Lucas was able to pull off what he did not because he still retained the skills of the Medical Sage, making him a barely qualified surgeon, but more importantly because, having butchered fish since childhood, he was remarkably skilled at handling bodies.
That forceful shove that sent Hanayama Kenji crashing to the ground was actually the trigger to start the timer on the bomb implanted inside him. From that moment on, Lucas was mentally counting down the seconds—from when he was knocked down until Hanayama Genichiro carried his son away.
The timing had to be within ten seconds; any longer, and Lucas himself would be caught in the blast.
Still, he had underestimated Hanayama Genichiro's strength, especially that move, the "Undying Slash." For any mortal, it was a peak-level technique—no one knew how Hanayama had come to master such a terrifying skill.
But Lucas likely wouldn't live long enough to find out. After receiving the strike, he felt his body grow colder and colder—signs of massive blood loss. This run in the simulator might end in a premature death before victory.
Then, suddenly, footsteps echoed outside. A slender figure burst in, but Lucas' vision blurred. The only clear detail was the silver ponytail cutting a streak of salvation through his hazy sight.
That was the last thing he saw before losing consciousness.
...
He wasn't sure how long passed before he slowly opened his eyes in searing pain.
A gentle, elegant fragrance washed over him. He realized he was lying in a quiet, secluded room.
"Big brother!"
He saw Kunikuzushi, lying exhausted at his bedside. Upon seeing him awake, she immediately opened her eyes, beaming, "I told you, you're not going to die that easily!"
"Did I… really survive?" Lucas turned to see his reflection in a mirror. His entire body was wrapped in bandages like a mummy—even his face was wrapped in several layers.
"That's right! Kamisato Ayaka got Inazuma's best doctor to treat you!" Kunikuzushi nodded eagerly. "They used so many precious herbs to barely keep you alive."
Only then did Lucas vaguely remember what happened before losing consciousness.
That woman who burst into the ruined temple was none other than Kamisato Ayaka!
"How is this possible?" Lucas immediately felt something was wrong. "How did she find us?"
"Well... I tipped her off in advance," Kunikuzushi scratched the back of her head, sticking out her tongue. "Before we left, I forged a note in your handwriting and sent it to the Tenryou Commission saying I was kidnapped by the Inagawa-kai gang and held in a ruined temple outside the city, asking for help."
"Why didn't you tell me this earlier?" Lucas frowned. "If anything went wrong, not only would we be exposed, but Kamisato Ayaka might be dragged into it. If something happened to her, we'd all be finished!"
"Do you have the right to say that?" Kunikuzushi snorted coldly. "You didn't tell me beforehand about your suicidal plan either. If I hadn't told Ayaka first, you'd be dead!"
"I…"
Lucas started to reply, but the door suddenly opened. Kamisato Ayaka stepped in. Seeing Lucas awake, the shadow on her face lifted slightly, as if relieved. "You're okay. That's good."
"Thank you so much for saving me," Lucas said hurriedly. "Otherwise, I'd probably be dead."
"There's no need for formalities between us," Ayaka smiled warmly. "Besides, you still owe me a favor. How could I just watch you die?"
Hearing this, Kunikuzushi's expression shifted slightly. Though fiery, she was never rude, so she said nothing.
"As for the medical expenses…"
Before Lucas could finish, Ayaka shook her head. "Don't worry. The doctor is our Kamisato family physician. As for the herbs, they were just sitting around unused. If not used, they would have expired."
Truly, Kamisato Ayaka embodied the highest art of giving: grateful without making anyone uncomfortable.
Those who cling to favors and keep reminding others usually don't have happy endings.
Suddenly, Lucas seemed to recall something and cautiously asked, "By the way, what happened to the Hanayamas?"
"This case is very strange," Ayaka frowned. "At the scene, we only found the broken corpses of Hanayama Genichiro and Hanayama Kenji, so there's little useful information. We also detected traces of gunpowder. The Tenryou Commission is investigating further. But…"
Here her brows knit angrily. "Kunikuzushi was kidnapped—something so important—why didn't you tell me earlier, or come to me directly so I could send help? When I saw that note, I rushed out without even putting on my shoes. Sigh… If big brother knew I acted so rashly, he'd surely scold me."
"Sorry…" Lucas had already thought of an explanation when Kunikuzushi told him the story. He looked helpless. "I didn't want to involve the Kamisato family, so I tried to handle it myself."
"Do you still think of me as 'Kamisato's Lady Ayaka'?" Ayaka's eyes softened with a hint of sadness. "I hope you can see me as an independent person."
Lucas was momentarily speechless. Luckily, a knock at the door broke the brief silence.
"Lord Kujou Takayuki is here."
The door opened and a stern-looking middle-aged man stepped in. Ayaka bowed her head slightly. "Ayaka greets Uncle Kujou."
"No need for formalities," Kujou Takayuki's gaze swept over everyone in the room, finally resting on Lucas. He narrowed his eyes and said gravely, "I want to ask some questions about the Hanayama father and son case."
