Chapter 103: A Grim Interrogation

“Huh? Are you insane?”

Will stared at Yalin, utterly bewildered, a strange sensation stirring within him.

‘Something was amiss, deeply amiss.’

From start to finish, Yalin’s expression had not wavered in the slightest. Will knew his nephew well: simple-minded, unambitious, even a useless wretch incapable of magic.

By all accounts, he should have been cowering on his knees, begging for mercy in terror, shouldn’t he?

Even if he were merely putting on a brave face, his composure was far too unsettling. Could he possibly be hiding some trump card?

After all, he had spent so long in Ailanmia; it was plausible he carried a few life-saving magic artifacts, stalling for time, perhaps seeking an opportunity to escape.

Will’s face darkened. He decided against wasting any more time and resolved to kill Yalin immediately, to prevent any unforeseen complications.

‘While acting on impulse was acceptable, overdoing it was not.’ He reminded himself of this inwardly.

“Do it.”

Will said coldly.

Yet, no one responded. In the quiet air, only the rustling of leaves could be heard.

The six guards remained silent, frozen in their original positions, standing stiffly like puppets.

The sky grew increasingly grim, and the vast shadows cast by the clouds enveloped Yalin in darkness.

Will’s heart inexplicably clenched, a sudden ominous premonition seizing him.

“Hey, what are you doing—”

Before his words could fully leave his lips, something suddenly dropped and rolled to his feet.

It was a human head, severed cleanly at the neck, bone and muscle starkly visible.

The head belonged to the masked man who had led them here, a notoriously ruthless brigand. He was a man whispered about with dread in the underworld, countless lives claimed by his hand, including many powerful court mages.

Yet, this legendary, almost mythical assassin, now lay as helpless as a newborn, utterly devoid of any power to resist. He hadn’t even perceived the danger before his head was abruptly severed.

Beginning with that, heads tumbled down one after another, scattering across the ground like toppled dominoes.

Six in total, not one more, not one less.

Blood gushed forth like fountains. In mere moments, before one could even blink, six more corpses littered the ground.

The corpse closest to Will, its headless torso still twitching faintly from muscle reflex, stood frozen. His eyes wide, he struggled to comprehend the horrific scene before him.

The absurd and grotesque spectacle made him feel as if he were still caught in a dream.

Only, this was a nightmare from which he would never awaken.

His remaining sanity screamed at him to flee immediately, yet his legs had been completely drained of strength, so weak he couldn’t even stand. His corpulent body collapsed with a thud, sprawling on the ground.

“You… you did what?”

“Killed them all. Isn’t it obvious, Uncle? Such a simple thing.”

Yalin’s expression remained unchanged, a faint smile still gracing his lips. Yet, the bloody corpses surrounding him made that smiling face appear exceptionally horrifying.

“Well then, is it because of the new materials? It seems a bit more expensive than I imagined… I hope you all are carrying some good items, at least enough for me to break even…”

Watching the unfamiliar youth mutter to himself as he approached, Will’s pupils trembled violently. No longer able to suppress the terror gripping his heart, he began to scream frantically.

“Don’t be so agitated, Uncle Will, I merely wish to ask you a few questions.”

Yalin patiently leaned in to inquire, but Will was utterly consumed by fear, babbling incoherently and continuously shouting phrases like “Get away!” and “Monster!”. He was clearly in no state to listen.

Under these circumstances, further communication was impossible.

Yalin sighed, a hint of annoyance in his voice, and flicked a finger.

The air rippled, and without warning, two fingers from Will’s right hand flew off.

“Aaaahhhhhh!”

Excruciating pain surged through his hand, and Will let out a heart-wrenching shriek, tears streaming relentlessly from the corners of his eyes.

“Uncle Will, can you listen to me seriously now? Or shall I help you sever another?”

Will’s corpulent body violently shuddered. He hunched his back, clamped his jaw shut, desperately trying to stifle any sound from his throat, and gazed at Yalin with a pleading look.

“Uncle was indeed right; severing a few fingers truly is an effective method.”

Yalin retrieved a vial of potion from his pocket, grasped Will’s right hand, and dripped a few drops of the transparent liquid onto the severed finger joints. The wound immediately began to scab over, staunching the flow of blood.

“This is a restorative potion I specially concocted; its pain-relieving effects are quite remarkable, wouldn’t you agree? So, can you speak now?”

Will’s body still trembled, his face a pallid mask.

He opened his mouth, speaking in disjointed bursts, “Yalin, I was wrong. I was possessed by greed, thinking to seize the inheritance my brother left behind… I truly understand my mistake. I promise to run as far as I can and never return… I’ll give you all my money, please, don’t kill me… I beg you, I am your own uncle.”

“Of course not. How could I possibly be so cruel as to kill my only living relative?” Yalin murmured reassuringly.

“I just want to ask you a few questions. Answer honestly, and nothing will happen to you.”

“I’ll answer honestly, I swear I will. Yes, yes… just ask, I’ll answer truthfully, I won’t hide anything!”

Will nodded frantically, his voice laced with terror.

“Very well, I’ll ask directly then: who instructed you to do such a thing?” Yalin said blandly.

“Inst-instructed…? No one. It was my momentary folly, my mind clouded by avarice. I truly understand my mistake…”

Yalin lowered his gaze, staring thoughtfully at Will’s right hand.

“You have eight fingers left. Before I sever them all, can I expect an answer from your lips?”

Will’s face instantly contorted. He pressed his lips together, and after a long moment, stammered, “Please, Yalin… I, I cannot speak… She will kill me! Truly, she is not someone you can contend with. Even for your own sake, do not ask! I will disappear far away, never interfering in your affairs again!”

Pfft—

Another finger flew off, and Will once again unleashed a pig-like shriek.

“This place you chose is indeed excellent. No matter how loudly you scream, no one will come.”

Yalin stood by, quietly observing Will’s agonizing form as he knelt on the ground.

Beads of sweat trickled incessantly from his forehead. Will finally capitulated, crying out in despair.

“I’ll tell you, I’ll tell you everything… It was a month ago, that woman suddenly approached me, demanding I…”

His voice abruptly cut off.

Will’s face suddenly flushed crimson, his eyes bulging, and painful whimpers escaped his throat. He frantically clawed at his neck, his fingernails raking bloody streaks across his skin.

“Save… save me…”

Yalin’s eyes narrowed. Black liquid began to ooze slowly from the corners of Will’s mouth and eyes, flowing out of his body as if cursed, snaking across the ground.