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42.2% Stellar Echo: Heart of the Myst / Chapter 46: Chapter 46: The first step of the plan

Chương 46: Chapter 46: The first step of the plan

"How do people here react to displays of power?"

"Fufu, it works very well, young master. The preferred tactic at the university is to kill the chicken to scare the monkey." Seraphina said with a mischievous smile, her eyes gleaming with interest as she looked at Erik, who nodded in understanding before asking,

"I see. So, where can I announce that I will face anyone at the ascended level, but only one?"

Hearing Erik's question, Seraphina's smile grew wider, filled with delight. Immediately understanding her young master's intentions, she quickly responded, feeling increasingly satisfied with the young man her young lady had brought.

"That's an excellent tactic, young master. It will make them fight among themselves, and you'll demonstrate your power by defeating the strongest one so they leave you alone. Fufufufu, such an insidious plan—I love it. Leave the announcement to me; I'll make sure everything is organized perfectly."

While Seraphina and Erik discussed their plan, Liliana felt incredibly uncomfortable with everything that was happening. Not only had she just experienced death for the first time in her life, but Erik, rather than being afraid of the duels as she had thought, found them merely annoying.

As if that weren't enough, Erik also had that terrifying serpent spirit coiled around his neck, which was very likely a mature spirit. It was not only powerful, but it could even speak. Not to mention, it looked like a dragon. But even more unsettling than the spirit itself was how Erik treated it like a small pet, and the worst part was that the spirit seemed to enjoy that treatment.

At first, due to her anger, Liliana hadn't paid much attention to the impressive serpent and simply began fighting with Erik. But the moment she felt its terrifying killing intent and pressure, she realized she had angered someone she shouldn't have. 

This not only frightened her but also surprised her greatly. After calming down a bit, she wanted to gauge Erik's level of strength, only to discover that he was already stronger than she was, leaving her absolutely shocked.

As for Erik, he found himself in a predicament. Under normal circumstances, he would seek advice from his masters on how to handle such a situation. But the problem was that, although communication with his masters had been continuous over the past few years. Talking more than once a day via 'video call,' as Erik liked to call the long-distance magical communication artifact, that had changed about three months ago.

According to Eleonora and Sigrún, they were entering into direct conflict with the Virelian. Due to this, they would not be able to communicate for a while, as it would reveal their location to the enemy, which was not ideal. Therefore, they recommended that Erik trust Seraphina for anything he needed.

...

... 

...

In the elegant and imposing meeting room of the Arcane Order, the director sat at the head of the table, accompanied by an elegant man with black hair and tanned skin, who wore the white robes representative of the faction.

"Director, are you sure we shouldn't intervene? Sigrún and Eleonora won't be pleased when they hear about what's happening with their disciple." The man asked with a bit of concern in his voice as he looked at the director, who responded in his calm and wise voice.

"Don't worry, Adrian. It's not like his life is in danger because of this. Besides, it's good for young people to have situations like these from time to time to develop their skills."

"If you say so, Director, but how will we deal with those two when they come running to demand explanations?"

Hearing the typical irresponsible comment from the director, who tried to sound wise, the man touched his forehead as he recalled the past with a bit of 'pain,' adding in a constrained voice.

"I still remember all the resources they swindled from us the last time, when the problem with Sigrún's chief assistant's husband occurred. I really don't want to go through that again anytime soon..."

Hearing his right-hand man's pained words, the director laughed heartily before commenting in a jovial and animated tone, dropping the wise and calm facade from a moment ago.

"Hahahahaha, those girls really are a headache, but don't worry. Understanding the boy's mentality will be worth the cost. Besides, I recently acquired something quite interesting that those two will love, and since I already planned on giving it to them, it'll just be an extra benefit. But more importantly, what do you think of the tactic the boy used to deal with the massive wave of duels?"

"It's most likely Seraphina's doing. Organizing an impromptu tournament to challenge him with a bet of 1,000 intermediate crystals is very much her style." Adrian commented after letting out a sigh, which caused a mischievous smile from the director as he responded.

"Hehehe, while you're right that something like that is very much in Seraphina's style. If it were really her doing, she wouldn't stop at just a 1,000 crystal bet for the final battle. Instead, she would set a higher prize and even charge for participation in the tournament. So, it's more likely that it was the boy's idea."