A flicker of concern passed through Kamisato Ayaka's eyes. "Lucas is still seriously injured. Perhaps—"
"It's fine," Lucas smiled calmly. "Lord Kujou is so busy with official duties but still took time to see someone like me. I can't let him come all this way for nothing."
Kujou Takayuki nodded without a word. "Please, the two of you, step outside for a moment."
Kunikuzushi seemed about to protest, but Ayaka gently held her wrist, nodding. "Since that's the case, we'll wait outside."
Once they left the room, the stern expression on Kujou's face softened into a faint smile. "I didn't expect you to actually pull it off."
"To be honest, I didn't expect to survive either," Lucas forced a small smile. "So, this pawn who seemed like a lost cause… does he have the right to return to the board now?"
"You've always been on the board," Kujou said lightly. "In shogi, even the seemingly weakest 'pawn,' if played right, can turn the tide."
"So…" Lucas asked, "how do you intend to handle the deaths of the Hanayama father and son?"
"To be frank, I'm very curious how you managed to blow them both up together," Kujou sneered. "From what I know of Hanayama Genichiro, that old fox isn't just strong—he's more alert than most. The only reasonable explanation is that the explosives were implanted inside Hanayama Kenji beforehand."
Lucas's eyes flickered. The man constantly called others old foxes, yet he himself was the craftiest—able to deduce the situation just by looking at two bodies torn to pieces.
"That was a last resort," Lucas nodded. "I was gambling on whether Hanayama Genichiro still had a shred of fatherly love."
In truth, Lucas guessed wrong. Genichiro didn't care about his worthless son; he only took him along to keep a promise. As for Lucas himself, he did keep his promise—not having "personally" killed Hanayama Kenji.
"Luck is also a part of strength, and for people like you, luck might be the most important part," Kujou said indifferently. "The Tenryou Commission will fabricate a report claiming that Hanayama Kenji attempted a coup, staged his own kidnapping, and tried to bomb his father, but due to a mistake, both died… Using explosives was clever—it saved a lot of trouble covering up evidence."
"Since i've fulfilled my part," Lucas seized the moment and cut to the chase, "let's discuss our prior agreement."
"Don't worry. I, Kujou Takayuki, keep my word. Since you dealt with Hanayama Genichiro, I will honor your conditions," Kujou nodded. "With the Inagawa-kai clan leaderless, this is a prime opportunity for the Kunikuzushi group to take over. I'll open some back doors for you. How far you go depends on your own skill."
Lucas inwardly scoffed. In the end, Kujou Takayuki never intended to give real help—it was always up to him to seize power by himself.
Still, such "help" was already quite something. He bowed his head. "I will not disappoint your expectations, Lord Kujou, nor forget this favor."
"You're smart, but too much intelligence isn't always good," Kujou stared into Lucas' eyes, voice grave. "As someone who's been through it, here's my advice: never forget who you are. The world never forgets. Hanayama Genichiro had much you could learn from, but if you become him, he will become your fate."
Kujou's words were both warning and counsel.
The underworld is forever hidden, seen only as dogs and swine to these high-ranking nobles—tools to be used and discarded. Any sign of rebellion will be crushed without mercy.
"Oh, and here's a little gift for you," Kujou pulled a token from his waist and placed it on the bedside table. "If you ever need me urgently, just flash this. It's a privilege not everyone has."
With that, he left the room.
Lucas picked up the token, noting the familiar yet strange engraving at its center.
His heart skipped a beat as he pulled from his own belongings a pendant he'd carried for years—taken from a "pirate" when his father was killed.
Though many years had passed, it still gleamed like new, thanks to constant care.
The patterns on both tokens matched perfectly.
"Farewell, Lord Kujou," Lucas tightened his grip on the token and wore a casual smile. "If you ever visit the outlying islands, please allow me to properly entertain you. Though the village I live in is quite remote—you probably haven't been there."
"The outlying islands… I once went there in my youth, about a decade ago," Kujou paused at the door, recalling something distant. "At that time, to prove my worth and claim the headship of the Kujou family, I went undercover with a pirate group near the islands and eventually made a great achievement."
"Impressive, Lord Kujou," Lucas restrained his emotions and continued, "those pirates caused much suffering and death. You truly did a great deed."
"To earn their trust, my blade took some civilians as well," Kujou remarked casually. "But their deaths were not in vain. To become my stepping stones—that was their honor."
Suddenly, Kujou realized something wasn't quite right. "Seeing you reminds me of my younger self, and I spoke too much. But you're a smart man…"
"Rest assured, these matters," Lucas forced a smile, "will remain between us."
One unique feature of the simulator was its ability to generate a certain level of "empathy" with the characters inside it.
Even though the vendetta for his father's death was just a cold string of words in text mode, Lucas still felt the same intense hatred deep in his heart.
At this moment, a new goal was taking shape in Lucas's soul—not only would he make the Kunikuzushi group the largest underworld organization in Inazuma, but he would also make Kujou Takayuki pay for his deeds.
