All in Charisma (A LitRPG/Isekai Adventure)

Justin approached the far corner of the hall, completely lightheaded as he wove through the revelers. Eldrin, Lila, and Kargan had taken refuge there, unnoticed by the rest of the crowd. Justin forced himself to move casually.

He waited until he was a suitable distance away from the Baron before he even set his thoughts on the Amulet of Equilibrium. Unlike Reginald Fairfax, who clearly had some sort of skill that allowed him to see the amulet's value, and Percival Harrington, who had learned about the amulet from his Gentleman's Gauntlet skill, it seemed that the Baron had no inherent ability that allowed him to detect the amulet.

That was a fact the Baron hadn't counted on. It was the ace up Justin's sleeve.

Justin focused his thoughts on the amulet, willing it to bind to his core.

[The Amulet of Equilibrium can only be bound to characters with a Life Affinity. Death Affinity detected.]

Justin smiled, though the reaction felt strange. Of course, he was disappointed. For a moment, he had almost believed the Baron had been genuine. His manner had been so persuasive that it had been enough to sow doubt.

Knowledge, however, was half the battle. There might still be a way to save the situation, as unlikely as it seemed. That required beating the Baron at his own game.

But how?

As Justin reached the others, they stood expectantly, their eyes full of questions. Even now, he could feel Valdrik's gaze on him from across the room, watching, calculating. The thought made his skin crawl.

"What did you talk about?" Lila asked, breaking the silence.

Eldrin watched him intently. "That was a long conversation, lad."

"It's too much to explain right now. What's important is getting out of here alive. He won't make a move in the middle of a party like this. Long story short, he faked friendship and pretended to remove the Death Mark. Only…"

Justin's fingers brushed the gold chain around his neck, a subtle gesture that conveyed everything they needed to know.

"It doesn't work," Eldrin muttered grimly.

Justin nodded. "We can save this still. He doesn't know that I know. It's the one advantage we have."

Eldrin leaned forward. "While you were talking, I scouted around and found a side entrance. It leads into a courtyard garden and a ledge. If we climb down, we can access the Undermarket. My suggestion is to lose ourselves there and figure out the next step."

Justin shook his head. "That won't work. No matter where we go, he'll be right on our tail. We need to get distance from him, but he'll never let us get that far. The Mark will lead him right to me."

Eldrin frowned. "What do you suggest? We can't stay here forever. Not with Gareth due to arrive in just hours. Then the Baron won't be operating solo."

"The mayor is working with him for sure," Lila said. "The whole thing with the Gate was clearly a setup."

"It was," Justin confirmed.

Justin glanced over his shoulder, catching sight of Valdrik mingling with the other guests. The Baron was the center of attention in a circle of laughing nobles, perfectly at ease. Justin turned back to the others, lowering his voice.

"We have to beat him at his own game," Justin said. "We're safer here than anywhere else right now. The Baron won't make a move with all these important nobles around. But he's underestimating us. He thinks we're going to run at the first opportunity. That gives us an opening."

"What are you thinking?" Lila asked.

Justin hesitated, glancing around the room. Now, more than ever, he was convinced this wasn't the time to run. This ballroom was a battlefield. His battlefield.

He wasn't without resources. He had himself, his wits, and the pieces on the board.

And, of course, he had an opponent who fully expected him to resign without a fight. An opponent who was up to no good and didn't want the world to know about it.

It was time to air some dirty laundry.

"Follow my lead," Justin said.

"What are we doing?" Eldrin asked.

"Spilling some tea, as they say in my world."

Straightening his posture, Justin activated his Dandy's Swagger and strolled toward the crowd with a confidence that belied the situation he was in. His heart pounded in his chest, but he forced a smile onto his face, masking his fear with an air of charm.

At first, no one noticed him, and Justin wondered if this was a huge mistake.

But then one noble, a man with salt-and-pepper hair and a velvet coat, touched his arm. "Mr. Talemaker, was it? Baron Marston of Greymoor. Please forgive the crude introduction, but you simply must tell me—are you and the Baron of Silverton old friends? That little display earlier was just what this party needed! These events can be so dreadfully dull without a bit of excitement."