"Are you sure, Director? The boy isn't even 30 years old. I don't think he could come up with a plan like that." Adrian remarked, somewhat surprised by the director's deductions, who responded in a slightly more serious tone.

"You shouldn't underestimate the boy so much. Have you ever seen a Skilled-Ascended under 30 years old?"

"While it's true that his speed in increasing his power levels is even more terrifying than Sigrún's, that doesn't necessarily translate into a tactical mind, Director." Adrian responded calmly as he looked at the director, who casually replied while gazing out of one of the room's windows.

"Well, I wouldn't be so sure about that..."

(Seriously, where did Sigrún find that monster?)

The director couldn't help but ask himself as he looked in the direction where Erik was playing with an imposing serpent that looked more like a dragon than anything else.

... 

... 

...

In the main hall of Sigrún's mansion, Erik was reviewing some notes from his recent research, which was progressing even better than he expected, while Seraphina stood by his side, informing him.

"Well, young master, the challenger's tournament is about to end. The final is today, and your duel will take place in a month. Here is the information on the two finalists."

With her typical elegant and servile manner, Seraphina handed Erik a crystal tablet that projected a holographic screen with information about the two finalists, which the star-haired boy quickly analyzed before commenting,

"Two Peak-Ascended with several centuries behind them? They've really thrown any notion of honor out the window. But well, at least it will be a good demonstration of power."

Not giving much importance to the matter, Erik only glanced at the contenders' information for a moment before returning to his notes, to which Seraphina smiled, somewhat amused, and then commented.

"Fufufu, you're right, young master. They're probably justifying it by saying they're teaching you a lesson for your arrogance or some nonsense like that. But, young master, do the young lady and Master Silverwood know about this?"

"Not really. I haven't been able to contact them for a while, though in our last call, they told me it might take about eight months. So, if things go well, I should be able to inform them shortly before the duel." Erik replied as he stopped reading his notes, feeling that he missed his masters a bit, to which Seraphina commented with a beautiful smile on her face.

"That's good, young master. For now, how about we do some training? I'll serve as your opponent and use the spells and techniques of the two finalists."

"Mmm, that's a good idea. Better safe than sorry, though it would be interesting if the knight wins. I've never seen one fighting; I only read about them." Erik commented with some interest as he got up from his chair, to which Seraphina suggested as she guided her young master to the garden.

"Well, young master, you've never enrolled in a practical or combat class. Maybe you should consider it once this is over."

"You're right, it could be a good idea," Erik nodded in agreement, quickly taking out his planner from his storage ring and jotting it down to keep it in mind for later.

... 

... 

...

In a beautiful Roman-style house with large concrete pillars decorated with intricate sculptures of all kinds—men, women, dragons, wolves, and more—there was a study with large bookshelves filled with books, floating light orbs, and a beautifully carved wooden desk with a large, sturdy appearance.

Behind the elegant desk sat a young man with blonde hair and crimson eyes, with defined features and possessing great beauty and elegance. He was accompanied by two beautiful women with black hair and dark eyes, both with slender, stylized bodies that still retained their voluptuousness. Which were seated on his lap.

The group was intently watching an elegant mirror adorned with numerous runes carved into its surface, embedded in the wall opposite the desk. Reflected in the mirror was the figure of a man with blonde hair and crimson eyes, who bore a certain resemblance to the young man.

"Father, everything is ready. The duel will take place next month, and he'll be facing a very talented knight seasoned in war, whom I hired some time ago. That boy is already on the chopping block and hasn't even realized it." The young man commented disdainfully, while the two women on his lap let out low, mocking giggles, elegantly covering their mouths with their hands.

"That's a relief, son, but remember, don't overdo it. This is only the first step of the plan and the most important one, so you need to be very careful. Don't underestimate anyone, especially that boy. There's a reason Master Eldurdóttir took him as a disciple, and he could give us an unpleasant surprise."

The man on the other side of the mirror, known as William Blackthorn, spoke with a serious and solemn tone, looking at his proud heir with affection. The young man quickly responded in a proud voice, eager to clear up the 'misunderstanding.'


Chương 47: Chapter 47: A change of plans

"Of course, Father, I would never dare underestimate anyone, but there's something you don't know yet, which is the reason for my confidence in this matter. The boy is literally a country bumpkin; most of the time, he has no idea where he's standing.

