Chapter 118 - Banquet
In the opulent hall where the Blackthorn Family banquet was to take place, a sizable crowd of staff members had gathered.
-CHATTER!
The buzz of conversation and nervous whispers filled the air. They were to be inspected and instructed for their roles in the grand event.
The head butler, a man of wide stature and an air of authority, stood at the front of the room. His monocle was shining with his white mustache flowing through the corners of his mouth.
His eyes contained cruelty and arrogance as he looked down on countless different people who were gathered here.
Everyone was specifically selected from the agencies that made a name in the sector, but even then, he had complete pride over the fact that he was the worker of world's one of the strongest families.
"Ohom!"
He cleared his throat, and the chatter began to die down.
"Listen up, all of you," the head butler began, his voice firm and commanding. "This is an important occasion for the Blackthorn Family, and your conduct must be impeccable. Any lapse in service or decorum will not be tolerated."
His words may have looked a little tame, but his gaze and the expression of the guards surrounding the crowd were evident.
The lack of toleration meant the end of someone's life….And most people here already knew about whose life it will be….
"This is nerve-wracking," whispered one of the staff members to a colleague. "I hope I don't mess up."
"Me too," the colleague replied, fidgeting with the edge of their apron. "I heard the Blackthorn Family is especially cruel when it comes to small mistakes."
Between the hushed voices, the butler glanced sternly at the assembled staff, emphasizing the seriousness of his words. "First and foremost, we will conduct a spatial-storage artifact inspection. Surrender any such items for inspection immediately. Those found with unauthorized artifacts will be dealt with accordingly."
Even though spatial storage might be a little bit expensive, the workers here were people who would be able to afford the lowest ranks, and the easiness they provided made them worth it.
And even the smallest storage artifact may contain the tools for terrorism, and that was something that always needed to be taken care of by big figures.
The staff members exchanged nervous glances and began removing their spatial storage artifacts, placing them on designated tables for inspection.
Nearby, another staff member eyed the inspection table apprehensively. "I hope they don't find anything wrong with my spatial-storage artifact."
"They're very strict about these things," replied a fellow staff member, their face etched with worry. "I just hope my assignment isn't too challenging."
As the staff members got into the line and their spatial artifacts started one by one, the head butler's gaze didn't leave them.
"Once the inspections are complete, you will be assigned your respective tasks. Serving, guiding guests, and maintaining the decorum of the event are your primary duties. Make sure you do them with precision and grace," the head butler continued.
As the inspections proceeded and the staff members awaited their assignments, the hall grew tense with anticipation.
After all, this moment had the chance to change their lives, and this was something they didn't want to mess up.
However, of course, whenever such huge amounts of people were present, there were bound to be people who were out of the ordinary.
At the inspection table, a stern-looking inspector was scrutinizing the artifacts. "You there? Is this all you have?" His gaze was on the young man with no distinct features.
Black hair and brown eyes, with a slightly slim body. His clothes were clean and ironed, without anything to pick on.
The young man hesitated, then nodded nervously. "Y-Yes, sir. Just a small artifact for carrying my belongings."
However, the inspector was someone who dealt with such things frequently, and he knew a lot of people who thought they were smart would bring another spatial artifact to steal things from the banquet hall.
Even the smallest decoration here would fetch quite a prize, after all.
The inspector didn't seem convinced. He narrowed his eyes, suspicions deepening. "Your ID, then."
The young man fumbled, retrieving his identification card from his pocket and handing it over. The inspector scrutinized it, then glanced up at the nervous young man.
"Leonard Blackwood... Servant staff. Hm," the inspector mumbled, looking at Leonard with suspicion. "Don't think being staff means you can get away with stealing."
Of course, it wasn't that the inspector had already had an opinion about the young man. He was actually using him to set an example for all the people here, and with his gaze, he was also checking if his ID matched with the ones in the database.
The monocle on his left eye was working as an artifact and analyzing the small facial features of the young man and was showing his name.
'It is matching.'
Even though he had already confirmed the young man's background, he still needed to continue with his act.
Seemingly looking like he wasn't convinced, he signaled to a couple of guards nearby. "Search him thoroughly. We can't afford any thefts during this banquet."
Two guards approached Leonard and began a detailed search. A small artifact was in their hands, and they swept his whole body off with the artifact.
DING!
"Nothing is here, sir."
The guard said as he looked at the small stick-like artifact. However, for some reason, the inspector's gaze lingered on the small bracelet on his arm.
"What is this bracelet?"
Since bracelets were the type of spatial artifacts, it was a normal question. Also, he was getting a feeling that the bracelet wasn't something normal. Its black color and silver ornaments gave it a unique look.
"Ah…..This...It is nothing much, just a family heirloom." The young man replied, as his tone slowly lowered at the end. He looked a little nostalgic, and a faint smile appeared on his face.
The inspector's eyes flickered with a hint of sympathy at the mention of a family heirloom. He knew that sometimes, even the toughest of folks could have their soft spots when it came to family. "A family heirloom, you say?" he inquired, his voice less stern.
Leonard nodded, his gaze dropping to the bracelet. It was a simple, delicate piece passed down from generation. "Yes, sir. My mother gave it to me before she... passed away." His voice wavered slightly, a hint of sadness in his eyes.
The guards, sensing the emotional weight of the situation, looked at each other and then back at the inspector. They both knew that sometimes, these searches could become very personal and sensitive.
'What a bright young man.'
He was reminded of the times when he was also the same, and he remembered how he felt. A small feeling of empathy arose deep inside his heart. And since the bracelet didn't give any warning from the searching artifact, he knew he didn't need to be overly conscious.
