Parker had been on edge lately, struggling to sleep at night as if a heavy stone weighed on his heart.

Tomorrow, he had to “pay tribute” to that monster again, and with two people from his group recently vanishing, he’d started to attract unwanted attention.

“I heard Lips and Caxton disappeared right after going out alone with him…”

“Think Parker’s been selling people to a witch? But Caxton was supposed to be a bit skilled, right?”

“Heh, doesn’t matter how skilled. Knocked out with a drink, what’s he gonna do?”

No matter where Parker went, people were talking. Even those close to Sheval gave him strange looks, avoiding him altogether.

So, where was he supposed to find someone to “offer up” to that creature tomorrow?

He also remembered how, after devouring Caxton, the monster had fixed her scarlet eyes on him and told him to bring her something “tastier” next time.

In other words, she wanted someone stronger.

Even if Parker wanted to be heartless enough to lure some unsuspecting civilian or child, it wouldn’t work.

If he failed to satisfy her, the monster might just make him her next meal in a fit of rage.

With time running short, Parker tried, with forced cheer, to ask a few strong individuals if they’d like to “have some fun” with him tomorrow.

He was met only with glares, dismissive words, and even a kick from one hot-tempered man.

As night deepened, looking for people grew even more suspicious.

Sighing, Parker lay down on a bench on the street, using it as a makeshift bed and preparing to sleep.

Tomorrow…even if I have to trick someone, I’ll bring someone along.

The next day.

“Get lost! I already told you, I’m not going anywhere!” A man furiously slapped away Parker’s outstretched hand, glaring at the greasy figure before him.

Parker wore an old, ill-fitting outfit, his long, oily hair hanging limply over his forehead in greasy clumps. The faint smell of unwashed hair hung around him, enough to make anyone gag.

Forcing a smile, Parker was about to say something when he felt a large hand press down on his shoulder from behind.

A massive, ape-like figure in a gray vest loomed over him: Black Mountain, Sheval’s most powerful underling.

Parker had always suspected that Black Mountain carried some ancient gene, with his physique and personality both primitive and brutal.

At meals, Black Mountain would grab raw, bloody meat with his bare hands, declaring it the freshest and most delicious.

One incident, however, left a lasting impression on Parker and made him fearful of Black Mountain ever since.

During an act of debauchery, Black Mountain had, in a frenzy, bitten a large chunk from a woman’s chest, killing her as he continued to gratify himself on her still-twitching body.

To Parker, Black Mountain was nothing short of a savage.

Now, this savage was asking where Parker was headed because he wanted to join him.

Parker tried to decline, but Black Mountain’s face darkened immediately. Parker knew if he argued any further, he’d likely get a slap.

So, leading the two of them toward the “usual spot,” Parker felt waves of anxiety.

Black Mountain was powerful—easily leagues above someone like Caxton, whom the monster had dispatched effortlessly.

Caxton had been a novice adventurer, always boasting about passing some entry test. Black Mountain and Sheval, however, had no respect for such titles; they’d killed many adventurers without a second thought.

But the monster…

Parker couldn’t shake the feeling that this creature was something far more mysterious, with abilities far beyond the ordinary. Maybe she’d devour Black Mountain too.

If Black Mountain disappeared, Sheval would definitely launch a massive search effort, digging up every corner until they found him.

And if Black Mountain defeated the monster? Parker would be the next one to be ripped apart.

His only hope was if the monster killed Black Mountain, using her to escape Sheval’s wrath.

He slicked his greasy hair back with both hands, trying to keep it tidy for at least a few minutes. It was something Parker often did to keep himself looking somewhat presentable.

Truthfully, he was fairly confident that the monster would prevail over Black Mountain.

What he didn’t know was whether she’d help him.

Reaching the familiar deserted alley, Parker felt a small sense of relief.

He had always dreaded the thought that, the further they went, Black Mountain might just stop, realize something was off, and kill him then and there. The last two victims had gotten suspicious midway and questioned him repeatedly, only for Parker to deflect with lies.

If Black Mountain grew suspicious, Parker would be like a chick in the hands of a giant—dead before he knew it.

But Black Mountain said nothing, clearly ready to see this through to the end.

Before they knew it, a girl appeared in front of them, her eyes briefly assessing Black Mountain like he was some kind of merchandise, before turning her gaze to Parker.

“Not bad. The quality’s definitely improved this time.”

The girl’s sudden appearance startled Black Mountain, who took a step back, eyeing the strange “girl” and asking, “Hey, who the hell are you? Did you kill those two?”

“...Hehehe…”

Without a word, she lunged forward. Parker watched in shock as she closed the distance in an instant, dark magic swirling around her, and Black Mountain’s massive body was shredded like paper.

Unlike last time, she didn’t use her magic to conceal the act. Remaining in her human form, she started consuming the flesh directly. Having been through this before, Parker was bolder this time, watching her tear open Black Mountain’s abdomen to devour his organs, then biting into his more muscular areas like his arms and thighs.

As for the head and feet, flames appeared out of nowhere, consuming them completely. In mere moments, Black Mountain followed the fate of the previous victims, disappearing without a trace.

Once she was done eating, Parker mustered his courage, stepping forward and speaking in a respectful, humble tone.

“My Lady, I’ve been doing my best to fulfill your requests, but honestly, I’m in deep trouble. People have noticed the disappearances, and that man just now was the boss’s right-hand man. They’re definitely going to come after me.”

The girl tilted her head, her red eyes piercing into him as if considering something.

“So, please, help me figure something out. I need to keep bringing you food, but if they catch me, I won’t stand a chance…”

Ignoring his plea, she instead smiled slightly.

“Hey, when’s the last time you washed your hair?”

“I…uh, I washed it yesterday morning…” Parker stammered, thrown off by the completely unexpected question.