On top of that, he's extremely arrogant. After the news spread that he was a coward, he set up an improvised tournament to 'select' the person he'd duel with. He even dared to bet 1,000 intermediate mana crystals on the fight, since, according to him, he didn't want to waste his time. The only restriction he put in place for participants was that they had to be at the Ascended-level.

Obviously, I couldn't let such an opportunity pass, so I entered my guy into the tournament. Not only is he a Peak-Ascended, but he also has extensive combat experience, whereas the idiot is just at the adept stage and hasn't even enrolled in a combat class. We could potentially even kill him outright instead of just humiliating him and ruining his reputation, as you asked."

The young man laughed disdainfully while wrapping his arms around the waists of the two women on his lap, which seemed to please them greatly. With evident happiness on their faces, they rested gently against his chest. Meanwhile, William's expression grew even more serious as he commented.

"Alden, your information not only doesn't reassure me, but it actually makes me more worried and cautious. Organizing the improvised tournament was an excellent way to handle the massive wave of duels we had planned, and the bet confirms that the one behind this strategy is none other than Seraphina Ravenspell.

That woman is extremely dangerous, to the point that she's considered Sigrún's most valuable asset, a tactical and military genius like few others. She's also a peak arcane, one even I would have trouble dealing with despite being a Master."

"Why have I never heard that name if she's so amazing, Father?" Upon hearing his father, the young man asked as he straightened up in his chair alongside the two women, all of them looking at William in surprise.

"Because she's insane. That woman doesn't want fame, money, or power. The only thing she wants is to be Sigrún's personal maid, and she never takes credit for the battles she directs or fights in. Moreover, it's well known that she'll make life difficult for anyone who dares to talk too much about her. On one occasion, she even beat Emperor Firestone half to death because he was obsessed with her and wanted to give her credit as a way of courting her.

But that's not the significant part. What truly matters is that if she's at the Arcane University, it can only mean the boy is more important to Sigrún than we anticipated. The whole plan was based on the assumption that she was on the Zephyria Edge, but now things have changed, so it's best to abort the plan and come up with something else."

With a dark expression and a grave tone, William explained as he tried to think of possible ways to carry out the plan. But with that demon dressed as a maid behind the boy, it was, if not impossible, far too complicated—especially if they wanted to appear innocent afterward.

"But Father, everything is already set, and there's less than a month left until the duel. Besides, the man I chose is extremely talented. He's been a mercenary for over two centuries and is a survivor of the Battle of the Argéntea Edge, so he shouldn't have any problem humiliating the boy and completely destroying his reputation. He might even end up paralyzing him."

Feeling angered by his father's sudden change and cowardly attitude, Alden quickly retorted, to which William could only shake his head before responding in a more understanding tone, as if trying to teach his heir the complexities of the galaxy.

"Believe me, son, you don't know the terror that woman inspires. She's not called a tactical genius for nothing, and it's very likely that she already knows our intentions. It's even possible she's aware of a good part of the plan, which means it's impossible to play the role of the 'innocent and repentant culprit' we initially planned.

Moreover, that woman is extremely insidious, so if she's allowing the boy to participate in a duel with your man, it can only be because she's completely sure he can crush the opponent and tear our plan to shreds. It's best if you get rid of your man quickly to prevent her from gathering evidence against us."

"Alright, Father, I'll do that." Hearing his father sound so pathetic, Alden could only respond in a serious tone, trying to hide the disdain and shame he felt at being the son of someone like that.

"Good. I'm very proud of your cautious and intelligent attitude, worthy of being my heir." William commented with a hint of pride and affection in his voice as he looked at his son with approval. But shortly after, he added in a more serious tone.

"Though, don't forget to be extremely cautious from now on. That woman will have her eye on you, and she won't let you go easily if she gets solid evidence against you, so keep a low profile for a while."

"Yes, Father, I will." Alden nodded seriously at his father's words, which made the man nod in satisfaction before bidding farewell with a smile.

"Alright, I'll contact you as soon as we have a new plan."

After their farewell, William's figure disappeared from the mirror, which once again reflected Alden. The two women on his lap had shock written all over their faces, still struggling to process what they had just heard.

"Husband, should I contact the mercenary?" Soon after, the beautiful woman on his right spoke in a servile and affectionate voice as she looked at Alden, who responded with a small smile on his face.

"Yes, Yue, contact him and tell him there's been a change of plans. Now, the goal is to kill that bastard."