Justin's smile stretched. This was already off to a rollicking start.

"Well, I do my best to entertain," Justin said with a wink. "Are you enjoying the festivities?"

"Quite! But everyone is dying to know how you and the Baron know each other. He's such an enigma! Rarely seen at events like these, and so far from Silverton!"

Justin chuckled, his voice loud enough to draw the attention of nearby guests. "Ah, yes, the Baron and I go way back. My estate is close to Silverton, nestled in the Wildwood Forest. We've hunted together a few times. A fascinating man, though often misunderstood."

More nobles drifted closer, their curiosity piqued. None seemed to call him out on his lie, so he could only assume they were taking it at face value. A necessary risk, given the stakes.

Justin could feel Valdrik's eyes on him from across the room, but the Baron made no move to approach. Perfect.

"Of course," he said in a conspiratorial tone, "I've heard some interesting rumors about him. But you didn't hear them from me."

A ripple of laughter passed through the group as they leaned in, eager for gossip.

"I once had a courier who delivered something to me after a stop at the Baron's manor," Justin said. "You know how hard it is to get in there. The people of Silverton have many theories about what goes on inside. A beautiful home, but with more empty rooms than full. So, after a generous tip, I pressed the courier for details. He was nervous, but you know what they say—money talks."

The nobles chuckled again, waiting eagerly for the story.

"Well," Justin went on, "the courier mentioned that the Baron's manor is filled with strange and rare artifacts, the likes of which you'd never believe. He's quite the collector of treasures, some of which are rather…unsettling. Makes you wonder what he keeps even deeper in those halls, doesn't it?"

"What kinds of treasures?" an older gentleman asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Oh, I couldn't say for certain," Justin replied, lowering his voice. "But the people of Silverton have long whispered about hidden passages beneath the Baron's manor. While some say it's filled with only artifacts, others tell darker tales. They say there's a constant stream of mysterious visitors going into his home, especially at night."

The nobles exchanged intrigued glances, some of them frowning in thought. Justin could almost see the wheels turning in their minds. Valdrik was always an enigma, but now he was something more—something dangerous.

"Of course," Justin added with a wink, "eccentricity isn't a crime. But it makes one wonder, doesn't it?"

The nobles murmured in agreement, casting furtive glances toward Valdrik, who remained across the room, apparently none the wiser. He was talking to the same raven-haired lady from earlier.

Justin made his rounds, weaving through the crowd, engaging in similar conversations, each one laced with subtle hints and insinuations. As the minutes ticked by, Justin started noticing a change in the Baron's demeanor. His laughter, once rich and confident, carried a frantic edge. Valdrik's eyes flicked toward Justin more frequently, as though trying to gauge just how much damage was being done.

Justin played his role perfectly. His words slid into the ears of curious nobles like honeyed poison.

"Oh, the Baron? Yes, he's still a bachelor, though I can't imagine why! Quite handsome, don't you think? And richer than a dragon on its hoard! Not to mention more dangerous than a dragon, too, especially during the hunt! Would you like me to introduce you? No? Oh, your loss, truly!"

The noblewoman blushed, laughing nervously, and Justin winked before moving on, leaving her to glance toward Valdrik with a mix of curiosity and caution.

At another cluster of guests, Justin lowered his voice just enough to add a touch of mystery. "Ah yes, the Baron. Quite the Lexicant, they say. Spends long hours in his manor, learning spells that haven't seen the light of day in centuries. It's impressive, of course—takes dedication. I'm sure he's up to something very important. I have to say, it's nice to see him stretching his social muscles tonight. It's so long since he's been seen in society! I always urge him to marry, you know. As they say, it is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife."

The surrounding group hummed in agreement, nodding and exchanging impressed glances as if Justin had just crafted this brilliant observation on his own. One noble even offered a polite chuckle, while another lady murmured, "Well said, well said indeed."

This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

"On that note, I'm collecting the names of a few eligible ladies for him to court. That's what friends are for. So, who's in?"

The guests chuckled, but Justin could see the unease in their eyes. He kept his tone light, but the implications were sinking in. Valdrik, the mysterious recluse, dabbling in ancient magic—what could he be up to?

