Chapter 98: I Can Swear
Chapter 98: I Can Swear
The cultist’s head throbbed with pain while his body felt ready to crumble.
He rolled over with effort and saw Fang Cheng standing above him, the longsword in his hand melting into sharp spikes.
“Wh-what are you doing?”
The cultist’s voice shook, terrified by the Ultraman who’d smashed in and slaughtered two men.
Fang Cheng said nothing, slamming the spikes through the cultist’s hands and feet, pinning his limbs to the floor.
“Ah—”
The scream died under Fang Cheng’s palm, becoming choked gurgles.
The cultist’s limbs jerked instinctively, each movement ripping fresh agony through his wounds.
Fang Cheng watched coldly. This cultist had hesitated when his comrades died—likely no zealot.
Not a zealot? Then he’d talk.
Fang Cheng knew no interrogation techniques beyond pain.
Pain to shatter will.
If the man endured this, Fang Cheng wouldn’t mind teaching him how a crushed egg could kill.
Some men don’t fear death—but they’ll never risk becoming less than men.
Sato Hayato entered the room, stepping quietly to Fang Cheng’s side.
The bloodshed churned his stomach, but he clenched his teeth and endured.
The last traces of childishness in his heart withered.
When the cultist’s muffled screams faded, Fang Cheng removed his hand and pressed a spike to the man’s throat.
“Answer, and I spare you. Refuse, and you’ll greet hell with your friends. First, I’ll show you hell’s hospitality—flaying, bone-stripping, the works.”
The spike broke skin as Fang Cheng spoke, blood welling. “Where’s the girl taken this afternoon?”
Not a zealot after all—terror flooded the cultist’s eyes.
But his nerves held. “If I talk… you’ll let me live?”
“Yes.”
Fang Cheng’s voice dripped sincerity. “I swear by your god—on my life, my parents, my kin. Answer truthfully, and I won’t kill you. Break this oath, and my bloodline ends.”
To a worshiper, a god-bound vow meant everything.
The cultist swallowed Fang Cheng’s earnest tone. “I don’t know her current location. She was moved from the third floor this afternoon—probably beyond Tokyo by now.”
Sato Hayato’s fists tightened, eyes burning into the cultist. Only Fang Cheng’s earlier warning kept him silent.
Fang Cheng pressed on: “Why take Sato Mai? Why rush her out?”
“She’s a sacred seed—a candidate for Saintess. Tomorrow’s the day of divine descent. The sacrificial ceremony sends Saintesses to paradise to serve our god. That’s why we hurried.”
“Define ‘sacred seed.’ Where’s the ritual location?”
“I… I don’t know!”
Fang Cheng asked several more questions, but the cultist knew nothing and gave no useful answers.
This person was merely a low-level believer, completely ignorant of important matters. He hadn’t even joined the operation to kidnap Sato Mai, only staying behind with the leader to clean up.
The few details he knew came from his friendly relationship with the leader.
The only confirmed fact was that Sato Mai had been taken away from the city center, but her destination remained unknown.
Such vague clues weren’t enough for quick results.
The cultist watched Fang Cheng’s thoughtful expression and timidly asked, “Will… will you spare me? I told you everything!”
“Of course I won’t kill you.”
Fang Cheng snapped back to reality, smiling as he withdrew the sharp spike from the man’s neck.
The cultist sighed deeply, believing his god had softened this ruthless killer’s heart.
Then he saw Fang Cheng press the spike into Sato Hayato’s hand, forcing the boy to plunge it into his chest.
The cultist’s eyes widened in shocked betrayal.
Sato Hayato stumbled backward, staring at the lifeless body. His hands trembled violently – too much for any high school student.
Fang Cheng glanced at him. “Think I’m dishonorable? A liar?”
The boy shook his head rapidly.
“Don’t deny it,” Fang Cheng chuckled. “Here’s some experience – to beat villains, you must outdo their treachery. Otherwise you’ll be the corpse cursing fate.”
Leaving the morally shaken teen, Fang Cheng called Takeda Masumi: “Took out three Blissful Faith members at the guesthouse. Need corpse disposal.”
“Slowpoke! I handled it already. Get moving before my team arrives.”
“Thanks. Appreciate it.”
“Ugh, stop being sentimental.”
After hanging up, Fang Cheng searched the bodies but found nothing – ordinary men without supernatural powers. He angrily pocketed their wallets and nudged Sato Hayato. “Let’s go.”
Guests peeked through door cracks in the hallway, hastily retreating when spotted.
The front desk girl bowed as they exited, oblivious to the horror she’d soon discover.
Outside, they found a figure picking the motorcycle’s lock. Before Sato could react, Fang Cheng kicked the thief unconscious.
Sato Hayato: “…”
Fang Cheng’s skillful movements spoke of practice.
They rode off at moderate speed. “I’ll have friends monitor Blissful Faith’s movements,” Fang Cheng said. “Don’t expect miracles. Rest at home – you’ll need stamina to keep searching.”
After long silence came a quiet “Mm.”
Sato Hayato understood – Fang Cheng had already killed four men for him tonight. The debt felt crushing. How could he ask more from a classmate without financial freedom?
Upon reaching Sato’s doorstep, the boy bowed deeply. “Thank you, Fang Cheng.”
“Classmates help each other.”
Fang Cheng prepared to check the house when his phone rang – Asaka Akihime calling at 4 AM.
Dread twisted his gut. He answered cheerfully: “Asaka? Midnight cravings for secret chats?”
Sato Hayato stepped aside. Hearing Asaka’s name, brief curiosity faded to resignation.
Compared to Fang Cheng’s brilliance, he felt invisible.