As the last cultist's figure disappeared unwillingly behind the warped curtain of light, only Yu Xing and Aiven remained in the filthy basement.
The sickly green candlelight seemed to flicker even more weakly after the commotion, stretching their shadows across the grimy walls, now long, now short. Aiven slowly turned around, his gaze beneath the hood like a tangible force, fixed firmly on Yu Xing.
The ruthless scene of him carving out a bone without hesitation had clearly left a deep impression on Aiven.
"What an... unexpected deal, Mr. Yu Xing." Aiven's voice broke the silence, deliberately lowered and hoarse, tinged with curiosity and barely suppressed desire. "You're more decisive than I imagined. But are you really willing to trade something so important for a single rotten lantern?"
He took a step closer, trying to make out something from beneath the shadow covering Yu Xing's face.
"If I'm proving my sincerity, then I naturally have to offer something of sufficient value." Yu Xing's voice came through the fabric, flat and emotionless, with no trace of pain or agitation. "Isn't this the kind of 'pledge of allegiance' Mr. Aiven wanted?"
Aiven chuckled. His laughter sounded somewhat out of place in the empty basement. With no one else around, he reached up and removed his hood, revealing slightly disheveled hair and a pale, gloomy face.
"You're right. That 'sincerity' was substantial enough—and certainly made an impression." He changed tack, his curiosity growing more pronounced. "But what interests me more is the way you gave it up. The bone carried no ordinary curse. It didn't even resemble any kind of corruption I know. Yet it was inside your body. Would you be willing to tell me where it came from?"
"Was it an inheritance you acquired in some ancient ruin? Or some kind