Dransart and Reverna Pocket moved toward Lingering City, its borders whispering with restless souls. As soon as they entered, furious eyes turned toward him. He cursed inwardly. Oh no… I forgot the rule. A man cannot bring a woman here. This will draw suspicion.
Quickly, he shifted into Witch King Class, transforming his appearance into that of a young woman—Pocket's sister in disguise. Together, they walked the streets unnoticed.
The city was eerie. Unlike Pride City's harmony, Lingering City was filled with ghosts bound by unfinished wishes. Their eyes burned with longing, their voices muttered endlessly. Dransart and Pocket wandered until they reached a deserted area. Suddenly, bandits emerged, intent on robbery.
Dransart reacted instantly. His Swift Sword transformed into a spear, knocking them out with precision. He loomed over them. "Where is the subordinate of this city?"
One bandit trembled. "He is the boss of the Hellish Organisation. We are only lackeys. Spare us!"
Dransart tossed them d-coins. "Then act as my messengers. Deliver my request for negotiation."
Grateful, the bandits fled.
The Hellish Organisation
The bandits entered a hidden underground chamber. At the door, they whispered the password: "Password." Allowed inside, they informed the soldiers that someone sought negotiation with their boss. The message was carried to the subordinate of Lingering City, who accepted.
Minutes later, Dransart and Pocket were escorted to the chamber.
The Subordinate's Chamber
The subordinate sneered. "There is no one here. If anyone hides, I can kill them instantly. Remove your disguise—I cannot see the eyes of the living."
Dransart shifted into Beast King Class, revealing his aura but keeping his mask. Pocket hid her face beneath her cape. The subordinate's eyes narrowed. This one is different.
Dransart turned to Pocket. "Go to the next room. This is between us." She obeyed.
He faced the subordinate. "You sell information about Hell Realm. I have knowledge you lack. In exchange, give me the Lingering City key."
The subordinate chuckled. "Amusing. If your information is valuable, I'll give you the key. If it's ordinary, I'll pay you in d-coins instead."
Dransart leaned forward. "There is a man named Dransart. He claims the Hell Realm King will be replaced. He intends to kill the king and save this realm, with nine companions at his side."
The subordinate smirked. "Where is your proof? Rumors are cheap. The Hellish Organisation thrives on reputation."
Dransart's voice hardened. "Are you blind? The proof is before you." He removed his mask.
The Legend Aura
The chamber trembled as his Legend Aura filled the room. The subordinate froze, traumatized by its weight. Dransart replaced his mask calmly.
"You… you are Dransart," the subordinate whispered. "And you truly intend to kill the Hell King."
Dransart nodded.
The subordinate laughed. "This will fetch a fortune in d-coins. Very well. I'll keep my promise. Here is the key. Don't disappoint me." He handed it over.
Dransart accepted, then asked, "Do you know where the Hell Princess is?" He offered more d-coins.
The subordinate replied, "She escaped the castle. I've heard she wanders the streets." He smirked inwardly. This man is a blockhead, yet dangerous.
Thus, Dransart secures the Lingering City key.
With Wrath, Pride, and Lingering keys in hand, his path toward Resurrection City and the Hell Tower grows clearer. The Hell Princess remains missing, but her trail has begun.