Justin continued his campaign, all while mixing in other stories of his adventures, so he wasn't too obvious. His voice carried just enough weight to stoke the flames of gossip. "The Baron spends long days away from his manor in Silverton, always off on some grand adventure. They say every time he returns, his wealth doubles! Well, maybe not quite, but he's so secretive about his exploits that the rest of us lesser nobles are left to fill in the gaps. Even those of us who know him best…well, we don't really know him at all, do we? Some say he's cold, but I disagree. Once you've gotten past his aloofness, he's a steadfast friend—the best you could ask for!"

Justin could feel the whispers spreading through the room, little threads of doubt and suspicion weaving themselves into the fabric of the party. In a world where reputation was everything, those whispers would spread far beyond this one gathering.

As Justin continued to work the room, Valdrik's unease and annoyance grew more visible. His smile remained fixed, but there was a tightness to it lurking beneath his composed facade.

Eventually, he would be forced to make a move. And that was what Justin wanted.

Justin joined a group of young nobility about his age, including Lord Harrington and Lord Bohemond Ashcroft, the blond-haired, blue-eyed one with a stern demeanor.

"Making waves, I see," Lord Harrington said with a wink. "We've all learned a great deal about your good friend, Baron Valdrik, tonight!"

Justin smiled. "Well, you heard the Baron himself. He and I go way back, so it's only natural that people have questions. Consider this his grand reentrance into society!"

Of course, Justin hadn't known for a fact that the Baron shunned company, but given the state of his home and what he'd told him about staying off the radar, it was an easy guess. And that guess was paying dividends.

"Ah," Harrington said, a sly smile on his lips. "It's all about giving the people what they want, eh? I wonder if Duke Darrow has heard such rumors. I would have thought you and the Baron would be at his estate at Glendwoode rather than here. I'm honored, of course, but it makes a gentleman wonder!" He gave a small sigh. "Though I do not blame you. It would be hard not to be envious of Valdrik. A mere Baron, and yet the Crown afforded him all those special privileges concerning Silverton."

Justin chuckled. "Perhaps I have overplayed my hand. What are you putting in this champagne, anyway?"

Harrington laughed. "Oh, it's all in good fun, Mr. Talemaker."

Justin smiled, but at this point, he wished he had learned a bit more about these things. Of course, the title of "baron" was relatively low on the noble hierarchy, and he never questioned why a baron might have control of an important city like Silverton. More than that, it seemed Harrington had assumed Justin was spreading lies for a different reason, one of jealousy of Valdrik's special status. That worked for him, at least in this situation.

Thankfully, or perhaps unfortunately, Justin wouldn't have to explain further because Baron Valdrik himself was approaching, his figure casting a shadow over the group. The young noblemen fell silent, their previously easygoing demeanor replaced by tension. Valdrik's smile was as charming as ever, but his eyes glinted with something darker.

"Ah, Mr. Talemaker," the Baron said smoothly, his voice carrying the polished tones of a man who had mastered every room he entered. "I see you've been making quite an impression tonight. You always had a way of captivating a crowd."

Justin forced a smile. "Only following your lead, Baron. You've been the life of the party."

Valdrik's eyes flicked to the group of noblemen, who stood awkwardly, sensing the undercurrent of the conversation but unsure of how to proceed. "Yes, it's been quite a lively evening, hasn't it? So many stories being shared—old friends catching up, new connections being made. It's fascinating how quickly rumors can spread, don't you think?"

Justin met Valdrik's gaze. "Well, stories have a way of taking on a life of their own. But then again, there's always a bit of truth in every tale, wouldn't you say?"

Valdrik's smile didn't waver, but there was a dangerous gleam in his eyes. "Ah, yes. A slippery thing, truth is. Often dressed up in the most elaborate of costumes, making it hard to tell what's real and what's just a clever illusion."

Bohemond Ashcroft, oblivious to the tension, chuckled. "Well, if it's entertaining, who cares? It's all in good fun, and parties can always use a little intrigue."

The Baron's gaze remained locked on Justin. "Indeed. But one must always be careful not to let the game go too far. Some tales are best left untold, wouldn't you agree, Mr. Talemaker?"

