Supreme Hunter of Beautiful Souls-Chapter 76: Acquiring problems

The silence that followed Kael's bid was almost deafening. No other voice rose to outbid him. No one seemed remotely interested in the blue crystal blade, except for him.

The auctioneer blinked, surprised at the quick conclusion of the sale. "Very well! The crystal sword is yours, young sir!" He slammed the gavel onto the podium, closing the lot.

Kael relaxed in his seat. Getting it for just one gold coin was almost like stealing. But if the System had highlighted it, he knew there was more to the sword than anyone there realized.

Adalric glanced at him sideways, a small smile playing at the corner of his lips. "You're the type to trust your own instincts, huh?"

"Something like that," Kael replied evasively, not intending to reveal the System's influence.

Irelia, who had been nearly dozing off from boredom beside him, raised an eyebrow, curious. "Why did you buy that thing? It doesn't look special."

Before Kael could respond, a waiter appeared, delivering the Chillrend in a velvet-lined box. He opened the lid carefully, and the blue blade gleamed under the torchlight. The glow was cold, even icy.

"I can't explain it, but something tells me this sword isn't what it seems," Kael murmured, lightly running his fingers along the hilt.

The moment his hand touched the blade, a sharp cold shot up his arm, so intense that he felt an electric shock in his chest. But instead of pulling his hand back, he tightened his grip and stared at the sword. A second later, a screen from the System appeared before him.

[You have obtained the Legendary Sword "Chillrend" – Class A+]

[Unlocked Ability: Cursed Ice – Each strike from this blade reduces the target's temperature and can freeze them completely with accumulated damage.]

Kael's eyes widened.

"So that's it... a sword with hidden power... they think it's just a souvenir, but they didn't realize it's a magical sword... well, it's the fault of the blacksmith who forged it, it's too beautiful, it should just hang like a painting," Kael thought.

Adalric noticed the subtle change in Kael's expression and let out a low laugh. "I don't know what you've discovered, but that look... it seems like you made an excellent deal."

Kael closed the box and smiled. "I think so."

However, his victory drew unwanted attention as someone approached with the waiter and entered the VIP area.

A man dressed in a dark blue suit, with golden details on the cuffs and collar, turned toward Kael. He had the upright bearing of a noble, and his eyes shone with interest. Approaching, he gave a short but formal bow.

"Interesting... you seem to know something we don't," his voice was smooth but carried a sharp undertone.

Kael lifted his head, sizing the man up. "I think I just enjoy collecting unusual things."

The stranger smiled. "Collector or not, my name is Luthor Valdane. I represent House Valdane, one of the most prestigious families in Azalith. And I have a hunch this sword may be worth far more than it appears."

Kael felt Adalric move slightly beside him. He didn't look directly, but he could sense that his master's gaze had become more focused. Something in the way the man spoke indicated that this wasn't just casual curiosity.

"So what?" Kael maintained a relaxed posture, showing little interest.

Luthor tilted his head slightly. "So, I'm willing to make you an offer. Fifty gold coins. At least fifty times more than you paid."

Irelia let out a whistle. "That's a lot of money... didn't expect a scoundrel to be this shameless." She murmured.

Kael crossed his arms, pretending to ponder. But deep down, he already knew the answer.

If he wants it this badly, it must be worth even more.

"Rejected."

Luthor's smile didn't fade, but his eyes seemed to narrow a bit. "Are you sure? You won't get another chance to profit this quickly."

Kael shrugged. "Money's not an issue for me. I prefer to keep the sword."

Luthor stared at him for a few more moments, then chuckled softly. "Alright, you've got guts. Or you're very foolish. Either way, I hope you don't regret this."

He walked away, returning to his seat among other nobles. But Kael knew this wouldn't end there. Something told him Luthor Valdane wasn't the type to lose easily.

Adalric finally spoke, his voice low enough for only Kael and Irelia to hear. "You just turned down one of the most influential men in the region. Hope you're ready to deal with the consequences."

Kael chuckled softly. "Since the day I was born, I've done nothing but deal with consequences. I think I can add this one to the list."

Adalric smiled. "You really have a special talent for attracting trouble, kid."