Alden's words surprised the woman on his right a little, and she couldn't help but ask while covering her mouth elegantly with her hands, a mannerism befitting a young lady of her status and education.

"Are you going to disobey the father-in-law, husband?"

"Yes, Jia, my old man has become a coward over the years. This is an opportunity that won't come around again for a long time. Besides..." 

Alden replied while looking at his wife, but midway through his words, his expression transformed into one filled with anger and ill intentions, as he added in a dark tone, laden with hatred, jealousy, and vengeance.

"I've heard rumors that bastard and Sigrún are very close, to the point where she treats him with far too much affection in public, and that's something I cannot allow. She is my rightful wife, and I am the only one worthy of that treatment. Therefore, that bastard has to die at any cost."

Upon hearing Alden's words, the expressions of the two beautiful women shifted to ones filled with love and desire. They then embraced their man tightly and whispered in his ears with seductive voices.

"Husband, would you do the same for Yue/Jia?"

"Of course, you are my wives and will be mine for all eternity. I'd kill anyone who dared to overstep with either of you." Alden smiled gracefully and grabbed the women's large, round backsides as he declared with arrogance and authority.

Hearing their 'husband's' words, the women's eyes filled with love, obsession, and endless desire. Without another word, they began kissing Alden passionately, to which he eagerly responded. But just as they were about to remove their beautiful robes, Alden stopped them.

"Wait a moment."

"What's the matter, husband?" Jia asked, a little dazed, as she looked at Alden with clouded eyes, filled with deep desire. He quickly replied.

"First, I need to talk to my sister. Even though the old man has become a coward over the years, thoroughly ignoring his words would be foolish. So, I want to ask for reinforcements to ensure the success of the mission."

Though slightly annoyed, the pair of beautiful women understood the necessity. After a passionate kiss, they adjusted their clothing while summoning two beautiful, identical chairs from their storage rings. The chairs, carved from white wood with a magical, mysterious appearance, were placed on either side of Alden's, and the women took one last look at themselves before speaking.

"We're ready, husband."

In a serious and much calmer voice, Yue informed him as she settled into her seat, prompting Alden to quickly call his sister through the same mirror. After a moment, a reflection appeared of a beautiful, elegant woman with blonde hair and crimson eyes, dressed in a tight, black gown that made her look very seductive.

"My little Alden, what a surprise! Did something happen?" The woman on the other side of the mirror asked, with a mix of surprise and affection, as she looked at her younger brother.

"Hello, sister, how's everything?" Alden asked with a big smile, not getting straight to the point, as he knew his sister well and understood how to approach her to get what he wanted.

"Fine, a bit busy with the tasks my master left me, but nothing out of the ordinary. And how have you been?"

The woman in the mirror smiled warmly and began speaking with enthusiasm to her little brother, who responded with a smile that seemed to be trying to conceal pain and sorrow.

"I'm glad you're doing well, sister. As for me, I've had a couple of problems lately, but nothing to worry you about."

"What do you mean? Does someone have the nerve to bother my little Alden?"

Upon hearing her brother and seeing his expression, the seductive woman's face shifted from a broad smile to one filled with anger. She spoke in a chilling voice, loaded with murderous intent.

"Something like that, sister. There's a bastard who showed up out of nowhere and has been trying to get too close to my wife. The problem is, there's a very powerful Peak-Arcane protecting him, and I'm a bit tied up. On top of that, I've heard he's an important asset of the Arcane Order, so I can't move easily. It's been a bit tough for me lately."

Holding back the smug smile he wanted to flash for steering the conversation as he intended, Alden replied, putting on a slightly defeated expression and shaking his head, which only fueled the indignation of the woman in the mirror.

"What a slippery son of a bitch!" the woman spat angrily, her eyes practically bloodshot. But she quickly seemed to calm herself, and after taking a deep breath, she added in a cold and calm voice—one somehow even more terrifying than before.

"Don't worry, my little Alden. Your sister will take care of that bastard for you. Just give me his name, and I'll hunt him down."

Hearing his sister's offer, Alden could barely contain the smile creeping onto his face, but he managed to keep a pitiful expression as he shook his head and responded in a sad, defeated tone.

"It's not that easy, sister. The guy is the first disciple of Master Sigrún, and apparently, a certain 'Seraphina Ravenspell' is protecting him. Even Father told me to leave it alone and not do anything."


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