Chapter 354: Assassination

Chapter 354: Assassination

In the grand banquet hall, several exquisite chandeliers were adorned with burning candles, emitting a pleasant aroma that lifted the spirits. The candles provided a glow that rivaled gas lamps in brilliance.

Long tables were laden with delectable dishes such as sautéed foie gras, roasted beef, roasted chicken, pan-fried sole, Dixie oysters, braised lamb, and creamy soups. Bottles of Mist champagne, Aulmere wine, and Southwell red wine stood out under the lights, their inviting colors drawing attention.

Servants in red waistcoats carried trays of crystal glasses, weaving through the elegantly and lavishly dressed gentlemen and ladies.

The nobility held regular banquets to deepen social ties, display their wealth, and assert their status, satisfying the host's vanity.

This particular banquet was hosted by Earl Wolf.

As a wealthy and prestigious earl with vast territories, the guest list included many prominent figures: from barons to dukes, the heads of major companies that controlled most of Barkeland's wealth, high-ranking military officials, and ambassadors from various countries to Loen.

The scene was a gathering of social anomalies, many of whom wielded significant influence over the Rune Kingdom's political landscape.

Luke wore a deep black embroidered tuxedo, complete with a matching bow tie, lapel pin, and pocket watch. His tall, slender figure exuded a vibrant energy.

He held a glass of crystal-clear champagne, standing quietly in a corner, away from the crowd. A deep black gemstone ring on his finger should have made him stand out, but he blended seamlessly into the shadows, becoming inconspicuous.

Before him stood a group of barons and viscounts who, while not particularly prominent at this level of society, usually kept a low profile. They were engaged in enthusiastic conversation, the atmosphere harmonious and congenial.

"One Sequence 4 Law Mage from the Arbiter pathway, three Sequence 5s—a Spirit Witch from the Insomnia pathway, a Sea Singer from the Sailor pathway, and a Star Mage from the Generalist pathway—plus a Hypnotist from the Spectator pathway. The rest aren't worth counting."

Apart from the royal family's control over the Arbiter pathway and the hidden members of the Psychokinesis Alchemy Society, the three major deities—the Goddess of the Night, the Lord of Storms, and the God of Steam and Mechanics—each had a deacon in attendance. This was likely due to the lockdown in Barkeland following the anomalies during my awakening.

Luke silently pondered, taking in the entire layout of the banquet, nodding slightly.

"High quality, befitting a banquet hosted by a powerful baron of the Rune Kingdom."

Whether in terms of mysticism or social standing, the quality of the Spectators was impressive. Performing magic in front of them, even if not entirely accurate, would help deplete the remaining "Magician" Extraordinary Trait.

The only issue was the half-god... He frowned, his gaze fixed on Amelius Levitt, who maintained a cold and imposing presence even in the midst of the festivities.

The admiral, who should have been the supreme commander in the Soniah Sea, seemed to have a friendship with Earl Wolf, hence his return.

For a half-god, the journey was not far, and he might be accompanied by a Traveler...

However, most prohibitions in the Arbiter pathway's "Law" abilities were effective based on rank, making them an excellent match as enemies.

Luke made his decision, downing the champagne in one gulp, and stepped out of the shadows.

His features, physique, and attire began to change. When the candlelight fell upon him, his striking appearance had transformed into an ordinary, unremarkable look and outfit.

He then mingled with the other guests, a faint smile on his face, moving through the opulent banquet as if he were just another ordinary attendee.

He quickly identified his target.

A lean, rugged-looking man with a sly smile, his eyes roving over the young, beautiful noblewomen and the elegant matrons, his gaze particularly lecherous, as if he could see through their silk gowns to the flesh beneath.

Baklan Jean Martin, the Intis ambassador to the Rune Kingdom, played a crucial role in Intis's intelligence operations in the Rune Kingdom. All Intis intelligence agents in the Rune Kingdom reported to him, and he was a Sequence 6 Conspirator in the Hunter pathway.

Luke raised his hand, ready to strike, when a slight commotion at the entrance caught his attention.