[Exiting Immersive Mode]
[Entering Text Mode]
[Task Completed: Protect Kunikuzushi]
[Skill Reward Earned: Ultimate Technique — Undying Slash]
[Ultimate Technique — Undying Slash]
[Rank: A]
[Effect: Releases black-and-red miasma from the Undying Slash, sweeping enemies with a long-range razor blade]
[Description: Draws and swings a blade that never fully leaves the sheath. Said to kill even the undead, but the user suffers backlash damage.]
Damn... Sekiro style.
It seemed this time's reward was a stolen move from Hanayama Genichiro. Although Lucas had collected numerous secret techniques over time, more skills could never hurt.
Also, while real-world abilities couldn't be used in the simulator, rewards earned here were usable. Maybe this flashy technique would come in handy someday.
[Age 25: After the fall of the Inagawa-kai's leader, chaos soon followed due to leaderless infighting. The gang weakened from internal power struggles, losing influence. Worse, without the Tenryou Commission's protection, the Inagawa-kai's territories started being eaten away by rival groups.]
[The Kunikuzushi group, secretly supported by the Tenryou Commission, entered Inazuma's power sphere. Taking advantage of the Inagawa-kai's collapse, they successfully claimed a seat at the table during the great reshuffle.]
[Age 26: After a series of maneuvers, the Kunikuzushi group absorbed the remaining Inagawa-kai forces and captured its largest asset—the Yoshiwara Flower District. This district was the center of Inazuma's nightlife, with "Platinum Han" nightclub as the largest and most influential venue, once run by Hanayama Genichiro. Now, it naturally belonged to you, filling your coffers.]
[Age 27: Through years of hard-fought struggle, you learned one truth—being in the underworld means living in shadows. To survive here, you need the protection of predators. But you refuse to be a mere lackey for the nobles and officials, so you began secretly plotting your own plans.]
[You renovated Platinum Han, transforming it into a classy high-end club tailored to Inazuma's officials and nobles. Catering to their tastes, you offered selective bribes. You're not afraid of their rank—only of their interests.]
[You installed surveillance cameras to record their bribery, keeping leverage over them, ensuring they stay in line.]
[Age 28: In just two years, you completely replaced the Inagawa-kai with the Kunikuzushi group. Behind the scenes, you are the mysterious King of the Flower District, the Emperor of Yoshiwara. Publicly, you are a self-made seafood merchant who expanded your shops from the outlying islands to Inazuma City. You also boosted your image by actively participating in charity, even donating to an orphanage.]
[You manage both black and white markets with ease. Even the Guild of Merchants and the Kanjo Commission are deeply infiltrated by you, smoothing your legitimate business.]
[Age 29: The Tenryou Commission is your protective umbrella, and the Kanjo Commission is your ally, but the Yashiro Commission remains independent—your only current concern. Most importantly, you do not want Kamisato Ayaka to know your true identity.]
[Indeed, your identity is well hidden. Except for a few trusted people, no one knows that the Kunikuzushi group's real boss is you. Kamisato Ayaka herself believes you to be a kind-hearted, down-to-earth businessman, and your relationship with her has always been a mix of pure and subtly ambiguous.]
[This is not wishful thinking on your part. Ayaka is slightly younger, and for nobles like the Kamisato family, she's considered an "old maid." Yet she has never married, and her older brother, Kamisato Ayato, the current head of the Kamisato clan, has never pressured her about it.]
[Now, your status matches that of the Kamisato heiress. She once hinted that her brother is open-minded and wouldn't mind that you're not aristocracy. But you avoid this topic for a simple reason—if you marry Ayaka, you can't hide your secret. Given her personality, she would never put personal feelings above duty if she found out your true nature.]
[Of course, you've never married. Though many have proposed, you always declined, saying your focus is on your career. You've never felt lonely because Kunikuzushi's "little sister," Kunikuzushi herself, has always been by your side—day and night.]
[As she said before, she enjoys the taboo love between siblings, so she never intended to publicize your relationship. Even in public or behind closed doors, she always calls you "big brother."]
[Besides Kunikuzushi and Kamisato Ayaka, there's another woman who unwittingly entered your life—Sara. Her adoptive father sent her to you as your "swordsmanship instructor." Of course, you know Kujou Takayuki's true intention is to foster a bond between you and Sara, so that if you marry her, he can better control you.]
[After all, Sara is only his adopted daughter. Even if she were his biological daughter, if it served his goals, he wouldn't hesitate to use her as a pawn.]
[Fortunately, Sara doesn't seem to like you and limits her contact to teaching you sword techniques. In this, she is remarkably diligent.]
[Actually, given your status, you no longer need to keep improving your martial skills. But that battle with Hanayama Genichiro deeply made you realize the importance of power, so you have studied diligently. Although Sara doesn't seem to like you much, she still acknowledges you as a decent student.]
[On the other hand, Kujou Takayuki has told you more than once—more like ordered you—to minimize contact with the Kamisato family. You suspect this is because the Tenryou Commission and the Yashiro Commission are at odds politically, and Kujou Takayuki wants you to keep your distance from Kamisato Ayaka.]