Irelia nudged Kael lightly. "So, are you going to tell me what's so special about that sword?"

Kael just smiled and whispered, "Collector's secret."

As Kael had predicted, Luthor Valdane wouldn't let the situation slide without causing problems. As soon as he left the auction hall, his expression carried a mix of frustration and ambition.

Outside, his guards were already waiting for him, armed and alert. He walked past them without hesitation, his words cold and direct:

"The red-haired boy... as soon as he leaves, kill him and bring the sword to me."

The men nodded, unquestioning. To them, it was a simple job. But as Luthor gave his orders, he passed by a figure leaning against the wall, shrouded in the dim shadows of the corridor.

A soft laugh, almost bored, cut through the silence.

"You've got guts."

Luthor stopped instantly, his eyes turning toward the woman who had just spoken.

Eva.

Her eyes gleamed with a reddish hue under the faint lighting, and there was something in her gaze—something demonic, cruel. It wasn't just a casual warning. It was a threat.

Kael and the others in the auction hall hadn't noticed, but the moment the bids started, Eva and the Emperor had already left the venue. That's exactly why Luthor had been able to act so freely… or so he thought.

Her presence here now was no coincidence.

Luthor tried to mask his unease, forcing a confident smile. "Oh? And why does this interest you, Lady Eva?"

She tilted her head slightly, her lips curling into a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Because you're about to make a mistake you won't be able to regret."

The air around them seemed to grow heavier.

Luthor's guards, who had been relaxed until then, suddenly felt a strange cold running down their spines. Something was wrong. Very wrong.

Luthor let out a short laugh, crossing his arms as if he didn't care about her presence.

"And what is a woman like you going to do about it?" he asked, his voice laced with disdain. "I do what I want, and a mere brat isn't going to stop me."

Eva sighed, almost disappointed.

"You really don't know when to shut up, do you?"

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In the blink of an eye, she moved.

Before Luthor or his guards could react, a wet, slicing sound filled the air.

SLASH!

Blood splattered onto the cold stone floor.

The guards didn't even have time to scream—their bodies hit the ground heavily, their throats slit in a swift, cruel strike. The iron scent of blood filled the corridor.

Luthor froze. His gaze flickered between the corpses of his men and the woman in front of him. Eva wiped the dagger clean on a handkerchief, unhurried, as though nothing had happened.

Before he could process the horror of the scene, a crushing grip tightened around his neck.

"GHACK—!"

Eva lifted him effortlessly with a single hand, her fingers squeezing his throat as if it were made of iron. Her eyes glowed with a supernatural hue, pure malice and power radiating from her.

"Do you dare to plot against a member of the Witch Royalty?"

Eva's voice cut through the silence like a sharp blade, filled with coldness and threat.

Luthor felt a chill run down his spine. He struggled, trying to break free from the crushing grip around his throat, but it was useless. Eva's gaze was cruel, her eyes glowing like those of a predator who had already decided her prey's fate.

"Let me go!" he stammered, his voice faltering in panic.

Eva raised an eyebrow, as if his pleading was nothing more than an irritating noise. Then, without warning, she released him.

THUD!

Luthor collapsed heavily onto the still-warm bodies of his own guards, his clothes stained with their spilled blood. Coughing and gasping for breath, he reached up to his neck, feeling the imprint of her fingers still etched into his skin. His eyes were wide, his earlier confidence shattered in an instant.

He swallowed hard, trying to regain his composure.

"Witch Royalty?" he managed to ask, his voice trembling.

Eva tilted her head slightly, her golden eyes gleaming with cruel amusement.

"Oh? So you didn't know?" She mocked, taking a step forward, forcing him to retreat involuntarily. "Let me clarify... don't try to plot against a Scarlet again, or else your precious family will be wiped out." She said it so seriously that the man swallowed hard before getting up and running...

"Ah... always idiots." Eva murmured. "Clean this up." She ordered before a shadow appeared and swallowed every trace of the battle.

She sighed, "I just wanted to relax for a bit... and he's already causing problems for me." She muttered, "I hope he grows up well... at 16, marriage is allowed..."