Chapter Fourteen: The Renowned Tycoon—Kelly

“Tell me, what exactly is this Black Nightmare?”
The renowned century-old goblin, Thunderstrike Keno, was taken in his sleep, a rather absurd fate for someone of his stature.
What kind of curse could lull Keno into a deep slumber, leaving him oblivious to the encroaching danger? Could there be such a formidable presence within the Glenwood Forest?
Could it be those two mad wizards lurking in the woods?
After indulging his urge for mischief, Yelin adjusted his posture, clasping Siat’s legs between his arms as he briskly crossed the Thunder Ruins, entering the shadowed thicket.
“The Black Nightmare is the power of the Ninth Apostle of the Demon Realm,” he explained. “He requires a balance of light and darkness to maintain his strength. But now, trapped in an environment of pure darkness with no light, he spreads the Nightmare Seed through the source of nightmares, disseminating the Black Nightmare.”
“This Black Nightmare can attach itself to living beings, plunging them into sleep and siphoning their energy, converting it into light for its own use. This means there must be a Nightmare Seed somewhere within Glenwood Forest.”
“What you saw of Keno was only the first phase of the Black Nightmare. Once it awakens fully, it becomes brutal and bloodthirsty. Even humans, once afflicted, find it hard to resist its influence.”
Yelin himself was filled with doubts. The Black Nightmare was supposed to be a phenomenon from a parallel world—how had it come to manifest like this here?
“Between the Black Nightmare and the Transference Phenomenon, which is stronger?”
Since the Transference Phenomenon brought forth Apostle Shirok, everything had changed—plants and animals ran amok, the Ice Dragon awakened, the Evil Dragon revived, and the Sky City appeared. Chaos reigned everywhere.
And what of the Black Nightmare?
“Well, the Black Nightmare’s greatest impact is actually on the Celestial Realm…”
Siat opened her mouth to ask more but suddenly realized that knowing the answers to these events wouldn’t change anything.
Her struggle for vengeance against the Delos Empire was arduously personal—why worry about grand cosmic shifts or the Black Nightmare?
Such world-shattering disasters were best left to great heroes like the Sword Saint Arganzo.
If the Black Nightmare or Transference Phenomenon ever struck the capital of the Delos Empire, Vitarlen, she’d roar with joy for days.
“Hey, Yelin, what’s your ideal? Mine is the empire’s ruin.”
Perhaps feeling freer now that they had escaped Glenwood Forest and the unwelcome touches were at bay, she began to chat idly.
“I have two ideals…”
“Do tell.”
“There’s a Celestial named Kairi in Hedonmar, and a dark elf named Klent in the Dark City. I want them to know true pain!”
“I’ve heard of Kairi—a formidable Celestial gunslinger and a famous tycoon in Hedonmar…”
“Heh, a tycoon indeed…”
A machine-enhanced entrepreneur, raking in money from all adventurers—it’s no surprise she’s wealthy.
As they neared the Elven Defense Line, Yelin boldly regained strength in his arms and managed to take advantage one last time.

---

“I actually regret it—no, I deeply regret it…”
In front of the Seria Inn, carrying Siat on his back, Yelin’s brow furrowed in frustration; only now did he realize how useless it was.
“What’s wrong?”
The inn was right ahead; soon they could eat properly and rest. Fatigue surged, and his eyelids fought to stay open.
He no longer minded the lingering hands on his flesh.
“Do you think it would’ve been better if, when I saved you, I’d given you a short skirt instead of long pants?”
“You scoundrel!”
Siat stuffed a piece of toast into her mouth and, without even removing her clothes, wrapped herself in a blanket and fell into a deep, even slumber.
“Hey, just a few days ago you were showing off love letters, and now you’ve brought back a beautiful girl,”
Tana teased, her feet propped on the table as she cracked sunflower seeds, a hint of playful resentment in her voice.
“You mean Siat?”
Yelin smiled, pulling out a pack of Kanina’s milk. After opening it, he handed it over, then sat beside Tana, glancing around conspiratorially in a low voice, “The seeds are too dry—have a drink to moisten your mouth. Have you heard about the Delos Empire’s Transference Experiment?”
“Of course. Most people are kept in the dark, but Belmark isn’t far from Glenwood Forest. How could such a massive experiment escape my notice?”
As a dragon who had lived for centuries, older than the Delos Empire itself, the empire’s little tricks were no secret to him.
“Siat is a victim of the Transference Experiment. Among the few survivors who inherited the power of Transference, she is one.”
Tana blinked in surprise. “So, she’s wanted…”
“Shh.”
“Never mind her identity. Guess who I helped kill?”
“Thunderstrike Keno.”
“How did you know?”
Yelin was surprised—was it a guess? Or did he follow them?
“The adventurers who went to Glenwood Forest seeking elven relics just returned. They were discussing how the thunder in the ruins suddenly vanished. They’re planning a team expedition tomorrow to search for the ruins.”
“I see. But unfortunately, Keno’s body was cut to pieces—won’t fetch much on the market…”
“By the way, where’s Seria?”
Tana pointed upwards and sighed, “On the rooftop, watching over Glenwood Forest. You know how vast it is. Without a map, I can’t find the source of the mutation. It’s troublesome.”
Yelin fell silent. Not only was the location of the Dark Thunder Ruins a mystery, but the identity of the zombies within was a harsh reality that would deeply sadden Seria.

---

If possible, he hoped to resolve the magic array and the Bone Prison himself, sparing Seria the horror of witnessing such a grim scene.

The next day.

Yelin, Tana, and Seria gathered around the table for breakfast. Kanina’s bread paired with Kanina’s milk, along with strawberry cake and doughnuts, made other adventurers drool with envy.
Kanina might be a sly merchant, but her products were undeniably top-notch and delicious.
“Good morning, everyone.”
Siat wiped the remaining dampness from her hair with a towel and sat down at the table, casually picking at a heart-shaped doughnut.
“So sweet—and it even restores health and mana. Where did you get this?”
Siat’s eyes lit up. Her body hadn’t fully healed; this was a rare and exquisite healing treat. How could such perfection exist?
Seria sipped her milk delicately, pointing at Yelin. “He brought it. He said it was originally called ‘Her Heart’s Intent.’ He has plenty more—help yourselves.”
Suddenly, cold sweat beaded on Yelin’s forehead. He hurriedly stood, forcing a smile. “Ahem, you guys eat first. I’ll go check if Uncle Linus has eaten yet.”
“Wait right there…”
Siat set down the half-eaten doughnut, slowly wiped crumbs from her lips, and turned a chilling gaze toward Yelin.
“This thing is similar to Remy’s Aid. Why didn’t you bring it out yesterday?”
“Well… I didn’t have it on me yesterday. Yes, I didn’t. Which man carries sweets around?”
“Really?” Siat looked skeptical.
“Really!”
“Remy’s Aid?” Tana raised her enchanting eyes, her long, elegant fingers tapping her smooth chin as she smiled mischievously, “I think he has like tens of thousands of those…”
“Oh no… gotta run!”
Without hesitation, Yelin turned and fled. Trouble was brewing!
Enraged, Siat ground her teeth, frowning fiercely, “So you deliberately withheld it yesterday just to take advantage of me! Scoundrel!”
Snatching up a bench, Siat stormed out like a whirlwind.
“Come back here! Eat my Triple Shadow Slash and I might forgive you!”