Justin's heart pounded in his chest, but he didn't let it show. He smiled coolly. "Depends on the tale, Baron. Some stories are too important to keep hidden. How can one expect to make friends if they can't see the real you?" Justin leaned in slightly, as if sharing a secret in confidence, even adding a friendly chuckle. "We all have our little secrets, don't we? But a wise man knows when to let a friend in on a good one. After all, what's friendship without a little trust?"

For a moment, the air between them crackled with tension, an unspoken challenge hanging in the space between their words. The Baron's smile remained fixed, but Justin could see the calculation in his eyes.

He still wasn't making a move, calling Justin's bluff that he wouldn't take things any further. Of course, the point of all these rumors was to send a message. If the Baron didn't let him go, didn't remove the Mark, Justin would spill the metaphorical beans on just what he was up to in Silverton and what Alistair had died for.

"You know," Justin said, "speaking of rumors, I heard quite an interesting one while passing through Highcliff." The surrounding noblemen pretended not to be interested with Valdrik present, but Justin could tell he had them. "It concerns a certain Paladin of Mont Elea, a Templar: Alistair of Drakendale." Justin looked at Valdrik innocently. "Have you heard the name?"

Justin tried to communicate his thoughts with a look: I can stop anytime.

Valdrik smiled. "I haven't heard the name. He must be no one of true significance."

Bohemond's face flushed with indignation. "Not of significance? Paladins are the chosen warriors of Arion, trained in both body and soul to uphold justice. Every Templar of Arion deserves our respect!"

The young noble's outburst brought a ripple of discomfort through the group, and a few exchanged uneasy glances. Valdrik's smile tightened, but he didn't lose his composure.

"Well," the Baron said smoothly, "we all have our heroes, don't we? I'm sure this Alistair is especially important…to some." He looked right at Justin.

"A Paladin is always important, like good Bohemond said here," Justin responded. "And when one goes missing, well, can you fault the faithful for noticing, Baron?"

"If that's true, then it's most unfortunate," the Baron said. "That said, Paladins are not known for being in a safe line of work. The realm is grateful for their sacrifice. It lets the rest of us sleep, never fearful of the terrors of the night, of which there are many."

"Yes," Justin said. "They say he passed through Silverton before going missing. Of course, everyone is familiar with the horrible news surrounding Silverton. Murder. Wanton corruption. That's the type of thing a Paladin might want to investigate, no? As the Baron of Silverton, certainly you are close to such matters." Justin smiled. "I mean, I don't want to point the finger, but you mention the terrors of the night. You don't think it could be possible if, among all things, that a Nec—"

Before Justin could finish, he felt a curious pressure in his mind, like fingers trying to pry into his thoughts. The Baron had made his move. But from Valdrik's outward composure, it was as if nothing had happened.

[Mind Control attempt resisted by the Top Hat of Mental Clarity!]

Justin caught the slightest flicker of surprise in Valdrik's eyes. Justin's smile stretched even as he tipped his hat. "Now, as I was saying—"

All this was too much for the Baron. "Mr. Talemaker, a moment of your time, if you will. Some things are not meant for casual conversation."

Without drawing attention, Justin followed him through the crowd, keeping his expression calm. His heart pounded in his chest. With a simple thought, Valdrik could kill him. And indeed, from the Baron's seething expression, Justin could tell that part of him very much wanted to.

They reached a secluded corner, far from prying eyes and ears. Valdrik turned on him, his face a mask of barely repressed fury. "Leave, Justin," he hissed through clenched teeth. "Now, before I end you!"

Justin held his ground. "What? And have you hunt me down once I'm isolated and alone? No, I won't be doing that. Did you truly think you'd fool me about the Mark? You played me, so I'm playing you right back." He leaned forward, narrowing his eyes. "All this rumormongering is just a taste of what I can do. So, unless you're willing to kill me in cold blood right here, with the eyes of the Aranthian nobility right on you, I suggest you do as I ask. It'll take me just ten minutes to drive the nail in the coffin of your reputation. You're a Necromancer, Valdrik. And you're still too early in the game. You've overplayed your hand and you know it. Just imagine: twenty years of work flushed down the toilet. Maybe I die, but I'll take you down with me. Just a few simple words, shouted at the top of my lungs. That's all it takes."

