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The Nightmare Cult's followers were scattered throughout the Clinton Empire.

In Southwind City, the capital of the Southern Territory, they naturally had more than just one base.

Luca's destination this time, Moonlit Tavern, was one of their hidden strongholds.

The carriage rolled through the streets, passing by the Mages' Association along the way.

Luca suddenly remembered an unfinished task he'd accepted earlier but hadn't had the time to complete.

He asked the driver to stop briefly so he could step inside the Association.

To Luca's surprise, when he spoke to the receptionist.

She informed him that his task completion rate was still one hundred percent.

After a few questions.

He learned that it was none other than Floren Koch, the Association's president, who had cleared the task on his behalf.

Evidently, word had spread that his mentor was none other than Lucia Elizabeth.

"Guess it really does pay to have connections," Luca mused to himself.

If it had been an ordinary player, they'd be lucky if the Mages' Association didn't blacklist them.

Let alone clear their record.

With the task matter settled, Luca got back into the carriage.

Soon enough, he arrived at Moonlit Tavern in the Noble District.

This upscale establishment was frequented by patrons in luxurious attire, carrying themselves with a refined air that set them apart from the rough adventurers found in the city's seedier locales.

He pushed open the glass doors and stepped inside.

Soft, golden light bathed the spotless floors, reflecting a faint glow, and the leather booths and tables were arranged with polished precision. Servers and bunny girls, carrying trays, wove smoothly among the guests.

A gentle violin melody drifted through the air, blending with the subtle aromas of fine spirits and the refreshing scent of invigorating herbs.

Compared to the cramped, noisy taverns of the Outer District—overwhelmed with the smells of booze, sweat, and unwashed feet—this place felt like an entirely different world.

Though Luca could appreciate the high-end ambiance, he realized he still preferred the lively chaos of a crowded tavern.

Upon entering, a bunny girl with a lovely face approached him with a warm smile.

"Good evening, sir. Can I get you something?"

"A booth and a vodka on the rocks," Luca replied casually, his gaze sweeping the room. He noticed a number of people watching him discreetly.

His expression didn't change; he acted as if he hadn't noticed them at all.

"Of course, sir. Please follow me," the bunny girl replied with a smile, leading Luca through the tavern's passageways to a secluded booth. She then turned and walked to the bar to fetch his drink.

Watching her graceful figure sway as she left.

Luca's gaze lingered briefly on her soft, twitching bunny ears and the small tail swaying at her back.

It wasn't that he had any particular interest.

But he could tell her bunny ears and tail were real.

On the Eternal Continent, humans weren't the only intelligent race.

Elves, orcs, goblins, and giants all existed, though they were rarer within the Clinton Empire. If one traveled to other nations, they'd see a greater variety of intelligent species in this world.

In a previous life, while on a mission, Luca had visited the Sea God Nation in the Chaotic Star Sea.

There, he encountered a race that left a lasting impression.

What made them unforgettable was the sheer variety—humans with fish tails as well as fish-headed beings with human bodies, something that left a deep mark on the younger Luca…

"Your vodka, sir." The bunny girl returned, her hips swaying.

She placed the glass of vodka with ice in front of him, a slice of lemon adorning the rim.

Leaning close, her eyes gleamed as she asked, "Does the gentleman require any other services? Our tavern is here to fulfill any need."

As she spoke, she purposefully arched her chest forward, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of pale, inviting curves.

A typical guest might've been completely enchanted by now.

Caught in her carefully crafted charm trap, they'd readily part with their coin, unable to resist.

But Luca, seasoned as he was, wasn't so easily swayed.

With a flick of his fingers, he pulled out a gold coin from his storage ring and sent it flying.

Ding!

The coin made a sharp sound as it hit its mark.

Nestling in the bunny girl's cleavage.

"Oh, you charmer!" she teased with a playful pout, her face lighting up with a grin as she leaned even closer, pressing herself lightly against him, letting him feel her warmth through the small gap.

While the tavern's girls didn't offer themselves in that way, if they found a guest to their liking…

Especially one as young, handsome, and generous as Luca, they weren't entirely averse to a little more.

But Luca wasn't fazed; he was used to this. He got straight to the point: "Where's Tia?"

At the mention of this name, the bunny girl's smile froze.

Her eyes darted over him, searching.

Her forced smile barely masking her shock. "Sir… I'm not sure I know who you're referring to…"

As one of the Nightmare Cult's high elders, Tia was Clinton's most wanted criminal.

Especially after the incident at Riverfall City, countless people across the Southern Territory were hunting for her.

