Chapter 149
Chapter 149
As Raven’s voice fell, a pale golden Starcard marked with the character for “Metal” appeared between her fingers, spinning in a slow, ominous arc.
The boy’s expression changed in an instant. “Three Starcards?” he said, his voice sharp with disbelief. “Who are you… really?”
He had done his research before arriving. In this world, Starcard wielders were already rare–nearly nonexistent, even among the most powerful families.
Owning two was almost unheard of. But three?
How was that possible?
As the shock spread across his face, the golden “Metal” card seamlessly merged with the two Starcards Raven had already summoned.
In the next instant, the vine spell that had once quieted suddenly surged to life again–only now, it was no longer ordinary. The vines gleamed with a metallic sheen, their surface covered in glinting barbed thorns. They twisted toward him with terrifying speed, like living chains forged in gold.
The boy instinctively lashed out, sword slicing through the air–but this time, his blade barely left a mark.
His breathing caught. That strike, which could have sliced boulders in two, hadn’t even done damage.
“I concede,” he said at once, without the slightest hesitation.
True, if he fought to the death, he might be able to drag her down with him. But she wasn’t his enemy. She was the one he’d hoped to recruit as a future ally–perhaps even a destined partner.
There was no need to push things to mutual destruction.
And yet, as he looked at her now, there wasn’t a trace of disdain left in his eyes.
Even at his current strength–just a fraction of his true power–he shouldn’t have been cornered by a girl from this so–called primitive world. But she had done exactly that.
There was no denying it: this girl was a once–in–a–million talent.
And with proper cultivation, she might even rival that one, the unparalleled genius fated to claim the ultimate seat.
A fire ignited in his gaze as he looked at her again, this time not with contempt, but with fervent desire.
But Raven, upon hearing his surrender, didn’t even blink. Her eyes were calm as ice as she said, “I already told you–I want you to choose how you die.”
He hesitated.
Then, slowly, a silver–purple tome materialized in his hand. The moment it appeared, Raven could feel the weight rolling off it–ancient, regal, and heavy as the stars themselves.
She didn’t need more than a second to know: this book was no ordinary artifact.
“Form a pact with me,” the boy said, holding the book out as if offering a prize. “And this book will be yours.”
His voice dripped with subtle enchantment, deliberately laced with something that tugged at the edges of temptation.
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Chapter 149
But Raven remained untouched, unmoved.
Her eyes simply narrowed as she asked, “What book is that?”
“The Star God’s Book,” he replied, his voice low and reverent. “An artifact passed down since the ancient age. There’s a prophecy–it’s said that whoever becomes its master is destined to rule over all worlds.”
Raven let out a soft chuckle. “Sounds impressive. What exactly does it do?”
“That,” he said with a slight smile, “I’ll tell you–after you become my partner.”
But under the weight of his expectant gaze, Raven merely tilted her head and gave a quiet, mirthless laugh.
“I’m not interested in forming a pact with a fox.”
The boy froze.
He’d hidden himself well–perfectly, he thought. So how had she seen through him?
Before he could demand an answer, her voice cut through the silence again, even colder than before.
“I’m not looking for a partner,” she said calmly. “But a pet… I might consider.”
His expression snapped from surprise to fury.
“You dare,” he growled. “Watch your mouth.”
In his world, even the most gifted of their kind wouldn’t qualify to shine his boots. He was descended from the divine, a being leagues above this low–tier realm. For him to even offer a pact to someone not yet qualified as a Starwielder was already a concession bordering on humiliation.
And now, she had the audacity to treat him like a stray dog?
But before his anger could fully ignite, a sudden pressure coiled around his throat–tight, unrelenting.
And in that instant, he realized he wasn’t the one in control anymore.
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