Awakening: Reincarnating With the SSS-Level Extraction Talent

Chapter 217 No Cheating, Kars Intervenes

"Here," Alice tapped a few panels, and 50 gold coins appeared in her hand, which she gave to Alex, "Use them well," she smiled.

"Thanks," Alex sighed, accepting the coins.

Alice had seen through him instantly.

Alex didn't have the funds for the [Fate Gift Boxes], but she didn't hesitate to step in.

As someone who often handled her father's business dealings, Alice was no stranger to wealth.

Every gold coin she used was her own, earned through careful decision-making and hard work.

For her, offering the money wasn't a burden, it was something she wanted to do.

Alex gave her a small nod of appreciation before turning his attention back to Kars.

The excitement in the crowd was reaching a fever pitch, but Alex remained calm, his focus razor-sharp.

Alex approached Kars as he was right in front of him since the start, not having budged from his spot.

The demon merchant's sharp eyes flicked toward him, recognizing the determined look on his face.

Alex didn't stop until he was directly in front of the merchant, barely an arm's length away.

The chaos around them seemed to fade as Alex extended both hands toward Kars, holding the coins firmly.

The gold reflected in Kars' monocle, his devilish smile growing wider.

Without breaking eye contact, Alex dropped the fifty coins onto the counter of Kars' carriage.

The coins clinked together, their sound cutting through the noise of the frenzied crowd.

"Enjoy your choices, sir," Kars said with a low bow, his voice smooth and dripping with charm.

He gestured toward the back of the carriage with a flourish. "Right this way."

Alex didn't hesitate.

He climbed into the carriage, leaving Alice and Aurelia behind to watch the unfolding chaos from the plaza.

As he disappeared into the shadowy interior, Kars couldn't help but chuckle, his grin never faltering.

The crowd surged once more, their eyes burning with envy.

From the outside, the carriage looked like a small traveling cart.

But once inside, Alex found himself in a cavernous interior, lined with rows upon rows of [Fate Gift Boxes].

Shelves stretched endlessly into the darkened space, each neatly organized with boxes categorized by color.

However, everyone knew at this point that the colors meant nothing.

The contents of the boxes were entirely random, at least for most players.

For Alex, things were different.

Just like last time, the moment he stepped inside, his [Cursed Eyes of the King] activated.

His pupils glowed faintly as panels of information appeared in front of each box.

Most bore the grim inscription [Nothing], but that was something everyone knew as well: there was a risk to the gift boxes.

But if you got lucky, like the guy did with the [Spear of Hellfire], you could secure yourself a ton of money or a future in the game.

"..." Alex smirked. "Greed's part of the game, isn't it?"

Kars' eyes gleamed, and a wicked grin spread across his face. "True," he admitted. "But rules are rules."

"What rules-" Before Alex could retort, Kars lunged, his claws swiping through the air with terrifying speed.

Alex barely managed to dodge, the claws slicing through a shelf instead, shattering several boxes.

'Holy shit, he's fast,' Alex thought, summoning a [Blood Blade] in one hand after biting his hand.

He knew he couldn't win against a level 1000 demon, but even then, he still wanted to secure at least one box.

The demon merchant laughed, the sound echoing ominously in the cavernous space.

"You can't defeat me, mortal. I've dealt with far stronger than you."

"We'll see," Alex said, his voice steady.

He dashed forward, slashing with the [Blood Blade], but Kars parried with a flick of his claw, sending sparks flying.

Alex spun around and aimed a second strike, but Kars countered effortlessly, his tail whipping around to knock Alex off balance.

"I'm not even attacking you," Kars yawned.

Alex stumbled but quickly regained his footing as he grabbed his [Demonized Whispers of Shadows].

He had lost [Bleeding Strike], but it still had two unique skills, didn't it?

Fwish!

Alex activated [Shadow Veil], vanishing into the shadows.

"Oh, playing hide and seek now?" Kars taunted, his voice echoing. "You can't escape my domain."

With a snap of his fingers, the exit of the carriage closed off, locking Alex inside.

"Even if we spent days here, it would only be a few minutes outside."

Alex didn't respond.

Hidden in the shadows, he circled around the demon, watching for an opening.

Kars remained still, his sharp eyes scanning the room.

Then, with a sudden motion, he raised his hand, summoning a burst of crimson energy that shattered nearby shelves, sending debris flying.

"After every person that passes, the space resets except for the taken boxes, so any destruction will be nullified," he took the time to explain too.

Alex reappeared behind him, aiming for a critical strike, but Kars spun around with inhuman speed, catching the blade with his bare hand.

"Nice try," Kars growled, his grip tightening around the [Blood Blade] until it shattered.

Alex leaped back, cursing under his breath.

"You're bold, I'll give you that. But you're not ready for this fight," Kars grinned, "Now," Kars said, his tone cold, "time to teach you some respect."

"Oh shit."

Kars was getting serious, meaning that he wasn't playing around anymore.

To him, watching Alex and humans struggle was like playing with a child, yet now, he was ready to end him.

And Alex could see it: he had a few [Soul Attacks].