Chapter 229: Malevolent Magic Array

Chapter 229: Malevolent Magic Array



In the study of the Habsburg Manor, a thin, gray-robed middle-aged man sat at a desk and said, "Count, aren't you going to remind Alonso?"

"Haven't I warned him before?" Count Habsburg replied with a hint of annoyance, standing up.

"Everyone must take responsibility for their actions. Besides, if I remind him, it's not just him who will be notified."

As Count Habsburg spoke, he walked to the desk and stood beside the gray-robed man. "By the way, old friend, you came here today, not just to visit me, right? Is it because the higher-ups are preparing to take action?"

The gray-robed man didn't directly answer Count Habsburg's question. Instead, he said, "Count, do you still remember that great knight of the Zalar Resistance who died in prison from poison?"

Count Habsburg was taken aback and nodded immediately. "That was my negligence. I didn't expect the Resistance to infiltrate even the prisons of Maister."

From behind, a man holding a short staff spoke up, "Captain, why are we in such a hurry to ride griffins to Maister County today? What's the mission that requires your personal involvement?"

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Alonso, seeing the situation turning unfavorable, quickly hid behind a nearby column.

Surrounded by black mist, Leon suddenly unleashed a lightning-fast punch, hitting the other person's forehead directly! With his 'Basic Steel Body' talent, Leon's bare-handed strike was as powerful as a hammer.

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"It's a rather important mission," the burly man said without hesitation, as the operation had already begun and secrecy was no longer necessary.

Leon didn't deliberately choose a weapon, but at this moment, having the Lynx Battlehound Cookie rush over to deliver a weapon might cause the strange black mist to entangle it.

In the center of the conference room.

At the same time, this effect would intensify over time.

Additionally, although the Malevolent Magic Array failed to restrain and weaken Leon, their strength was genuinely enhanced by the array! This was why everyone present felt that they could still defeat Leon despite his numerical advantage.

One reason was that Leon was currently unarmed, and a knight's combat effectiveness was significantly reduced without a weapon.

"Boom!"

He didn't refuse but followed Alonso through the banquet hall. After passing through a long arched corridor, they arrived at a quieter room.

This was why everyone present believed that Leon's fate was sealed.

Numerous well-built cavalrymen or guards stood around each carriage.

The crowd couldn't help but feel a mix of anger and amusement.

Hearing the other person's words, Alonso was taken aback.

Leon had long seen through Alonso's fake smile.

Leon thought for a moment and mentioned Count Habsburg, hoping that Baron Alonso in front of him wouldn't stray further down the wrong path.

"How can the Malevolent Magic Array have no effect!!!"

The crowd couldn't help but laugh at this.

Additionally, the pale blue light contained a sacred aura that everyone present could sense.

However, he soon muttered, "It's not another scolding, is it?" Alonso looked at the scene before him and couldn't bear to leave just yet.

For a moment, it was as if Leon had grown four arms, shooting arrows with each one, creating the effect of a squad of elite archers firing in unison.

"Baron Leon, don't you like the taste of this food?"

"Seize him while he's unarmed!"

A massive raptor swooped down, flapping its wings, dropping two objects before soaring back into the sky. The black mist had barely reacted when it lost track of the other party.

They couldn't help but exclaim, "How is this possible!"

Taking advantage of the other party's daze, Leon fired an arrow with lightning speed!

The reason he could tell at a glance that the other party was a noble was because of the distinctive noble emblems on their luxurious clothing, in addition to the gold or silver threads.

"Count, if you don't send someone over soon, it'll be too late by the time the Swordmasters arrive. After all, they don't know Alonso."

What a fool! Courage is nothing compared to survival!

The thought of his father's stern countenance sent shivers down his spine.

The older noble listened and nodded, then, without expression, he said, "Not bad, Baron Leon. You're quite a courageous knight."

"Actually, it's not a bad thing." The gray-robed man smiled and continued, "I placed something on that corpse. I'm certain that corpse is still in the county city."

As the Empire's observer in Maister County, he didn't have the authority to demand cooperation from another observer. However, as the magistrate of Maister, dealing with people and matters beyond his control within the county city was always a source of displeasure.

A cacophony of curses erupted!