[Age 30: Yet you find it hard to let go of Kamisato Ayaka. Once a month, you have a small gathering—sometimes tea, sometimes just chatting. These are rare moments when your tense nerves can relax. But this month, Ayaka was unusually absent. She only sent a servant with a simple note saying that something important came up at home and she had to handle it.]
[You know Ayaka always values your meetings. She wouldn't cancel unless it was truly urgent. Sensing something was wrong, you used the Kunikuzushi group's connections to investigate what was happening in the Kamisato household.]
[Unexpectedly, you received shocking intelligence: the Kamisato family has been secretly contacting the rebels on the Watatsumi Island. Ayaka and her brother were at the Komore Teahouse discussing important matters with the rebel general Gorou.]
[This is a major piece of intelligence. Surprisingly, Kujou Takayuki also got wind of it. For him, this info means he can instantly bring down the Kamisato family, whom he sees as a thorn in his side.]
[Because he fears your relationship with Kamisato Ayaka, Kujou Takayuki hasn't told you his plans. But you guess this ruthless man won't delay much longer.]
[You could choose to stay put and watch, but the Kamisato family will almost certainly be reported and punished severely for conspiring with enemies and covering it up. If you warn Ayaka secretly, you risk exposing yourself—and if Kujou Takayuki finds out you betrayed him, he won't spare you.]
[After careful thought, you decide:]
[1. Wait and see]
[2. Warn secretly]
Lucas barely hesitated and chose the second option.
Even if it meant being the villain, he had his principles. He couldn't just stand by if Ayaka, who had saved him multiple times, was in danger.
[So, you immediately sent a message to Kamisato Ayaka, asking her to meet at your usual gathering place.]
[Entering Immersive Mode]
"Hey, what are you spacing out for?"
A gentle, intellectual voice immediately pulled Lucas back to consciousness.
Before him stood a woman who looked about twenty-seven or twenty-eight—none other than Kamisato Ayaka. Unlike her youthful days, her silver hair now flowed freely instead of tied back, and her delicate frameless glasses perfectly highlighted her refined aura.
Seeing Lucas snap out of his daze, she smiled faintly and said, "You said you wanted to meet because there's something important to tell me?"
"Yes… yes." Lucas smiled awkwardly. "But I… haven't quite figured out how to say it yet…"
"Could it be…" Ayaka's eyes revealed a hint of girlish shyness, "something hard to say?"
Lucas nodded silently.
If he informed Ayaka of the truth, with her intelligence and quick wit, she would instantly realize something was off about him.
"Then let me guess," Ayaka said softly. "I'll count to three, and then we both say what's on our minds."
Before Lucas could speak, Ayaka had already begun counting down—
"Three, two, one…"
"I like you."
"Please leave immediately!"
The atmosphere froze.
Ayaka's shy smile vanished, replaced by confusion, then caution. Her brows furrowed as she whispered, "What did you say?"
"Please… you and your family must leave Inazuma City at once," Lucas said slowly and clearly. "The Kamisato family's collusion with the rebels has been exposed to Kujou Takayuki. He could report it to the Raiden Shogun at any time. When that happens, you and your brother will have no way out but death."
As soon as the words left his mouth, a silver flash swept through the air—a sharp blade landed against Lucas's neck.
Ayaka held her katana coldly, eyes icy. "How did you know about this?"
"There's no time to explain now," Lucas said without fear. "Do you think I want to harm you? Since I came to warn you, I've already put life and death aside. Even if you kill me, I won't regret it."
Ayaka, having feelings for Lucas, softened slightly at his words. But she didn't lower her weapon and pressed on, "Answer me—why do you know all this?"
"Because I… I am the true mastermind behind the Kunikuzushi group," Lucas finally revealed his true identity. "The Tenryou Commission has always been my shield. That's how I got this information."
Hearing this, Ayaka's face first showed shock, then a sad smile appeared—fragile and pitiful.
"In fact, I had already suspected this possibility," she said seriously, locking eyes with him. "My brother hinted at it before, but I refused to believe."
"I have one last question," she continued. "Did you come to me because you like me... or because I'm the Kamisato heiress?"
Clearly, Ayaka was beginning to doubt whether Lucas's intentions were purely personal or mixed with ulterior motives.
"I liked you from the moment I first saw you fifteen years ago," Lucas said solemnly. "If I had other motives, why would I risk so much just to warn you?"
At those words, Kamisato Ayaka's hand suddenly went limp, and her katana clattered to the floor with a sharp sound.
"Go quickly," Lucas said again. "If you can escape to Watatsumi Island, maybe there's still a chance to survive."
"And what about you?" Ayaka asked calmly. "If my brother and I run away beforehand, Kujou Takayuki will eventually find out it was you who betrayed us."
"I can hold out," Lucas smiled wryly. "I've done a lot for Kujou Takayuki over the years. Out of respect, he probably won't punish me severely… at least, he'll spare my life."
