Chapter 126: Robbery

’Terrence must have realized now that it is impossible to woo the president of the company and recruit him against the Lee Family,’ Klein thought to himself from his high vantage point. ’But then again, I already knew that was impossible because the Steel Family has been stuck in a stalemate ever since they recently lost their patriarch during a dungeon dive. Of course, this information wasn’t disclosed to the public, as it could stir severe internal or external chaos within the family and their business associates. But knowing the Lee Family’s vast reach, they seem to have put Irad on watch... So, they know about me as well, huh. I wonder who the new patriarch actually is.’

Klein was completely on point regarding what Terrence could possibly be thinking. Terrence had naively assumed he could recruit the Kinetic Alloy Beast Armory President—who was also the head of the Steel Family—or even place a puppet to shift the leadership within the family structure.

Terrence had thought he could scheme his way into controlling an important figure like Stan Visor.

Moreover, his distraction plot of using his physical Beast Shop to divert enemy resources away from observing him seemed completely useless now.

Terrence might not have known every detail yet, but he could already feel that the Lee Family had penetrated much deeper into the control of the Steel Family. That meant resources would no longer be a problem for his enemies.

Hence, a dark trap had been quietly sprung, and Terrence didn’t have the right opportunity or ideal situation to react smoothly. He was suddenly caught right in the middle of it.

’I shouldn’t have come here,’ Terrence thought, his knuckles turning white as his thoughts grew darker and darker upon seeing Irad’s annoying face. ’But at least I shouldn’t waste this time. I should finally execute my revenge. If I can’t follow my original subtle plan, then I should just kill someone here, right?’

All of his dark, bitter memories flashed back in an instant, fueling an intense urge to settle the deadly grudge right now.

However, he had to make sure he wouldn’t be painted as the absolute villain in front of the public. There were still strict rules and laws in place. Even though the Lee Family controlled most of Suran City, they still couldn’t suppress what almost a hundred influential witnesses were watching with their own eyes.

"Terrence, there is a limit to my patience," Irad growled, his voice trembling with suppressed rage. "You must follow me to the private lounge right now."

Terrence shook his head slowly, completely ignoring the demand as he turned his glance toward the seventh auction item being presented on stage. It was the exact target he had been waiting for—a ridiculously high-concentrated Beast Core.

’The First Slain Peak A-Rank Beast core from a hundred years ago,’ Terrence noted internally, his eyes sparkling with raw greed as he stared at the artifact at the front of the room.

Irad also noticed the sudden shift in posture, clearly seeing that Terrence held an extreme interest in the core.

Who wouldn’t?

That single beast core alone contained enough raw mana to sustain or nourish any A-Rank Beast for the entire lifetime of its tamer. That was precisely how powerful and sought-after the core was in the current market.

There were only five of such legendary cores known to exist in the entire world, and this was the absolute first time any version of it was being publicly auctioned. As for the other four, no one alive knew where they were hidden.

It was fortunate that Terrence had obtained insider knowledge that it would be presented today. By all means, he wanted to get his hands on it—even if he had to take it the hard way.

Irad let out a heavy sigh, adjusting his posture as a crafty glint entered his eyes. "You want that core? You can have it, but only in exchange for a small favor."

"I already know what favor you want," Terrence replied immediately, his voice cold as ice.

Without waiting another second, he slowly took a step down from the bleachers, walking straight toward the low platform where the auction items were displayed.

Irad was confused at first by the sudden movement, but realizing that Terrence intended to simply grab the core for himself, his expression darkened. He moved quickly, cutting through the dense crowd of spectators watching the escalating dramatic confrontation.

There wasn’t any panic or security intervention regarding the disruption yet, mainly because the high-class audience was far too interested in the bitter internal feud between Terrence and the Lee Family. Thus, no one dared to leave their seats despite the auction being heavily delayed.

’This reckless kid... I must stop him or force him to trade that flying beast in exchange for this core!’ Irad thought, his heart hammering against his ribs.

Only absolute fools would willingly give a peak core like this to someone who already commanded a high-caliber flying beast capable of destroying entire unfortified cities.

Because of that terrifying potential, it was only a matter of time before Terrence became a designated public enemy hunted by powerful factions and city administrators alike.

Before that chaotic scenario unfolded—where the competition to capture him would become fiercely crowded—Irad knew he had to secure the beast for himself right here and right now!

’I don’t know when the next opportunity will present itself, but I have to make him submit that flying beast to me today. Or else I will be dead meat to the higher-ups,’ Irad thought frantically. He picked up his pace, his shoes slapping against the polished floor until he finally caught up to Terrence just as the young man reached the edge of the display platform.

Terrence reached out his hand toward the glowing beast core without a care for the danger, despite the artifact being shielded inside a high-voltage, hostile laser cage.

Just in time, Irad lunged forward and grabbed Terrence’s wrist with a firm grip, violently yanking his hand away from the laser container.

"What the hell do you think you are doing?!" Irad barked loudly, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Are you seriously planning on stealing it in broad daylight?!"

Terrence didn’t answer him. He simply turned his head and stared at Irad, pure, unadulterated frustration painted across every line of his face. His chest heaved with shallow breaths as he struggled to control his dark impulses, clearly having second thoughts about sticking to his original careful plan.

Irad recognized that exact expression all too well. He had worn that exact look many times before—the face of a desperate man who had officially decided to take the hard, violent path without giving a single damn about becoming a wanted criminal.𝒻𝑟ℯℯ