Halochassis

Stonehill District was renowned as the playground of the wealthy elite. Only those with overflowing coffers could enjoy everything it had to offer, from exclusive private clubs and perfectly trimmed golf courses to luxurious gyms, lavish theaters, and sprawling shopping malls that displayed the finest goods money could buy. Marble streets gleamed beneath enchanted streetlamps, while elegant fountains filled the air with the soothing sound of flowing water. Every corner of the district radiated wealth, making even first-time visitors feel as though they had stepped into an entirely different world.

The district was named after Garruk Stonehill, the legendary dwarf who had overseen its construction after the fall of the Demon King. Together with his brilliant dwarven craftsmen, Garruk transformed what had once been empty land into the richest district in the Empyrea. Massive stone buildings stood as monuments to dwarven engineering, their walls decorated with intricate carvings and veins of polished gemstones that sparkled beneath the sunlight. Every structure reflected Garruk’s obsession with perfection and profit.

After the war, Garruk devoted himself not to rebuilding lives, but to expanding his fortune. As one of the celebrated Celestial Wardens who had saved the world, his fame alone attracted nobles, merchants, and investors eager to do business with him. Wealth poured into his vaults faster than he could spend it, allowing him to purchase entire neighborhoods and establish businesses across the kingdom. It did not take long before his name became synonymous with unimaginable riches.

The once rugged dwarf now looked more like a walking treasury than a hero. Thick golden necklaces rested heavily around his neck, while glittering diamonds adorned his ears and wrists. His long braided beard had been woven with golden beads and jeweled ornaments that chimed softly whenever he moved. Every finger wore a different ring set with precious gemstones, and even the buckles on his polished boots were crafted from solid gold. The scent of expensive perfume barely masked the smell of metal and coin that seemed to follow him everywhere.

Stonehill District was infamous for another reason that many nobles preferred not to discuss in public. Hidden behind its glamorous façade was the empire’s most profitable red-light quarter, where Garruk exploited women who had fallen into crushing debt. They were forced to work until every coin they supposedly owed had been repaid. 

Those fortunate enough to earn sufficient money were eventually released, but those who failed to satisfy Garruk’s impossible expectations faced relentless punishment. Behind the brightly lit streets and cheerful music lay hallways filled with muffled sobs, fear, and despair.

Deep within one of his luxurious mansions, Garruk stood in a private punishment chamber with a leather whip tightly gripped in his hand. The room smelled of candle wax, polished wood, and fresh blood. Before him knelt a dark elf dressed in revealing clothing, her trembling body already covered with bruises and fading scars. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she struggled to remain upright.

”Take this!”

The sharp crack of the whip echoed through the chamber like a thunderclap.

”Kyaaaah!”

The dark elf cried out in agony, instinctively wrapping her arms around herself as another burning stripe appeared across her back. Her breathing became ragged, and her knees shook violently against the cold stone floor. Fresh tears blurred her vision while her scarred body trembled uncontrollably.

”You stupid dark elf!” Garruk roared, his face twisting with rage. ”I shouldn’t have picked you off the streets! What will my rich friends say when they find out you spilled a glass of wine on the duke? Huh!?”

Without waiting for an answer, he lashed the whip again. The leather sliced through the air with a violent hiss before striking her shoulder. The impact echoed throughout the room, followed immediately by another painful scream.

”Please stop, Master!” the dark elf begged between sobs. ”I’m sorry... I’ll never make the same mistake again!”

Before Garruk could raise the whip once more, the heavy wooden doors creaked open. A slim vampire attendant stepped quietly into the chamber, carefully avoiding the spreading stains on the floor. Unlike the others, his calm expression never changed, as though scenes like this had become part of his daily routine.

”The VIP has arrived, Master,” the attendant said with a respectful bow.

The fury on Garruk’s face vanished almost instantly, replaced by the polished smile of a refined businessman. He tossed the whip to another servant before accepting a warm towel from a nearby attendant. Slowly, he wiped the blood from his hands as though cleaning away nothing more than dust.

”Heal this girl until not a single scar remains,” Garruk ordered coldly. ”Then dress her in something cute. She’ll be working overtime tonight.”

”Yes, Master.”

Several attendants hurried toward the trembling dark elf. Two carefully helped her stand while another immediately began chanting healing magic. A warm emerald light enveloped her battered body, sealing open wounds and erasing bruises one by one. Although her injuries disappeared, the fear in her eyes remained untouched, and her trembling refused to stop.

Meanwhile, Garruk disappeared into his private dressing room. He removed his bloodstained torture garments and replaced them with an immaculate black tuxedo tailored from the finest fabric. He carefully waxed his beard until every braid shone brilliantly beneath the light before combing back his hair. Finally, he sprayed himself with an expensive perfume whose sweet floral fragrance completely concealed the metallic scent of blood that had clung to him only moments before.