Of course, these words were meant to comfort Ayaka. Lucas knew Kujou Takayuki's character well—he wouldn't tolerate any disobedient pieces on his chessboard. The last person who dared defy him ended up tossed into a concrete-filled barrel and thrown into the sea, alongside his own son.
"I can go," Ayaka said, fixing Lucas with a steady gaze. "But you have to promise me one thing."
"Of course!" Lucas nodded quickly. "Anything!"
"Go with us," Ayaka said. "More precisely… run away with me. Are you willing?"
Lucas hesitated for a moment, then shook his head. "If I were still the fishmonger from over ten years ago, I'd agree without hesitation. But now… I can't just abandon the Kunikuzushi group."
Ayaka seemed to have expected his answer. She smiled faintly. "I knew you'd say that. You can't let go of the Kunikuzushi group, just as I can't let go of the Kamisato family. If my brother and I run off, others will definitely be implicated."
At this, Ayaka took a severed finger from a scented pouch she carried. Honestly, the sight was a bit eerie—but Lucas recognized it as the fake finger he once used as a prosthetic.
It was ironic. Although Lucas, head of the Kunikuzushi group, almost never appeared in public, and when he did, he always wore a mask to cover his face, his body couldn't be hidden. Once, his hand was accidentally exposed, revealing his missing pinky finger. The story spread quickly.
Unexpectedly, because Lucas had many admirers, the missing finger wasn't seen as a flaw—instead, many underworld members began imitating him, with some even going so far as to sever their own pinkies to prove their loyalty and gain entry into the Kunikuzushi group.
Ayaka held the severed finger up to Lucas, furrowing her brows slightly. "You said that if I used this finger, you'd grant me one wish. Does that still hold?"
Lucas hesitated briefly but finally nodded.
"Don't worry, I won't wish for you to run away with me," Ayaka said with a soft smile, carefully tucking the finger away. "It's just… I doubt I'll get to make any more wishes."
With that, she turned to leave. Lucas raised a hand to stop her, but looking at her resolute back, he lowered it again. He knew nothing he said could change her mind.
"That sword is yours now," Ayaka said without looking back. "Consider it a keepsake."
——
That night, Lucas returned home but couldn't sleep a wink. It wasn't until dawn that his spies delivered the latest intelligence.
The Yashiro Commission and the Watatsumi Island rebels launched a joint surprise attack on the Shogunate, only to be ambushed by the prepared Tenryou Commission and nearly wiped out. Kamisato Ayato and rebel general Gorou died on the spot; Kamisato Ayaka was captured.
As expected, knowing their plot was exposed, the Kamisato family had to act early.
The arrow was already on the bowstring—there was no turning back. Unfortunately, it was a doomed rebellion from the start.
Lucas knew about this just hours earlier than most. Soon after, news of the failed rebellion spread like wildfire across Inazuma's streets, becoming headline news.
The Shogunate quickly issued an official statement outlining the incident: The Kamisato family allegedly plotted a coup and allied with the rebels to overthrow the regime, but the Raiden Shogun's divine might effortlessly crushed these traitors.
Of course, this was just a sanitized version. Everyone knew the Kamisato family had taken a desperate gamble to oppose the notorious Vision Hunt Order, and no one dared speak in their favor.
The verdict on the Kamisato family was swift.
All their property was confiscated, and anyone connected to them suffered consequences.
For Kamisato Ayaka, the Shogunate's final decision was even harsher—not execution, but a cruel punishment of soul-crushing servitude: she was to be publicly auctioned off as a slave.
The uproar caused by this was even greater than the rebellion itself.
After all, Ayaka was the renowned "Heron Princess," an unattainable highborn flower in the eyes of countless Inazuma men—their goddess in dreams.
Yet now, she was reduced to an "auction item." Whoever bought her could claim her as their personal possession, to do with as they pleased.
Hearing this news, Lucas couldn't help but curse the Raiden Shogun silently. Although this might not have been her direct idea, it was certainly tacitly approved by her.
This was an utter disgrace, trampling on the Kamisato family's centuries of honor and reputation. If Ayaka truly was sold off, the Kamisato family would become the laughingstock of all.
"Hey, idiot brother, what are you spacing out for?"
Lucas's thoughts were abruptly interrupted by an urgent voice. He snapped back to reality and saw Kunikuzushi standing before him, holding the auction notice for Kamisato Ayaka.
"Hurry up and get ready!"
Like Ayaka, Kunikuzushi had changed a lot, though his playful personality remained. Aside from a more mature face, he seemed much the same.
Lucas shook his head, murmuring, "Get… ready for what?"
"Of course to buy Kamisato Ayaka!" Kunikuzushi shoved the notice into Lucas's face, clearly annoyed. "You've liked her for so long—are you really going to watch her get sold to some other man?"
"Why didn't I think of this earlier!"
Lucas suddenly realized, laughing, "Why don't I just buy her myself!"
"Tsk, tsk, look at you all excited," Kunikuzushi raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me you're already itching to bring Kamisato Ayaka home and enjoy her for yourself."
