Izroth repeated his process several times until finally, Vault's body began to dissipate.

He placed his hand over the mystical chains and returned it to his inventory as he sheathed his Sword of The Storm.

'As I thought, it's not enough to quell your hatred, is it?'

Every time Izroth saw Vault, he wanted nothing more than to tear him limb from limb and erase his soul from existence for all eternity. However, he understood that now was not the right time to move in the real world.

In the end, it was not just Vault he had to worry about, but the people that supported him in the shadows as well. After all, for the Headhunter Syndicate to grow this quickly and compete against other established top guilds required a massive amount of monetary capital. It was not something Vault or his family alone could afford; therefore, they must have backers with deep pockets, and deep pockets usually equated to a strong hand.

With his current strength, Izroth could be labeled a superhuman by mortal standards. However, there was still a limit to his physical capabilities and influence in the real world.

Izroth still did not fully understand the technology in this world, but he knew there were countless anomalies.

If he killed Vault in the real world, it would not just end there. If he was found out, even if they could not get to him directly, what about those around him?

Zi Yi and Valentine were an exception since they came from influential families, but what about Luna, Halls, Guan Yu, his mother? At present, he did not have the power to guarantee their safety at all times if something went wrong.

That's why until he was confident that he possessed the power to eradicate Vault and those who supported him at their core, Izroth would not carelessly claim his life despite the lingering resentment in his heart.

However, in RML, the set circumstances were different.

In this world, he had both the power and influence to annihilate Vault and the Headhunter Syndicate many times over. But, unless he pulled them up at their roots, Izroth knew that an organization like the Headhunter Syndicate with thousands of players would rise again.

Even if he reduced their experience or levels a bit in the process, Izroth was aware of the impracticality of dealing with a thousand players who could scatter and regroup virtually anywhere in RML.

The only reason Sage Falls never fully regained their footing was not only due to the meteoric rise of the Headhunter Syndicate but also by incurring the wrath of almost every top guild.

But, the most significant factor in Sage Falls dropping out of the top ranks was that they suffered too substantial a loss too early in RML. If it had been at a later stage in the game, there might have been an opportunity for Sage Falls to recover—even with guilds like Sleeping Gardenia suppressing them. Unfortunately, they were played by the Headhunter Syndicate during the first world event and sealed their fate after the stunt they pulled at Izroth's Mystical Realm Palace.

'Now...'

Menerva heard the sound of footsteps approaching her. At that moment, she knew that Vault had perished under Izroth's hands and that she was next.

After she died, the freshly enraged and humiliated Vault would shift the blame to her. This was even more so, seeing as how she did not attempt to assist him.

However, Menerva understood that it would not end in her favor no matter what actions she took. Whether she fought or not, she would have to endure Vault's wrath all the same.

At this point, Menerva simply hoped that her last act of not lifting a hand to help would keep all of Vault's wrath aimed at her. Otherwise...

"I warned you before, didn't I? To get as far away as possible from the Headhunter Syndicate. Since you failed to learn your lesson, I hope that you are prepared for the consequences." Izroth's voice entered into Menerva's ears as she kept her eyes shut.

"...What you did earlier, I am sure that it was not for my sake. Nevertheless, you have my gratitude, Palace Master Izroth." Menerva spoke out calmly.

If Izroth had not appeared and subdued Vault when he did, then she would have been the one shamed.

"I have resigned to my fate—do with me as you will," Menerva said without mincing her words. Then, the next moment-

Bap!

Menerva's eyes shot open as her head jerked back slightly.

"..." Menerva was speechless as she felt a stinging pain on her forehead.

For the first time in a long time, Menerva was confused, and her indifferent expression slowly changed to match her confusion. She could not understand Izroth's intentions.

"What is he..." Menerva internalized as she raised her hand to her forehead and stared at Izroth. She was puzzled by his actions.

"That was your first punishment for not heeding my advice," Izroth said casually.

What? Did she read him wrong? No, based on previous events and information she gathered about Izroth, Menerva came to a simple conclusion—if you point your sword towards him, he will not hesitate to cut you down. On the other hand, if you allied yourself with him, there were numerous benefits and fortunes that seemed to follow.

Menerva confirmed this after the Sleeping Gardenia situation that caused an uproar all across RML. Not only clearing the first raid but doing so at the hardcore level. And as if that was not enough, they also claimed a seat as the first official guild!

Others may believe that it was merely the power of a top guild; however, Menerva sensed that all roads led to Izroth.

That being said, with his personality, she should have already been eliminated. If he intended on keeping her alive, then perhaps he wanted information about the Headhunter Syndicate?

"I can tell that your thoughts are racing—attempting to locate a logical answer that explains my actions. Just like this one behind me, you, too, are cursed. Just in a different way." Izroth stated as he briefly shifted his gaze to Meng Jiang.

Meng Jiang smiled brightly as she waved at Izroth.

"You can't shut it off, can you?" Izroth declared.

Menerva furrowed her brows as though Izroth's words made her uncomfortable.

"For as long as you could remember, you were always labeled an exceptionally gifted child. When you were younger, kids your age called you a freak and avoided you. As for those who did not avoid you, they would bully you, feeling threatened by your intelligence. Even the adults who openly praised you secretly cursed you under their breaths whenever you corrected their mistakes." Izroth spoke unhurriedly.

However, upon hearing his words, Menerva eyes widened in shock.

Izroth continued, "In the end, even your own mother, they..."

"Stop!" Menerva yelled as she covered her ears, shut her eyes, and lowered herself.

"...Please, stop it... please... I can't turn it off... It won't go away... I'm sorry... I'm sorry..." A stream of tears fell from Menerva's eyes as she constantly muttered apologies. But, it did not seem to be directed at Izroth.

'It's worse than I thought.'

After his run-in with Open Notes back in Rosentarus, Izroth asked Mariposa to look into Menerva, and what she found was disturbing, to say the least.

To be honest, Izroth expected Mariposa to dig back a few years; however, she searched all the way to Menerva's childhood—if it could even be called that.

Ever since she was a child, Menerva was either ostracized by those around her or befriended with ill intentions, only to be betrayed in a cutthroat world.

But, the saddest part was perhaps the fate of her mother.

Menerva's mother was a member of an infamous underground cult and viewed the young Menerva as an abomination that went against her cult's teachings.

A child that intelligent and rational at such a young age—her mother believed that a demon had possessed the young Menerva from birth; therefore, there was only one choice.

However, even with her warped views of the world, Menerva's mother could not bring herself to claim the life of her daughter, despite her cult's teachings. Yet, being unable to bear bringing a demon into the world and mentally wrestling with her cult's teachings, Menerva's mother became mentally unstable. She ultimately claimed her own life right before the young Menerva's eyes.

Menerva was just six years old at the time it occurred.