The inspector took a moment to evaluate the situation. He was stern when it came to security, but he also had a compassionate side. "I understand the sentimental value of a family heirloom," he said, finally. "It seems you're clean. Carry on with your duties, Mr. Blackwood."
A clear relief washed over Leonard's face, and he nodded gratefully. "Thank you, sir. I appreciate your understanding."
As Leonard walked away, the inspector couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy. Sometimes, enforcing security meant balancing protocol with compassion. He continued his inspection, his gaze now softer, understanding the weight of emotions even a small artifact could hold.
But, no one noticed the brief second change in the walking young man's expression.
*********
The evening had arrived, and the grand banquet hall of the Blackthorn Estate was ablaze with opulence.
Chandeliers hung from high ceilings, cascading light in shimmering patterns across the room. The air was a mixture of floral fragrances and the anticipation of a distinguished event.
No personnel could be seen there, as the only ones that would be standing were people attending the banquet.
And just like that, the guests, dressed in their finest attire, began to arrive.
The head butler, a tall man named Reginald, stood at the entrance, exuding an air of poise and efficiency. As each guest approached, he greeted them with a welcoming smile.
"Good evening, sir/madam," he would say, extending his hand in a gesture of warm welcome. "We are honored to have you with us tonight. Your presence adds to the grace of this gathering."
"Thank you."
"May I please look at the invitation card?"
It was the same process that happened even at the beginning of the governing world. If a person was someone who wasn't known to the social world of higher profile people, they would show their invitation cards.
This was not because of the Blackthorn Family workers were lacking, but it was rather a show of authority and acknowledgment.
"Good evening, Lord Harrington. Your presence elevates our event," Reginald greeted a distinguished guest, exchanging a firm handshake.
"Thank you, Reginald. The pleasure is mine," Lord Harrington replied graciously.
People who were like Lord Harrington were already recognized by the head butler of the Blackthorn Family, and this was the disparity.
Even these small actions actually gave a message to the bystanders.
Just like that, one by one, the guests were welcomed with either acknowledgment or an identity check mixed with courteous remarks.
They were of varied backgrounds, from fellow noble families to esteemed colleagues, all here to witness the marvels the Blackthorn Family had to unveil.
THUD!
And just at that second, the grand doors of the banquet hall swung open, revealing a group of distinguished individuals entering in unison, gathering everyone's attention on them….
Chapter 119 - Banquet (19)
-THUD!
The moment the door swung wide open, it revealed six young individuals who immediately gathered every bit of attention to themselves.
Each had a presence that commanded attention and respect since every one of them was one of the high-ranking members of the society.
A young man with his wavy blue hair and sharp hazel eyes stood tall with a smile. He had an amicable expression and looked easily approachable.
Beside him stood two young men.
One, a handsome figure with white hair and cold blue eyes. His usual smiling face was nowhere to be seen, and his gaze was piercing.
On the other side, a small giant followed, with his disciplined posture and the aura of a warrior. His buzzcut hair and posture alone showed he was a descendant of a soldier.
The three boys had similar clothing, and their suits looked like they were tailored specifically for each of them, and the brand Mythweave on the suits.
A special brand that made clothes for high-ranking young men and was famous all around the world. They were shining brightly, complimenting the incredibly handsome features of the three, making them the center of attention.
"These features....Isn't he from the Hartley Family?"
A young woman spoke, looking at the newcomers. She was a journalist who was waiting at the entrance to take photos of the celebrities.
"Yes. He is the youngest member of Hartleys, Ethan."
Her question was answered by her colleague.
"Hmm? Ethan Hartley?" However, she didn't know much about the young man whose name was mentioned. It was pretty normal since Ethan's reputation had yet to bloom in the sector of paparazzi.
"He is not that known yet since he is a rather late bloomer."
But, the word 'late bloomer' was enough to make her understand. The sources belonging to their agency had obtained the information from the Hartley family, and they knew the one heir that the patriarch was disappointed with.
"Ah…..He is the Scapegoat of Hartleys, right?"
"Ssh….Lower your voice."
"Hick! Right!"
Of course, mentioning him like that would bring disaster to their agency. What they were talking about was Hartleys, after all, a family that had a lot of influence as well.
"The Middletons are here too? That's Lucas Middleton, right? So striking."
"Is that Carl Braveheart? Just as it was said, the blood of giants runs in his veins!"
Then, just on the right side of the three young boys were another three girls.
One was an ethereal beauty with white hair and striking blue eyes. Her hair was a bob-cut, and she was curiously looking around. Her facial structures were similar to the young man beside her, just as if they shared the same blood.
"That girl with white hair... she must be Julia Middleton. Such elegance. Just like her twin, her looks shouldn't even be compared to those so-called models."
"Don't ever think she is just someone beautiful, or you will miss the most important thing."
"What?"
"She is a hunter just like her father, you know. I heard she had already mastered the Fifth Style of the Middleton Family."
"That Fifth-Style? At the age of 15?"
"Yes."
And then, just to make it contrast, the one beside her had a blazing feature. She gave a fierce and arrogant aura as if the world belonged to herself as if she was the one commanding everyone here. The fiery mage with red hair and yellow eyes made her entrance with a flicker of magic in her presence.
"Irina Emberheart, the fire mage, they say she's vying for the title of Archmage after her mother."
"But, the rumors surrounding her is a bit….."
"We both know who they are competing with, right?"
"I know."
And lastly, the stunning beauty whose elegance exceeded even the previous empresses. Green hair floating like the wind and red eyes burning crimson.
The way she carried herself, the dress she had chosen, and her small gestures…..All captured the attention of the young man present.
Women sent envious glances while their partners were in a trance.
