''Oh, you're an item holder, aren't you? Hmm... Looks like you also killed everyone inside... So you came here as an enemy. Kahkahkah. ''
Raydon simply stood there, frowning and thinking as Herman spoke. 'Why is this old crazy man talking so much? '
''Well, at the very least tell me why you are attacking me. I believe you are aware that I am a member of the Blood Organization. Oh, don't tell me you're also a member of the Blood Organization, right? It explains why you smell like death. Did you come here to steal the results of my research? But you still look young; is this due to a body enchantment? Damn, I want that as well. ''
Herman continued to speak hastily. His greed suddenly erupted, believing Raydon was a member of the blood organization and had used a body enchantment to make himself look young.
Raydon paused as he took in the man's hasty speech. 'Blood organization? Oh, the purpose of his research became clear. This man really wants to extend his life. '
After visiting the item market with Belicia and meeting Fang, Raydon had already learned a little bit about organizations. He learned about two of these organizations: the Blood Organization, which is one of the top ten most dangerous organizations, and the Trade Organization, which governs the black market for items. And, this old man is a member of the Blood Organization.
Raydon didn't understand why this organization was among the most dangerous at first, but after seeing Herman, some puzzle pieces began to fall into place in his mind.
This organization appeared to be full of old and near-end item holders like Herman, and they were crafting taboo body enchantments to extend their lifespan. At least, that was Raydon's conclusion for the time being.
''Actually, my main reason is different, but while I'm here, why not steal your research results? '' Raydon said with a grin.
Indeed, Herman's research findings were not his primary goal, and he had no idea what kind of research he was conducting. His primary goal was to have fun.
Secondly, he wanted to get rid of this item holder, who was a potential enemy for him in this region, and the final reason was to somehow completely bind Belicia to himself by using Rayn for his future plans.
Of course, while doing this, he made sure to add Dan and his team's training as an extra to these events. After all, their strength was also a part of his plans.
When he heard what Raydon said, a frown appeared on his face. ''Unless I make you my test subject first.''
''Undead Tentacles. ''
As the man extended his hand and spoke, black tentacles appeared beneath Raydon's feet and began to grab hold of him. Raydon jumped back and attempted to flee, but the tentacles were already tangled around his feet due to his lack of speed.
'He's good, ' Raydon thought. Both the man's rate of skill casting and skill usage was quite rapid.
''Hook. ''
When Raydon realized he couldn't get rid of the tentacles easily, he used the hook skill and attached it to a piece of iron that was hanging from the ceiling. He then took his short sword out of his dimensional storage, slashed the tentacles, and started to pull himself up.
''Multishot. ''
Herman used his second skill as soon as Raydon was free of the tentacles, and black arrows in his hand shot towards him.
Raydon quickly deflected the incoming arrows with his short sword.
''Kahakahkah, you are not bad, but you are also not that good. '' Herman laughed once more before performing his next skill.
''Death Grip. ''
This time, black smoke erupted from Herman's hand, quickly forming into a hand and flying towards Raydon.
'Shit, Are all the skills of this man offensive? ' Raydon considered it and began to fall, deactivating his hook skill. Meanwhile, his breathing became faster, his skin turned redder, and grayish smoke began to emerge from his mouth.
Except for the grayish smoke coming from his mouth, all of these reactions indicated that Raydon was using the berserker technique.
'Gray? '
Raydon returned his attention to the battle after a brief thought, pulled the great sword from his dimensional storage, and swung it at the approaching smoke hand.
The great sword struck the smoke hand and, with the wind of its impact, scattered all the smoke.
''What kind of skill is that? Wait, it's not a skill, right? Are you a traitor from the Lionheart Family? '' Herman recognized Raydon's technique right away and expressed his surprise.
''So even proud Lionheart Family members can sink to the point of disregarding their morals and joining the Blood Organization, huh? Kahahaha. '' Herman laughed once more and came to yet another incorrect conclusion.
A few moments ago, he concluded that Raydon was actually an old man who had used body enchantment to make himself appear younger. Now that he had seen Raydon use the berserker technique, he was also convinced that he was a traitor to the Lionheart Family.
He actually had a reason for his deduction. The Blood Organization was created exclusively with the intention of increasing their average lifespan. Therefore, regardless of their position or family background, anyone who was afraid of death could join this organization.
Each member would conduct their own research and only share or sell this information among themselves. Furthermore, incidents in which they fought among themselves to steal information were common and accepted as normal. However, if an outsider attempted to attack one of them, the entire organization would band together and go after the attacker.
Of course, this organization was the most despised of all. They had no moral compass in their research. Members of this organization were considered criminals and traitors among other item holders because they could kill anyone or use them alive as test subjects in the most heinous ways.
Raydon had already landed after deflecting the attack in mid-air and was grinning as he listened to Herman's nonsense.
'It seems like the rumors were true.'
Raydon confirmed Herman's status as an E-Rank. He also appeared to be much stronger than the E-Rank bosses Raydon had previously encountered.
'At the very least, this fight will be a lot of fun.' He thought and moved into an attacking stance, raising his great sword before charging Herman.