บท 202: Cutting the strings

Cael was smiling. Even though the opponent, the Starspawn, didn't make its second turn yet, his first one was a mistake. Now, if the Starspawn chose to fight, he would have to go through every mage present, including the royal guards and other nobles.

The Starspawn walked right into the trap… but the speed with which he threw his dagger was still astounding. If Cael didn't wait for surprises, already empowered by the strongest versions of Hero's Valor and Windstride he could use, he'd be too late.

Even so, he felt the enchantment on the dagger to eat through the spell on him. It sucked mana out of his Hero's Valor like a leech, and if Cael held it for much longer, he was sure it would've broken.

If the Starspawn didn't abandon caution, he could've quietly stabbed the king with this dagger during the award ceremony. Even now, he still could've concealed his presence.

But he wasn't as smart as he tried to be—otherwise, he'd call Cael's bluff.