"The Thornheart heir, Lilia... she's captivating, isn't she? A vision."
"Yeah…..She is….Isn't she operating the guild her father gave her?"
"Yes."
"Wow, she is doing that while also maintaining her grades in the academy….Certainly, a genius blessed by heavens."
"If it exists."
"If it doesn't, then I don't know what to call her anymore."
"True."
Cameras clicked and flashed as the journalists tried to capture the essence of the gathering. The anticipation and excitement in the air were palpable.
These young individuals, heirs to renowned families and possessors of extraordinary abilities, were a spectacle in their own right. The atmosphere buzzed with intrigue, and guests leaned closer to each other, exchanging snippets of information.
Amidst the murmurs and commotion, a dignified personage strode through the gathering with piercing eyes and a formal manner.
Reginald, the head-butler of the Blackthorn family and the main organizer of the event, had arrived to welcome his guests.
He approached the group with a warm smile, a practiced grace in his movements. "Ah, the esteemed representatives of renowned families," he greeted, offering a respectful bow.
Ethan and others stepped forward, each giving a polite bow or a firm handshake. Their upbringing in noble families had prepared them for such formalities.
"Mr. Reginald, it's an honor to be here," Lilia expressed with her usual elegance and her business-like polite tone. Even though the person was the butler of the Blackthorn family, that didn't mean he was someone to take lightly.
In fact, he was one of the most dangerous individuals to put an eye on.
"Indeed, the honor is mine," Reginald replied, his eyes subtly assessing the young individuals before him. "It warms my heart to see the future leaders of our society gathered in one place."
He then gestured towards the grand banquet hall. "Please allow me to escort you to the hall, where the festivities will soon begin."
As the group followed him into the hall, whispers continued to follow their wake, speculating on the interactions and connections between these young luminaries and the illustrious Blackthorn family.
After all, the six of them entering the banquet just like they had always done before meant one thing.
The alliance between the five families.
The Pentagon.
The five families, each having their own strength, complete themselves like a star.
The group entered the grand banquet hall, its opulence leaving them momentarily speechless. The room was a symphony of elegance adorned with shimmering chandeliers, intricately carved woodwork, and luxurious tapestries that narrated the Blackthorn family's legacy.
Soon after, various attendees, dressed in their finest attire, began to approach them. Some were curious onlookers eager to catch a glimpse of the future leaders, while others were keen on striking up conversations.
A middle-aged man adorned in a tailored suit with an air of affluence approached Lucas.
"Ah, Mr. Middleton, I've been following your family's sword techniques for years. Your skills are unparalleled."
Lucas answered with a professional smile that was different from the usual one. "Thank you, sir. It's an honor."
Just like this one, others were immediately surrounded by countless people.
Julia was engaged by a fellow swordswoman, eager to discuss technique and styles. Their conversation quickly delved into the intricacies of their art, while Irina found herself amidst a group of mages who all wished to be part of Magic Tower in her country, passionately discussing the potential of their magical abilities.
Lilia, with her grace and beauty, attracted a number of admirers, both male and female, who sought to strike up conversations or gain her favor. She handled their attention with poise and charm, a skill honed through years of social interactions.
Through the evening, the group navigated through an array of conversations, exchanging pleasantries and thoughts while the buzz around them continued to grow. It was clear that their presence had ignited a spark of anticipation and excitement among the guests.
******
"Ah! Really….I would really be happy to become the face of your new brand."
"What about me?"
"Of course, Shelly. You will be included as well."
"I will look forward to it."
"Then, we will meet later."
"Okay."
"Have a good banquet, Miss Lilia."
"Tch...They finally left." Lilia mumbled to herself as she looked at the departing figures of the three young girls. They all had beautiful clothes covering themselves, and all of them had good postures like models. It was evident that they were rich people.
She couldn't just ignore them since the Thornheart family had a close business relationship with each of their families, and they were essential figures for the future she envisioned for her guild.
Though, she disliked the way they spoke and talked. Most of the talk was about gossip and how some random guy broke up with some random girl.
It had been a long time since she started ignoring all those types of 'information' since it wasn't even worth her little time.
'Bunch of plastics.'
As she thought that, she slowly turned her attention to her group. She was dragged away to have a conversation, but now she had finally finished all the people she wanted to talk to so she could have a real talk with her friends.
There, she saw the other five in the same position as her, and she immediately joined them.
"Oh, Lilia. You are here too." Julia immediately welcomed her as she took a sip from her drink. She looked unconcerned like she had always been.
"The talk is finally over?"
"Yeah….."
Following her words, Lucas let out a mock, exasperated sigh, ruffling his hair. "Phew, can we just talk about how utterly exhausting this whole 'being heirs' thing is?"
Julia grinned, rolling her eyes. "Tell me about it. I felt like a trophy for most of the evening."
Lucas continued, mimicking a formal tone, "Ah, yes, you're the future of the family, delightful to meet you. I lost count of how many times I heard that."
Irina leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "And the constant small talk? I'm more interested in magic theory than the weather."
Julia, with a mascot act, added, "Don't forget the endless comparisons to our legendary ancestors. 'Your grandfather did this,' 'Your great aunt was that.' It's a broken record."
Of course, even though it was annoying, Lilia knew the importance of being the main topic of gossip.
"Well, at least they think highly of us. Being the subject of gossip isn't all bad." And she added.
Lucas laughed, the weariness of the evening momentarily forgotten. "True. The paparazzi might have a field day tomorrow."
Just as the group continued their light talk, suddenly, Lilia noticed something.
A person to be exact.
'Hmm?'
She had a habit of continuously looking around while talking with people. It was an act that she developed to be on guard all the time.
A simple waiter was serving the drinks to the people attending the banquet.
