Demon Evolution System

Chapter 16

Wood splintered. Hinges screamed. The force of the kick sent the door crashing against the wall as a figure stepped through the dust and debris.

Miles Reed walked into the room.

Silence.

Then—

“…I told you,” Cole whispered hoarsely.

Ryan’s tension eased almost instantly.

Lena blinked, surprise flashing across her face before she scoffed lightly. “So it really is you.You really made it out alive - but how?”

Miles’ gaze swept over them calmly, unhurried, as though he’d just entered a café instead of the home of people who had tried to kill him. “ I was expecting a warm welcome but you guys don't look happy to see me.” He remarked in a sarcastic tone.

Cole let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding and looked at Ryan and Lena. “I wasn’t mistaken.”You guys didn't want to believe me.”

Lena turned to Miles. “How did you find this place?”

Miles tilted his head slightly. “It wasn’t difficult.” His eyes slid to Cole. “I just followed him.”

Ryan’s gaze snapped to Cole, disappointment dripping from his expression. “You fool! You didn’t even notice that you were being trailed? ”

Cole’s face burned. “I—”

Ryan waved him off. “Tch. Useless.” he turned his attention back to Miles and then stepped forward, aura rolling outward in a practiced wave meant to intimidate.

Miles didn’t flinch.

Ryan frowned slightly but continued anyway. “ I heard you paid the awakener association a visit. What business does a porter have in the awakener association?....Did you report us to the Association?”

Miles shook his head. “No, I didn't. “

“How do I know that you are not lying to me, Miles?” Ryan interrogated with a suspecting look.

“Because I'm the only one here. If I had made a report then the agents of the association should be here with me as well. Besides, I would also get myself in trouble if I made the report." Miles responded, his tone was calm and composure remained poised.

Relief washed over Lena and Cole instantly.

Ryan smiled again, the familiar fake warmth returning. “Good boy.”

He approached Miles slowly, expression turning regretful. “You are really smarter than I actually thought. Believe it I felt really bad for abandoning you like that. I wasn't in the right state of mind and as the raid leader I should have taken responsibility for you. We have been mourning over you. I guess it's been useless since you made it out alive.”

Cole added “ Ryan's right, we thought you were dead.”

Miles silently scoffed as he knew that Cole and Ryan were bullish*ting him but pretending to play along.“I almost was.”

Ryan placed a hand over his chest. “I’m sorry we had to leave you behind.”

Miles met his eyes. “I’m sure,” he straightened. “I came to collect my payment.”

Ryan laughed. “Of course. You did well.”

As he spoke, Ryan subtly gestured behind him.

Cole moved quietly toward the door, shutting it tightly

Ryan turned to Lena. “Get him a drink. We should celebrate the return of our dear friend from the dead.”. He said, gesturing Miles to the couch. “ Come on! Feel at home and tell us how you escaped that demon nest.”

Lena hesitated only a second before complying.

Miles accepted the glass of juice and he took a seat, took a sip—

[Ding: Host has consumed harmful substance.]

[Toxin have been detoxicated]

He smiled faintly and took another sip of the drink.

“Besides my payment,” Miles said, “I want extra as compensation for what you guys did to me..”

Ryan laughed again—but this time, his smile didn’t reach his eyes.

“You’re bold. I commend you for that but are you a little too naive. “ He said coldly. “Coming here alone. Asking for more.”

His expression hardened completely. “Why would I pay a filthy pest like you a cent. The only way to make sure you don’t talk… is to kill you.”

Miles scoffed, he wasn't shocked by the sudden change in Ryan's countenance. “I expected as much.”

[Ding ; Killing intent has been directed towards Host]

[ Emergency Mission Available: Kill all Enemies (0/3)]

Penalty: Death

Reward: 6 Stats points.

Ryan continued, voice icy. “We’ll give you a painless death compared to the one you should’ve had in the Rift. I don't care how you survived but this time I'll make sure that you stay dead for good. ”

Miles set the glass down. “You poisoned the drink,” he said casually.

Lena’s eyes widened, shocked by how Miles found out. She had awakened as an assassin and one of her skills was using poison. Earlier when Ryan asked her to make a drink for Miles she had mixed a bit of poison in it.

The most shocking aspect was that Miles still drank in spite of the fact that he was aware of that knowledge

Miles continued calmly, “It won’t work. Poison has no effect on me.”

Ryan’s eyes widened in shock. “What the hell are you talking about?’

“That's impossible! How could my poison be useless against weaklings like you.” Lena argued.

“Kill him,” Ryan barked.

Cole,who had been standing behind Miles, lunged first and grabbed Miles from behind but Miles anticipated his attack and threw the poisonous drinks at Cole's face.

Cole screamed in fear of being poisoned. He immediately releases his grasp on Miles in order to wipe the drink from his face but Miles had a different plan as he turned around, punched him hard in the jaw.

Crack.

Cole screamed as his jaw shattered but his mouth sealed when the forceful impact of Miles fist collided under his jaw.

[Ding]

[ 1 enemy has been Killed ]

[Mission Progress: (1/3) enemies killed]