Chapter 50: Mission Progress
Terrence stared at Winter, then shifted his gaze toward the floating translucent window he had called up. He rechecked the system mission details carefully.
[Sell an awakened S-Rank Vampire Butler to the Lin Clan.]
[Reward: SS-Rank Sky Dragon]
’Okay... progress in this mission at last.’ Inwardly, he smiled.
There was a silent nod as he gazed down at Winter. Then, he turned around, thinking things through a bit more.
As he turned his back on Winter, she couldn’t help but notice how surprisingly wide his shoulders were. His build was athletic, to be precise.
’Does he work out?’ she thought briefly, before quickly shifting her attention back to the serious topic at hand.
"What are you doing?" she asked, her voice breaking the silence.
"Uhm... actually, I have something to tell you."
"What is it?"
Terrence remained silent again for a moment before finally making a firm decision.
’I was initially thinking of selling this beast directly to Jonas in exchange for information about their so-called guardian. But I guess doing the transaction with Winter works just as well.’
"I will sell you a beast," Terrence said plainly. "I sell beasts for a living. Really powerful ones."
Winter stared at him with faint disbelief written all over her face. He noticed her skeptical expression and immediately stood his ground.
"What is that look for? I am being serious, you know."
She shook her head, looking at him as if she couldn’t quite believe that Terrence had completely lost his mind after the dungeon run.
"Hey, are you playing with me right now? I am telling you, it is definitely not the right time for jokes."
There was a sudden hint of coldness returning to her tone, sending a subtle chill straight down Terrence’s spine. She succeeded in conveying whatever harsh warning she wanted to express.
"I am not joking. I am completely serious."
Terrence sat down beside her on the edge of the mattress, leaving just enough respectful space between the two of them while facing her directly. There was an indescribable, heavy seriousness stamped onto his face.
Winter shifted her eyes, her gaze softening into something capable of actually listening and understanding. She decided to lend him her ears.
Even with how absurd his claim sounded on the surface, there was still a slight possibility it was real—especially after what she had witnessed him do inside the dungeon.
"Let’s say you are actually being real right now. What beast are you even selling then?"
"You’ve seen my beast with the deep red skin, right?"
Winter thought for a second, then immediately realized what he meant. Now, her weary face transformed into pure curiosity.
"What about him?" she asked, before the answer suddenly hit her. "Wait... you mean you will be selling that specific beast to me?"
Terrence smiled, feeling something he couldn’t quite explain—it wasn’t pure joy, but a weird mix of relief and reluctance. He desperately wanted to complete the system mission, but a bitter taste lingered right behind it.
Selling the S-Rank vampire meant that he wouldn’t get to fight alongside it or build a proper bond with it himself.
’Well, it’s not like I don’t want to sell it. But it was just so ridiculously powerful...’ Thinking more about it, he let out a quiet sigh in his head. ’Then again, all of my merchandise is ridiculously strong.’
"Are you sure? Like, very sure? You aren’t joking with me." Slowly, a rare hint of genuine excitement escaped from Winter’s lips.
Terrence could only stare at how raw and genuine her reaction was. It was a side of her he hadn’t expected to see at all.
’So, she can actually make a face like that, huh.’
"Of course I am sure. Why would I say something like that as a joke?"
Winter impulsively grabbed Terrence, wrapping her arms tightly around him in a brief, overwhelming hug for a few seconds before breaking away. She pushed back slightly, but her hands remained firmly clenched on his shoulders.
"Do not take it back! You know how absurdly strong your beast was. I witnessed with my own eyes how it completely toyed with that small mind-controlling spider Gilbert had."
Terrence nodded firmly.
"I am sure. And it’s not like I’m lying about selling beasts. Just for your information, my primary source of income is actually selling high-tier beasts."
"Seriously? How is that even possible? I mean, you have to maintain and feed these beasts, and a normal tamer can only keep one or two beasts contracted at a time depending on their physical and mental strength."
She paused mid-sentence, her eyes widening as she realized something else.
"Now that I think about it... you already have two unbelievably strong beasts summoned at once. How can you even do that? Isn’t the mental toll heavy on your soul?"
Terrence shook his head with a light, teasing gaze. "That is a trade secret. But I will definitely sell that beast to you."
Winter let out a long breath and slowly removed her hands from his shoulders, suddenly realizing that she had gotten way too excited. She tried to ease her intense expression, attempting to return to her usual cold, dignified gaze, but she failed with every passing second.
She shook her head, a light flush on her cheeks.
"So... how will this work? The transaction itself?"
Without answering verbally, Terrence summoned the Vampire Butler right before their eyes. The tall, majestic figure materialized between the two of them, standing with a firm, posture.
The Vampire Butler was instantly enveloped in a cold, aristocratic atmosphere—poised, classic, and exuding an aura that practically screamed luxury.
Winter didn’t even notice that she was staring at the humanoid beast intently, her eyes sparkling with awe.
"How did you even manage to get a beast like this in the first place? Where did you find it?"
"Trade secret," Terrence pressed smoothly. "As for the payment, you can just transfer the funds directly to me or provide a separate account. I will transfer them later on to my main business funds."
"Bet." Winter stood up from the bed and inspected the vampire up close, walking around its refined frame. She glanced back at Terrence over her shoulder. "Can I touch the tuxedo? What kind of fabric does it even use?"
Terrence nodded with a small chuckle.
"Wow..." Winter breathed out softly, lightly feeling the material. "I really can’t wait to get myself contracted with this beast. I wonder how Skill Share will work with him. I mean, the process should still be normal, but just how much raw power will I be able to borrow?"