Normally, such things would never take her attention, but being an archer, her gaze was detailed.
Black hair and brown eyes were completely ordinary. His demeanor was ordinary, and his facial features were also ordinary.
'Something is off about this guy.'
Everything about him was normal aside from one thing. His face would twitch unnaturally from time to time.
As if it was artificial or something that was tempered.
Something criminals used.
Of course, it was just a hunch.
So, she was about to activate her skill just to check, but at that second, suddenly, the lights of the banquet went down as the classical music ringing out turned off.
"Ladies and gentlemen. May I get your attention, please?"
Chapter 120 - Banquet (3)
"Ladies and gentlemen. May I get your attention, please?"
As the sound of the young man echoed inside the room, the lights dimmed, and the room hushed.
Focusing on the stage, there stood a young man with lights focusing solely on him. It was as if he was the main character of this event; he was smiling broadly while looking at the crowd before him.
His attire consisted of the most famous and expensive brand in the world, and his shining green eyes were like a snake.
The dark chestnut hair and incredibly handsome features raised his charisma to another level, coupled with the faint pressure he was releasing.
He was a person that Irina was quite familiar with.
A person who was close to the boy she liked. His older brother.
Kaiser Blackthorn.
The current face of the Blackthorn family and the person who is said to have the highest chance of winning the inheritance.
'His features are certainly like him.'
Irina thought as her eyes wandered around to see her 'crush.' However, she couldn't find him at the end.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Kaiser began, his voice resonant and engaging. "It's an honor to have you all here tonight. As many of you know, the Blackthorn family has always been at the forefront of innovation, particularly in the field of dungeon mining."
As the young man spoke his words, suddenly, a special phenomenon made from pure mana occurred on the stage.
A holographic presentation appeared. There could be seen a special structure that looked like a three-dimensional print of a surface.
"This is a special type of dungeon that is under the supervision of our family." He stated as he looked at the structure of the dungeon. "And, today, I will unveil the latest technology that our team has been working tirelessly on."
He went on to explain the new technology they had developed, a cutting-edge method to extract stones and ores from the dungeons with increased efficiency and precision. The room listened intently, impressed by the advancements in this age-old industry.
It was the same with Lilia and Irina. They were both engaged in the industry of dungeon mining since their families also owned some small companies. Thus, they were able to see how effective this new method was.
"It is crazy, right? If they are telling the truth." Irina mumbled to Lilia as she looked at the figures shown.
The fact that the Blackthorn Family claimed at least a %12 increase in efficiency itself was groundbreaking and something that every power in the world needed to be aware of.
"Indeed, though that is if they are telling the truth." Lilia agreed, though she looked skeptical.
"But tonight, I bring you even more exciting news," Kaiser continued, his eyes shining with enthusiasm. "Through our latest efforts, we have uncovered a new, mysterious ore within the dungeons. This particular one holds immense potential and could revolutionize various sectors of our world."
-CHATTER!
The crowd erupted into murmurs and whispers, the excitement palpable. Lilia, her curiosity piqued, leaned closer to her friends, her eyes fixed on Kaiser.
Kaiser's gaze swept across the audience. "This one, which we've named 'Nexirium,' possesses unique properties. It is not only stronger and more durable than most known materials, but it also has exceptional magical conductivity. We believe it holds the key to groundbreaking advancements in both technology and magic."
His eyes were shining as the small module of the Nexirium appeared on the hologram. It was a material that had a silver-white color shining.
Everyone's eyes lit up at the mention of magical conductivity.
The stabilization and durability of the material were important, but nothing could go past the magical conductivity.
For Awakened people, having a weapon that enabled them to use mana was a lot more important.
"Our researchers are tirelessly studying Nexirium to unlock its full potential," Kaiser continued. "We anticipate its utilization in forging stronger weapons, more durable armor, and even as a catalyst for advanced magical spells."
CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!
As the applause for Kaiser's presentation subsided, he concluded, "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your attention. We are truly excited about the future that Nexirium promises. Now, as a token of our appreciation for your support, we are pleased to announce the usual ending event for tonight—the Blackthorn Family Auction."
The room buzzed with anticipation as the attendees settled into their seats, eager for what was to come. The Blackthorn Family Auction was known for offering unique and valuable artifacts and materials, and one of the things that people were drawn to this banquet.
"It is finally here."
Irina mumbled. Even though the presentation was good and Kaiser's unique halo was effective, in the end, she got bored since half of the talks were actually praising their product and word plays. And she hated those wordplays. It made her want to puke.
Kaiser gestured to a set of assistants who wheeled in display cases showcasing the auction items. "We have an array of remarkable items for you to bid on, all sourced and crafted with great care by our family. From enchanted jewelry to rare magical artifacts, you'll find something that piques your interest."
Ethan, Lucas, Julia, Carl, Irina, and Lilia had already examined the catalogs and discussed the potential acquisitions. So for them, they were already prepared, but that wasn't the case for all the people here.
As Kaiser gestured towards the display cases where the items were kept, hidden behind the glass, some of the attendees exchanged eager glances and leaned forward, anticipating a closer look at the items that would soon go up for auction.
"The auction will commence shortly," Kaiser announced a tinge of excitement in his voice. "But first, we'll need to distribute the bidding numbers. Our esteemed waitstaff will be assisting with this."
Attendees began to murmur amongst themselves, their excitement growing as they anticipated the items that were about to be revealed. The anticipation was palpable, the air buzzing with excitement and intrigue.
As the waiters began to move through the audience, distributing the bidding numbers, each attendee received a small plate with a unique number inscribed upon it.
The bidding numbers were essential for participating in the auction, allowing everyone to place their bids.