Valdrik's eyes narrowed dangerously, his entire demeanor radiating pure rage.

For a tense moment, Justin thought the Baron might lash out, throw it all away to get his revenge. Valdrik didn't even have to kill him outright. Maybe he could just force his mouth shut with magic.

But even that would be a risk, because it would only give weight to the rumors.

With a forced calm, Valdrik gave a wintry smile. "Very well, Justin. While you have spurned my friendship, I can at least get something else of value. Trust me, you will be sorry you rejected my alliance. Even without the Mark of Death, I will catch you and make you wish you had never been born. North, south, east, or west: wherever you flee, I will find you, and you will wish death had come swiftly." His smile stretched almost maniacally. "The Mark of Death is no matter. Whatever can be removed can be replaced. I only invite you to think about the wonderful things I will do when you are bound to me in undead thralldom. That reward will be almost as grand as that Prismatic Core you stumbled upon by blind, stupid luck." He leaned in closer. "Because that's the only reason you're still alive, Justin: blind, stupid luck. And that can only carry you so far in this world."

Before Justin could respond, the Baron raised his staff and muttered under his breath. Justin felt a strange sensation ripple through him. It was like a shackle breaking loose from his soul. The oppressive presence that had been lurking in the back of his mind vanished.

"It's done," Valdrik said icily. "Now leave. I have a lot of damage to undo."

With a final, tense glance, he melted back into the crowd.

Justin exhaled slowly, the tension lifting ever so slightly from his shoulders. He was far from safe, but for now, he had bought some time.

[You have gained 1,500 experience points. Your experience stands at 2,819/940. Level-up available!]

Justin blinked in surprise. He would almost certainly not have one but two level-ups to process. The reward was well-earned, given the stakes and solution Justin had found. It was enough to give him and his companions a chance.

He set his thoughts upon the amulet. Now came the moment of truth.

[Would you like to bind the Amulet of Equilibrium to your core?]

The mere question brought a flood of relief. Justin couldn't help but smile. He was free to go all in on his Charisma Attribute and be rewarded for it. With a base Charisma of 18, he would get +3 to all other attributes, the equivalent of 15 level-ups. The advantage could not be overstated, especially as he leveled up further.

As he accepted, the amulet's power flowed through him like a warm current, spreading from his chest to every corner of his body.

His Power surged first. He felt strength flood his muscles, his body feeling more solid and capable, as if he could take on the weight of the world and still stand tall.

Then came the boost to his Endurance. The fatigue and tension that had been gnawing at him for hours melted away, replaced by a deep, steady well of energy.

Coordination followed. He could almost feel the air shifting around him, and the knowledge of how to move through it instinctively filled his mind. He flexed his fingers and marveled at the grace and speed with which they responded.

His Intellect blossomed next, his mind buzzing with newfound energy, sharper and more focused, ready to tackle any challenge.

Finally, his Spirit sharpened. He felt more in touch with himself, a sense of calmness that pervaded all. These newfound sensations were minor, but still noticeable.

It had been a long journey, and he had finally made it. The Amulet of Equilibrium was fully his.

But it was far from over. The Baron was still a threat and could easily kill them all as soon as they left. He could no longer track Justin through the Mark of Death, but they were still stuck in Windfall with no easy way out. And with their escape routes limited, and Gareth just hours away, they had to move quickly.

Justin hurried back to the others and opened his interface.

Justin Talemaker

Class: Socialite

Level: 7

Experience to Level 8: 2,819/940 (Level-up available!)

Power: 14

Coordination: 14

Endurance: 15

Intellect: 14

Spirit: 13

Charisma: 21

The Cane of Valoria: +1 Charisma and Intellect

The Coat of Highcliff's Elegance: +1 Endurance and Coordination

The Ilvari Ambassador Boots: +1 Endurance

Squire's Armlet: +1 Power

The Amulet of Equilibrium: +3 to all non-dominant attributes

Refined Aura: +1 Charisma

He smiled. Things were starting to look up.

That was, if they could get out of town in one piece.