The dim golden light flickered over velvet walls and jewel-toned drapes. At the center of the luxurious area, Vel Draven stepped forward.
"They should be arriving any moment," he muttered, his voice cold and precise.
Ryju stiffened. "Do we stop him?"
Kenshiro's eyes narrowed. "No. We stay out of it."
Rei's fists clenched at her sides. "He's going to kill people."
"Just stay out of it," Kenshiro repeated, firmer this time.
The massive auction doors creaked open.
Six people stepped into the hall.
Vel's voice rang out, smooth and commanding. "Attention, everyone."
The room fell silent. All eyes turned toward the newcomers.
"You all know the rules, don't you?" Vel said, a grin forming. "What happens to those who arrive late?"
A wave of murmurs rippled through the wealthy crowd:
"They're dead."
"Idiots."
"Bold to show up now…"
Ryju's stomach churned. "They know what's about to happen… and they're still here."
Shun whispered, "They're going to die."
One man stepped forward, holding a young girl behind him. "We're not with them. It's just me and my daughter."
The remaining four men shared a look. "We came as a group."
Vel's smile widened. "Hmm… On the invitation, what time did I say to arrive?"
The father answered, "You said ten-twenty."
Vel's smile turned razor-sharp. "Wrong."
With a flick of his hand, a spike of bone shot from his back, impaling the man and pinning him to the wall.
"Clay Shot," the man scream. "Give me my friend back."
The daughter screamed and drew a pistol—but another spike flew.
She hit the ground before her finger even reached the trigger.
A wave of gasps rushed through the room.
"He wasn't joking…"
"Well, they were late."
"No sympathy here."
Vel turned to the other four. "Never mind. I'll make this easy."
Four spikes launched in an instant. Four bodies collapsed.
The silence was suffocating—until the crowd resumed their drinking and gambling as if nothing had happened.
Ryju stood frozen, fists trembling. "They were just like us… trying to save someone."
Rei's voice shook. "And now they're gone."
Shun's knees felt weak. "That was… instant."
Goro whispered, "So this is Vel Draven…"
Kenshiro crossed his arms. "They were reckless."
Vel addressed the room casually. "They were spies. Come to take what was mine. But they failed."
Without a hint of emotion, he dragged the bodies through the door and went outside.
A Few Miles Away — Hidden in the Trees
Azar crouched low in the dark, eyes locked on the auction building. The trees rustled gently in the night wind.
"It's so quiet," he muttered. "I wonder how they're doing…"
Zanden tapped his shoulder. "Look. Someone's coming out."
Taro leaned forward, eyes widening. "Wait… are those bodies?"
Kaien didn't speak. He only watched.
Jett narrowed his eyes. "Who is that?"
Azar's breath caught. "Those tattoos… That's him."
"Vel Draven," Zanden confirmed.
Azar's fists tightened until his knuckles turned white. Flames flickered beneath his skin. "We could strike now. End this."
A firm hand grabbed his shoulder.
Zanden. "Stick to the mission."
"He's right there."
"And Misa's inside. Get her first."
Azar's eyes burned with fury. "Fine. But if I get the chance…"
Back in the Auction
Vel re-entered the golden area, brushing nonexistent dust off his sleeves. "Everything is under control," he announced with a casual grin.
Ryju couldn't hold it back anymore. "Why would you do that?"
Vel's gaze flicked to him. "Policy."
"You just killed them!" Ryju snapped.
"There were no other options."
"There had to be!" Rei stepped forward, eyes blazing.
Vel's smile faded. He walked toward them, eyes sharp and cold.
"If you've got a problem with how we handle things here…" His voice dropped. "…I can extend the same offer I gave them."
Goro spoke up, voice low. "They were just trying to save their friend…"
Vel's eyes narrowed. "And now I think you are, too."
Ryju's heart stopped. "What?! No—"
Rei forced a smile. "We're here to… buy."
"Yeah," Shun added, a little too quickly. "Just here to spend money."
"We're totally legit," Goro said, sweating.
Vel's expression darkened. "You know… I don't remember inviting you."
Kenshiro's voice cut through the tension. Calm. Steady. Controlled.
"I invited them."
Vel turned his head slowly. "And you are…?"
"Kenshiro Metsuki."
Silence fell.
Vel blinked. "Ah… The Metsuki clan. Underworld assassins."
Kenshiro nodded once.
Vel smirked. "Very well. Auction begins in ten minutes. Don't be late."
He turned away.
Ryju exhaled slowly, heart pounding in his chest.