While everyone was getting their numbers, Irina was busy looking around to see any remnants of Victor.
He specifically invited Julia, and even though this made her blood boil, it also made her sure that he would appear here.
And just as she was looking around, suddenly, she felt a stinging pain in her arm.
"Hmm?"
Looking at the front, she saw the waiter who would give her number before her eyes and was looking down.
"Ah, I am sorry."
The waiter said with an apologetic tone.
Irina understood he probably mistakenly touched her skin with the sharp part of the envelopes.
"It is fine."
Normally, she would get angry and reprimanded, but seeing the guy bowing his head immediately, she decided it would be a waste of time.
However, as she dismissed the waiter, she noticed that Lilia's gaze was on him.
Irina's curiosity was piqued by Lilia's sudden interest in the waiter. She knew her well enough to sense when something was amiss.
"Hey, can you look for a second?" Lilia asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.
The waiter, startled, looked up, meeting Lilia's inquisitive gaze. He seemed a bit nervous under the scrutiny.
"What's your name?" Lilia asked, her tone polite but direct.
"Uh, it's Leonard," the waiter stammered, glancing nervously between the two.
"Do you mind showing us your identification as proof?" Lilia continued, her observant eyes now fixated on the young man.
Leonard hesitated for a moment, then nodded. He reached into his pocket and carefully retrieved his identification card, offering it for inspection.
Irina also leaned closer to get a better look at the ID. As she did, thanks to the small lighting, her eyes caught sight of a small black bracelet on his wrist.
It was a thin, unassuming accessory, but for some reason, she felt familiar with the bracelet.
'Where did I see this?'
She asked herself. The bracelet didn't look too showy, but it still had its own charm and uniqueness.
'Whatever.'
However, she immediately brushed it off.
For a random waiter to occupy even this amount of place in her mind was something he should be grateful for.
-THACK!
Just as Lilia was about to say something, suddenly, the lights were once again focused on the stage as the first item of the auction was being displayed.
"You can go."
Seeing this, Lilia also dispersed her thoughts and decided to let it be since the chatter had long subsided, and causing a scene in the Blackthorns' banquet had the chance to provoke them, which wasn't something she preferred.
At that exact second, a woman appeared on the scene.
Kaiser's assistant, a poised young woman in a sleek black dress, stepped forward onto the stage. The anticipation in the room was almost tangible as she began to introduce the first item up for auction.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we begin tonight's auction with an extraordinary piece—an Enchanted Sapphire Pendant," the assistant announced, unveiling the delicate jewelry in a glass display.
As the bidding started, the room was filled with the hum of voices, the excitement growing as attendees placed their bids with their unique bidding numbers.
Not everyone here was people with renowned families. There were some who didn't make any name or someone who was just talented; thus, they were also trying to enter the world of rich people in such works.
Meanwhile, the waiter also seized the opportunity to slip away quietly.
He had completed his task of distributing the bidding numbers and didn't want to draw any unnecessary attention to himself.
His departure went unnoticed in the bustling atmosphere of the auction.
Irina, though still slightly intrigued by the bracelet and the fleeting memory it had stirred, refocused her attention on the auction. The bidding continued, each item presenting a new wave of excitement and competitive offers.
One by one, the items were presented—a set of enchanted rings, a rare spellbook as the loot of a dungeon, and a pair of mana-engineered boots.
The bidding grew more intense with each item, and the auction hall was abuzz with both the fervor of competition and the anticipation of what would come next.
Until, suddenly, the banquet room that was slightly dark shone for a millisecond.
-BOOM!
Followed by the sound of an explosion.
Chapter 121 - Banquet (4)
-BOOM!
As the explosion rocked the banquet hall, the force of it sent shockwaves through the air.
CHINK!
The chandeliers above swayed wildly, and the elegant decor trembled under the impact.
"What is happening?"
Panic engulfed the guests, as everyone was surprised because of what was happening. They were shaken up, and some of the people here were non-awakened.
"I CAN'T SEE!"
The chaos ensued; the smoke covered everyone's vision, and most importantly, almost everyone was shaken by the impact. Some people were losing their balance while others were trying to regain it.
Amidst the chaos and billowing smoke, the six heirs acted quickly, their instincts and training kicking in.
Julia and Carl immediately started looking around. They had been in dungeons, and even though this was a fairly new situation for them, the instinct they had developed after fighting countless times was there.
-BOOM!
Not long after the first explosion, the second one appeared. This time, it was closer to the people.
-TAK!
However, the explosion was blocked by the barrier that had just appeared, covering every person who was leaning on the tables.
"This..."
As Lilia and others paid attention to the tables, they noticed none of them had been damaged.
"PLEASE CALM DOWN!"
A shout echoed between the debris and smoke rising. It was a voice filled with authority, and almost every person in this place knew the identity of the source.
The head butler was speaking to them.
"THOSE WHO ARE CLOSE TO TABLES, DON'T LEAVE YOUR POSITION."
-BOOM!
Of course, before the voice could explain further, another explosion occurred, interrupting his talk.
"Let's stick together. We don't have any weapons with us right now." Lilia said as she observed the barrier, though she knew it wasn't the time right now.
"And, Ethan. Make sure to stay between us." And, she commanded.
Even though Ethan was a member of the academy, in this place, she would be nothing but a small fry since he had recently awakened.
"Tch. You know I won't do that." Of course, for Ethan, such an act would be impossible. First, it was a matter of individual pride, and second, he was here as the representative of the Hartley family.
"MAGES!"
As the command ensued, suddenly, the surroundings started shaking, and a strong wind appeared.
WOOSH!
And, in a matter of seconds, the smoke that was covering everyone disappeared.
