In the royal city of the Wonder Kingdom, a little human girl about the age of 8 to 10 with a doll-like appearance was fearfully following a cloaked man. Moreover, there was a black collar around the little girl's neck.
If people see this black collar, they would instantly recognize it because it was a commonly used grade-5 slave item to enslave others. But in the Wonder Kingdom, it wasn't a rare sight.
Because the Wonder Kingdom had the biggest underground slave markets in the entire Empire where all kinds of slaves were sold.
The Wonder Kingdom was the kingdom of demons, and the demon nobles were involved in many malicious activities that most of the high-level figures of the Empire were aware of.
One activity involved collecting beautiful women from other races, like humans and elves. The slave traders captured these women from an ordinary background and then sold them as slaves to the demon nobles.
The demon nobles then used those slaves like toys and tormented them to seek pleasure until they broke. Some even ate them after they were done with them, and that's why the Wonder Kingdom mostly didn't have many visitors, and their reputation was at an all-time low.
Yet the demons didn't care and did as they pleased because even the royal family was involved. No one could touch them because the Wonder King was a man under the Imperial Crown Prince, and unless the Emperor or Grand Duke-level figures took personal actions, the Wonder King was almost untouchable.
The Wonder King and his loyal men made sure never to leave behind traces, so they were free to do as they pleased.
The cloaked man with the girl was clearly a slave trader as he took her to a remote alley, where another cloaked man seemed to be waiting for them.
"Took you long enough." He coldly stated, clearly displeased since his statue was quite astonished.
"Please forgive me, my lord, but the goods arrived late today. I've come here as soon as I select the perfect toy that matches your taste!" The slave trader quickly explained before he forced the little girl in front of him, making the little girl tremble in fear.
The buyer's eyes lit up when he saw the little girl, "Alright, I'll forgive you this time. But don't be late the next time, or I'll make sure your little slave market ceases to exist!"
The woman awakened at this moment, and her charming voice rang, filled with ridicule, "I guess it's time for me to leave. How disappointing! I thought the Empire would at least figure out some of our abilities and make it more interesting. But I guess they are just brutes in power, and we were worried about nothing. I wonder what our leader is doing right..."
---
The Golden Lion Kingdom had the most prestige among the other kingdoms of the Empire because their princess would probably be the next empress. They also enjoyed special care from the imperial family because of it, and that's why no one messed with them.
After the theft incident occurred in the Golden Lion Royal City, the security here was very powerful; even the guards from the imperial palace were instated there.
However, despite all the security, a dark figure easily broke into the royal palace tonight, and a black glowing dark light was opened in front of this person.
"I'm going to be the first to complete my chain mission. It's about time I head to the imperial city. I've heard it is quite lively these days. I can't let dear leader have all the fun..." A chuckle escaped from this person, which was more like the dark giggle of an evil witch.
The next moment, a page of the book in front of her suddenly turns, and darkness eclipses the Golden Lion Royal Palace!
---
Ace had no idea that the house members were already about to complete their chain missions as he anxiously awaited Eva outside the secret realm. He wasn't in the mood to cultivate or investigate the Imperial palace.
However, all of a sudden, Ace's expression brightened because he felt undulation in the space above the altar.
Suddenly, a vortex formed above the altar, and Ace felt his connection with Eva strengthened as someone walked out of the vortex, and relief washed over him.