Chapter 31: Warning Signs of Courting Disaster (IV)

With a heavy thud, the blond, who had been propped up by Lackey Number One, was suddenly flung to the ground as the panicked lackey desperately abandoned him, earning a muffled groan. Freed of his burden, the lackey whirled around and bolted away.

Damn it, that guy doesn’t pull his punches. Of everyone, I was the one stirring up trouble—if I get caught, there’s no way I’m getting out!

While that person hasn’t noticed me yet, I need to get as far away as possible!

Gritting his teeth, the lackey summoned every ounce of strength he had, survival instinct propelling him faster than he’d ever run in his life.

Just as he was beginning to believe he might actually get away, a chilling voice suddenly drifted from ahead, sending a cold shiver down his spine.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

His scalp prickled. Mid-stride, the lackey came to an abrupt halt, the force of stopping so suddenly sending him crashing onto his backside. Pain flared along his spine, but he had no time to care. In utter despair, he looked up to see the youth who had appeared silently, ghost-like, right in front of him.

Cimu stood tall, hands clasped behind his back, his slender figure poised and motionless. His calm, untroubled eyes lowered, gazing at the trembling man on the ground.

His pupils were utterly void of emotion, as if he were looking at some insignificant insect. Only now did the lackey realize how thoroughly he had misjudged this youth from the very beginning!

This wasn’t some useless pretty boy or delicate moonlit immortal—this was a reaper incarnate, come to claim his due!

“D-Don’t come any closer. We’re all civilized people here, can’t we talk this out?” The lackey forced a shaky breath and tried to negotiate. “Look, you’re not quite an adult yet, but there’s still juvenile detention, right? If you beat us all up, your reputation will suffer, and your family will worry…”

Cimu frowned, interrupting, “You’re saying, if I beat you, it’ll cause trouble?”

Would she hate me for that?

He clicked his tongue in annoyance. He didn’t want to be disliked, but even more, he didn’t want these people, who had insulted her with their words, to swagger away unscathed.

The lackey froze for a moment, baffled that this guy seemed to know nothing, but then, as if grasping a lifeline, he nodded frantically.

“Yes, yes, you’re someone who hates trouble and doesn’t want your family to worry, right? Let me go, and I’ll take care of this for you!”

Inwardly, though, he spat viciously, cursing him. Take care of it, my ass! Isn’t this kid just scared of juvenile detention? If I get out of here, I’ll make sure he pays for this!

“So... you’re thinking of making me pay?”

As the lackey was busy fantasizing, Cimu suddenly spoke, catching him off guard.

The lackey instinctively covered his mouth, but then realized he hadn’t said a word aloud. His pupils contracted in terror as he stared at Cimu. “I didn’t say anything—how did you know what I was thinking?”

“You don’t need to know,” Cimu replied coolly, eyes lifting with indifference. “All you need to understand is that I despise you—especially the disgusting thing you’re carrying.”

He looked the lackey up and down, then turned his head away in obvious distaste, as if an unbearable stench clung to the man.

What disgusting thing?

The lackey glanced over himself, bewildered, but found nothing amiss.

Then Cimu, still looking displeased, said, “I really didn’t want to waste this on you, but it seems I have no other choice.”

He extended a hand, and in his pale, jade-like palm, a flickering, black flame appeared.