WROOM! WROOM! WROOM!
As the smoke dissipated, the room was flooded with a surreal sight. Countless shimmering portals materialized across the hall, their ethereal presence sending a wave of panic and confusion through the attendees.
"What in the world..." muttered Lucas, eyes widening as he took in the unusual spectacle. The others were equally baffled, their instincts on high alert.
A different sense of pressure was coming from the portals as if something evil was lurking there.
Suddenly, from the portals emerged sphere mechanisms, swiftly propelled into the air.
TAK! TAK!
"OPEN FIRE!"
The guards didn't even give any second, as the mages and archers deployed started attacking from away, targeting the spheres.
However, none of the attacks seemed to have any effect, as black energy covered the spheres protecting them.
DING!
Before anyone could react, these mechanisms emitted a sudden burst of energy, creating ripples in the surroundings—an unmistakable disturbance in the mana field.
WORM!
And following that, the barriers covering everyone suddenly disappeared.
"They're causing a mana disturbance!" Irina exclaimed, her voice tense with urgency. Only she could be in her perfect condition even without a weapon, but as she tried to draw fire-psions from the environment, she failed miserably.
The implications were dire since the mana disturbance meant the artifacts and formations wouldn't work as intended.
A mana disturbance could destabilize the psions around, making them unpredictable and potentially dangerous. This would affect the usage of skills and many other things.
SHACK! SHACK! SHACK!
And just as to prove that, the lighting that was illuminating the room suddenly turned off, leaving everyone in darkness.
"No."
-SWOOSH!
However, that wasn't enough at all.
Suddenly, from the rear of the Irina, the wind blew, and the sound of something flying through came.
SPURT!
Followed by the sound of liquid splashing.
PAT!
And some of them scattered through her face.
'What is this?'
She asked herself. Her head was shaking from the mana disturbance around her, and her brain wasn't working as it would normally be.
"Kurgh-!"
Before she could even respond, she heard the voice of someone coughing, and the sticky liquid on her forehead slowly reached her mouth.
The taste was something she was familiar with.
'Blood?'
SWOOSH! SWOOSH!
As the metallic taste of the liquid slowly registered in her brain, another bunch of attacks also came.
The darkness and the mana ripple around the environment were already affecting her mind. With her high sensitivity to mana as a mage, the disturbed psions were closing her senses, making her more vulnerable than ever.
"IRINA!"
Just at that second, she felt someone's presence.
THUD!
As she was tackled to the ground, behind the huge body of the person, she could see sharp black-colored tendrils piercing the empty air as they passed.
"Huh?"
"What are you doing?"
Her body was still shaking from the impact, and she wasn't in her right mind. It was as if something was directly affecting her body, making her stop functioning.
SLAP!
At that second, a sharp, stinging pain came from her cheeks. And with the pain, the world that was rotating slowly calmed down.
Clarity returned as her gaze regained her focus.
"Come to your senses, Irina."
Before her eyes stood blue hair.
"You almost died."
His green eyes were looking at her with clear anger.
"This isn't the Irina, I know."
"Ethan."
As she shook her hand for a bunch of seconds, she could see the warm gaze returning to the boy before her.
As the sitting pain continued from her swollen cheek, annoyance also came. Annoyance at the fact that she was standing pathetically while others were clearly protecting her.
SLAP!
And another slap echoed.
"What was that for?" Ethan demanded, looking at Irina with a mix of concern and slight injustice.
"It's payback," Irina replied, her voice slightly shaky but regaining strength. "For hitting a lady."
Ethan blinked, momentarily taken aback, before a hint of realization dawned on him. "Oh," he responded, slightly sheepish. "That was... necessary, I suppose."
However, they couldn't continue their talk, as they could see the scenery around them.
Blood was spilling on the ground, and countless attackers with their faces covered with masks appeared from the portals one by one.
They exuded the pressure that didn't belong to any average person, as if they were some sort of predator. The color of blood and the intense smell of dread covered the room.
However, of course, the Blackthorn Family wasn't only in the name. Even though the attack was something that they weren't expecting, that didn't mean they weren't prepared.
"TAKE THE FORMATION!"
SWOOSH! SWOOSH!
With a loud shout, Hunters and the Awakened immediately entered the field.
Trained in combat and well-versed in dealing with such emergencies, they acted with swift precision.
Spells and skills were cast, blades were unsheathed, and the clash of magic and steel rang through the hall.
CLANK! CLANK!
And immediately, the place where the banquet was held turned into a battlefield. Blood continued to spill, and blades continued to clash.
The attackers were no amateurs either. Clad in dark garb, they moved with calculated coordination, their intent clear - to cause harm and chaos.
It was clear that the level of the guards was close to the level of the attackers, and that alone showed how dangerous the group was.
And amidst the chaos and the relentless assault of the tendrils, the Blackthorn guards found themselves overwhelmed. The tendrils seemed to strike from everywhere, making it challenging for them to mount a cohesive defense.
"Hold the line!" barked the leader of the guards, trying to steady his guards as they struggled against the onslaught.
Spells and arrows were launched in desperation, but the tendrils seemed to have a dark energy that deflected or absorbed their attacks.
In the end, only chaos remained.
*******
"Snake."
Inside the place filled with pitch darkness, a hoarse voice echoed inside the room.
"Report."
The owner of the voice had a bulky build, and he was watching the scenes on his screen.
-WROOM!
The fans continued to rotate loudly as the huge room gave the impression of a basement.
"Reporting, this is Snake."
A voice came from the monitors. It was a soft voice, probably belonging to a woman. Even though the signal was disturbed, her voice was still clear.
"The information is correct. The package is here." The voice named Snake confirmed.
