Chapter 26

Chapter 26

Swiftly and without warning, the Royal Guards unsheathed their swords. Chaos ensued among the gamblers, promoters, and organization members who had gathered in the underground arena. Before anyone could react, the situation escalated.

Everyone, seize everyone present and execute those who resist! commanded the resolute commander.

The clashing of armor echoed through the air as 150 Royal Guards pressed forward, launching an unrelenting suppression operation.

Tables were overturned, people stumbled and attempted to flee, but the Royal Guards were already one step ahead. Their swords showed no mercy as they advanced, their shouts and trampling forming an impenetrable wall.

Numerous individuals were apprehended and arrested. In the face of this seamless operation, gamblers, promoters, and organization members alike fell victim to the unfolding events.

They were bewildered, unable to comprehend why this was happening. Why did the Royal Guards suddenly invade the once-thriving underground arena? They were left in the dark, with no means to seek answers.

Of course. How could you all possibly know, Raciel murmured, a slight smile adorning his face. He recalled the events that had transpired earlier before he left the Star Palace. It was still the afternoon, the sun hanging low in the sky.

Tonight, we must mobilize all the Royal Guards stationed at the Star Palace.

Pardon? The Star Palace Royal Guard Commanders eyes widened in surprise, soon giving way to a stern expression.

Your Highness, the Royal Guards stationed here have been tasked with guarding the Star Palace by imperial decree and protecting Your Highness.

Nevertheless, tonight they will move according to my orders.

Excuse me?

There will be something they need to protect me from.

Raciel didnt provide further details or objectives, merely assuring them that they would understand once they followed his orders. And that was all he said.

The commander remained perplexed, but eventually acquiesced to his command. Keeping a discreet distance, he had trailed Raciel since the latters departure from the Star Palace. Secretly, he had cordoned off the area surrounding the restaurant housing the underground arena.

Thanks to this meticulous planning, Raciels predictionor rather, expectationcame to fruition.

Promoter Kusman, it seems I owe him my gratitude for tailing me as anticipated. a wry smile graced Raciels lips.

In truth, he had foreseen this outcome. It was based on the behavior of Promoter Kusman from the novel Devil Sword Emperor.

Kusman was always wary, promptly surveilling anyone who could pose a potential threat. He employed trusted subordinates skilled in abduction and torture. By exploiting weaknesses or resorting to ruthless murder, he maintained his position of power.

Raciel believed the same approach would apply this time. Thats why he purposely made contact with Kusman.

He expressed his desire to buy Demian.

He inquired about the cost.

By presenting an offer that would be impossible to accept, he exposed his own presence, providing confirmation.

And the outcome?

Exactly as anticipated.

The tailing commenced immediately. Thanks to that, the Royal Guards Commander, who witnessed the events unfold, was consumed by fury.

How dare someone tail a member of the royal family, especially the crown prince! And to be armed as well! his thoughts seethed.

The outcome was inevitable.

As soon as the subordinate involved in the tailing approached Raciel, the Royal Guards swiftly subdued him. The commander wasted no time in presenting the charges to Kusmans trusted follower.

Attempted assassination of a member of the royal family.

That was the end.

Raciel didnt need to issue any further orders.

The commander, fueled by his anger, mobilized the Royal Guards with an invincible determination. They sealed off the restaurant and captured the passageway leading to the underground arena. Their advance was relentless.

Now, they were indiscriminately apprehending everyone in the arena, causing chaos.

This is no joke, Raciel murmured in awe as he observed the Royal Guards crackdown. Undoubtedly, they were the cream of the crop. His own experience as a military officer allowed him to appreciate their skill even more.

A sense of pride welled within him.

Was it because justice was being served against the underground organization today? Or because those who had been exploiting the gladiators were being punished?

Not at all.

Raciel had never been interested in dispensing justice in the first place. That had been true since his time in Korea. He had been preoccupied with mere survival, juggling university and various part-time jobs while managing to study.

His life had been a constant struggle to climb up from the bottom. He had never had the luxury of caring for others compassionately.

