Summoned with an SSS-Rank Portal Skill-Chapter 189: First Part of the Plan

Enduring the dinner with the nobleman was no easy task for Victoria. The man seemed determined to fill every moment with stories about his life—his family's sprawling estate, his latest hunting expedition, and even his opinions on the city's political climate.

Victoria, however, couldn't have cared less. Her mind was focused on the bigger prize: the slave auction and the information it could provide. That focus gave her the strength to smile politely, nod at the right moments, and even laugh softly at his jokes, no matter how dull they were.

The worst part was the timing. The auction wouldn't start for another three hours, which meant she had to endure the nobleman's company for what felt like an eternity. Every minute dragged on, but Victoria kept her composure, reminding herself why she was doing this. She had to play the part of the interested, wealthy noblewoman, no matter how exhausting it was.

Finally, after what seemed like an endless stream of anecdotes, the nobleman glanced at the ornate clock on the restaurant wall and stood up. "It's time," he said, his tone shifting to something more serious. "The auction will take place in a mansion outside the city. Follow me."

Victoria felt a wave of relief wash over her. The waiting was over. She stood gracefully, smoothing out her elegant black gown, and followed the nobleman out of the restaurant. As they made their way through the city streets, William's voice echoed in her mind.

"I expected as much," he said. "Slave auctions rarely happen inside the city, especially not in places with high security. Not that the rich can't buy off the guards, but it's safer to keep these things discreet."

Victoria nodded subtly, acknowledging his words. She didn't dare respond aloud, not with the nobleman walking beside her. Instead, she focused on the task ahead. As they approached the city gates, William reached out to the dragon through their mental connection.

"Can you stay in the surrounding area but keep a low profile?" he asked. "We need to find the right moment to strike the slave traders, and we'll need your help when the time comes."

The dragon's response was immediate, its voice carrying a hint of amusement. "No problem. I'll stay close but out of sight. Just let me know when you need me."

William couldn't help but notice the change in the dragon's tone. It sounded more cheerful, almost lively. He guessed it was the freedom—the chance to roam and stretch its wings without being confined to a stable or controlled by a whistle. Being locked up had clearly taken a toll on the creature's mood, and now that it was free, its spirits had lifted.

As they left the city behind and ventured into the surrounding countryside, Victoria's nerves began to tighten. The mansion came into view, its imposing silhouette lit by torches and lanterns. It was a grand structure, but there was something ominous about it, especially knowing what was about to take place inside.

The nobleman led her through the gates, nodding to the guards stationed there. They didn't question his presence or Victoria's, which only confirmed William's earlier observation: the rich could buy their way into anything.

Victoria took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come. The auction was about to begin, and with it, their chance to confront the slave traders.

William felt a wave of unease wash over him as he observed the scene unfolding before him. It was all too familiar—the slaves lined up in the courtyard, their arms cuffed and bodies marked with the same kind of seal that had once bound him. The nobles milled about, laughing and chatting as if they were browsing goods at a market rather than human beings. The sight made William's stomach churn, a bitter reminder of the time he had spent trapped in a cage, sold to Jonas like a piece of property.

Victoria, however, remained composed, her expression calm and unreadable as she navigated the crowd. The nobleman who had accompanied her leaned in, his voice low and polite. "Are you looking for anyone in particular?" he asked. "There are some excellent choices today. A few mages, a couple of skilled fighters—quite the selection."

Victoria shook her head lightly, her tone casual but firm. "I'm not sure yet. Can I just take a look around?"

"Of course," the nobleman replied with a gracious smile. "Take your time. I'll be nearby if you need anything."

With that, Victoria was left to her own devices, blending into the crowd of nobles as she moved through the courtyard. She struck up conversations with a few of them, her questions carefully crafted to avoid raising suspicion.

"Excuse me," she said to a young noblewoman, her tone polite and curious. "I've heard the famous slave traders are coming today. Do you know when they'll arrive?"

The woman smiled, clearly pleased to share what she knew. "Soon, I think. But from what I've heard, not all of them will be here today. Just a few, so the number of slaves they're bringing is smaller than usual."

William's spirits lifted slightly at the news. Fewer slave traders meant fewer obstacles to deal with. It would make their task easier—or at least, less complicated.

