had shattered, and a young man was thrown against the wall. He had brown hair, yellow eyes, and a lean build. As he stood up and brushed the dust off, he muttered:

"Come on, Sere! Stop cheating already!"

A sharp, high-pitched female voice replied from behind the door:

"Cheating? I won fair and square! Stop whining!"

Brutus cleared his throat to ease the tension.

"Ahem... Carlo, what are you two doing in there?"

When Carlo heard the familiar voice, he turned and smirked upon seeing Brutus.

"Well, well, if it isn’t our little fox boy. You don’t usually show up before nightfall. Someone causing trouble at the bar?"

Brutus ignored the nickname and kept his distance, responding with seriousness.

"Someone wants to meet the boss. It’s important, that’s why I came."

As the door creaked, a woman stepped out, crushing the broken pieces beneath her boots. She made an unsettling impression at first glance.

Her straight, jet-black hair fell to her shoulders, slightly covering her forehead and almost shadowing her left eye. Her blood-red eyes gleamed even in the dim light.

She wore a black, form-fitting dress that reached her knees. A thin silver-engraved necklace hung around her collar. A red emblem was stitched on the chest of the dress.

Her arms were bare up to the elbows, with long black fabric strips hanging from her wrists. Her fingers were long and delicate. On her feet were thick-soled black leather boots with metal buckles and crisscrossed laces at the ankles. 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Her expression was cold and stern. Her lips were a pale pink, and her gaze carried a hint of mockery and indifference.

Her voice filled the hallway.

"Someone wants to see me? Didn’t I say we’re not taking any jobs for a few months?"

Azenike immediately knew she was the leader. He stepped forward and spoke in a firm tone.

"You must be the leader of Nepesis."

The woman gave him a quick once-over and nodded slightly.

"Yes, that’s me. And you are?"

Azenike adjusted the button on his coat and answered.

"My name is Azenike. I’m the baron of this city."

A heavy silence fell. Everyone looked at one another in disbelief. No one expected someone like him to show up here—except for one person.

The woman smiled faintly.

"So you’re a baron... My name’s Sereya. So, what’s someone like you doing here?"

Though Azenike found her relaxed and indifferent attitude intriguing, he didn’t intend to waste time.

"I’ve come to request something from you. If possible, can we talk inside?"

Sereya paused for a moment. Her eyes scanned Azenike from head to toe. Then she nodded slightly and stepped aside.

"Come."