Chapter 409 - 404 — Target

Chapter 409: Chapter 404 — Target

"But Lord Lasner, he’s also... well, he’s quite strong, and—"

The bully immediately fell silent under Lasner’s murderous glare.

"That fool hasn’t changed one bit! He’s been the same since the academy, always walking around like he’s better than everyone else just because he has a little talent. Always sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong and ruining our fun! Hmph! My talent is just slow to bloom, that’s all. So what if I advance a little slower than others? I’m still a genius! My father said so himself! Just give me a few more years, and I’ll beat that bastard so badly he won’t even dare look me in the eye!"

The other bullies exchanged hesitant glances.

"Isn’t that right?" Lasner demanded, looking from one face to another.

"R-right! Of course, lord!"

"Absolutely, Lord Lasner! It’s only a matter of time!"

They quickly began nodding in agreement.

"Exactly." Lasner exhaled, shaking his head with a faint, satisfied smile. He seemed considerably more pleased now.

"But we still have to teach that bastard a lesson for ruining our fun."

"...You mean, you want to fight him, lord?"

"Are you fucking stupid? I just told you my talent is slow to bloom! Of course he’s stronger than me right now! Do I have to spell out every little thing for you!?"

"So-sorry, lord."

Another awkward silence followed, until one of the bullies hesitantly spoke up.

"Then... what about that fellow over there?"

Lasner and the others followed the bully’s gaze towards the edge of the camp, where a tall, broad-shouldered figure with purple eyes was slowly making his way out.

"Hold on... isn’t that..." Lasner narrowed his eyes.

"Yes, lord." The bully quickly explained. "That’s the fellow Lord Nourald brought along and introduced to everyone earlier. Apparently, he’s a Gular, and from what I heard, Lord Nourald seems quite fond of him."

"Oh? Is that so?"

Lasner smiled coldly, his gaze settling on Zephyrion’s expressionless face.

"Heh. Well, well... I think we’ve just found ourselves a perfect little target."

As it turned out, the group didn’t even have to make a move, as strangely enough, the Gular was heading straight towards them.

"Easy, easy. Everyone act natural. Don’t go scaring the poor fellow off before we’ve even had our fun. Let him come to us."

The others quickly complied, concealing their ill intentions and arranging their expressions into something more casual. They pretended to be occupied with other matters as Zephyrion approached, only for him to walk right past them without so much as a glance.

Lasner exchanged looks with the others, then cleared his throat.

"Hey, you."

No answer.

"Hey! I’m talking to you!"

Zephyrion still didn’t respond, continuing on his way as though they didn’t exist.

’This breathless bastard.’

Lasner’s brows twitched in irritation. Without another word, he raised his palm, sending a blast of wind hurtling towards Zephyrion. The latter reacted just before it struck, turning around and bracing himself, but the force of the attack still sent him staggering backwards.

Lasner smiled.

’Hah. Weakling.’ It wasn’t even a serious attack, yet he was pushed back. Lasner suddenly gained a burst of confidence.

"What do you want?"

Zephyrion was now looking directly at him, and Lasner leaned back in his seat, raising his chin arrogantly.

"What, are you deaf? Didn’t you hear me calling you?"

"So?"

"Ha! So? You think you can just stroll past us without so much as a greeting? Or did nobody ever teach you Gulars how to show some respect to your superiors?"

"And by superiors... you mean yourself?"

"You... what the hell did you just say!?"

"You dare speak to Lord Lasner like that!? Have you got a death wish!?"

"Get on your fucking knees and apologize!"

The other bullies shot to their feet, glaring murderously at Zephyrion. However, before any of them could make a move, Lasner raised a hand, immediately silencing them.

The leader regarded Zephyrion with a cold, condescending smile.

"Haa... I see. So you really have no idea who you’re dealing with, hm? Well, I suppose I can forgive a little ignorance. Listen carefully, then. I am Lasner Vae Caelthorn, son of Chief Hasner Vae Caelthorn, of the illustrious Caelthorn Clan, one of the great clans of the Kasner Colony. The blood flowing through my veins is worth more than your entire miserable existence. Do you understand now?"

Lasner let out a cold laugh, slowly tilting his head.

"Now, since you clearly understand your place, come here, get on your knees, and lick my divine feet. If you do a good enough job, perhaps I’ll forgive your insolence."

"..."

There was a long moment of silence, during which Zephyrion merely stared at him. Then, without saying a word, he slowly began walking towards Lasner.

The other bullies broke into wide grins, chuckling amongst themselves, while Lasner leaned back comfortably in his seat, raising his chin even higher.

However, just as Zephyrion came within a few meters of the group, he suddenly stopped.

Lasner was beginning to frown when Zephyrion finally spoke.

"You know, I’ve met quite a few pathetic people in my life, but you... you’re something else entirely. A grown man whose entire personality revolves around his daddy. It’s almost impressive. Your father’s sperm must have been incredibly weak to have produced something like you. I suppose all the stronger ones died along the way, and somehow, the most useless one made it through."

"..."

"But then again, considering your mother, I suppose it makes sense. She must have been quite the generous woman, spreading her legs for just about any man who could stand. I imagine she had so many abortions that by the time you came along, her body had completely given up on producing anything decent. And now here you are, a pathetic little boy surrounded by equally pathetic, insecure fools, pretending to be some kind of king because your daddy happens to be important. Haa... just looking at you makes me sick. You’re genuinely disgusting."

With that, Zephyrion turned on his heel and began walking away.

"Do yourself a favor and get lost. And while you’re at it, keep your filth as far away from me as possible."

Lasner and the other bullies could only stare after him as he walked farther into the forest, utterly speechless.

A moment later, one of the bullies hesitantly turned towards Lasner.

"L-Lord...?"

Only to freeze.

Lasner was trembling uncontrollably, his entire face flushed a furious shade of red.

"I-I’m going to kill him... I swear on my ancestors, I’m going to fucking kill that bastard!"

With a furious roar, Lasner shot up from his seat, the air around him rippling violently. A moment later, he stormed after Zephyrion, heading deeper into the forest, with the other bullies hesitantly following behind.