"Gustav, kill them for me," Xenon commanded coldly.
"Understood, young master," Gustav replied, his voice steady.
Gustav turned to face the remaining members of the Red Axe Gang, their faces pale with terror.
Without hesitation, he dashed forward, his massive sword slicing through the air. Panic erupted among the gang as some turned and fled.
"Where are you cowards going?!" the boss roared, furious at his men's retreat.
But their efforts were in vain. Gustav moved with lightning speed, his blade cutting them down one by one. The sound of steel meeting flesh echoed through the battlefield.
"No! Spare me—ahhh!"
Cries of despair filled the air as Gustav mercilessly dispatched each gang member.
Xenon watched silently, his face calm and composed, a picture of arrogance and fearlessness. Yet, deep inside, unease simmered.
He sighed inwardly.
Even now, he wasn't fully accustomed to this. When he first arrived in this world, all he wanted was a simple, peaceful life. But this world was cruel, filled with danger at every turn. Survival meant strength, and thankfully, he had the system to rely on.
By the time Gustav finished, every member of the Red Axe Gang lay lifeless on the ground—except for the boss.
The gang leader stood among the corpses of his men, his face pale with fear, his legs trembling uncontrollably. He had even wet himself in terror.
"For a grown man to wet himself… tsk, tsk. How pitiful," Xenon mocked.
The boss's face twisted with desperation as he suddenly lunged at Xenon. With Gustav a short distance away, he saw a chance to take Xenon hostage.
But he underestimated Gustav.
In the blink of an eye, Gustav appeared in front of him and drove a powerful punch into the boss's stomach. The blow sent him flying, his body rolling across the ground like a broken doll. He coughed up blood, his injuries severe.
Xenon strolled over leisurely, his gaze indifferent.
"Please… don't kill me!" the boss begged, his voice trembling. "I-I have treasures! Gold coins! I'll give you everything, just spare my life!"
Xenon paused, his expression calm. "Oh? That's a tempting offer. Alright, I'll accept."
The boss was stunned but quickly nodded, relief washing over him. He didn't care about his dead subordinates—his life was the only thing that mattered now.
"Good. But remember, I want everything you have. Don't hold back," Xenon added with a faint smile. "Don't worry—I'll even throw in a healing potion for you."
"Y-Yes, young master! Of course! Thank you!" the boss stammered, his voice filled with gratitude despite his bloodied state.
With his spiritual energy sealed and his body too injured to move properly, the boss relied on Xenon to help him stand. Together, they began walking toward the battlefield.
Then, without warning, Xenon concentrated spiritual energy into his hand and drove it straight into the boss's chest.
"You… you!" the boss gasped, his eyes wide with shock and anger as blood poured from his mouth.
"What's the matter? Something wrong?" Xenon asked, his tone light and mocking.
[+100 hate points, +40 hate points, +50 hate points]
"Farmer leader? Oh no, farmer leader!" Xenon shouted in mock concern. "Gustav, we need help—looks like the farmer leader had a sudden heart attack!"
"You… hateful…" The boss's voice faltered, and with those final words, he collapsed lifelessly to the ground.
Xenon clicked his tongue, shaking his head in exaggerated pity. "So fragile. How disappointing."
He tossed the body aside like trash but quickly turned back. "Ah, wait—I almost forgot to loot him!"
Rummaging through the boss's belongings, Xenon found a spatial pouch. He and Gustav then went through the rest of the corpses, collecting anything valuable.
Once finished, they continued their journey toward Stone City.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky painted in hues of red and orange, Xenon stared at the clouds. The wind rustled the trees, carrying a faint chill.
[Congratulations, host! You've earned a total of 4,100 hate points.]