He had a mess of black, seaweed-like hair that had gone unkempt for so long it resembled a clump of dried grass, utterly devoid of luster.
Thick chains bound both his wrists and ankles. Whenever he moved, the iron links clashed with a dull sound.
Hertz looked at Xize Akar's powerful body with a hint of envy and wariness in his eyes. "Akar."
"It is time for you to devote yourself to the Lord."
"If you can complete God's task this time, you will earn your freedom."
Akar stood there in silence. Only after a long while did he raise his head, revealing a pair of sharp, wolf-like green eyes.
In a voice so hoarse it was barely recognizable, he said, "Heh? Freedom?"
"That's right." Hertz said, "I really don't know what you were thinking. Being favored by God should have been the greatest honor of your life, yet you dared to defy the divine and ended up like this."
"This time, it is fortunate that the bishop still remembered you and spoke on your behalf. As long as you bring back that Contract Anomalist named Wu and kill everyone else who stands in the way, you will receive the freedom you desire."
After a moment of silence, Akar asked, "Which one?"
Hertz took out Wu's photograph and files.
"Wu, a Contract Anomalist from the Aberration Association. His ability is divination, and he is suspected to be able to foresee the future. He is S-rank, but his abilities lean toward support, and his offensive power is limited."
"Akar, your strength is formidable. If you go all out, you will definitely be able to bring this diviner back to Headquarters."
Akar gave a cold laugh. "As if I can refuse?"
"It's good that you understand. A curse has already been placed