Hearing this report, the bulky man grinned.
"Good, you may continue with the operation."
"Roger."
As the channel was closed, the bulky man stood there looking at the screen.
"Did you hear this?"
And he spoke, turning his back. There stood a silhouette covered with a veil. From its hands, continuous darkness poured, shooting to the portals that were opened in the room.
"Yes."
The voice replied.
SWOOSH!
And following its reply, another black tendril flew, directly shooting to the portals.
"Then, will you speak now? We need to find the place of the item." The bulky man approached the figure with a grin.
SWOOSH!
However, his approach was stopped by the tendril that flew past his ear.
"I remember warning you not to approach me."
"Okay, okay…."
The bulky man took a step back, wary of the tendril's warning. The atmosphere was tense, thick with unspoken threats.
"As for my question-"
"Of course," the veiled figure replied calmly. "I will describe the location as you asked."
"then-"
"When you capture him."
As the veiled figure spoke, the bulky man nodded his head.
"Then, make sure you are ready. It won't take too long."
And he once again turned to screens opening the channel.
"Tiger, Lion. You are allowed."
Chapter 122 - Banquet (5)
-TOK! TOK! TOK!
Inside the corridor illuminated by the dark light, a bunch of figures could be seen running around.
"What is the situation?"
A cold voice echoed inside the dark corridor. The voice didn't have the tone of an old man but rather was on the younger side.
"Our communication is getting jammed, Young Master."
Kaiser Blackthorn, the heir of the Blackthorn family, was escorted by a group of elite guards as he made his way through the winding corridors of the Blackthorn estate.
The guards, dressed in sleek black uniforms, moved with precision and purpose, creating a formidable wall of protection around Kaiser.
All of them had swords on their waists, and they looked trained enough not to lose anyone.
"Our communication is getting jammed, Young Master."
At the front of the group was Captain, a seasoned warrior with a strong presence as he spoke with a serious tone.
He had served the Blackthorn family for many years and was known for his unwavering dedication to their safety.
"However, according to information we have received and we had known beforehand, we are getting targeted by a new organization."
As they walked, Captain Alden began to brief Kaiser on the current situation.
"Any ways to identify?"
Kaiser asked, gritting his teeth. "Those bastards…. Don't they know about our family's power?"
Today was supposed to be the day he was the main character. As the leading heir of the family of Blackthorns, he was the face of almost every event.
He personally organized such things just to make sure the way the public viewed him was on the positive side.
His father, the Current Patriarch, was someone with an obsessiveness of perfection, so he was doing his best to meet his standards.
"I am sure they are aware of your power, young Master." Captain Alder replied. He purposefully emphasized the word 'your' to imply that he was already considering Kaiser as the next heir of the Blackthorns.
"Ho? Then, what do you think they are aiming for?"
Kaiser asked with a leisured smile on his face. The fact that Alder praised him put that smile on his face, and the annoyed look on his face had disappeared.
Captain Alden maintained his stern expression as he replied to Kaiser's inquiry. For him, who always served the Blackthorn Family, he knew none of the terrorist organizations could target them.
"My observation suggests that this new organization is not targeting the Blackthorn family directly. Instead, they appear to have been hired by a rival or an adversary. Their aim, it seems, is to tarnish your image, Young Master."
Hearing this, Kaiser also started pondering.
'This makes sense considering how organized they were.'
He imagined in his head what happened the moment the attack started.
First, it was bombs, and then it was smoke.
Following that was a bunch of portals, and that was when Alder immediately took action to save himself from the attack.
It was a common protocol that was repeated countless times in this mansion belonging to the Blackthorn family.
But, the thing was not about the protocol but how efficient their attack was. First, they caused mayhem, making the mages belonging to the guard group come forward since the time wasn't enough for close combatants to reach the victims.
And then, they blocked their vision to make sure the mages would need to use their [Mana Expanding] to sense what was happening inside.
And thanks to follow-up attacks, the artifacts inside the tables would be activated since the mages wouldn't have enough time to defend the people inside the banquet.
It was as if-
-SCHLIK!
"Hmm?"
As Captain Alder scanned the card he was holding into the door they were in front of, he frowned at the fact that no response came from the door.
"What is happening, Captain Alder?"
Kaiser couldn't help but become increasingly aware that something was amiss.
Captain Alder's frustrated expression as he scanned the card to unlock the door confirmed Kaiser's suspicions. The door remained stubbornly closed, refusing to grant them access.
But it wasn't just the uncooperative door that troubled Kaiser. It was the mounting feeling of suffocation in the corridor, a distinct sign that the mana around them was indeed disturbed.
"Young Master!"
SWOOSH!
Just at that exact second, Kaiser suddenly felt the huge body of Captain Alder tackling him.
SWISH!
And following that, a projectile went past the place where he was just standing.
The corridor plunged into chaos as Captain Alden's swift action saved Kaiser from the incoming projectile.
The projectile, a gleaming bolt of magical energy, struck the wall with a deafening explosion.
-BOOM!
"Take Formation 3!"
Following that, Alder immediately commanded the guards around them to move and protect the heir of Blackthorns.
"You are good, just as expected."
From the darkness, a smoky silhouette was revealed, gradually dispersing and revealing two figures stepping out from the shadows.
A man and a woman. Both were clad in sleek, black attire and bore an air of malevolence.
The woman's eyes, an icy blue, met Kaiser's with a chilling intensity. Her voice was as cold as her gaze, "We have met the target."
She spoke slightly, tapping on the small earbuds on her right ear.
"Understood."
As she conversed, the man beside her just stood there and watched how the guards were operating. His gaze was just as icy as the woman's, but his build made him look more intimidating than his partner alone.