He noticed the glint in Ambassador Baklan Jean Martin’s eyes and followed his gaze, immediately understanding why this experienced diplomat reacted this way.

At the door stood a girl more radiant than the spring sunshine, with features so exquisite that they left one in awe. Her beauty was unforgettable, and her demeanor was noble and elegant.

She wore a high-collared, high-waisted, puffed-sleeved light white dress. The bodice was tightly fitted, the waist cinched to a slender line, and the layered skirt was perfectly supported by whalebone.

Her dazzling golden hair was elegantly coiled, and her earrings, necklace, and rings sparkled brightly. On her feet were white dancing shoes adorned with roses and diamonds.

Without introduction, Luke guessed the identity of this girl: the shining gem of Barkeland, Aurelia Hall, the “Justice” of the Tarot Club.

Luke found it amusing to think if this could be considered a meeting of online friends, and he couldn’t help but marvel.

She is truly beautiful…

Even among his many wives, she would rank in the top five for beauty. Those who could surpass her were hardly human.

He should find a chance to chat with her later, but for now, he needed to focus on the matter at hand.

After admiring her for a few seconds, Luke shifted his gaze back to Ambassador Baklan, who was still staring at Aurelia with a fiery and unsettling look.

The "Witch" path represents the feminine power of the original creator, while the "Hunter" path represents the masculine power. Practitioners of both paths are exceptionally skilled and have strong desires. Coupled with Intis’s open-minded culture and his high position, the ambassador made no effort to hide or control his desires.

"Tsk, old lecher. Killing you would dirty my hands."

Luke’s eyes showed a faint disdain. He despised such men who couldn’t control their lust, always craving beautiful women!

What? He himself was an old lecher?

He needed to clarify that.

He wasn’t old!

...

To the lively dance music, Baklan greedily watched Aurelia’s graceful figure, already fantasizing about what it would be like to have this treasure in his bed.

He imagined lifting her skirts, caressing her white, smooth legs, and kissing his way up, marking her with his scent, making her his exclusive plaything.

Such a delicate noble lady had likely never experienced such things. He wondered if she could handle a "Hunter’s" vigor, considering that Loen men were generally not known for their bedroom prowess.

As he pondered whether to approach her, a plain-looking young man walked over, a friendly smile on his face, and extended his right hand.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Baklan."

Baklan found such formal pleasantries tedious. Loen nobles always pretended to be elegant gentlemen, using elaborate etiquette to distinguish themselves and secretly look down on Intis’s lifestyle.

In reality, Loen gentlemen also had mistresses and high-class courtesans to satisfy their desires. They were all the same, just different degrees of hypocrisy. Loen’s so-called refinement couldn’t change the fact that everyone was an animal under the surface.

However, on the surface, certain rules had to be followed.

Baklan hid his disdain for the formalities and smiled, shaking the young man’s hand. Before he could return the greeting, he felt a bone-chilling sensation rapidly spreading from the young man’s hand.

What… is… this…

His eyes widened in boundless shock as he tried to mobilize his internal power, but time seemed to slow to a crawl, delaying his ability to activate his powers.

Is… it… a Master of Puppets from the Seer path?

Baklan’s eyes reflected pain and struggle, but his body remained motionless. The young man’s image in his eyes blurred, his thoughts slowed, and his consciousness grew hazy.

But… something… feels… off… Spirit Threads…

"It’s not your Spirit Threads that have been moved, but your body and spirit have been altered. The sluggishness is because the time around you has been slowed by a hundredfold."

The young man’s deep voice seemed to come from another world, resonant and layered.

"A Hunter without a Seal Item and not on your own turf is truly vulnerable. You are the easiest mid-Sequence practitioner I’ve killed since coming here."

Whether a Magician or a Joyful Witch, they all had puppets and survival techniques. Hunters, while powerful in combat, relied more on strategy and skill.

Baklan’s eyes moved very slowly.

Why… did I have no Spiritual Energy Intuition…

The force from the young man’s hand seemed to invade his body and soul. The young man easily read his question.

