Chapter 323: Take Your Hands Off
"You nearly scared me to death..." William Merlin now feared neither Ross Merlin nor Saren Charlotte. After that cold laugh, he stood up directly: "Just because you say you're determined to win, you think you'll get it? Do you really think the Blackhorn Consortium belongs to your Charlotte Family?"
"William Merlin, do you think that just because we're on Blackhorn Consortium turf, I can't do anything to you? Let me tell you, I'm a Black Iron VIP here..." With that, Saren Charlotte waved his hand, and several subordinates immediately surrounded them...
To most people, Saren Charlotte's men just seemed unusually fierce, but to Leon and Ross Merlin—who had danced with death countless times—it was obvious at a glance: these were hardened, battle-tested warriors. Every one of them had survived life-and-death trials; killing was as routine for them as breathing...
"Enough, Saren Charlotte, you've made enough of a scene." Seeing a fight about to break out, Ross Merlin had no choice but to step forward.
No matter how much he disliked William Merlin, he was still a member of the Merlin Family. When did it become the Charlotte Family's turn to bully them?
Besides, with Saren Charlotte causing trouble here, how was he supposed to get Stan Watson's map from his distant cousin?
Originally, Ross Merlin thought that as a Fifth-Tier Mage, his intervention would be enough—even if Saren Charlotte was unwilling, he'd have to back off with his men.
Unfortunately, Ross Merlin forgot one thing...
He forgot that, despite earning a fearsome reputation from years of battle across many planes, he had rarely appeared in Auckland...
"And who are you to meddle in my business?" Before Ross Merlin could finish, Saren Charlotte shot back, "Kid, let me give you a word of advice—don't think clinging to William Merlin will let you act out in front of me. In Auckland, if you cross the Charlotte Family, life will get very difficult for you..."
"Pfft..." As soon as Saren Charlotte finished, William Merlin burst out laughing.
He didn't say anything, but the look he gave Ross Merlin was pure schadenfreude...
...Ross Merlin nearly exploded with rage...
One of the three prodigies of the Merlin Family, a Fifth-Tier Mage who possessed the Endless Spring, now mistaken for clinging to William Merlin for support? If word got out, people would laugh themselves silly.
If he could, Ross Merlin would love nothing more than to slap Saren Charlotte so hard his teeth flew out...
But that's not an option...
Ross Merlin hadn't forgotten—this was Blackhorn Consortium territory.
Both he and Saren Charlotte were Black Iron VIPs here. If a fight broke out, the Consortium would intervene—it's their rule, and not even his friendship with Richie could change that.
Ross Merlin held back, taking several deep breaths to suppress his fury. When he finally spoke, his voice was icy cold: "Fine. Fine, Saren Charlotte. I'll remember this..."
Heh, Auckland's so big—there are plenty of people who remember your young master Saren...' Saren Charlotte was completely dismissive. Then he pointed at Leon: 'And you, kid, don't think I don't know you're bidding for William Merlin. You'd better remember this: for every bid you make on the next few auction items, your young master Saren will slap you ten times. Bid twice, and you'll get twenty slaps...
Move your hand, you're blocking me..." Leon was focused on the auction list, uninterested in Saren Charlotte's antics. But Saren's outstretched hand blocked his view, making Leon frown instantly.
Only William Merlin noticed Leon's subtle reaction...
That idiot, of all people, he just had to provoke Leon. Serves him right if things go south... Of course, William Merlin wouldn't warn Saren Charlotte; he just enjoyed the show, eyes drifting toward the auction hall ceiling, acting like he had nothing to do with any of it...
Too bad Saren Charlotte had no idea he was heading straight for disaster...
Ha! Kid, you're pretty cocky, aren't you!
I'll say it again—move your hand. You're blocking me..." This time, Leon just raised his head a little, glancing at Saren Charlotte.
Damn it, you dare talk to your young master Saren like that!" Saren Charlotte had never been treated this way; he flew into a rage on the spot. "You lot, get him out of here! I want to see if, after I knock out all his teeth, he still acts so cocky!
Before Saren Charlotte finished speaking, his thuggish men lunged forward. These were battle-hardened warriors, most likely from the Charlotte family's own legion. You couldn't tell at first glance, but once they moved, their powerful battle aura erupted. The crowd immediately scattered—hell, these guys were nearly Swordmasters. One wrong move and someone could get hurt!
Ross Merlin saw what was happening and instantly conjured a ring of fire in his hand. But just as he was about to let it fly, he suddenly remembered—this was a golden opportunity to earn some favors...
So Ross Merlin held onto the ring of fire, stifling its release...
Then, Ross Merlin waited...
All he had to do now was wait for the conflict to erupt.
Ross Merlin knew Saren Charlotte's strength—a Fourth-Tier Swordmaster with several seasoned fighters backing him up. Even though his distant cousin was now a mage, he’d probably get the worst of it in the scuffle. All Ross had to do was wait for him to take the fall.
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Then he could step in and clean up the mess.
With such a big favor owed, how could his cousin refuse to hand over the map?
But Ross Merlin had no idea that William Merlin saw right through his little act—and was secretly mocking him for it...
William Merlin watched coldly from the sidelines, of course noticing the ring of fire in Ross's hand. With just a bit of thought, he could easily guess what Ross was scheming.
Thinks he's clever, but doesn't realize he's missing a golden opportunity...
To William Merlin, Ross Merlin’s move was the height of stupidity...
William Merlin knew his cousin all too well...
He was the sort who never owed anyone a favor. If Ross Merlin made a move before him, no matter the outcome, he’d earn a massive favor—and it was more than just a map. It could change his life...
Too bad Ross Merlin missed his chance...
Sure enough...
The moment Ross Merlin held back the ring of fire, the young mage who’d been sitting quietly suddenly moved. A serpent of flame shot out, curling through the air—several elite warriors, nearly Swordmaster level, screamed in agony...
In an instant, the smell of blood filled the auction hall...
Before anyone could even process what was happening, the elite warriors were already collapsing to the ground, clutching their wrists and howling in pain...
Only now did people finally see what had happened.
Every one of Saren Charlotte's men had their right hand burned by the fire serpent. Their hands were charred black, looking like burnt chunks of wood...
And it wasn’t over yet...
After burning several arms, the fire serpent didn’t vanish. Instead, it slithered up one of the men’s bodies and lunged straight for Saren Charlotte...
At that moment, Saren Charlotte was petrified with fear.
His face was as pale as paper. Though his right hand gripped the sword at his waist, it trembled so violently he couldn’t draw it, no matter how hard he tried...
He didn’t even react when the fire serpent reached him. He just kept stumbling backward, shaking uncontrollably. It took several seconds before he snapped out of it and let out a shrill scream: "Help! Help! Get this damn thing off me!"
For a moment, the entire auction hall fell silent.
Only Saren Charlotte’s screams echoed through the hall...
Everyone stared at Saren Charlotte, their eyes filled with a strange sympathy. A Fourth-Tier Swordmaster, considered outstanding among Auckland’s younger generation, destined for a prominent place in the Charlotte Family...
But now, the mighty Swordmaster had pissed himself over a fire serpent...
The fire serpent was coiled tightly around Saren Charlotte’s arm—the same arm that had blocked Leon’s view...
Even with battle aura for protection, the serpent’s power was beyond anyone’s imagination. Saren Charlotte’s aura only held out for a moment before fading...
"Guards... Guards!" Saren Charlotte stumbled back, suddenly remembering his Black Iron VIP status. "Damn it, where are the guards? I’m your Black Iron VIP! Blackhorn Consortium can’t treat me like this..."
Unfortunately, no one paid him any attention...