The Rise Of Third Rate Villain-Chapter 16 - The Fire Within The Slave

The air on the inside of the chamber was as thick with the smell of mildew and dampness as well as the smell of sweat and despair. Each footstep rang off the stony walls as Varkus led us on into the slave quarters. The only light came from flickering torches, casting ominous shadows on the walls.

In front of us stood a massive iron door. Varkus fumbled the keys and the heavy door swung open to show an enormous hall with cages. The chains rattled as the slaves, ament of diverse species, lifted their heads listlessly, their stare boring into the void. Some had beast-like ears, others reptilian tails or wings, yet all of them shared the same fate—bound in iron, stripped of freedom, and utterly broken.

I crossed my arms, scanning the area. "Wow, Varkus," I said, raising an eyebrow. "You've really outdone yourself. Quite the collection. The rumors didn't lie."

Varkus beamed, trying to suppress his nervousness. "You flatter me, young master. But if I may, let me show you my best specimen.". He pointed toward a tall, thin prisoner bound to the far wall.

There stood a beastman with the ears of a cat and gold eyes in silence. His body was muscular, his posture calm despite his predicament. The only thing off about him? His eyes—completely dead inside, void of hope or fear.

"This one," Varkus went on, "was a knight from the Beast Kingdom. He was captured while protecting the princess. They are reported to have fighting skills that compete with Sir Darius's own."

Darius's expression didn't change, but I could feel the tension in the air.

Hmm... not bad. He's definitely a strong candidate. The dungeon I'm trying to clear is not for the faint of heart. Having someone like him would be useful.

I was just going to inquire about the cost—.

A loud, furious voice echoed from one of the nearby cells, startling all three of us.

"THAT BITCH!"

I froze for a moment and then eyed Varkus with eyebrows raised. "What was that?"

Varkus chuckled nervously. "My deepest apologies, young master. It's just one of the... problematic slaves. She's nothing but trouble—just some worthless trash sold to me by street thugs. Not worth your time at all."

I smiled, my eyes narrowing slightly. "Oh, really? Now you've got me curious. Please, lead the way."

Varkus visibly shivered but nodded. "Of course, young master. Right this way."

We stopped in front of a small cell, only a couple doors down. Inside was a girl—no, a young woman—chained to the wall, her fiery red hair hanging messily around her face. Her golden eyes, in contrast with the beastman's, glistened with a hot, intractable rage. She looked no older than me, maybe sixteen or seventeen.

For a moment, I just stared at her, completely taken aback.

What the actual hell? What is she doing here? She's supposed to appear in the third act of the academy arc, not now!

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I forced myself to mask my face expression, but on the inside, I was like screaming.

This... this changes everything.

"How much for her?" I asked, not taking my eyes off the girl.

Varkus and Darius both stiffened.

"Young master," Varkus said, his voice trembling, "I really think you should reconsider. The beastman knight is a much better choice. This girl is nothing special."

Darius chimed in. "Yes, young master. That man is a warrior. This girl... she's just trouble."

I turned to Darius, my eyes cold. "Did I give you permission to speak?"

A system prompt appeared before my eyes:

[Skill Activated: Killing Instinct]

One undetectable pressure wave hit the room, causing both Varkus and Darius to break into a cold sweat. Darius immediately dropped to one knee. "Forgive me, young master. I forgot my place."

I allowed it to linger for just a second then merely smiled coldly. "Varkus, I'll ask again. How much for her?"

"F-Five hundred gold coins," Varkus stammered, his face pale.

I turned, already walking toward the exit. "Darius, pay him a thousand gold coins. Have her cleaned up and brought to the room. I'll be waiting."

Both men bowed slightly, their faces filled with fear. They looked at each other, and the same idea went through them:.

When did the young master become this terrifying?

Darius clenched his fists. Was the young master always this intimidating? He feels... like the hero who once led us against the demon army. Have we underestimated him all along?

---

I perched atop the velvet couch in the plush lounge, interlocking my fingers and smiling like a bad guy.

"So," I muttered to myself, "the infamous red-haired demihuman is here. This world just keeps throwing surprises at me."

In the novel, she was supposed to be one of the most dangerous characters—a deadly assassin who nearly killed Alistair. And here she was, chained and sold like some common slave.

With her by my side, conquering that dungeon will be a walk in the park.

But first... I need to break her. Not physically, of course. Mentally. Completely.

Fortunately, I know her greatest weakness.

I was on the edge of falling into my own head,.when Darius came in. "Young master, the payment has been made, and Mr. Varkus is bringing the slave as you ordered."

I nodded, my eyes gleaming.

Moments later Varkus entered, and then followed by the girl.

She stood in front of me, her crimson hair now cleaned and glowing under the chandelier lights. Her golden eyes met mine, burning with the undying intensity. She didn't look like a slave. She looked like a queen in chains.

"Beautiful," I murmured, and the word escaped my lips before I could catch it.

For a brief second, silence hung in the air.

But it wasn't the kind of beauty that inspires admiration. No, it was a beauty screaming with rebellion, with vengeance, and with a fire that threatened to burn the whole world to cinders if let loose.

Just looking at her screams,

Touch me, and you'll regret it.

I smirked. This was going to be fun.