NOVEL'S EXTRA: I Will Die at the Peak-Chapter 84: Nepesis (2)

Two large sunbeams lighting the room cast a warm but slightly uncomfortable glow over the dim setting. Sereya was lounging comfortably in one of the armchairs, and in the room, there was a single object that even Azenike couldn’t take his eyes off.

Right in the middle of the table stood a crystal-like sword, glowing in soft hues of light blue and white, embedded into the wood.

As the sunlight hit it, the reflections on its surface spread a cold yet mesmerizing brightness throughout the room, altering the atmosphere. The more you looked at it, the more your eyes were drawn in, as if it pulled you in against your will.

Noticing his gaze locked on the sword, Sereya leaned further back in her seat.

"Beautiful, isn’t it? My sword... my precious," she said with a faint smile. "Don’t stare too long, alright? You might fall for it."

Azenike found her words a bit odd but didn’t show it. It’s just a crystal sword, she’s exaggerating... whatever, he thought to himself and let it go.

He moved over to a green armchair and sat down, speaking without taking his eyes off her.

"I won’t drag this out. I don’t like wasting time. I want to hire you—for something important."

Sereya raised her eyebrows. As she stretched her legs out over the table, fresh scabs on her knees could be seen. Relaxed, but clearly alert, she asked:

"So, what’s the job? Give me the details first, then we’ll talk price."

Without any hesitation, Azenike got straight to the point.

"Beasts from the outside world are going to come ashore at the southern coast. I want you to deal with them."

As soon as she heard those words, Sereya’s lips tightened, and a flicker of discomfort crossed her face.

"So you want us to go beast-hunting... and not just any beasts, the filth from outside the world, right? Did I get that right?"

Azenike had expected this reaction, so he held her gaze and kept talking.

"Exactly. I’ll pay forty thousand Darik. And if you complete the mission successfully, I’ll arrange a property transfer and provide false identities to make sure TTAO doesn’t find you for a long time. Interested?"

At the mention of money, Sereya’s eyes glinted slightly, and the corner of her mouth twitched.

"Going for the big fish right away, huh?" she said, though her voice still held a cautious tone. "If you’re offering this much, then the job’s definitely serious. Tell me the level of the beasts, and we’ll talk from there."

Azenike was skilled at hiding his emotions. But this time, it was clear he was holding something back.

"Hundreds of Omega-tier beasts. Two or three Gamma-tiers with them. Estimated duration is two to three weeks, but they might reach land earlier."

At that moment, Brutus entered the room and spoke with a slightly mocking tone.

"There’s nothing else we need to know, right, Lord Baron? No surprises waiting for us?"

Azenike shot him a quick, sharp glance.

"No. That’s all. The route might be a bit long, but we’ll manage. I’ll arrange my best horses for you."

Sereya slammed her boots onto the table with irritation.

"Hey! Don’t interrupt me, Brutus! As you can see, we’re in the middle of something serious."

Brutus smiled faintly.

"Sorry, captain. Just curious, is all. This job sounds a little too clean to me. Anyway, I’ll shut up now."

Sereya turned her gaze back to Azenike and asked the question that really interested her.

"It sounds like a hassle, but what can you do... Your offer is intriguing. I accept. But know my conditions upfront."

She stood up, grabbed a piece of paper and a pen from the shelf beside her desk, and placed them in front of Azenike.

"Sign this, Baron. Around here, business isn’t done with words—it’s done on paper. I like guarantees."

Azenike took the paper, placed it on the table, gripped the pen, and signed it. As he wrote, Sereya spoke again.

"And don’t forget—if you break this deal, I don’t care if you’re a baron. I’ll crush you myself. Just saying."

After signing, Azenike pulled out a full pouch from his coat and placed it on the table.

"No problem at all. I’m not the type to back out of a deal. Just do your job. But isn’t it odd? This place feels like a ghost town—don’t you have any men around?"

Sereya took the contract and wedged it between the books on her desk, speaking while glancing sideways. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

"I’m not telling you that. This is my place, and around here, no one questions me."

Azenike responded with only a small smile. Then he stood up, put on his hat, and gave a slight nod, like a silent salute.

"My business here is done. Take care. I’ll send the rest of the money."

Without another word, he stepped out through the broken door and descended the stairs with heavy steps.

Once Azenike was gone, Brutus sat next to Sereya. His eyes kept shifting between the pouch on the table and the glowing crystal sword.

"Captain... this guy didn’t tell us everything, did he?"

Sereya turned her head slightly.

"About what?" she asked, without breaking eye contact.

The reflection of the crystal sword shimmered across Brutus’ face. He paused for a moment, then continued.

"Threat level. He hid something. His reactions, his expressions... there was a moment where he froze, then kept going. That means he’s a good liar—especially with his face."

Sereya began playing with the coins. She placed two gold pieces over her eyes, tilted her head back, and smiled faintly.

"We’ve accepted the job now. Even if the beasts are a bit stronger than he said, what he’s offering is worth it. We leave tomorrow."

Brutus let out a long sigh.

"She still doesn’t care even when caution is needed... I really don’t know what to do with this woman."

Sereya smiled and pocketed the gold.

--

(A mysterious voice: "23 hours remain until the coming of Kheret, Goat of God.")