"Who are you?"
Kaiser asked, sensing that the confrontation was inevitable and he was trying to buy time.
"…."
However, he met with silence as the response as the two dark-clad individuals exchanged glances.
"You don't need to know." The woman replied as she grabbed a bunch of daggers underneath her robe.
SWOOSH!
As she fired the daggers, she immediately rushed to the group.
Seeing this, Alden also readied himself as he raised his sword. He was about to confront the woman, but suddenly, his senses started screaming at him.
"Let's test you, shall we."
SWOOSH!
The dark-clad man immediately advanced toward Captain Alden, an eerie smile on his face. Alden stood his ground, his hand moving to unsheathe his sword, but as he did, he realized the oppressive lack of mana around him. He couldn't rely on his usual magic.
This fight would be decided by pure physical prowess.
Without another word, the man lunged, moving with uncanny speed.
CLANK! CLANK! CLANK!
His fists landed with incredible force, and Alden struggled to block the blows. With each attack Alden confronted, he could feel the strength behind the blows. His sword was shaking from the momentum alone, and even though he was defending the blows with the sharp side of his sword, he couldn't see any wounds on the hands of the man.
'What is this strength!'
It was clear that the man's physical strength was remarkable, far beyond the captain's abilities.
-THUD!
"Kurgh!"
As he felt the punch in his stomach connecting, blood rushed to his mouth. His insides were getting crushed. His composure was broken.
SWOOSH!
In an attempt to defend himself, he counterattacked, ignoring the pain on his stomach. He forcibly twisted the trajectory of his sword and completed his sword technique.
CLANK!
And his enemy met his sword head-on with his fists. But that was his goal to begin with since the man in black was pushed back by the force of his attack.
"Kurgh-"
Of course, since he overexerted his strength, he felt blood pouring from his mouth.
'This is dangerous.'
He immediately judged. The enemy was a skilled fighter, and he was at a disadvantage. Because he was unable to use the mana psions in the environment as he wished, he was unable to exert even half of his power.
He was a magic swordsman who was proficient at mana and swordplay, but that also meant the reason he was at the top was that he was able to use both of them.
Whenever one had left the equation, the peak power he could exert would be nowhere to be seen. Moreover, his enemy seemed specifically specialized in body tempering, making him an extremely lethal opponent to face in such conditions.
SWOOSH!
And his enemy was not going to let him recuperate. In almost a millisecond, the man appeared right before his eyes again with his fists ready to strike.
The battle raged on in the dim corridor, where the only source of light came from the flickering sconces on the walls.
Captain Alden's face contorted with pain and determination as he relentlessly clashed with the dark-clad man. The scene was a stark dance of steel against iron.
However, even though he was at a disadvantage, that didn't mean he was an opponent that would easily go down.
As Alden attacked, his sword moved in calculated arcs and thrusts, his years of combating and polishing in the art of swordsmanship evident in his every move.
The enigmatic man, on the other hand, relied on brute force and incredible speed, parrying Alden's strikes with his muscular arms and delivering punishing blows with precision.
CLANK! CLANK! CLANK!
With each collision of steel against the flesh, sparks flew, casting eerie flashes of light that briefly illuminated the grim faces of the combatants.
The resounding clang of metal echoed through the corridor, drowning out even the chaos that had erupted in the Blackthorn estate.
Alden's strikes were fast and precise, aiming for the man's side or chest, trying to exploit a momentary opening.
However, the enigmatic man's agility was astonishing. He sidestepped, twisted, and deflected Alden's blade with a level of grace that belied his immense strength.
'An opportunity.'
But at that exact second, between the moments of despair, Alden saw an opportunity. His trait, making his senses incredibly sensitive, almost showed him the path he needed to take to strike down. In his mind, he could see what he needed to do as if the heavens were guiding him.
That one particular exchange was a breathtaking display of skill and power.
In a state-like trance, he immediately readied himself.
'Severance.'
As Alden executed a horizontal slash, suddenly, he felt an ominous feeling for the second time in his life.
'A smirk was plastered on the face of his opponent as if he knew what was about to happen.'
His opponent met the blade with his forearm shining with dark energy.
-CLANK!
It was Demonic Energy.
That fact made the result of the exchange clear.
"Kurgh-!"
The impact sent shivers down Alden's arm as he grunted in pain.
-THUD!
At that very instant, the man's free hand clenched into a fist, and he delivered a powerful uppercut that sent Alden staggering backward.
"Hok!"
Momentarily, his breathing was disturbed, and he could see the world spinning. The Demonic Energy invaded his body, making his superhuman regeneration disturbed.
However, that wasn't the end at all.
Alden's gaze frantically searched his surroundings, and what he saw was disheartening. The other guards, who had been valiantly protecting their young master, were incapacitated. They lay scattered and wounded, victims of the assailants' ruthless assault.
Blades filled with dark energy was the daggers around their body, the evidence of woman's work.
At that exact second, despair filled his heart as he desperately searched for the person he was supposed to protect.
"Target acquired."
And he found him at the shoulder of a woman walking.
Just at that second, he felt the familiar sensation he was missing for a while.
'Mana.'
Mana was returned.
In the next heartbeat, Alden made his move. He immediately coated his blade and his body with the returned mana. The sword seemed to glow with a renewed intensity, and a sudden surge of power coursed through him.
"RAAA!
SWOOSH!
However, before his attack could even reach them, the two figures stepped into the portal that had just appeared.
Alden's blade cleaved through the space the figures had occupied only moments ago, but it met nothing but empty air.
-TAK! TAK! TAK!
The lights returned one by one, but in the end, only one person was left in front of the door that would open to a particular basement…..