Azrael was now faced with the terrifying reality of a woman's urge to buy something she couldn't afford.
The currency of this world followed an old standard system, where bronze, silver, and gold were used as money.
Money was essential to human life here—more valuable than favors or kindness in most people's eyes.
But in this world, money didn't make everything go around; physical power did.
The stronger a person was, the more respect and value they commanded.
Those weaker treated them like mighty beings, for they truly were.
The weak were trampled upon, while the strong claimed glory, respect, and were even worshipped.
To Azrael, the human realm's state was of little importance.
All that mattered was regaining his peak power, recovering his celestial armor, and taking revenge on Ventus, the god of wind, who had delivered the final blow that ended him.
Or, to be precise, the final slash to his neck.
And then, of course, the Godking Zeus, as well as the other gods who would tremble before his wrath.
As Azrael and Evan wandered around, trying to decide where to start in this vast city, a lean, creepy-looking young man appeared in front of them, wearing a disturbingly wide grin.
"Hello there. I noticed you've been wandering around aimlessly, which must mean you're new to Gakrak City," the man said, his smile twisting his face in a way that looked almost painful.
"It would be my pleasure to give you a tour of our beautiful city—for a small fee, of course."
Evan looked the man up and down, distrust clear in her eyes. His unsettling presence put her on guard.
Before she could refuse, Azrael spoke up, unfazed.
"Sure. First, show us where to exchange valuables for money, and then a place to stay," Azrael replied.
"Certainly! My name is Tan, by the way. Please, follow me," Tan said, gesturing for them to follow.
Tan was a skinny figure with rough, curly black hair and a deeply lined, weathered face.
His clothes were worn, marking him as someone of low standing.
Azrael couldn't judge, though, since he was currently shirtless, showing off his chiseled muscles.
Several women passing by gawked, some winking at him, while others seemed tempted to approach but retreated when Evan flashed her claws.
"They love me. Let them come! I'll be their daddy!" Azrael smirked at them
"We need to get you some clothes," Evan murmured, then raised her voice just enough for Azrael to hear.
"We're supposed to keep a low profile! Did you forget you're being hunted by the Godking Zeus? And since I'm stuck with you, my neck is also on the line," she scolded.
"Calm down. I see no reason to fear being hunted. I've been hunted my whole life, and they all end up dead. This time will be no different."
"And Zeus himself wants my head, but deep down, I know he still harbors fear," Azrael chuckled.
After trailing closely behind Tan for a while, they stopped in front of a building with a sign that read "Daddy's Pawnshop."
*What a weird name*, they both thought as they entered the shop.
The exterior of the shop was made entirely of cold, hard bricks, and the interior, painted a milky white, gave off a warm and peaceful atmosphere.
Inside, shelves filled with all sorts of items were neatly arranged—everything from weapons and ability guides to household items.
In the corner of the store, a woman looked up and smiled, her dead eyes lighting up with life when she saw who had entered.
"Tan! You're back so soon?" the woman said.
"Yes, and I brought friends," Tan replied, gesturing toward the two behind him.
Then, he lowered his head in front of the lady. "Was I a good boy, master?"
The red-haired woman placed her hand on his bowed head, a gesture of dominance that Tan accepted with surprising grace.
She stroked his head gently, like a pet, then turned her gaze to Azrael and Evan.
"You've brought me some interesting new specimens for the docs experiments, ooh, ooh, ooh!"
"I told you we shouldn't follow weirdos we don't know!" Evan shouted at Azrael.
She turned to leave, but an invisible barrier blocked her path.-
She pushed against the barrier a few more times, but it was no use—she couldn't move any further. "Damn, we're trapped."
"So, who's going to kill her?" Azrael asked, smirking. "It's clear she shouldn't be allowed to see the light of day again."
"She's only a bronze-level champion, ninth layer, and the amateur next to her has just enough energy to levitate a pebble."
"If I lay a hand on them, it'll be overkill—not even a fight. I don't want to stain my reputation." He leaned back, grinning.
"I think you should handle this one, little Wolfy."
Azrael sat down on a nearby chair and closed his eyes, as if preparing for a short nap.
"Useless. I'll do it myself," Evan muttered, stepping forward toward the red-haired woman, who looked genuinely confused.
This was supposed to be a simple kidnapping—she planned to sell them to a doctor who used human body parts for his experiments.
The doctor had specifically requested both a male and a female, and Tan had obediently delivered.
The woman didn't care what the doctor did with them; she just wanted the 500,000 gold coins in exchange.
But here they were, acting as if she were a nobody, not even begging for mercy.
One of them was even sitting down to nap!
"I'll teach you both a lesson for this humiliation!" she snapped.
"Tan! Get the other one—I'll take care of this one." Flames erupted around her hands as she prepared to attack.
Evan readied herself, extending her wolf claws, sharp and deadly. A purple aura pulsed around her claws as she took her stance.
"You're gonna get roasted, you stupid bitc—"
Moon Fang Dash!
A sharp white light slashed through the air, and suddenly, Evan was gone.
"You're now wasted. I'm a warrior of the White Wolf clan—a threat to my life means death," Evan declared.
The red-haired woman blinked in confusion, a sharp pain radiating from her neck.
She tried to cry out, but no sound escaped.
Her world spun, and everything seemed to tilt upside down.
As her consciousness began to fade, she saw her own body standing on the floor—missing something important.
Her head.
*****
"Note, the power system as been changed and will be uploaded soon"🤧