Chapter 37: Lucky Find
Han walked deeper into the forest, his pets and maids following him attentively. He needed time to come to terms with his decisions. Leaving his mansion behind meant he was truly on his own, and he had to watch more than his own ass.
He didn’t know much about the world, but his maids did. They even read magical newspapers every day, so staying informed wouldn’t be a problem. He wouldn’t lose his way.
"We’re staying low. Tie a blindfold over Xena’s bitch face, too. She’ll match Bellatrix’s theme and look like some kind of pair," Han said.
His maids nodded and surrounded Xena.
"Not again, you grandpas!" Xena thrashed around, but in the end lost and had her eyes blindfolded. She could only rely on her mana waves to move without bumping into anyone or anything.
She clicked her tongue and complained under her breath.
Han nodded when Hanna reported the job done. He moved deeper into the forest while Hanna spread the maids out to scout so they’d spot danger first. Hanna walked beside him, his partner in conversation.
"The town closest to a Dark Family’s lands is the best place to settle, right?" he asked.
"Yes. Cities neighboring Dark Families are known as Fortresses and are highly developed. It may sound dangerous for Dark Practitioners to settle there, but Dark Families have ties to those cities. They’re so corrupted that the Underworld’s branches operate there with little trouble," Hanna explained.
That means the neighboring town is corrupted mostly by Tenaxis. I won’t settle there. Someone’s aiming for my neck. I need a different place to spread my wings and grow.
Before this attack on Tenaxis, Han had a simple plan for his future—Bloodline Evolution inspired by the Dragonification Spell. He wanted to develop various bloodline spells, turn them into something like artifacts, and sell them on the dark market. He’d earn enough for himself and his forces, since higher stages required resources.
But now he had to face the world’s threats directly and develop his spells and bloodlines away from that safe spot.
Sounds fun, to be honest. I can’t wait to see what kind of challenge this world will throw at me.
Ten minutes later, one of the maids returned to Han’s side. She bowed low and gave her report.
"We’re close to a road and have spotted a line of carriages, possibly belonging to a merchant."
"A merchant this close to Tenaxis’ territory? Must be well protected." And well informed.
Someone had taken a bold step, using the roads between the Fortress and Tenaxis. The timing was suspicious, since Tenaxis was under attack right now. The merchant might know and be using the shortcut to reach the other Fortress under Tenaxis’ nose. The main household was busy with enemies, so a merchant and his goods looked insignificant.
"Time for a heist," Han said with a sneer.
He saw Bellatrix about to speak and raised a hand, warning her to keep quiet or face the consequences. Remembering how he’d toyed with her, she held her tongue. Xena sneered and waited for the green light to start.
The other maids followed orders and gathered around their master. Within five minutes, Han peeked from the bushes onto the dirt‑paved road. A line of at least seven carriages trundled forward, pulled by six strong horses. At the front, holding the reins, sat a lanky merchant in plain robes, much like Han’s group.
The carriages were covered with blankets so no one could see what was inside. Bodyguards in leather armor kept pace. A single man rested on one of the carriage roofs, chewing on a straw. Strangely, he seemed the strongest of the lot.
Han pulled down his hood. "Go."
From the canopy’s shadows, his maids leaped onto the road and into the light. Their sudden appearance alerted the bodyguards and the man on the roof. They brandished weapons and raised the alarm. The maids elongated their black bones into their preferred weapons and swung at their targets.
Hanna climbed onto a carriage roof and faced the strongest man.
He sprang to his feet and drew a lean rapier. His stance was noble and well practiced, while Hanna stood hunched like a wild beast. A thick tail slipped out above her ass, and a broad wing spread from her shoulder blade. A single black horn sprouted from her head, exposing her sexy face. Her golden eyes shone.
She stomped toward the man and caught his blade. It didn’t pierce her tougher skin and bones, which was a pleasant surprise. The enemy yanked his weapon back with a quick spell and thrust at Hanna’s side again. She tilted her head, slipped the blow, and drove a heavy punch into the man’s face.
Blood and teeth fountained from him.
The other maids were winning too, their weapons hacking into flesh, blood soaking their clothes.
Meanwhile, Han, flanked by his two pets, walked to the leading carriage and knocked on its frame.
He climbed into the driver’s seat and sat beside the merchant. The man somehow kept his composure, though his face twitched as a cold sweat beaded on his brow.
"You don’t have to be so nervous. I knocked before climbing up, didn’t I?" Han said, smiling as he revealed his reptilian blue eyes.
The smile was nothing but sinister.
The merchant gulped. "You did, indeed..." So what if you knocked?
Han turned and peeked through the blankets into the carriage to see what the man was hauling. To his surprise, he found humans and Demi-humans of various ages, handcuffed and chained to the carriage. Their bruised faces, malnourished skin, and hopeless eyes said enough. Seeing it was the only way to understand what Han felt.
He dropped the blanket and pulled back.
"You’re more useful than I thought, merchant." Han’s smile widened, teeth bared. "A lucky find at the start of my adventure, right as I spread my wings."
Han’s wings spread wide, emphasizing his words.
The merchant finally broke into a cold sweat.