CHAPTER 45: TRANSFORMATION

"Humans have more vitality and endurance, so I can’t do much there. Demi-Humans are different. With their assigned commands, they transform into new beasts," Han explained.

On the road to Steeferce City, he realized he needed more time to strengthen human bloodlines. He believed humanity’s power was locked deep within, since humanity was the source of Demi-Humans. He didn’t dwell on failures and instead focused on his latest discovery, True Names. He told Denver nothing about the exact process or how he evolved those Demi-Humans.

He only said he’d planted "commands" in them.

"Orcs are Greed, ogres are Strength, and trolls are Gluttony. When owners of their slave seals speak those commands, the slaves transform. It’s dangerous, since weak owners might temporarily lose ownership," Han explained.

He dissected bloodlines until he could make Evolution a temporary transformation. The temporary state amplified the effects and kept the process hidden from prying eyes.

He was proud of the work. Hanna nodded at every word, looking even prouder.

"Hehe, understood. I’ll tell Nevolnik. We should use those slaves in the Arena Pit. It’ll show people how excellent our goods are and entertain them. We can also bet on our slaves to make money. Are you interested, Han?" Denver asked.

"I am. I’ll see to it once I’ve settled in the Underworld and in Steeferce City. You just file the paperwork, speak with Nevolnik, and make the preparations. I’ll see you in a few days," Han said.

He turned, spread his wings, extended his horns, and whipped his tail against the floor. His draconic eyes were so cold they seemed to pierce bone, including Denver’s.

"All of you behave and do your best. Understood?" Han asked.

The slaves and Denver nodded profusely.

Han smiled and left the basement. Hanna and his pets followed him. Outside, the maids saw their master return and lined up in two neat rows. Even without clear business or backing in the Underworld, he already came across as someone with the influence and cruelty to operate here.

"We’ll find a good place here. Spread out and look for facilities for sale while I walk the thoroughfare."

"As you wish," Hanna and the other maids chorused.

Naturally, Hanna remained at his side while the other maids hurried off to search for the best facility for their master’s business. Some even checked their unique newspapers for listings in the Steel Fortress branch.

Han was amused to see all of them working so hard. Deep inside, he appreciated all their efforts.

It was then that he realized he didn’t have a mask. It would be good to match the customs of this world before the group spread its wings.

"Denver!" Han shouted.

Denver hurried out like a butler. "Yes?"

"Give me some Underworld masks. I want a bat-like mask that covers the upper half. For Hanna, a fluffy mask with black fur, and for Bellatrix... well, she doesn’t need one, and neither does Xena now, but if you have any bitch or dog mask that won’t remind people of the Hounds, feel free."

"Huh?! Han, you fucker!" Xena jumped and flipped him off.

Denver nodded. "I’ll see to it! Give me a few seconds!"

"What bitch mask, huh?" Xena rasped.

"True, you already have a bitch face," Han said, nodding.

A vein throbbed at Xena’s temple. She started to lunge, but the collar at her neck tightened at the thought. It did the same for every other move, except one. She lunged at Han and bit into his neck.

She chewed at his flesh, whimpering softly.

"You’re such a good pet," Han said with a smirk.

Xena bit deeper until blood trickled down Han’s skin.

I see, you’re a masochist as well! As well? No way I just admitted—

Xena barked and bit deeper into Han.

—

"We couldn’t find any facilities for sale in the Underworld’s thoroughfare, Master," an old maid reported as soon as she rejoined Han and the others.

Like the others, she had found a mask for herself.

"But we’re still searching," she added.

Hanna nodded, and so did Han.

"It’s fine," he said. "We can get a place close to the thoroughfare as well."

"Is it because of Nevolnik and the other Dark Families?" Hanna asked.

The maid nodded. "Yes. It’s too difficult to buy something without connections."

"Fair," Han said.

He continued along the Underworld’s main street. Businesses catered to Dark Practitioners and their vices: brothels, slaves, illegal resources and spells, and more. Han had looked over much of what was for sale.

"There aren’t many clinics here. I should be able to run an underground clinic with Bellatrix. Her holy spells will be suspicious, but if we find a way to cover her essence, that’ll be a jackpot for all of us."

"Admirable idea, Master," Hanna commented.

Behind them, the maid who had joined their stroll looked at Xena’s mask. "Nice puppy mask, bitch."

"At least I got a mask from Han while you had to fetch one for yourself like a real dog. I bet you’ll be the last one to regain your youth and turn into a dragon. Stay old, grandpa whore."

Han whistled. Xena won this one.

His reaction made the maid glare at Xena, eyes flashing.

Xena smirked and relished the victory.

While the two had their moment, Han met another maid, who told him about a facility for sale on the next street, though it was expensive. Han didn’t mind the price as long as it met his conditions. When he arrived and saw the two-story house with a large backyard and a basement, he knew he would buy it.

"Two hundred gold coins," the owner said.

Han’s eye twitched. I know the currency of this world, and that’s an absurd amount of money, you old fuck. Even with my allowance from Tenaxis, I’d need a year of savings for that. I need to borrow from the maids. They said it’s all mine, but I still have to pay them and let them get what they want.

Han clicked his tongue. "Fine."