RBCT Chapter 314: A little longer
Chapter 314: A little longer
Asgor watched as Nina moved closer and closer to the hidden mechanism controlling the water curtain, and a sharp tension instantly twisted around his chest like a tightening coil.
But not a trace of it showed on his face.
He suppressed the anxiety surging inside him and deliberately let impatience seep into his voice.
"If you want to trade, then hurry up."
He stretched out his hand again, the gesture appearing calm and casual, though a faint urgency flickered deep within his dark eyes.
From the corner of his vision, he never stopped watching Nina. Every small movement she made pulled at his nerves. He was terrified that she might accidentally open the barrier before the contract was fully completed.
"I can give it to you," Lex said quietly, his voice low and restrained, "but you must agree to one condition first. Give me three days... no, seven more days."
He wanted a little more time with Nina.
Just a little longer to stay by her side properly. A little longer to look at her without regret. A little longer to say goodbye.
Because perhaps... After this, there would never again be a chance for him to stand before her as he once had.
Asgor agreed almost instantly.
"Fine." Then he urged coldly, impatience sharpening every syllable. "Quickly."
To him, seven days were insignificant. He could afford to wait.
Lex blinked slightly, surprise flashing across his face. For some reason, it suddenly felt as though he had asked for far too little.
He almost wanted to ask for more time, but before the words could leave his mouth, Asgor abruptly snapped, "Are you trading or not? If not, I’m leaving."
As he spoke, he turned as though genuinely preparing to walk away. Only he knew that his palms were already damp with sweat.
Seeing this, Lex hurriedly stopped him.
"Alright."
He still wanted to help Nina.
Slowly, Lex curled his fingers tightly into his palms. His gaze settled on Nina one final time, lingering over her face as though he wanted to engrave every expression, every detail, deep into his memory.
Then, without another word, he sliced open his fingertip. A bead of crimson blood welled instantly at the cut.
He lifted his hand toward Asgor’s waiting palm.
Asgor’s heartbeat pounded violently against his ribs, so loud it almost drowned out every other sound around him.
Every step Nina took felt like it was trampling directly across his nerves.
And Lex’s movements felt unbearably slow.
At that same moment, Nina suddenly noticed that one of the stones near the wall looked slightly different from the others.
The color was darker. The edges were smoother, as though countless fingers had touched it over the years.
Curiosity flickered in her eyes as she stepped closer and lightly pressed her fingertips against it.
To her surprise, the stone shifted beneath her touch.
Her eyes lit up immediately.
Without the slightest hesitation, she raised her hand, preparing to press it down completely.
Asgor’s heart nearly leapt into his throat. Inside his mind, panic was already screaming wildly.
Faster.
Hurry!
Just a little faster!
Then finally, at the very last second, a single drop of blood fell into his palm.
The contract was complete.
The instant the contract formed, Asgor immediately activated the hidden mechanism with his witchcraft.
At almost the exact same moment, Nina pressed down on the concealed switch.
The black water curtain rippled violently before dissolving into nothingness. In an instant, the hidden space behind it was fully revealed.
At the center stood a coral platform glowing faintly beneath the dim light, and resting atop it was a crystal scepter so beautiful it almost seemed unreal. Pale blue light flowed through the transparent crystal like liquid moonlight, casting shimmering reflections across the surrounding walls.
Asgor quietly let out a breath of relief.
He had almost failed.
A contract only became effective after the agreed condition had been fulfilled. If Nina had opened the passage first, the trade would have meant nothing at all.
His gaze drifted toward her, irritation flickering in his eyes.
What exactly was wrong with this female? How could her luck possibly be so outrageous?
She had practically wandered around aimlessly, yet somehow managed to discover the hidden switch.
That mechanism had been concealed among countless stones, tiny and nearly impossible to notice unless someone searched inch by inch. So how had she found it so easily?
Asgor could not understand it, but now that the contract was complete, it no longer mattered.
Standing nearby, he watched everything unfold with unconcealed mockery in his eyes.
Because there was still one thing beyond his control––the sacred artifact itself.
Lex lightly touched Asgor’s shoulder.
"The deal is done," he reminded him quietly. "Let me go to her."
Asgor gave a cold, disdainful laugh. "Fine."
What a foolish male. Even now, all he cared about was that female.
Still, Asgor had already obtained everything he wanted. Granting him this small favor meant nothing.
With a casual wave of his hand, the invisible barrier vanished soundlessly into the air.
At last, Lex was free to approach Nina again.
Joy immediately flashed across his face as he hurried toward her.
But the moment he opened his mouth to call her name, he suddenly remembered what his voice sounded like now.
His expression twitched. The excitement in his eyes dimmed almost instantly. He silently closed his mouth again.
Nina turned in surprise when she noticed him.
"Lex? When did you get here?"
He had appeared so suddenly that it startled her. She could have sworn there had been no one else inside the hall only moments earlier.
Lex pointed quietly toward his throat.
He wanted to explain, but he could not speak.
"Does your throat hurt?" Nina asked instinctively.
Lex nodded. He did not want her hearing the state of his ruined voice.
"Alright then," Nina replied softly, though faint confusion flickered across her eyes.
For some reason, Lex acted... distant. But she did not have time to think too deeply about it. Right now, the sacred artifact mattered far more.
She carefully approached the coral platform, her steps cautious and deliberate. Her eyes swept across the surrounding area as she checked for hidden traps or additional mechanisms.
After confirming that nothing reacted, she slowly reached toward the crystal scepter.
Before her fingers could touch it, Lex quickly grabbed her wrist to stop her.
Nina blinked in surprise and looked back at him.
Lex pointed toward himself.
Let me do it.
Before Nina could say anything, he had already extended his hand toward the crystal scepter. The instant his fingers neared it, a terrifying force exploded outward.
Bang!
Lex was violently thrown backward as though struck by an invisible wave of power. He staggered several steps before barely managing to steady himself.
A deep frown immediately formed between his brows.
Why could he not take it?
Asgor let out a mocking laugh from nearby.
"It’s useless. You cannot take the sacred artifact away."
Nina instantly turned toward the unfamiliar voice.
Only then did she finally notice the mysterious man standing behind Lex.
The male figure was wrapped entirely in black robes from head to toe, his appearance hidden beneath layers of dark fabric that made him seem almost like a shadow standing within the hall.
"Who are you?" Nina asked warily.
"I am the guardian of the sacred artifact," Asgor replied calmly.
Nina narrowed her eyes. "And why do you say we can’t take it?"
Asgor’s gaze shifted toward the crystal scepter resting silently atop the coral pedestal. The pale blue light reflecting in his eyes made his expression appear even more mysterious.
"Because only the artifact’s true master can claim it," he said slowly.
"If it does not acknowledge you... No one can take it."