With nothing else to do for the moment, Victoria found a quiet spot to sit, her eyes fixed on the entrance where the slave traders were expected to arrive. The courtyard was alive with activity, the air thick with the hum of conversation and the occasional burst of laughter. But Victoria remained focused, her mind sharp and alert.

Then, it happened.

"That's them!" William's voice echoed urgently in her mind. "The slave traders—they're here."

Victoria's gaze snapped to the entrance, her heart pounding as a group of figures stepped into the courtyard. Among them, William instantly recognized one man—the very same man who had placed the seal on his body. The sight sent a surge of anger and determination through him.

"That's him," William said, his voice tight with emotion. "The one who sealed the demon. He's here."

Victoria's grip on the edge of her seat tightened, her mind racing. This was the moment they had been waiting for. The plan was in motion, and there was no turning back now.

The slave traders arrived with a new group of slaves, just as they had done when they brought William. The nobles buzzed with excitement, eager to see the latest offerings. The traders were a famous group, known for their ability to capture rare and powerful individuals, and the nobles were quick to swarm them with questions.

"Do you have any corporal mages? I need one for my estate," one noble asked, his voice tinged with impatience.

"Yes, we do," one of the slave traders replied smoothly. "But let us first arrange them for display. You'll have your pick soon enough."

The nobles, though eager, backed off when the traders gave them a stern look. The traders needed space to organize the slaves, and the crowd reluctantly obliged, giving them room to move. William, however, wasn't focused on the slaves or the nobles. His attention was locked on one man in particular—the slave trader who had placed the seal on his body. That was the man they needed.

"That's the one," William said, his voice sharp in Victoria's mind. "Do you see him? The guy with the long hair, standing near the back."

Victoria's eyes scanned the group until they landed on the man William described. He was tall, with dark, shoulder-length hair and a cold, calculating expression. She nodded subtly, her heart racing. "I see him. But how are we going to do this? Are we trying to kill him, or…?"

"No," William replied quickly. "We just need his blood. A direct fight would be too risky—you're not strong enough to take him on. We'll use the dragon to create a distraction, then strike when he's not looking."

Victoria's hand instinctively went to her pocket, where she carried an empty flask. She had brought it specifically for this purpose. "I have the flask," she confirmed. "Ready when you are."

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William reached out to the dragon through their mental connection. "It's time. Come in and stir up some chaos. But wait until the nobles are inside the mansion. We don't want unnecessary casualties."

The dragon's response was immediate. "Understood. I'll be there shortly."

Victoria waited, her nerves on edge, as the nobles gradually moved inside the mansion to inspect the slaves. The courtyard grew quieter, with only the slave traders remaining outside, preparing the last of the captives for display. One of the traders approached Victoria, his tone polite but firm.

"Lady, the auction is about to begin. Can you come inside?"

Victoria didn't respond immediately. Instead, she pointed toward the sky, her expression calm but deliberate. The trader frowned, confused, but followed her gesture. His eyes widened as he saw the dragon descending from the clouds, its massive wings casting a shadow over the courtyard.

Before anyone could react, the dragon unleashed a torrent of fire, aiming not at the people but at the ground, creating a wall of flames that sent the slave traders scrambling. The traders drew their weapons, shouting orders as they prepared to defend themselves. But their numbers were few, and the dragon was a formidable opponent.

Victoria kept her eyes on the long-haired trader, waiting for the perfect moment. When he turned his back to her, his attention fully focused on the dragon, she knew it was time. Moving swiftly and silently, she closed the distance between them, Asura gleaming in her hand.

With a quick, precise strike, she slashed at his back, the blade cutting through his clothes and drawing blood. The man cried out in pain, whirling around to face her, but Victoria was already filling the flask with the blood from his wound.

"What are you doing?" the trader roared, his voice a mix of anger and disbelief. He hadn't expected an attack from one of the nobles—especially not a young woman.

Victoria didn't answer. She secured the flask in her pocket and bolted toward the dragon, which had landed nearby. The traders were too preoccupied with the dragon to stop her. She leaped onto the creature's back, gripping its scales tightly as it took off into the sky.

The wind rushed past her as they soared away from the mansion, the chaos of the courtyard growing smaller and smaller below. Victoria let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, her heart still pounding from the adrenaline.

"We did it," she said mentally to William, her voice trembling with relief. "We got the blood."

"Yes," William replied, his tone filled with satisfaction. "Now we can move on to the next step."