As he entered the manor and approached the banquet hall, Ren encountered Alonso, who wore an ornate noble outfit with an eye-catching Cali Bird emblem embroidered on his chest in intricate golden thread.

Even Lamar, the one who had set up the Malevolent Magic Array, stood there with his eyes wide, staring fixedly at the headless corpse on the ground.

Ren caught hold of two objects—a brand-new war bow and a quiver containing twenty steel arrows.

The ground and walls were covered in intricate black lines that thickened and widened, like invisible living things, bypassing the nobles and Black Flame Adepts, and rushing directly towards Ren.

"Of course!" Ren coughed.

Hearing Ren's words, Alonso was visibly startled, and anger surged within him.

Ren, who had been shrouded in black mist, now glowed faintly. It was then that they realized the black mist surrounding Ren had never penetrated his body, and at this moment, the faint blue light emanating from him was gradually dispelling the darkness!

Upon hearing this, Count Habsburg's expression darkened.

Why?

"Shouldn't he be restrained by now?!"

And what about that large bird?

"Good!" Ren nodded.

"Moreover, isn't courage one of the requirements to become a knight?"

What?

When did he switch to using a bow? The unfamiliar nobles looked up at the shattered arch roof and then at Ren, who held a massive war bow, their faces filled with bewilderment. They had just said he had no weapon, but what was going on now?

"Quickly, take him down!"

He still wanted to see Ren's expression of despair and wailing.

Even a Grand Knight, under the influence of this Malevolent Magic Array, would not have much of an advantage over a seasoned knight. On the contrary, those within the array would have their strength enhanced.

However, Lamar, who was mingling with the crowd, felt a subtle sense of unease as he witnessed the scene before him.

At that moment, an older noble stood up and spoke to Ren in a grave tone, "Young man, you are indeed brave."

"If this is all they have, the Black Flame Cult is indeed a disappointment!"

The bowstring vibrated!

Lamar crushed a key-like object in his hand.

As the banquet continued...

"According to reliable sources, there will be a grand cult ritual held there tonight."

Ren noticed that among the attendees were not only nobles of various ranks but also several individuals dressed in the standard Black Flame Cult robes, looking quite familiar.

At that moment, a young noble beside him, unable to contain his excitement, stood up and approached Ren with a triumphant air, "What a pity! The so-called genius knight is about to meet his downfall!"

Just then, Alonso's steward, Michel, rushed in and informed Baron Alonso, who was engrossed in the spectacle, "Baron, Count Habsburg's messenger is waiting for you outside. He says the Count has an urgent matter to discuss with you."

The room was filled with a nauseating mix of putrid and bloody scents.

The gray-robed middle-aged man nodded, "Yes, the Black Flame Cult is behind this. I've learned that they're hosting a banquet tonight, and many nobles will be in attendance."

"Ren, you're a member of the Goddess of Wind and Sea Church?"

This included life and death!

High above, at a distance from Maister City, something peculiar occurred.

It seemed the other party believed they had the upper hand and no longer needed to hide anything.

Strangely, on the back of this monster sat two people, flying at high speed, their wake swirling around a circular shield emitting a cyan glow and rushing backward.

The elder noble expressed his regret, shaking his head, "Is that so? What a pity."

Ren found it odd that the crowd seemed completely unaware of what was happening.

As the one responsible for setting up the Malevolent Magic Array, he was well aware of its effects.

For some reason, as Ren's gaze fell upon Alonso, the latter felt a sense of guilt, as if he had done something wrong and been caught red-handed.

The glass arch roof of the conference room shattered!

As the door opened, the chattering within the room ceased, and all eyes turned to Ren's towering figure.

Courage?

"Rapid Fire!"

Ren glanced outside and saw numerous luxurious carriages parked near the manor, most adorned with various noble emblems, while a few unmarked ones likely belonged to wealthy merchants.

Firstly, the array's evil energy could erode anyone within its range who lacked a special mark. Upon contact, they would be restrained and weakened by this evil force.

Although Ren was unaware of the reason, he had somehow gained immunity to the evil energy through the Goddess of Wind and Sea Church's divine techniques.

Just then, the onlookers' gazes shifted to Ren, filled with scrutiny, curiosity, and even pity. Soon, whispers began to circulate among them.

The silver conch medal on Ren's chest vibrated intensely.

