NOVEL NEXT Chapter 149: The Promised Duel
The moment the gavel struck, a team of black-robed attendants materialized beside Julia's group, bowing deeply.
"Esteemed guests of House Farrell," the lead attendant said softly…
Julia was a bit surprised as she failed to sense their presence until they spoke…
"Please follow us to complete the transaction."
Under the watchful eyes of the guests, Julia's group was ushered through a side door into a private VIP chamber lined with soundproofing arrays.
The walls were also filled with other arrays like anti-theft, anti-scrying, and even anti-assassination wards.
A steel table stood at the center, upon which rested Subject Zero's control seal—a black sun medallion.
Butler Judge inspected it carefully before nodding. "The terms?"
"Payment first," the attendant said smoothly. "Then the slave's bindings will be transferred to your seal."
Butler Judge then placed the 250 High-Grade Crystals and five Archmage Tokens on the table. The attendant's eyes lingered hungrily on the tokens before scooping them into an enchanted lockbox.
Snap~
With a snap of his fingers, the doors opened, and two armored guards dragged Subject Zero inside.
Up close, Van could see the boy's condition more clearly—his white hair was matted with dried blood, his eyes seemed unfocused as if he was heavily drugged. Furthermore, the nullification field around him could be subtly felt, and it was quite terrifying to be near this person, especially if you were an Apprentice Mage.
"Kneel," the attendant ordered.
Subject Zero didn't react.
One guard then kicked the back of his knees, forcing him down.
The other pressed the medallion against his collar.
Everything happened too swiftly and soon, they heard a sizzling sound filling the room as the black sun brand burned into his skin, merging with the existing marks.
"Done," the attendant said. "He is yours."
Julia reached out curiously—but Judge caught her wrist. "Do not touch him yet."
Van's Ocularis Lens flickered.
[ Warning: Unstable energy fluctuations detected.
Recommended Distance: 5 meters minimum. ]
'Oh well… I hope Sir Butler can handle this boy…' He mused.
Butler Judge then wasted no time. "We leave. Now."
***
The moment they stepped outside the VIP room, Butler Judge's posture shifted.
With his Ocularis Lens, Van noticed how his shoulders tensed and his eyes scanned the hallways cautiously.
It was quite unlike him.
"Van," he said quietly, "Be on guard. Julia, stay between us. Do not engage with anyone."
They moved swiftly through the corridors of the tower.
Furthermore, it seemed that it wasn't Judge's first time coming here as he chose a different route that Van could remember…
However, Van still noticed that some hidden figures were watching them.
Van's hand drifted toward his sword as he felt the threat—
—only for Judge to grip his arm.
"Not here. The Tower's enforcers will kill anyone who draws steel on their grounds. They're trying to find fault…"
Van was shocked as he was surprised why he did that.
He shouldn't be making such a huge mistake…
Soon, they detoured as they climbed a narrow staircase that led to a secondary exit—a little-used gate for discreet departures.
'So it was like that…' Van gently nodded.
Soon, two guards blocked their path.
"Credentials," one demanded.
Butler Judge then produced the black sun token. The guards hesitated for a moment before they stepped aside.
As soon as they got back into the streets, the coachman with their black carriage was already there waiting for them!
***
Soon, the black carriage left the Ashenveil Tower's territory. Its reinforced wheels was being fully used as it sped toward Farrell territory.
Inside, the atmosphere was tense. Subject Zero sat motionless in the corner while Julia fidgeted, glancing between him and the window.
On the other hand, Butler Judge just kept a firm grip on his cane. Perhaps, if he were alone, he wouldn't be too bothered.
However, since the Archmage's daughter was with him, he had to ensure that nothing would go wrong.
On the other hand, Van remained still as his Ocularis Lens silently analyzed their surroundings.
Then—
Thud!
The carriage stopped abruptly as something blocked the road ahead, forcing the coachman to yank the reins hard. The horses reared as the vehicle slid to a halt.
Julia yelped as she nearly tumbled from her seat. "What was that?!"
[ Threat Identified: Luxe Family Carriage.
Hostile Intent Confirmed. ]
'Hostile intent, huh…' Van mused as his Lens assessed the situation.
Before anyone could react, a familiar, mocking voice rang out.
"Did you really think you could leave so easily?"
The door of the opposing carriage swung open, revealing the Luxe nobleman with indigo robes.
Behind was his Beastblood slave, Gorran…
"We made an agreement! Let's fight!"
Julia's face twisted in outrage. "You—!"
The Luxe noble smirked. "Let's finish what we started, shall we? A duel—right here, right now." He pointed at Van. "If your slave wins, I'll ensure no one follows you. If he loses…" His grin widened. "I take him instead."
"WHAT?!" Julia slammed her hands against the carriage window. "That's not happening!"
Butler Judge's grip tightened on his cane. "This is absurd. Your slave is twice his size and age. There's no honor in this."
The Luxe noble shrugged. "Then forfeit. But know this—if you refuse, I'll simply let the others handle you." He gestured to the darkened trees lining the road.
'Magicians…' Van thought to himself as they were the only ones who could fool his imperfect Ocularis Lens… Nonetheless, his Lens was continuously learning, so the next time they used the same trick, it may not work well again.
At this time, Julia paled. Judge's jaw clenched. They were outnumbered.
Then, they looked at Van.
"I am confident of winning against that Beastblood Slave."
As he said this, Julia was shocked.
Even Butler Judge was stunned for a moment before he gently nodded.
"If you can win, I can handle the rest even if they take back on their word and attack. I need at least five minutes to cast a Spell."
Although it probably wasn't needed for a Plan B, Van still nodded.
"Five minutes is more than enough."