"Sigh... since Madam Castros insists that 700 is her final price, I’ll give you mine," the manager said firmly. "800 gold."

He sighed inwardly, disappointed that swindling this woman wasn’t going to be easy.

"700," Vienna snapped. "Take it or I’m walking."

She turned to leave, heels clicking confidently on the stone floor.

"Deal!" the bald manager said quickly, raising his hand in mock surrender.

Vienna turned back with a victorious smile, clearly proud of the small win. She pulled a gleaming pouch from her belt and handed over the gold coins without hesitation.

The manager accepted the payment and began the process of transferring the slave’s ownership to Madam Castros.

Once the contract was complete, the two parties were about to part ways.

That’s when Egon made his move.

He threw himself at the manager’s feet, catching everyone off guard.

"Manager Denkai! Please, give me one more chance. Just one more fight! Let me prove I’m worth more than that pampered noble!" he pleaded desperately.

All eyes turned to him. The room went still for a moment.

But he had no choice.

This was the only way he could change his fate.

His sudden outburst made the guards tense up and point their spears toward him.

Denkai scowled. "Wretch, what are you doing here? Didn’t you already win your match?"

"I did," Egon replied, panting, "but I need another. Just one more fight! I’ll prove I’m worth more than him, worth more than 700 gold!"

"Is that so?" Vienna said with interest, her tone playful but sharp. "You think you’re worth more than the pet I just bought?"

Egon lowered his head but didn’t answer. Silence sometimes worked better than words.

Denkai clicked his tongue, clearly annoyed. "Madam, don’t waste your time. This one’s got nothing but a mouth. Barely lived through his fight. He’s desperate now that he’s seen his freedom slipping away."

Vienna’s eyes lingered on him for a moment longer, thoughtful.

Egon felt nervous. If his gamble didn’t pay off, he would surely be punished, maybe even tortured.

So, he played his final card.

"Madam Castros," he said, forcing a slight smile, "I know how to do math, chores... and give a special massage."

He dragged out the last words deliberately, hoping to spark her interest. In the novel, he remembered clearly, she had a real fondness for massages. She used to demand them often from the protagonist.

Now he was betting everything on that detail.

The manager looked like he wanted to strangle him on the spot.

But when Egon glanced back at Madam Castros, he felt a wave of relief wash over him.

She was smirking.

"Hehehe... Interesting."

"Very well, " she said, turning back to Denkai. "If he’s that worthless, why don’t you just throw him for 100?"

Denkai blinked. "Hah?"

"You heard me. Two slaves for the price of 800," she said, crossing her arms. "You won’t get a better offer. And I’m not paying a copper more."

The manager hesitated, lips twitching as he calculated the risk. "You’re cutting my throat, Madam."

"Then I suppose we’re done here." She turned once more.

"Fine, fine! Take him!" Denkai huffed, waving his hand like swatting a fly. "But don’t come crying when he dies on the road."

And just like that, Egon’s fate was sealed.

Vienna looked down at him, one brow raised. "Try not to embarrass me, boy. You’re mine now."

He bowed his head. "Yes, Master."

No, not master.

Just a temporary leash... until he finds that shop.

The one where the protagonist’s legend begins. And maybe... his too.

The whole time, Archon just watched him with a puzzled expression. He was likely wondering where he had even come from.

This was supposed to be his and her show, but not anymore.

Egon was actually having a little fun.

He knew everything about Archon. His strengths, his flaws, his fate. But Archon knew nothing about him. And soon, Egon would become the villain who steals his luck, his cheats, his destiny.

He would prove that he’s better than the world’s chosen darling.

Madam Castros boarded the carriage with her favorite boy-toy, Archon, taking her seat with grace and pride.

And Egon? He was ordered to follow behind on foot. Like a mangy dog.

Archon enjoyed the full privileges that came with his handsome looks, while Egon, the beaten extra, was left to stumble along, unnoticed and unwanted.

Well, given how ugly he looked, it wasn’t surprising she didn’t want him anywhere near her. In fact, it was a miracle she even bothered to buy someone as insignificant as him.

Still, that didn’t stop the fury burning inside him.

She was just another arrogant bitch who did whatever she pleased, using people like toys.

His already battered body was drenched in sweat as he continued running behind the carriage, enduring the disgusted stares of the passersby. Each step carved the humiliation deeper into his soul.

But he would get his revenge.

Every ounce of it.

Once he got his hands on the Soul Core, everything would change.

One day, he would put her under his groin.

That, he promised himself.

Soon, a massive mansion came into view.

It reeked of nobility and wealth.

At the grand entrance, frogmen guards stood on either side, their amphibious eyes widening the moment they spotted him, nearly naked and limping behind the carriage.

They stared at him, clearly speechless.

But one word from Vienna Castros, and they stepped aside, allowing him through.

Egon didn’t miss the thick, pulsing green magical aura radiating from their bodies. They were proof they were not ordinary creatures. Magical species. Warriors.

Each one of them could likely kill him a hundred times in a single minute.

So, escaping from this place? Not likely.

Inside the estate, they were greeted by a beautiful elf maid with silver-blonde hair tied back in a neat braid.

At first glance, she looked serene, kind even. But then her lips curled, and venom dripped from her words.

"Ooh, Mistress, you’ve picked another fine specimen this time. But why bring along this piece of garbage too?"

Her gaze lingered on Archon with a glint of admiration, but when her eyes landed on Egon, they narrowed, full of disdain.

Vienna didn’t dignify her question with an explanation. Instead, she commanded coldly,

"Hilga, you don’t need to pry into my business. Just clean them up and give them workers’ clothes."

And with that, she turned and walked away, her heels clicking against the marble floor.

The elf maid Hilga nodded, the smugness on her face briefly vanishing under Vienna’s firm tone. There was fear there. Even she knew not to cross the Mistress of the house.

Still, Egon caught her sideways glance at him.

Disgust.

He clenched his fists. One day, he would make her eat those words too.