Chapter 34: Corruption Worshipper

"I’m August Carmedisa, head of the Awakened Association of Sanctis City," August briefly introduced himself.

"I’m sorry for not recognizing you, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Chairman," Daniel slightly bowed his head out of respect.

At the same time, he glanced around and checked the surroundings. When he saw Naya, his suspicions turned into certainty.

This girl was definitely one of the heirs of the Everlight Moon Guild—but right now, none of that mattered.

What did matter was—what exactly was he doing here?

"Daniel Noir, right? Do you know why you’re here?" August asked with a smile on his face while giving a quick side glance at Naya.

Naya’s expressions were a bit unclear, but it was obvious she wasn’t happy with Daniel being here—that only made August more curious about him.

He knew Naya. This girl didn’t get interested in people easily. So what was special about this boy?

He used his skill [World Eye] to take a look at Daniel and examine him, and what he saw surprised him.

He checked this boy’s data—it said he was a priest. So where was this power coming from that he felt in Daniel?

"No, Mr. Chairman, I just came today to register my new info and update my rank," Daniel replied innocently.

"You reached Rank E already?" Naya suddenly asked in surprise.

"Um, no? Actually, I reached Rank D."

"...."

"That’s impossible! The last time we met, you were just Rank F! How the hell did you get to Rank D so fast?" Naya thought for a moment maybe she had hearing issues.

Rank D? That made no sense—but on second thought, she shouldn’t expect anything less from someone whose blood is desired by one of the Spirit Queens.

With that thought, she calmed herself down.

"That’s exactly why he’s here. Your rank-up speed is weird, and you’re suspected of corruption worship," August interrupted and explained.

"Me? A corruption worshipper? Why? Just because I rank up a bit faster than others?" Daniel didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

He couldn’t believe that out of everything he’s done, he’s being interrogated because of fast rank-ups. Was this even legal?

"You need to understand, kid, that your speed is strange and looks just like how corruption worshippers level up."

"As tempting as it may be, I don’t like eating people," Daniel said with a flat and disgusted face. He didn’t like being labeled a corruption worshipper.

"...."

"Pff hahaha, well, seems like you’re not lying." August laughed after hearing Daniel’s words and used his skill to check—Daniel was telling the truth.

Corruption worshippers are Awakened who literally eat other Awakened. Using special techniques found in the Celestial Domain, they can gain the stats of those they eat.

August had suspected Daniel of this, but now he knew Daniel wasn’t a corruption worshipper—they stink of filth, and Daniel didn’t have that stench.

"Thank God, and thank you. So, can I go now?" Daniel asked.

"No, we still haven’t figured out the reason behind your fast rank-up, and I doubt you’re actually a priest."

"But Uncle, you just confirmed he’s not a corruption worshipper. You can’t just hold him here for no reason," Naya finally broke her silence.

"Calm down, girl. I’m not gonna eat him, alright? I just wanna make sure he didn’t register false info. Why are you so protective of him anyway? Don’t tell me you’re in love with him?" August teased her.

"You! That’s not true at all!" Naya’s pretty face turned as red as a beet.

Daniel looked at them confused, but inside, he sighed. Looks like his class name really was causing him problems.

"So, what exactly do you want me to do now, Mr. Chairman?" Daniel asked with a smile.

"It’s simple. Have you heard of the Colosseum Dungeon?"

"Who hasn’t? It’s a Green-Rank Dungeon that no one’s been able to clear for ten years."

"Right. Even though it’s only Green-Rank, with all the resources we’ve thrown at it, we still haven’t cleared it. It’s been a bit embarrassing. So, the day after tomorrow, a new team is going in to try clearing it. I want you to go as this city’s representative," August explained, making Daniel frown a little.

Naya wanted to say something to defend Daniel, but August gave her a stern look, making her stay quiet.

"That’s it?"

August nodded.

"Fine, but I’m not doing it for free," Daniel didn’t like being forced, but if there were benefits, he didn’t mind.

"You’re doing it in exchange for your freedom," August lazily said.

"Mr. Chairman, do you think I’m an idiot? Why does everyone think I’m an idiot? You really think you can just throw me in jail without proof just because you want to?" Daniel stepped forward and stood right in front of the desk.

"One step back. Even if you can put in jail because of all your achievements, power, and influence. But so what? Worst case, I go to jail for a few months or maybe two years for lying and submitting false info," he stared coldly at August.

Even though he knew his words might get him in trouble, he wasn’t gonna let an old man push him around.

Silence fell over the room. For a moment, even Naya could feel the temperature drop.

But quickly, everything returned to normal.

"Hahaha, now I see why you caught this girl’s attention... Hm, alright, kid, what do you want?"

"Now you’re talking, Mr. Chairman. A training room with the best equipment and tech, cash reward, and freedom to clear dungeons solo."

"No problem. But solo dungeon clearing? That’s not up to me. You’ll have to prove you can handle it."

"Understood," Daniel nodded.

August threw him a badge and told him to show up at the dungeon location the day after tomorrow. With that badge, he could enter with the team.

Daniel nodded again, and August said he could go.

"Why were you pretending to be some helpless girl needing help that day?" Daniel walked toward Naya instead of leaving, his eyes fixed on her.

"Huh?" Naya looked up, locking eyes with Daniel.

"I wasn’t pretending. You jumped in and saved me."

"I’d like to believe that," Daniel closed his eyes and replayed that day in his mind. "Your tone, your actions, even the words you used—they were all to get my attention, right?"

"You’re wrong—" Before she could finish, Daniel cut her off.

"You’re at least a Rank C, and clearly strong. So what was the goal?" Daniel released a brief killing intent—August frowned, but did nothing.

"This?" Daniel suddenly felt something itching his neck. Looking closely, it was a spider web.

The web was wrapped all around him, even like a blade at his throat—sharp enough that if it moved a bit closer, his head would’ve been cut off.

It was so transparent it was barely visible. How did he even notice it? Because blood was dripping from his neck.

At the same time, he noticed a beautiful white spider on his shoulder—when did it even get there? He hadn’t felt a thing.

"Sorry, that wasn’t on purpose," Naya looked at the spider, and it crawled back onto her shoulder. The webs burned away and disappeared.

"I learned what I wanted to know. Anyway, it was nice seeing you again," Daniel smiled and said goodbye.

"...."

He wanted to learn about Naya’s powers and goals, and luckily, his trap worked—it seemed she was either a Beast Tamer or a Spirit Summoner.

He just couldn’t understand why she was targeting him. Besides, he was sure their first meeting was just a few days ago at the Association.

’Maybe I’m just so damn attractive she fell in love at first sight?’

Daniel didn’t think much about it. Sooner or later, the girl would reveal her goal. And even if she didn’t, as long as she didn’t harm him or his family, he didn’t care.

He had more important things to do for now.

"Can we meet again sometime?" Naya suddenly asked before Daniel left the room.

"Well, why not?" Daniel smirked and walked out of the Chairman’s office.

Naya sighed and sat down. August was having a hard time holding back his laughter.

He felt like he was watching a drama—just didn’t know if he should tell that old man about it or not.