"Don't say nonsense…" Lucas's face flushed red. "Kamisato Ayaka has helped us siblings before. If it weren't for her, we'd probably still be selling fish in that tiny fishing village on Watatsumi Island."
"Alright, alright, I've heard that one so many times my ears are about to get calluses," Kunikuzushi poked his ear impatiently. "If you've got the guts, then buy her back and put your money where your mouth is."
"Ahem! Ahem!" Lucas quickly cleared his throat. "Now's not the time for jokes. Go prepare the cash. No matter how much it costs, I have to win this auction!"
The Kunikuzushi group had been operating in Inazuma City for years and had already taken nearly eighty percent of the revenue from the Yoshiwara Pleasure Quarter. They had accumulated a considerable fortune—not exactly a kingdom's wealth, but enough to be considered powerful in the region.
Still, the liquid capital ready for immediate use wasn't much, and given Kamisato Ayaka's influence in Inazuma, the price to buy her was sure to be astronomical.
The auction would take place in two days, and in that time, Lucas pulled every string and scrounged every coin he could gather.
Auction day arrived.
Without a doubt, since the auction house opened over a decade ago, today was the liveliest, most crowded day ever. The reason was simple: the star of this auction was a treasure coveted by countless people—in fact, countless men—Kamisato Ayaka herself.
One of the auction's rules was that to protect bidders' privacy, participants were allowed to wear masks.
After all, everyone had their own reasons for wanting to buy Kamisato Ayaka. Some simply wanted to flaunt the fact that they owned the woman who countless men dreamed of. These people had no need to hide their identities and even hoped everyone knew their prize.
Others just wanted to keep Kamisato Ayaka as their own secret possession. To avoid unnecessary trouble, they preferred to conceal their identities.
Lucas didn't quite fit either category, but he still wore a fox mask and hid in the shadows of the auction hall.
To be honest, Lucas had never attended an auction before. His entire understanding of auctions came from all sorts of inconsistent internet novels, where protagonists would casually throw rare elixirs or magic treasures onto the block, watching powerful figures react with awe and blindly bid higher as if faced with some naive country bumpkin.
But being here in person for the first time was a very different feeling.
The earlier auction items felt like mere warm-ups, because everyone knew the true star was the Kamisato heiress who would be the final item presented. Compared to her, all the other exotic treasures seemed as worthless as old shoes—utterly unappealing.
"Next up is the final item," the female auctioneer smiled, clearly teasing the crowd. "I believe you've all been waiting patiently. Here we have the Kamisato family's heiress who recently rebelled against the Shogun but was captured—Kamisato Ayaka!"
At the words, everyone craned their necks toward the center of the stage, where a silver-haired woman stood, her hands bound behind her back, supported by two attendants. Though dressed simply, nothing could hide her incomparable beauty.
"She not only carries the legitimate bloodline of the Kamisato family but is also refined and skilled in the Six Arts," the auctioneer remarked as if appraising merchandise, "And of course, she's top-tier in both looks and figure—and, importantly, still unwed and untouched."
At this, a wave of lecherous laughter rippled through the audience.
For Kamisato Ayaka, who had never endured such humiliation before, tears welled up in her eyes—but her strong spirit kept them from falling.
Not long ago, she was the exalted Kamisato heiress, but now she was a mere item to be bought and sold. The disparity was unbearable.
"The starting bid is… one Mora," the auctioneer smiled. "Let the bidding begin."
One Mora?
The crowd collectively blinked in disbelief but soon understood—it was the second insult to Kamisato Ayaka and the Kamisato family.
Even someone like Lucas, usually calm, clenched his fists. This was beyond disgusting.
Of course, no one truly believed she could be bought for just one Mora. Soon, the bidding voices rose from one Mora to fifty million Mora.
But this was just the beginning—sixty million, seventy million, one hundred million, one hundred twenty million…
Bidding quickly surpassed the one hundred million Mora mark, yet kept climbing with no sign of slowing.
That sum could easily buy a whole harem of slaves, but what attracted everyone wasn't just Kamisato Ayaka herself—it was the status she represented.
Only after the bidding exceeded three hundred million Mora did the pace slow down. Although Inazuma had many wealthy individuals, few were willing to risk their entire fortune on a single slave. This auction for Kamisato Ayaka was, in the end, just a game among the richest elites.
Finally, when the bid reached four hundred ten million Mora, no one raised their paddle further.
Lucas then announced his bid: "Five hundred million Mora."
All eyes turned to the fox-masked man in the corner. He raised his bidding paddle high—and it was clear he had only four fingers on that hand.
Kamisato Ayaka seemed to notice, too. Whether it was the missing pinky or the familiar voice, she recognized Lucas's identity.
"Five hundred million Mora, once. Five hundred million Mora, twice. Five hundred million Mora, thr—"
Just as the auctioneer was about to hammer the final gavel, a cold female voice suddenly rang out from somewhere:
"I bid one billion Mora."
One billion Mora?