And it remained the same now.

With only a few months left to live, his priority was to secure an extension. There was no time or inclination to waste on matters of justice.

Hence, the reason for his pride was singular.

Its done now. Almost everything is in place. Ill soon secure a complete set of premium patients who will generously contribute to extending my lifespan, Raciel thought, clenching his fist.

If things continued to progress smoothly.

If he remained vigilant.

It would undoubtedly be achieved.

However, he refused to let his guard down.

The job was not yet complete.

Hey, all of you, Raciel called out to three nearby Royal Guards assigned to protect him.

Follow me.

He led the Royal Guards into the dark passageway within the arena. The individual he needed to apprehend tonight would undoubtedly be there.

Huff! Huff!

Kusman panted heavily, struggling to catch his breath. Sweat poured from his body like rain. Simultaneously, he ground his teeth in frustration.

Crash!

A gauntlet-clad fist from one of the guards crushed Kusmans nose, rendering his daggers futile. Kusman couldnt even reach the guard.

And just like that, it was done.

Cough!

Thud!

Kusman crumpled to the ground, his face bloodied. Two guards aimed their swords at him.

Please please, stop! Kusman pleaded, writhing like a trapped insect.

But he couldnt muster the strength to rise and resist. Instead of attempting to stand and fight, he quickly knelt down. His pleading eyes met the gaze of the guards.

I I made a mistake.

Had the forceful blow subdued him into obedience? With his face covered in blood, Kusman began to plead. He bowed his head towards the guards, extending his hands in a desperate plea for mercy.

I must have foolishly resisted with reckless thoughts. I deeply regret my actions. Please, do not continue to harm me. I will remain still and quietly cooperate. Just bind my hands, if you may, Kusman pleaded, his voice filled with a mix of fear and submission.

The guards glanced down at him, their eyes filled with disdain. They couldnt fathom how quickly his demeanor had changed after just one strike. They questioned whether someone could be so fickle.

One of the guards retrieved a rope for binding. At the sight of this, a smirk tugged at the corners of Kusmans lips. A cruel glimmer of joy flickered in his eyes.

Its done. Ive got you now.

He thought of his special ability.

Engaging in combat with daggers?

No.

That was merely a means of self-defense. His true expertise lay in the art of assassination through poison.

Just like now.

Grind!

Kusman pushed one of his lower molars outward with his tongue. The tooth yielded effortlessly, dislodging itself from the gum. But it wasnt a tooth; it was a capsule shaped to resemble one.

The moment the capsule left his gum

Crunch!

He bit down hard on the capsule.

The device inside the capsule sprang into action.

Five seconds. After five seconds, this capsule will explode.

And it would unleash a deadly explosion, causing significant harm to those nearby. Upon exposure to the poison, their facial muscles would be paralyzed. Unfortunate individuals might even suffer from blindness. If luck turned against them, respiratory distress would set in, leading to their demise.

Then I can leisurely make my escape!

Now, he would forcefully expel the capsule from his mouth. Immediately afterward, he would roll on the ground, putting distance between himself and the guards. That would be it. The three guards, unaware of the impending deadly explosion, would be incapacitated easily.

After that?

He would swiftly slash the princes neck and flee through the passage.

Finally Youre finished!

Kusman silently counted the seconds.

Five seconds.

He rolled the bitten capsule inside his mouth and placed it on his tongue.

Four seconds.

He took a deep breath, curling his tongue.

Three seconds.

He aimed the capsule, now cupped by his tongue

Thud!

An unexpected hand intervened, blocking his mouth.

!

Kusman was taken aback.

He quickly looked up, his gaze locking onto the person who had thwarted his plan.

Prince Raciel.

A sinister smile adorned Raciels face.

And he uttered something even more foreboding.

Oh dear, why are you trying to recklessly spit it out? Dont you know about social distancing?

Huh?

Kusman was stunned.

Suddenly, a chilling realization echoed in his mind.

This guy No way does he know everything about my secret technique?

In that moment

Pop!

The poison capsule in Kusmans mouth detonated.