"According to the cult's tradition of collecting offerings during rituals, the body of a Grand Knight is precious. They would never willingly give it up. Since the body of that Grand Knight from the Resistance went missing, I suspected it had fallen into the hands of a cultist."

After a while, Count Habsburg sighed deeply, feeling somewhat disheartened.

"I've always had the courage," Ren said.

At this moment, no matter how strong Ren was, even if he was a Grand Knight, in their eyes, the initiative had shifted from the moment he arrived.

"I heard that Baroness Crowley is close to you. Rest assured, after you become the ritual's offering, our dear Baron Alonso will thoroughly enjoy it on your behalf."

Baron Alonso's expression turned solemn as he said, "Thank you for the invitation, Baron Ren. The master of the manor and some distinguished guests are eager to meet a talented young man like you."

"Thank you for the invitation, Baron Alonso. I believe we will all have a pleasant evening," Ren said, glancing at Alonso with a meaningful look.

You think you can escape by coming here early? Now that you're here, there's no turning back.

As Ren nocked an arrow, those familiar with him, like Ramal and Alonso, were stunned. Wasn't Ren a genius in hammer and sword techniques?

With this sudden change, they couldn't fathom how Ren could possibly win!

Ren drew, nocked, aimed, and fired in a rapid sequence, leaving afterimages in the eyes of the onlookers.

The Bloodfeather Eagle Beast's speed was so fast that the black mist didn't have time to launch an attack before it could calmly escape.

As they arrived, a faint commotion could be heard, with carriages and horses bustling at the manor's entrance.

This was their base of operations! "Haha, Ren, do you think you've won? I've always known that your repeated surprise attacks, each with an unexpected turnaround, weren't mere coincidences."

"Baron Ren, Baron Alonso has been waiting for you in the banquet hall for a long time. Please follow me," the elder said, slightly bowing and gesturing.

Ren's expression at this moment was exceptionally calm.

"Baron Ren, we didn't have to come to this point. For instance, if you were to sign a contract and swear allegiance to the Black Flame Church, I believe..." After the laughter gradually subsided, the elderly noble continued.

He was acting on Ramal's behalf to lead the group and, following Ramal's instructions, attempted to persuade Ren.

"Not only did the person die from the poison, but the body was also..." Count Habsburg shook his head, slightly helpless.

Suddenly, the once chattering meeting room, lively like a marketplace, fell into complete silence!

Ren nodded, his face expressionless.

Ren knew the real show was about to begin.

However, this situation wasn't unique to Maister County; it was prevalent throughout the Empire's territories, and there was very little he could do about it.

"Then we'll have to make you the sacrifice for our prayers."

"It's me!" Ren nodded after alighting from the carriage.

"Bang!!!"

"Oh? After the body was stolen, you knew its exact location?" Count Habsburg raised an eyebrow, looking at him in surprise.

A steel arrow, like lightning, pierced through the abdomen of a Black Flame Shadow Adept. With Ren's Intermediate Gigapower talent, this arrow had the effect of a sniper rifle from his past life! After hitting the opponent's body, it directly punched a fist-sized hole through their chest and abdomen!

"I've said enough," Ren said calmly.

Secondly, the second effect was to enhance those with special marks. The dark energy would strengthen them to a certain extent.

Although Ren spoke calmly, everyone present felt the determination and power in his words.

Could the young man before them not see the situation clearly? How dare he speak like that?

But they still believed they had a chance.

Within seconds, only a few people remained standing in the field. Ramal survived due to the protection of his black mist shield, which deflected Ren's arrow.

However, if Alonso were to speak his mind at this moment, his words would be the exact opposite—'Cherish your last night in this world!'

"That... Alonso is also there."

Although Ren didn't judge others by their worst traits, the reality might be even more sinister than he imagined.

The walls were adorned with intricate carvings, and dozens of bright wall lamps illuminated the room. Seated in a circle were nobles of various ages, dressed in luxurious attire.

It was as if, at this moment, they were insects gathered in the shadows, while Ren was the knight bathed in the sunlight.

In fact, the moment Ren entered the manor and reached the entrance of the banquet hall, he felt his silver conch medal inside his chest vibrate slightly.

Suddenly, the wall lamps dimmed, and the entire room plunged into darkness. The floor and walls underwent a strange transformation.