If Lucas's five hundred million Mora bid was already unbelievable, then one billion Mora was downright outrageous.
All eyes immediately shifted from Lucas to the new bidder.
But the voice wasn't coming from the crowd—it came from the VIP box above. And the identity of the bidder shocked everyone—it was none other than the Raiden Shogun herself!
Even though Lucas had seen the Raiden Shogun multiple times in the simulator, he couldn't deny that every time she appeared, her imposing presence still shook him.
Everyone was dumbfounded.
The reason was simple: the proceeds from this auction naturally went to the Shogunate, meaning into the Raiden Shogun's own hands. Her bidding on Kamisato Ayaka felt like buying and selling herself—a move that, while legally sound, was practically pointless and just a show of power.
But soon, Lucas understood the Raiden Shogun's true motive.
After all, Kamisato Ayaka was a notorious traitor who must be severely punished. The Shogun's decision to place her in this auction was simply to use her identity to deeply humiliate the Kamisato family for their defiance.
Though a bit hard to swallow, it fit the Raiden Shogun's personality perfectly.
If anyone else did this, there would be plenty of complaints—but because it was the Raiden Shogun, the room fell silent, not a single person dared to speak.
Anyone trying to buy Kamisato Ayaka at this point would be openly challenging the Shogun.
Lucas clearly understood all this. He glanced once more at Kamisato Ayaka on stage—her clear eyes now drowned in despair.
"General... my lady!"
At that moment, Lucas suddenly stood up. "I, a humble citizen, have something to say!"
His boldness startled many. To openly demand a conversation with the Raiden Shogun was nothing short of sacrilege.
Yet, the Raiden Shogun didn't get angry. She merely glanced at the masked man and said calmly, "If you're dissatisfied, you're welcome to raise your bid."
Lucas thought: Why bother raising the bid? She's just buying herself. Ten billion Mora, even ten trillion, would be the same. Even if I invited Morax to help me make Mora, I wouldn't be able to afford that.
"How could I dare compete with the Shogun?" Lucas bowed his head. "I only want to ask: what does my lady intend to do with this wretched woman?"
The words "wretched woman" instantly drew many eyes.
After all, there were plenty without money, but few without gossip.
Even Kamisato Ayaka herself frowned slightly. If she didn't know Lucas so well, she might've believed his act.
The Raiden Shogun seemed intrigued and replied, "Kamisato Ayaka committed treason and deserves death. Do you have an objection?"
"Of course I do!" Lucas put on a fierce expression. "Simply letting her die would be too kind!"
"Oh?" The Raiden Shogun narrowed her eyes. "Do you have some grudge against the Kamisato family?"
"Don't laugh at me, my lady. I am the owner of the Platinum Han Nightclub in Yoshiwara, and I once courted this woman." Lucas pointed angrily at Kamisato Ayaka. "But that wretched woman trampled on my love and mocked me as a lowly commoner, unworthy of her as a highborn flower!"
"She's right," the Raiden Shogun said coldly. "So, tell me—do you want to buy her back to punish her, or to satisfy your own desires?"
"No, that would be too merciful," Lucas sneered. "I want to buy her, then send her to Yoshiwara to be the top courtesan, turning her from the lofty Kamisato heiress into the lowest of dancers. My lady, wouldn't such punishment be a hundred times crueler than death?"
The Raiden Shogun was momentarily speechless, seemingly hesitant.
Lucas seized the moment to add fuel to the fire. "Moreover, I'm willing to add another five hundred million Mora, payable in installments to the Shogunate. If you kill her yourself, you'll relieve your own grudge. But if you sell her to me, she'll be humiliated for life, and it will ease the Shogunate's financial burden. Isn't that killing two birds with one stone?"
"So…" The Raiden Shogun quietly said, "You spend one billion Mora just to get revenge on this woman?"
"Of course not. I'm a businessman; I don't do deals that lose money," Lucas shook his head. "I have plans to turn Kamisato Ayaka into a different kind of 'product' to make up my losses."
Everything Lucas said was just a stalling tactic. The most important thing now was to save Kamisato Ayaka's life from the Raiden Shogun's hands. What happened afterward was a problem for future Lucas.
The Raiden Shogun was silent again, whispered with someone beside her, then raised her voice: "Your proposal isn't without merit. But to prove your sincerity, you must agree to one condition."
Lucas's heart leapt, but his face remained calm as he nodded, "Of course, anything you ask."
"Remember your words," the Raiden Shogun said coldly. "If you break your promise, you will face the same fate as Kamisato Ayaka—under my blade. Kamisato Ayaka is yours now. You must stay with her tonight at Platinum Han and be ready for what comes next."
"Understood!"
With that, the Raiden Shogun turned and left. Lucas finally exhaled in relief.
He didn't know what demands she would make, but at least for now, Kamisato Ayaka's life was spared.
As for that one billion Mora…
It was just simulator money. He didn't mind spending it.
Besides, even if it were real, and he had to pay to save her, he wouldn't hesitate for a second.
...
Yoshiwara District, Platinum Han.