When Garruk stepped outside, it was as though he had become a completely different man. The grand entertainment hall blazed with colorful magical lights that danced across the polished marble floor. A live band filled the air with energetic music while laughter, conversation, and clinking wine glasses blended into one continuous celebration. The aroma of roasted meat, expensive wine, and sweet desserts drifted through the crowded venue, tempting every guest who passed by.

The ballroom was packed with wealthy nobles and influential merchants dressed in extravagant clothing. Dukes laughed as they danced with beautifully dressed women, while servants carried silver trays overflowing with fine wine and delicacies from every corner of the empire. Gold coins changed hands as effortlessly as conversation, and every smile reminded Garruk that another fortune was flowing into his pockets. Watching the endless luxury unfold before him, the dwarf could only grin. Tonight promised to be another night where wealth rained upon Stonehill District, and he intended to collect every last coin.

Garruk followed his attendant through a series of richly decorated hallways, their polished marble floors reflecting the warm glow of crystal chandeliers overhead. The muffled sounds of laughter and lively music from the ballroom gradually faded behind the thick wooden doors, replaced by the quiet elegance reserved for his most important guests. After climbing a short staircase guarded by armed servants, they finally arrived at the exclusive VIP lounge.

Inside, two young men were already waiting on a luxurious velvet sofa. A polished mahogany table between them held crystal glasses and an unopened bottle of expensive wine. One was a handsome blond man wearing neatly pressed formal attire and a pair of round spectacles that gave him the appearance of a refined intellectual. The other had dark hair and carried himself with the composed confidence of someone who observed more than he spoke. The moment Garruk laid eyes on the blond visitor, recognition flashed across his face.

”Oh, if it isn’t the finest magical engineer in Empyrea.” Garruk spread his arms before extending one hand with a broad smile. ”It’s been far too long, Engineer Aether Nox.”

”Likewise, Master Garruk.” Aether returned the handshake with a polite smile, his grip firm but respectful. ”Business has kept both of us rather busy.”

He turned toward his companion and gestured with an open palm.

”This is my associate, Scholar Shin Rebellium.”

”It’s an honor to meet you, Sir.” Shin stood and offered his hand.

Garruk clasped it with a surprisingly powerful grip, the heavy golden rings on his fingers pressing against Shin’s skin. Despite his cheerful smile, the dwarf’s sharp eyes silently measured every detail about the young scholar, as though estimating his worth before a single word was exchanged.

”A pleasure to meet a scholar from the Librarium,” Garruk said before motioning toward the sofa. ”Please, sit.”

The three settled into the soft leather seats, which sank comfortably beneath their weight. Servants immediately appeared with silver trays carrying wine, fruit, and expensive snacks before quietly stepping back to the walls.

”So,” Garruk said with a grin as he leaned comfortably against the sofa, ”what can I offer the two of you? Perhaps you’d like some female companionship to accompany the drinks?”

”Ah, no.” Aether politely shook his head. ”I’m married.”

”And I already have a girlfriend,” Shin added with an equally calm smile.

”Hahaha!”

Garruk burst into loud laughter that echoed throughout the room, sounding more like a barking dog struggling for breath than genuine amusement. He slapped one knee repeatedly while wiping a tear from the corner of his eye.

”You youngsters worry too much,” he chuckled. ”Life is short. A little cheating won’t kill either of you.”

Shin merely returned a polite grin.

It definitely would, he thought.

If Lireina, the Untouchable Windwalker, ever caught him being unfaithful, death would likely be the least of his concerns. He wisely kept that thought to himself.

Aether gently cleared his throat, steering the conversation back to business.

”We’re actually here on official business, Master Stonehill.”

The laughter immediately disappeared from Garruk’s face. His relaxed smile became one of careful interest as he rested both elbows on his knees.

”I’m listening.”

Instead of answering immediately, Shin calmly snapped his fingers.

The shadows in one corner of the room rippled unnaturally before a young woman slowly stepped into the light. She had short pink hair that framed her delicate face, while metal shackles bound both of her wrists together with thick chains. Though her clothing was worn and suggested she had been treated as merchandise rather than a person, her posture remained proud. Even in silence, she refused to lower her head.

Garruk let out a low whistle as he examined her from head to toe.

”Well... now that’s quite the beauty.”

Shin maintained a composed expression.

”We’re planning to sell this woman to you. She’s twenty years old, has never been sold before, and was originally intended for a private auction on the black market. However, Engineer Aether informed me that you have a reputation for paying premium prices.”

Garruk slowly rose from his seat.

His expensive boots clicked softly across the polished floor as he stopped directly before the young woman. Tilting her chin upward with one thick finger, he carefully studied her face.

Instead of fear, he found himself staring into eyes burning with undisguised hatred.

Her glare was sharp enough to cut steel, filled with disgust and defiance that refused to bend despite the chains around her wrists.

A grin spread across Garruk’s face.

”The way you’re looking at me...” he said with an amused chuckle as he stroked his braided beard. ”As if I’m filth beneath your feet.”

