My Beastly Fertility System Chapter 124: Assassins

Marcus was blind, yet he had still reached Level 3. That alone proved how strong he really was.

Marcus lowered his head, his expression dim. "A few months ago, during the hot season, Grimstone went to war with another city—Valorhenge."

From what Marcus described, Valorhenge was a city far out in the deep sea. Claire guessed it was probably built on an island.

Wars between cities in this world weren't unusual. They fought over resources, territory, and even living space.

It was in that war that Marcus's parents died.

"There are always losses in war. Try not to be too sad," Claire said softly. "What about your sister?"

Marcus had mentioned her before—the one whose voice sounded like Claire's.

"Not long after my parents died, my sister went to the battlefield too. Even when all our forces were used, we still lost. Grimstone lost the war. So now, every year, we have to send ten females to Valorhenge. And they must all be at least Level 2."

"Level 2 females?" Claire frowned. "Those are rare."

A faint sense of unease rose in her chest. She herself was now Level 2.

Level 2 females were already hard to find. Gathering ten every year would be even harder.

Valorhenge was going too far.

But Grimstone had lost. They had no choice.

She hadn't expected Valorhenge to be this powerful.

Grimstone was already strong. During her time here, Claire had seen many city guards. Most were Level 2, and there were dozens of them. A few leaders were even Level 3. Level 1 beastfolk were everywhere.

Marcus had said that before the war, Grimstone had an army of about 10,000.

But after that crushing defeat, their strongest fighters had died—including the city lord and his entire guard.

Grimstone didn't just lose the war. It lost its strength.

Claire couldn't help but feel curious. Just how powerful is Valorhenge?

Marcus nodded. "Females are very precious. No matter the level, they matter to us. If it were me, I would never agree to those terms. But I can't see. If I could, I wouldn't bow to Valorhenge."

Claire reached out and patted his head. His soft, slightly curly hair felt smooth and carried a faint clean scent.

He must have bathed earlier.

The moon was bright tonight. The snow had stopped, but the air was still freezing. There were tiny bits of ice clinging to the ends of his hair. He probably rushed out before drying it.

Claire gently melted the ice with her hand and listened as Marcus kept talking.

He spoke about simple, everyday things. After a while, Claire grew sleepy and let out a small yawn.

But Marcus heard it right away.

"Claire, are you tired?"

"A little."

Marcus was in a great mood tonight. He kept talking and didn't want her to leave.

He held onto her arm and pleaded, "Claire, stay a little longer. Talk with me. I'm not sleepy yet."

"Alright."

Claire couldn't refuse. Even though she was exhausted, she forced herself to nod.

Marcus smiled. At the same time, he seemed to hear something—soft breathing from beyond the wall. His hand tightened around Claire's wrist.

Claire glanced at the pond nearby. Only a few bare lotus stems were left. As she listened to Marcus's soft, almost hypnotic voice, she felt something was off.

After staying here for days, she understood Marcus better.

He was simple and kind. His daily life was quiet and repetitive. Even that dull life hadn't changed his gentle nature. Toward her, he was always caring and dependent.

But it was the first time he had ever called her out to talk in the middle of the night like this.

Could it be...

Claire studied his face carefully, but he didn't look troubled at all.

Just as she was thinking, a shadow suddenly leaped over the wall.

A sharp sound cut through the air, rushing straight toward her face.

Claire's eyes widened. The attacker wore all black, blending perfectly into the night. He moved fast, lunging forward with a claw aimed straight at her throat.

Assassins?

She hadn't expected that even in a well-guarded place like Grimstone, there would still be assassins.

Before Claire could react, Marcus pulled her closer. She stumbled into him, barely dodging the strike.

"So, you finally showed up..." Marcus murmured.

It was like he had been expecting this. He held her steady, helping her avoid the first attack.

Claire quickly regained her focus and stared at the tall, dark figure.

"Who are you? Why are you attacking me?" she demanded.

She had only been here for a short time. There was no way she had offended anyone.