The Devil’s Cage

Ugh!

Lyn Amie hugged a tree on the green lawn as he vomited badly. He didn’t just throw up his breakfast, but almost vomited his dinner from last night and his gall juices too.

Eckart was patting Lyn Amie’s back while looking at Kieran, who was frowning with a slightly worried look.

It was just a little over two days with Kieran, but it was enough for Eckart, a smart person, to observe some details.

Kieran’s eyes were dull and his face was expressionless; those were not desirable traits, but Eckart knew those were the signs that showed Kieran was at his most reliable state, everything was within Kieran’s control.

But once Kieran showed other kinds of expressions, Eckart would have to take note.

He had to take notice of the progression of the situation and also whether he stepped on Kieran’s tail or not.

Eckart was sure Kieran wasn’t a tolerant person.

Taking revenge for the slightest grievance might sound a little over the top to describe him, but he would surely take revenge.

Kieran noticed Eckart’s gaze while he was in deep thought, but he didn’t care.

Kneeling bodies?

Three fingers?

Was it penance? Or some kind of ritual?

After Lyn Amie described the crime scene, Kieran was able to relate into more, but he was still lacking information.

Even though Lyn Amie tried his best to describe the scene, without looking at it with his own eyes, Kieran couldn’t tell whether it was purposely set up that way or if it had some other meaning behind it.

Of course, the limited information was still enough to handle the situation.

Since Kieran was able to sense Eckart’s gaze, it was natural that he could also sense others’, especially the malicious kind.

Kaomu, who looked like a giant walking bird because of his colorful feather coat, was walking over to Kieran. Beside him was Nuna, the lady wearing a singlet and hot pants with an extra layer of translucent fabric over her skin. She was also barefoot, making her look like a gypsy of sorts.

Both of them were walking side by side, but they were quite distinctive from each other.

When the two of them were in front of Kieran, Kaomu, whose eyes showed malicious intent, became fiercer while Nuna began sizing and judging, showing curiosity.

She had watched the scene with the reporters just now, and she had to admit that Kieran was really fast with his reactions.

Those hired thugs should have been the last straw to crush Kieran, but instead, Kieran used it to his advantage and messed up Kaomu’s plan.

Once she thought about how angry Kaomu was when he threw his feather coat on the ground, Nuna couldn’t help but smile.

What else was better than a hateful rival having a rough time?

When the rival messed with someone of the same profession that couldn’t be trifled with.

Nuna had decided not to involve herself in this. She smiled with crossed arms as she slowly drew herself a distance away from Kieran and Kaomu.

“You are 2567? Stop being cocky! The game has just begun—you messed with someone you shouldn’t have. They told me to send their regards,” Kaomu said viciously with a commanding presence.

“They?” Kieran frowned.

He wasn’t sure who the ‘they’ Kaomu was referring to, as it was too general, but Kaomu quickly narrowed the range for Kieran.

“The shamans from the studio! You little bastard who couldn’t follow rules, you will suffer our punishment! You just wait and see! I will take your glory away from you immediately!”

Kaomu then turned to the entrance of the soldier rehabilitation center and strode inside.

Kieran raised a puzzled brow at Kaomu’s back. He didn’t like his attitude, but judging by how sure he was about his words, an alarm was raised in Kieran’s heart.

Kieran waved at Eckart. Eckart nodded and quickly made his move.

Eckart strode to the minivan. He had to find out everything about this Kaomu and those disqualified shamans as soon as possible. He needed to know what they were up to.

Of course, Eckart already had some guesses about the mastermind, so he knew where he should make a move.

…

With Eckart’s exit and Lyn Amie still throwing up, the lady shaman walked over.

“Pleased to meet you. I am Nuna,” she introduced herself.

Kieran didn’t even look at her, as he had no interest in making acquaintance.

Even though she didn’t show as much malicious intent as Kaomu, Kieran knew exactly what she wanted to do.

Kieran disliked being used as a tool to complete the goals of others.

But more importantly, Mei Huasheng, with her cold face, was heading his way.

When Nuna saw no reaction from Kieran, she turned and saw Mei Huasheng heading their way. The gypsy shaman read the atmosphere and stepped aside. However, the curiosity in her eyes grew heavier.

“Move! I must arrest him!” Mei Huasheng said coldly.

“Arrest? What kind of joke are you making, Officer Mei? What are you arresting him for?”

Kieran hadn’t spoken. The one who spoke was Eckart, who came back from the minivan. He looked at the stiff female officer and asked with a cold smile.

“Destruction of a crime scene! You are also obstructing justice, so move, or I will arrest you both!” Mei Huasheng said with the same tone, but Eckart smiled.

“Obstruction of justice? Why don’t you turn around and look at the entrance? That man is the one who is obstructing justice!” Eckart pointed at Kaomu.

Kaomu was swinging his feather coat around like a dancing turkey; he was also making weird noises.

“Arg! I feel it! The ominous air is accumulating here! Ignorant souls, leave at once! Or the ominousness will devour you!”

Kaomu was trying to scare the officer standing in his way to the building.

But the officer didn’t even budge. He looked at Kaomu without a slight change of expression; it was as if he was looking at a clown.

The eyes of the officer obviously enraged Kaomu, who had absolute confidence in himself.

Today would be the day he rose to fame!

Anyone who stood in his path would be his stepping stone.

2567 would be one and so would this officer here, if not even better!

His identity was perfect!

All Kaomu had to do was slowly lure those ignorant people under his influence, and he would be able to achieve a lot more with the same amount of effort.

Humans were always sensitive against a certain identity.

And him?

He would be the dauntless fighter who challenged authority!

No, no!

A great, dauntless shaman who challenged authority!

Once he thought of this title, Kaomu’s smile nearly revealed itself.

He eagerly continued in his high pitched voice, shouting repeatedly.

“The ominousness has arrived! He has arrived! He…”

Bang!

Before he could finish, he was stopped by the bang.

Kaomu fell to the ground on his face.

A figure slowly walked up from behind him. The shadows cast from the sun gradually covered this ‘shaman’.

He had arrived.