In the most luxurious private room, Kamisato Ayaka, freshly bathed, gazed out at the lively yet extravagant night scene, her expression tinged with a subtle sadness. She murmured, "If my brother knew I was in a place like this, he'd surely be furious… but alas, he no longer has the chance to know."
Though Kamisato Ayaka still carried herself with noble grace, Lucas could tell that the light had long since left her eyes.
"At least, if he knew you survived, he'd be happy," Lucas comforted her gently. "Being alive is more important than anything."
"Is this even living?" Kamisato Ayaka smiled bitterly. "Sold into Yoshiwara as a courtesan, my delicate arms shared by a thousand beds, my crimson lips tasted by countless men—I'd rather die than fall so low."
"You know I'd never let that happen," Lucas sighed. "What was said at the auction was just to appease the Raiden Shogun. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to protect you. Rest assured, I won't let anyone lay a finger on you."
"Don't think that by doing this, I'll thank you…" Kamisato Ayaka shot him a cold glance. "We're no longer on the same side."
It wasn't that Kamisato Ayaka was ungrateful—it was her unyielding principle. Lucas, as the hidden leader of the Kunuzikushi Group, was firmly on the opposing side.
"Believe whatever you want," Lucas shifted tone. "If you want to die, I won't stop you… unless you want to avenge your brother and your family."
At those words, a faint light flickered in Kamisato Ayaka's once-dim eyes. She whispered, "You say… avenge?"
"That's right," Lucas nodded. "You don't think I've been quietly working under the Tenryou Commission just to be their lapdog, do you? Your plans failed because of Kujo Takayuki's betrayal—and I... have a blood feud with Kujo Takayuki. Don't you want to kill him with your own hands, to avenge your brother?"
At that, Kamisato Ayaka instinctively clenched her fist.
She clearly remembered that fateful night of the assault—Kujo Takayuki led the Tenryou Commission's forces as the main attacker, personally slaying her exhausted brother Kamisato Ayato. Kujou Takayuki was the chief architect of the loyalist war.
Kamisato Ayaka's desire to die stemmed from losing all meaning to live, but now, a tiny spark had rekindled deep within her heart.
"Do you have a plan?" Kamisato Ayaka suddenly asked.
"I don't know… not yet," Lucas admitted honestly. "But trust me—I will find a way. If you die now, you'll never see that day."
"My father once told me before he died: suicide is an act of cowardice," Kamisato Ayaka took a deep breath. "My desire to die was just because I couldn't face my own weakness. So, I promise you, I will live—and I will serve you. But you must promise me this: no matter what… we must have our revenge."
"Of course," Lucas took her hand firmly, speaking with emphasis. "I will make Kujou Takayuki pay."
And so, two hearts that had long been kept apart by countless reasons, unable to be together, were now bound tightly by a new purpose.
Ding dong.
At that moment, the doorbell rang outside.
Lucas's heart skipped a beat. He knew well that whoever was outside was sent by the Raiden Shogun, coming to present a demand whose content he did not yet know.
He composed himself, then calmly opened the door—only to have the color drain from his face.
Because standing there was not one of the Shogun's aides, but the Raiden Shogun herself.
The Electro Archon of Inazuma, here—in a nightclub?
If anyone found out, it would surely be the headline of tomorrow's newspapers.
But the Raiden Shogun showed no intention of revealing her identity. She was dressed in men's clothes, her long silver hair tied in a ponytail, looking like a handsome noble swordsman.
"General…" Lucas started to speak.
But the Raiden Shogun pressed a folded fan against his mouth, expressionless. "If my identity is revealed, you will be the first I kill to silence."
Though Lucas had trained swordsmanship under Sara for some time, he was by no means a match for the Raiden Shogun—indeed, even the fully realized Lucas in reality might not be.
Not daring to be careless, Lucas peeked around and, seeing no one else nearby, closed the door and lowered his head. "Why have you come in person?"
"Inazuma is my country. I appear where I please. What's the problem?" The Raiden Shogun looked around with some curiosity, then fixed her gaze on Kamisato Ayaka. She stepped forward and said lightly, "Up close, she truly is a beauty. It would be a shame to simply execute her."
Kamisato Ayaka bowed her head slightly. "Before the General, I am but a flickering glow on decayed grass. How dare I rival the bright moon?"
"Hmph…" The Raiden Shogun lifted Kamisato Ayaka's chin with her fan and sneered, "The Kamisato clan is wiped out. Do you bear no hatred towards me?"
"The Kamisato family has always been loyal to you, General. Our rebellion was only meant as a loyal admonition," Kamisato Ayaka said calmly. "This outcome was anticipated by my brother. If it can awaken you, even the destruction of the Kamisato family is worth it."
"You and your father both like to say such lofty words," the Raiden Shogun said, unimpressed but not angry. "Mortals can never understand the eternal path I pursue."
She glanced at Lucas and said, "Since she has accepted her punishment, begin."
"Begin what?" Lucas's face showed confusion. "General, please explain clearly."
----