"Are you making fun of me?"
The Witch Queen glared at Adam, fury burning in her crimson eyes.
Her makeup was immaculate—three dark stripes under her eyes, lips tinted blue, long pink hair flowing down her shoulders, and a deep green gown that shimmered like forest leaves.
Elegant. Regal. Terrifying.
And, well… definitely old.
"I'm not! I really haven't eaten anything yet..." Adam said quickly, raising his hands.
"Blood Magic: Bloody Execution Ground!"
The Witch Queen waved her arm, and blood burst from her fingertips, twisting into a massive crimson cross that materialized behind Adam. In an instant, glowing chains of blood wrapped around him, binding him in place.
"This is the Witch's Forest!" she declared coldly. "You dare run wild here? You'll pay for your arrogance!"
Adam blinked, seemingly unfazed. "Huh… I've got to admit, this blood-binding trick is new. Pretty creative."
The Queen's brows twitched. His casual tone only infuriated her further.
Her eyes narrowed, and her voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "Let's see how you mock me when you're dead. Blood Magic: Blood Manipulation!"
Nothing happened.
The Queen froze.
Her magic—magic that could seize control of the blood within any living creature—didn't affect him at all.
The countless crimson threads piercing Adam's skin began to tremble. No matter how much mana she poured in, he stood there, perfectly unharmed.
"Hahaha! Now this is interesting!"
The grin that split Adam's face was wild, predatory. His eyes glowed faintly as his excitement grew.
"Your blood… is worthy of being absorbed by a proud dragon like me! How ridiculous!"
Snap!
The Ox Talisman's power surged through him.
The blood cross shattered instantly, and Adam stepped forward, his aura rolling through the chamber like a storm.
He moved with slow, deliberate steps—each one echoing through the hall—like a dragon emerging from the depths of hell.
The Witch Queen's breath hitched.
For a brief moment, she actually felt… fear.
Should she use that power? That ancient force she rarely unleashed?
No.
She hesitated, straightened her robe, and suddenly her expression softened into calm composure. "I think we should… sit down and talk," she said smoothly.
Then, with a graceful wave of her hand, she called out, "Dora! Prepare food for our guest."
From the upper level of the palace, a pink-haired woman with glasses and a white dress hurried down the stairs.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
"She's my housekeeper," said the Witch Queen with a gentle smile. "Let her prepare a proper meal for our… hardworking guest."
Adam raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. "That's more like it! Fighting and killing is so boring. You're right, Your Majesty—we should talk. I mean no harm to you or your people. Honestly, I quite like this place."
The Queen's smile didn't reach her eyes.
Hypocritical man, she thought bitterly. I hate men like you the most.
Still, she said sweetly, "Let's move to the dining hall. There are better things to discuss over a good meal."
Adam bowed slightly. "Please excuse my earlier rudeness, Your Majesty."
Up close, the man was absurdly handsome—sharp eyes, confident posture, and a natural aura of dominance that made even the proud Witch Queen's pulse quicken slightly.
He smiled faintly. "I'm from the Clover Kingdom, a Magic Knight of the Black Bulls—and currently unmarried. Just call me Adam."
The Queen twitched. Damn man! Who cares whether you're married or not?!
"Queen, the food is ready!" Dora called.
"Please, sit," the Witch Queen said politely.
Adam, eager as ever, grinned. "Don't mind if I do."
The long rectangular table was covered with dishes—fruits, roasted meats, and delicacies unlike anything Adam had ever seen.
After the Witch Queen took her seat at the head of the table, Adam sat on her right. Dora stood behind her mistress, bowing respectfully.
"Guest," she said softly, "I hope these dishes are to your liking."
"Liking? I'm craving them already!" Adam said, eyes shining as he leaned forward. "I've never seen food like this before. The Witch Forest must be loaded with resources."
"Please, enjoy," the Queen said evenly.
"Don't mind if I do."
Adam grabbed a purple, gourd-shaped fruit and bit into it. The crisp sweetness burst across his tongue, refreshing and bright.
"This fruit is a specialty of our forest," said the Queen, smiling faintly as she picked up a red orb-shaped one. "How do you like it?"
"I love it!" Adam replied with genuine delight. After the chaos of his arrival, this meal was heaven.
The Queen placed her fruit down, her tone turning cool again. "Then let's get straight to the point. What brings you here, Adam?"
Adam stopped eating and faced her with a serious expression.
"I came to ask a favor," he said. "Someone close to me—my family—is suffering from an ancient curse. His arms are completely paralyzed. I've searched everywhere for help… and they said you might be able to break the spell."
He placed a hand over his chest. "If you can heal Asta, I'll owe you a favor—one I'll repay without hesitation."
The Queen's sharp eyes softened slightly. A promise from a man like him—someone whose fate even her crystal ball couldn't reveal—was rare indeed.
It was a good deal.
But deep inside… she didn't want to help him.
You sinful man. I can't forgive you.
Outwardly, she sighed softly, feigning regret. "I'm sorry, but even I can't undo such an ancient curse."
Adam's expression dimmed. He leaned back, disappointment flickering across his face. "I see… Then I'll have to find someone else. Maybe that old trickster will know something."
"But…"
The Queen's tone shifted again, dragging the word out as if hesitant.
Adam leaned forward. "But what?"
"In the north of the Witch's Forest, near the border with the Spade Kingdom, there lies a hidden Dungeon," she said. "There may be something there—something powerful enough to break a curse like that."
Adam frowned. "The Dungeon?"
She nodded. "It lies deep within the Strong Magic Region. The entrance is hidden, and few who venture there ever return. It's extremely dangerous."
He thought for a moment, then asked with curiosity, "The Spade Kingdom is powerful. Haven't you ever considered claiming that land for yourself? With your power, you could easily cross the demon zone."
The Queen shook her head slowly. "I must always guard my home. The Spade Kingdom knows nothing about that place—it's a secret known only to me."
"Then why tell me?" Adam asked, narrowing his eyes. "You expect me to believe you're just being generous?"
She smiled—sweetly, deceitfully. "As the saying goes, there's no friendship without conflict. I'm simply looking for someone… fated. The treasures in that palace mean nothing to me. Better to give the opportunity to someone capable of seizing it."
Her voice was smooth, honeyed poison. "What do you say, Adam?"
Adam leaned back with a grin. "I accept your kindness, Your Majesty. I'll leave for the Dungeon at dawn."
He turned back to his food, still smiling.
Hypocritical woman. Let's see what tricks you've got up your sleeve.