If word got out about Tia's whereabouts, this place would be surrounded within an hour.

The young man took a sip of his drink, calmly introducing himself, "I'm Luca."

The bunny girl's eyes widened, and she shot to her feet.

"L-Lord… Lord!" she stammered.

Utterly taken aback, her voice too loud for discretion.

Several patrons in the tavern turned their heads, glancing over with peculiar expressions.

These young folks sure played interesting games nowadays.

The members of The Nightmare Cult, however, froze momentarily, then snapped their gazes to Luca, eyes burning with fervent admiration.

The Lord himself had arrived?!

Realizing her slip, the bunny girl quickly clamped a hand over her mouth.

She try to regain her composure. She settled back down beside Luca, whispering with barely contained excitement, "I'm sorry… It's just… my first time meeting you, Lord, and I couldn't help myself…"

Her reaction was understandable. Under Tia's influence and brainwashing, all members of The Nightmare Cult knew that, aside from Jormungandr, their Dreamweaver deity, there was another supreme figure—a Lord who also wielded Dreamweaving powers.

And this Lord, even revered by Jormungandr himself, was a being of unparalleled greatness.

To the cultists of The Nightmare Cult, Luca was now akin to a creator.

"Take me to her." Luca's voice was steady as he downed the vodka, the fiery liquid sliding down his throat without so much as a flicker of expression. Strong spirits like this had long been little more than refreshments to him in his previous life.

"Lady Tia is on the second floor. I'll take you to her immediately," the bunny girl whispered, her face alight with excitement.

The thought of being the one to personally escort the Lord, even having had such close contact, filled her with a sense of triumph.

She'd definitely be boasting about this with those other wenches later tonight!

Luca rose and, following her lead, made his way past the guards stationed by the staircase, ascending to the second floor of Moonlit Tavern.

The décor on the second floor was even more luxurious than below. Crystal chandeliers emitted a warm, golden glow, casting opulence throughout. Shelves lined the walls, displaying an impressive array of fine liquors.

The spacious floor held only a few custom-made sofas scattered across the center, with a four-legged phonograph in one corner, a golden petal-like speaker releasing a gentle melody.

But it wasn't vinyl records playing; instead, the music came from a phonograph gemstone.

The second floor felt more like a private club than a tavern.

Luca's eyes shifted to the bar area, where a woman in a sleek black gown was mixing drinks. Her striking purple hair was tied back, revealing her refined features and alabaster neck.

Her usual snake-shaped earrings had been swapped for sapphire drop earrings, gleaming under the crystal lights.

Sensing someone's approach, she didn't look up, merely saying in a cool tone, "I've made it clear, no one is allowed on the second floor without my permission."

The bunny girl seemed about to explain something.

But Luca waved her off, signaling her to leave.

With a reluctant glance, she finally departed.

Luca then walked slowly toward the bar.

Watching Tia as she carefully mixed a cocktail.

He studied her.

Noting a certain change in her appearance.

She seemed a bit less sultry and more refined, exuding a mature and intellectual aura.

Perhaps it had something to do with her sister, Mira.

Sensing Luca's unwavering gaze, Tia's brow furrowed even more.

Her expression growing cold.

She paused in her movements, her voice icy. "You'd better give me a reason not to…"

But she stopped mid-sentence, her eyes widening in shock.

As she recognized Luca's familiar smirk.

Realizing her mistake, Tia dropped to one knee, flustered. "I apologize, my Lord… I didn't realize it was you…"

"How's the investigation I assigned to you?" Luca asked nonchalantly, picking up the cocktail she'd mixed and taking a sip. The taste was bold and strong, just to his liking.

Tia immediately responded, "It's still ongoing, but we've uncovered some things.

"Our people discovered that the Mora family has been making quite a few moves recently.

"They've summoned all their family members back and bought a large number of slaves in the Outer District."

Luca set down his glass, frowning. "What's the purpose of suddenly buying so many slaves?"

The Clinton Empire didn't prohibit slave trade, and Southwind City was no exception.

However, established families usually had a controlled, fixed number of slaves who were specifically trained, so it was rare to see any drastic increases.

For the Mora family to suddenly purchase such a large number of slaves—well, Luca wasn't buying the idea that there was no hidden agenda.

After a moment's hesitation, Tia continued, "It seems they're using them as labor. Besides purchasing slaves, they've also bought a large meat processing plant in the Outer District, and the slaves are being sent there.

"But there's something strange about this factory. I specifically sent people to investigate, but none of them came back.

"It's as if anyone who enters the factory… simply disappears into thin air."