It was already dark, around 9:30 p.m., when Max and Jim could be seen returning to town. Since they weren't in a rush, they took their time walking back from the forest. By 9 p.m., they were already on their way, and now they could be seen reentering the town, which was surprisingly still bustling with activity.

Streetlights glowed softly on both sides, casting long shadows over the cobbled roads. People moved around, going from one place to the next. Though no cars were in sight anywhere in this town, everyone still managed to get from one spot to another, chatting and laughing as they passed.

Max kept his head slightly lowered, a faint smile constantly playing on his face while his eyes darted from left to right, quietly watching the residents interact with one another.

"Not to question your decision, but why aren't we headed back to the inn?" Jim asked, glancing around curiously.

"Because I want to explore the town some more. The main reason we came here was to turn you into a dragon, and that's complete. But that doesn't mean I won't enjoy the town while I'm here," Max said with a small chuckle as they went from stall to stall.

They began buying a few things—steaks, fruits, and other snacks that caught their attention. Max, however, only bought a bag full of steak, casually munching on it as they continued exploring, strolling through the lively streets without a care.

'Mhm, this is actually tasty,' Max thought, sniffing the bag and smiling widely. The smoky aroma of grilled meat filled his nose, and he nodded in approval.

"I noticed something," Jim said, glancing around in confusion. "The gang members seem more active tonight. I wonder why."

"Probably out to extort a few more people. Late-night businesses are still open, after all," Max replied casually. They walked for a few more minutes before spotting several men in neat black suits heading somewhere with purpose.

"Huh? Didn't we see guys like these earlier in the morning?" Jim muttered, stroking his chin.

"I've got an idea. Let's go," Max said softly, his tone dropping a little as he began trailing the men without hesitation.

They followed them quietly from a distance, careful not to draw attention. After a few minutes of walking, they found themselves standing in front of a large and striking establishment. The place looked elegant, glowing beautifully under the night lights that framed its walls and doors.

Standing at the entrance were a few seductive-looking women in short, skimpy dresses, chewing gum loudly and tossing their hair as they watched the approaching men.

'A red-light district?' Max thought, his brows furrowing slightly as he watched the four suited men approach the women eagerly.

Using his advanced sight, he caught sight of another man leaning casually against the wall near the corner of the building. The man was dressed differently—like one of the gang members, in black attire with streaks of blue coloring running through it.

'Didn't Jim say there were two gangs controlling this town? Why have I only seen one group so far?' Max thought, narrowing his eyes a little.

"And you forgot the part where he said the second gang is quite secretive," Pix chimed in through his thoughts.

'That's true,' Max replied mentally with a shrug, then allowed a small grin to appear on his lips.

"Shall we head back now?" Jim asked, his voice low and his face twisting with disgust as he looked at the women.

Before Max could reply, one of the women noticed them and sauntered over, her hips swaying with each confident step.

"Hey, handsome," she said in a sultry tone, leaning close to Max with a teasing smile. "Want to come in? I can handle both of you perfectly and nicely."

"Oh really?" Max asked, amusement flickering in his eyes as he turned toward Jim. "I don't like sharing, though. So how about you get someone for my pal here, and you take me with you?"

The woman giggled softly, twirling a strand of her hair between her fingers while giving Max a slow once-over. The lights reflected off her glossy red lips as she smiled, and Max's grin only grew wider.

"Sure, why not?!" the woman said excitedly and turned around, her heels clicking softly against the pavement as she walked back toward the others, swaying her hips in rhythm with the music spilling faintly from the building.

"What are you doing, sire?" Jim asked, his face twisting into a huge frown. "As absurd as it might sound, I'm still pure, and I can't let myself be stained by escorts!"

"Just go with the flow," Max said with a teasing smirk flashing across his face. "Survive for just ten minutes and watch the magic happen." His tone carried a hint of mystery, but also that quiet confidence that always made people listen to him. Without another word, he walked toward the group of women.

"Survive for ten minutes? What is he even going on about?" Jim muttered under his breath, scratching his head in confusion. "I don't seem to understand, but… I can't question him, not since I transformed. Not like I ever dreamed of questioning him anyway. He's my idol."

A small smile crept onto his face as he followed behind. Despite the nervous energy swirling in his chest, his admiration for Max drowned out every other emotion. Soon enough, he stood beside him, both facing the group of women.

"Sara, take this gentleman with you. I'll go with him," the woman who had approached Max said confidently. Without waiting for a reply, she grabbed Max by the arm, her touch deliberate, and began leading him toward the entrance of the building.

"Come on, let's go," Sara said, giving Jim a playful smirk as she positioned herself in front of him.

'Sire, I seriously wonder what's running through your head right now,' Jim thought to himself, still unsure of Max's plan. Without saying anything, he followed Sara inside, glancing briefly at the man leaning against the wall. The man didn't move an inch, didn't even glance their way—he just kept staring straight ahead, his expression unreadable in the flickering light.

The moment the doors swung open, a rush of sound and color hit like a crashing wave. The entire building pulsed with life—music booming through massive speakers, bass lines so deep that the floor seemed to hum underfoot.

Neon lights flashed and shifted between red, purple, and blue, giving the whole place a surreal glow that almost distorted time.

Crowds filled the dance floor, moving as one in the hypnotic rhythm. The laughter, shouts, and music blended into an intoxicating storm of noise.

To one side stretched a long, sleek bar counter made of polished black marble, glowing bottles neatly lined up behind it. Bartenders worked tirelessly, mixing colorful drinks with practiced flicks of their wrists.

The air was thick—heavy with the mixed scents of alcohol, perfume, smoke, and sweat. It was overwhelming at first, but there was something strangely alluring about it all.

Along the far end of the room, plush sofas were arranged in dimly lit corners. Men lounged there while women danced provocatively on their laps, teasing and laughing. A few couples were already lost in their own world, indulging in heated acts without a care who saw them.

At the very back stood a raised platform—a small stage glowing under a bright spotlight. A single silver pole gleamed at its center, where performers twisted and spun gracefully to the rhythm. Cheers, whistles, and laughter echoed each time someone climbed the pole or pulled off a bold move.

A metallic staircase near the rear led to the second floor. Its railings were lit by faint LED strips, each step echoing dully under the pounding music as people ascended and descended, some vanishing behind velvet curtains that hid private rooms.

"Let's head over to our rooms," the women said in unison, their voices almost lost under the music as they guided Max and Jim up the stairs.

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