His grin widened.

”I like that. What is your name, girl?”

She remained completely silent.

Not even a flinch.

For several long seconds, the room fell quiet except for the distant music drifting in from the ballroom.

Garruk eventually shrugged before releasing her chin. He scratched absentmindedly at his waist, then returned to his seat as though her silence made no difference to him.

”Very well.” He leaned back comfortably against the sofa. ”How much?”

Aether opened his mouth.

”Two—”

Before he could finish, he caught Shin giving an almost imperceptible shake of his head.

Without missing another beat, Aether smoothly corrected himself.

”Five thousand gold coins.”

”Deal.”

Garruk answered without the slightest hesitation, as though five thousand gold coins meant nothing to him. Instead of reaching for a money pouch or calling for one of his accountants, he casually pulled an ornate pipe from the pocket of his tuxedo. The bowl was already packed with dried herbs, and with a snap of his fingers, a tiny flame flickered to life. He lit the pipe, took a slow drag, and leaned back into the sofa as fragrant smoke drifted lazily through the room.

”Just like that?” Aether asked, raising an eyebrow.

”Yeah, just like that.” Garruk exhaled a thick cloud of smoke toward the ceiling. ”You two can leave now.”

Aether glanced around the room before looking back at the dwarf.

”...Where’s the money?”

Garruk chuckled, the corners of his lips curling into a smug grin.

”This is a consignment operation. I’ll pay you after she’s earned back her value.”

For a brief moment, the room fell silent.

Aether pinched the bridge of his nose and let out a long, frustrated sigh.

”Seriously? That’s unbelievably one-sided.” His voice carried obvious irritation. ”I was under the impression you’d be paying in gold upfront.”

”This is how I conduct business, kid.” Garruk took another leisurely puff from his pipe, completely unfazed by the complaint. The sweet, earthy scent of the smoke spread throughout the lounge as he lazily waved one hand toward the door. ”Now, ta-ta. Off you go.”

Aether clenched his jaw.

He had heard countless stories about Garruk Stonehill over the years. Beneath the polished image of a wealthy entrepreneur was a crime lord who manipulated contracts, cheated business partners, and twisted every deal in his own favor. People only tolerated him because his wealth and influence reached every corner of Stonehill District. Even so, Aether had hoped there would at least be a token payment to make the transaction appear legitimate.

Instead, Garruk had no intention of paying a single coin.

Shin quietly rose from his seat before lightly patting Aether on the shoulder.

”Let’s go,” he whispered.

Aether reluctantly nodded.

Without another word, the two men walked toward the exit. Neither looked back at the chained young woman standing motionless in the middle of the room. The heavy wooden door closed behind them with a solid thud, leaving Garruk alone with his newest ”purchase.”

For only a few seconds, silence filled the lounge.

Then the door burst open again.

”Master! Master!”

One of Garruk’s attendants stumbled inside, nearly tripping over his own feet. His pale face was drenched in sweat, and his breathing was so frantic that he struggled to form his words.

”The whole Stonehill District is burning!”

”What!?”

The pipe slipped from Garruk’s fingers and clattered onto the polished floor, scattering glowing embers across the carpet.

He shot to his feet and rushed toward the enormous windows overlooking the district. Throwing the velvet curtains aside with both hands, he froze.

The prosperous city he had spent decades building had become an ocean of fire.

Towering pillars of crimson flames swallowed elegant mansions, luxury hotels, and grand shopping centers alike. Thick black smoke billowed into the night sky, blotting out the stars as countless embers drifted through the air like fiery snow. Glass windows shattered from the intense heat, and the distant cries of panicked civilians echoed throughout the district. The once-beautiful streets were now illuminated by roaring infernos instead of enchanted lamps.

The smell of burning timber, melting stone, and scorched metal reached even the VIP lounge.

Garruk’s eyes widened in disbelief.

”My buildings...”

His voice trembled.

The magnificent district he and his fellow dwarves had proudly constructed after the Demon King’s defeat was collapsing before his very eyes.

”What the fuck!?” he roared, veins bulging across his forehead. ”Who did this!?”

Before anyone could answer, Garruk felt a faint breath brush against his ear.

His body instantly stiffened.

At the same moment, something cold and razor-sharp rested gently against the side of his neck.

A blade.

Its polished edge reflected the dancing flames outside the window.

Garruk had not heard a single footstep.

Not a single breath.

The chained pink-haired woman was somehow standing directly behind him.

The chains that had supposedly restrained her now hung silently at her feet.

Her once-passive expression had completely vanished, replaced by an icy gaze devoid of mercy. The warmth from the burning city contrasted sharply with the chilling killing intent radiating from her presence.

She leaned closer, her voice barely louder than a whisper.

”This...” 

The tip of the blade pressed lightly against his skin, drawing a thin line of blood.

”...is your retribution...”

Another ember drifted past the window as the district continued to burn.

”...for every woman you enslaved.”