After smashing the man's head with a punch, Ren spoke for the first time.

"As you wish, Your Excellency," Michelle glanced at the vaguely familiar figure in the conference room and hurried away.

Soon after, even the body of the rebel Grand Knight disappeared without a trace. The thought of the incompetent Imperial Administrative Departments made Count Habsburg tremble with rage.

"A regular cult ritual wouldn't require such measures. But this cult might communicate with a Demon during the ceremony, and we might be able to obtain a trace of the Demon's Divinity."

Hearing the young noble's words, the other nobles, who were expecting a spectacle, burst into laughter. "As for me, I heard you have a ten-year-old sister. Coincidentally, I also have a soft spot for little sisters."

A ferocious creature, about 15 to 20 feet long, with the body of a lion and the head of an eagle, possessing solid muscles and wide wings, was flying at high speed.

"Do we, Swordbearers, need to get involved in this? Can't the local Goddess Church handle it?" The Staff-Bearing Man asked, puzzled.

Alonso looked at the escalating situation and calculated the time. "Tell the Messenger to inform my father that I'm coming back immediately. I'll be there in half an hour, at most!"

The black mist, like living entities, surged towards Ren's position, quickly enveloping him.

The nobles and Black Flame Adepts in front of him looked like ducks with their necks pinched, their eyes wide, mouths agape, and their faces filled with shock and confusion.

"Enough!" A rebuke was heard. "Hmm? What did you say?" The elder noble looked at Ren in surprise.

Whether he returned early or late, he would still be scolded, but at least he could witness the grand spectacle he had been anticipating.

Ren had arrived at Baron Elliott's manor.

"I'm full, Baron Alonso. I met with the Count just a couple of days ago, and I doubt you invited me here just to enjoy a meal."

"According to local observers, there's a cult in Maister County that will hold a ritual tonight."

"Father wants to see me?"

Ren could sense that there were quite a few people inside, and their breathing was steady.

Apparently, these nobles were all involved with the cult, and there were quite a few of them. Additionally, Alonso was there, which made Ren feel even more passive.

"Swish!"

"Baron Ren, welcome. I hope you'll have a pleasant time here," Alonso said with a warm smile.

"It's not us, but the higher-ups!" The burly man extended his finger upwards and said. —Meanwhile, elsewhere.

The elder noble turned his head and nodded slightly at Lamar, who was mingling with the crowd.

"Baron Ren, please come in!" Alonso's expression changed, and he coughed, saying, "Please."

Seeing this, everyone, including Lamar, wore a confident smile.

The banquet hall became more crowded and lively, with ladies in elaborate dresses, gentlemen in formal attire, and servants carrying wine and food.

Ren wondered how they planned to deal with him.

This Malevolent Magic Array had two purposes.

"The Demon's Divinity? What do we need that for?" The Staff-Bearing Man's face showed surprise, mixed with a hint of fear, as if he knew the purpose of the Demon's Divinity.

Alonso exclaimed.

"The Goddess's Power?"

"If you have any tricks up your sleeve, use them now. My time is precious."

Fortunately, he had made some necessary preparations!

In front, a burly man with a shield on his back sat on the saddle, controlling the flight while holding the reins.

As Ren's carriage approached, an elderly man in a tuxedo greeted him with a smile. "Welcome, Baron Ren."

At this moment, Lamar was grateful that he had chosen this location.

Recalling the scene, although he had conducted a thorough investigation after returning from Ross, he had missed the opportunity to extract crucial information from the rebel Grand Knight.

"They're waiting for you in the conference room."

Suddenly, the young noble's head exploded! Despite the absence of a head, his body twitched for a couple of seconds, like a snake with a broken spine, before going limp!

The significance of this was clear.

Was it stupidity or genuine courage?

This place was unlike any other.

Hearing the elder's words, Alonso pushed open the door to reveal a spacious room with an elaborate glass-carved arch roof, approximately 15 to 20 feet high.

"Yes, they don't know Alonso, and they wouldn't give a damn about a count like me. So, send someone to inform him that I have urgent business with him." —At almost the same time.

"Because you've always held back your true strength, but unfortunately, this time, there's no chance of a comeback!"

The next moment—

"Crack!"

The entire conference room floor shattered!

Including Ren, Lamar, and the other survivors, all fell into the massive hole below.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end