Many psychics rely too heavily on their Spiritual Energy intuition. While the information derived from their connection to the Spirit Realm can be useful in battles and daily life, even Seers shouldn’t completely trust their divinations.

These words were the last thing Baklan heard before he fell into darkness.

With confusion and resentment, he closed his eyes forever.

...

Luke released Baklan’s right hand, a relaxed smile on his face as he turned and walked away.

Behind him, the ambassador still maintained a false smile, standing straight and showing no signs of trouble, but his soul had been extinguished, and his body was under control.

The Dual-Hand technique for modifying bodies and souls was particularly effective, but its efficacy decreased with stronger psychics. Ordinary people could be manipulated with just a glance, but Baklan, a Sequence 6 with a relatively weak spirit, required close contact.

As for even stronger psychics, weakening their will and dismantling their resistance might be necessary...

While Luke pondered, he maintained a gentle smile, walking steadily and unhurriedly toward the banquet hall’s entrance.

"Stop."

A cold, authoritative voice echoed through the air, rippling through the lively banquet with a heavy, oppressive force that silenced everyone.

All eyes turned to the speaker and then followed his gaze to the young man walking toward the exit.

Luke felt an invisible force affecting his body, causing him to stop naturally. He sighed lightly at the impending trouble and turned to face the speaker with a smile.

Amelius, a formidable being with half-god powers, appeared before him, his eyes like those of a hawk, fixed intently on Luke.

"Hello, is there something you need?"

"You have committed a grave offense."

Amelius’s face was cold, his tone firm and unquestionable.

As he spoke, the atmosphere at the banquet became tense. Gasps of shock rippled through the crowd of gentlemen and ladies, and a sense of panic began to spread.

Luke looked innocent, his face a mix of indignation and hurt. "You should provide evidence before making accusations. You can’t unjustly accuse a kind, honest, and virtuous gentleman!"

His performance caused some confusion, but the deacons from various churches were already approaching. Amelius wasted no more words, raising his palm toward Luke with a cold voice.

"Imprison!"

Silently, Luke felt as if transparent walls had surrounded him, or as if he were submerged in an incredibly thick liquid, trapping him like an insect in amber.

He smiled, bringing his thumb and middle finger together and snapping them. Curtains, carpets, tablecloths, and even parts of the men’s clothing began to burn.

The flames flickered, and Luke appeared outside the confinement. He straightened his sleeves and lifted his gaze, appearing calm and composed.

"I see. The crimes in the domain governed by the Arbiter are detected by you. You couldn’t sense me, but you noticed the issue with Baklan and then targeted me, who had contact with him and was preparing to leave."

"Death!"

Amelius continued, his voice cold and filled with a force that seemed to freeze blood and life.

Swish—

A paper puppet appeared in his place, turning pale, while Luke’s figure materialized a few meters away, continuing to walk outward with the same calm demeanor.

As he walked, he snapped his fingers several times, causing the fire to intensify, bringing thick smoke and intense heat, and creating chaos.

The elegantly dressed gentlemen and ladies mostly fled in panic, momentarily erasing the class distinctions.

A deacon from the Church of the God of Steam and Mechanics retrieved a magical item and began to calm and evacuate the frightened crowd.

The previously silent Ambassador Baklan suddenly regained his senses, forming a flaming spear in his hand and hurling it at two other deacons who were about to intervene.

A Sea Singer from the Storm Church furrowed her brow, sending several sharp blades to cut through the flaming spear. Due to Baklan’s sensitive status, she could only fight while retreating.

Amelius frowned. The "Imprison" and "Death" commands seemed significantly weakened against this person. Otherwise, a half-god’s "Imprison" would have been impossible to escape with "Flame Leap", and "Death" would not have been so easily countered with "Paper Puppet."

"Fire is forbidden here!"

He shouted, and the flames were extinguished within moments, but the chaos they caused had only slightly subsided.

Amelius immediately issued a second command:

"Enhance the mystical, weaken the mundane!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end