Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended

CHAPTER 98: Betrayal & the Heart-wrenching Truth

As Reeza delved deeper into the subterranean base, a noticeable change in atmosphere unfolded. Mana crystals, like scattered stars, provided gentle illumination along the walls and ceiling. Simple furnishings began to appear in the corridors and chambers, adding a touch of homeliness to the previously barren space. And ventilation shafts, crafted using earth magic, circulated fresh air throughout the complex.

Reeza panted as she sprinted ahead. Without so much as a sidelong glance, she hurried past the barracks, the kitchen, and the cafeteria that often doubled as a conference hall. Plush carpets, tapestries, and crystal chandeliers hinted at opulence as she neared the governing body of the evil syndicate.

As she approached an oriental sliding door of an eastern-styled house nestled strategically within the cavern wall, any lingering traces of apprehension within her veins were swiftly consumed by rage. With each step, the threads that bounded her rationality were incinerated like tinder to a flame.

Reeza's mind raced with questions. Where was her mother being held? What unspeakable acts had they subjected her to? And was Casimir, that treacherous bastard, truly planning to double-cross her after all she had sacrificed? Words failed to capture the chaotic whirlwind of emotions churning within her.

Just as Reeza's fingers hovered near the wooden door, they froze. From within the dwelling, she could faintly discern the hushed murmurs of a highly confidential exchange between the aforementioned bastard and his loyal guard.

Draped in a loose-fitting oriental robe, Casimir sat on a cushion with an angry scowl. He took a swig of sake before slamming the ceramic cup down on a floor table beside him.

"Ahhh," he exhaled noisily, the alcohol doing little to alleviate his exasperation. "Damn that arrogant bastard!" he cursed, hurling the cup into a corner where it shattered upon impact.

A small Florian girl timidly scurried forward to attend to the mess. With a delicate touch, she carefully replaced his cup with another. Casimir growled. He couldn't shake the feeling that the girl's actions were a subtle mockery of his outburst. For a fleeting moment, he entertained the idea of striking her down, but instead, his unpleasant gaze shifted to his stoic bodyguard.

"Dealing with nobles has always been a vexing affair," he argued. "But then again, what more can one expect from a breed of entitled, self-absorbed pigs who believes that the world solely exists to do their bidding."

"Nevertheless," Ranger, the typically reserved bodyguard, interjected, "we must make every effort to maintain a cordial relationship with them." His tone was firm, underscoring the importance of diplomacy.

Casimir scoffed, his disdain evident as he reluctantly conceded to the unpleasant truth. "Sadly, you're right. We're in desperate need of funding to see the brothel through to completion."

Discarding all semblance of etiquette, he seized the ceramic vessel from the attentive Florian and guzzled down the delicious beverage within. "Kahhk," he exhaled, savoring the taste. "It's crucial that I wrap up this project as soon as possible," he remarked with a grin, "and demonstrate to the boss that I'm deserving of becoming a franchisee."

A rare flicker of emotion danced across Ranger's face, a fleeting shadow of something ominous. "Agreed. "The sooner, the better..."

Casimir's gaze turned lustful as he glanced towards the sheepish girl standing nearby, a noticeable bulge forming beneath his garb. "Fortunately, we have the Florians as a rather effective bargaining chip," he mused aloud. "They're the perfect pawns for prying open the wallets of those pompous bastards."

CRASHHH!

Reeza burst through the wooden door with the ferocity of a charging Bullgator, her eyes ablaze with murderous intent as they locked onto Casimir. The heavy bastard let out a pathetic squeal of terror, his member shrinking back like a mimosa plant as the enraged woman lunged at him with a dagger.