—(Impossible… Can such a coincidence truly exist in this world?)
If the youth were merely an archer class combat occupation, Albert would never believe such nonsense.
However, not long ago, Albert had made a judgment that the youth’s combat occupation was likely either a swordsman or assassin class, and the longbow on his back was merely a ruse.
If this youth’s combat profession growth path happened to coincide with his own, then it wouldn’t be impossible for him to possess similar skills – so reasoned Albert.
“Scum, even lies need structure. You think you can challenge me to a fight to the death?”
Albert feigned another sword raise, intending to mentally pressure the youth into revealing a flaw.
If it was a lie fabricated on the spot, there would surely be inconsistencies due to nervousness and fear.
Yet the youth’s subsequent actions and words only served to further shake Albert’s confidence.
“Oh dear, can’t you stop treating me like an enemy for a moment? Listen, we’re in the same boat right now, you’ll understand once I explain.”
As he spoke, the youth unstrapped the longbow from his back and placed it on the ground as a show of sincerity. Then, he asked Albert a question.
“Albert, do you know what my name is?”
Albert was taken aback; he indeed did not know the youth’s name.
The commission information provided by Mayor Gideon only contained a description: “The black-clothed archer located in the West Suburb Gateway of Trials Control Area.”
Since Albert was only here for the thrill of the kill, he paid no mind to such details.
Seeing Albert at a loss, the youth continued.
“See? You don’t know. Despite you being the one trying to kill me, you don’t know my name, yet I’m fully aware of your identity. Don’t you find that odd?”
“You know my identity? Don’t joke around…”
“You are the Chief Attendant, serving the youngest Miss of the Scarlet Family, known as the ‘Silver Wasp Queen’, Viviana Scarlet – Am I wrong, Albert?”
Before Albert could finish his sentence, the youth silenced him with an accurate and undisputed answer.
Now, Albert felt somewhat intimidated, because the Scarlet Family never disclosed internal personnel information, and even fewer people knew about a person of Albert’s stature.
—(Who is this youth… exactly?)
“Don’t try to trick me, I don’t understand what you’re saying. If you have something to say, spit it out!”
Albert suppressed his internal unrest. As a 56-year-old man, could he really be fooled by a youngster?
“Alright~ alright~ don’t be angry~ I’m just trying to gain your trust.” The youth shook his head, appearing somewhat wronged.
Then, the youth spoke again, this time his words completely shook the foundation of Albert’s mission.
“I’ll cut to the chase then, you’ve been deceived by Mayor Gideon, the one whose life has been bought is not me, but you.” Albert furrowed his brows, what was this youth babbling about? He couldn’t even decipher who was trying to kill whom at this point?
But after the youth’s detailed explanation, Albert realised that the one who might be confused could be himself.
The youth informed Albert that there was a bounty on his head, reportedly set by the Scarlet Family, though the youth was unclear about the specific details.
Because even for a Chief Attendant like Albert, who was also a Tier 3 combat expert, an outright assassination would inevitably cause unnecessary commotion, hence they had concocted a trap.
The mastermind behind the scenes seemed to know Albert’s character well, knowing that he secretly relished in slaughter and the thrilling pleasure of combat. So they found Mayor Gideon of Sunny Town and had him hire Albert with a hefty sum to assassinate someone.
If Albert accepted the commission, it would be considered a private task, a matter that absolutely could not be known to others. Thus, Albert would come to Sunny Town alone.
As long as Albert was isolated, the rest would be easy.
“Albert, think about it, if you were to die here tonight, and your body perfectly disposed of, who would know about your death? They would only assume that you’ve disappeared or left without a word.” The youth stared at Albert with a deep, haunting gaze, sending chills down his spine.
To his dismay, the youth’s words were flawless, as if they were the absolute truth, forcing Albert to ponder who the mastermind could be.
—(Who would want me dead? Is it the disagreeable second young mistress? Or the first young master whom I have offended before? Or…)
As these thoughts raced through his mind, Albert suddenly noticed a loophole, which immediately brought clarity to his mind. 𝑜𝑽ℯ𝐿xt.𝗇𝓔t
“What nonsense are you spouting? Do you really believe you, a scum, could kill me?”
The youth chuckled, as if he had anticipated Albert’s query.
“They could indeed have sent someone more formidable, but alas, they were unwilling to do so. They knew that whoever came to kill you would be dragged to their death by your skill.”
The youth’s words struck Albert like a thunderbolt, indicating that Albert’s deepest secret had been betrayed by those three.
“What do you mean, ‘dragged to their death’? Stop spouting nonsense!”
Albert clenched his teeth, struggling to maintain his composure. He still harboured the faint hope that the youth was merely trying to coax information out of him.
Regrettably, the youth’s next sentence shattered his last shred of hope.
“Ah, Albert, must I spell it out for you? They fear your Tier 2 skill, ‘Twin Doom’!”
At this point, Albert’s psyche completely crumbled.
·
The skill ‘Twin Doom’ was Albert’s most closely guarded secret. No one, not even his mistress Viviana, knew about this skill.
In this world, aside from Albert himself, the only people aware of his possession of this skill were the Scarlet Lord, the Cardinal Elder – Rodrygo, and the Obsidian Elder – Augusto, a total of three individuals.
Back then, the reason he was appointed as Viviana’s Chief Attendant was this very skill – with the effect of ‘Twin Doom’, as long as the enemy was below Tier 4, Albert could forcibly trade his life for theirs to ensure Viviana’s safety.
During their stay in Gudetown, Albert had been perplexed as to why he was not allowed to accompany Viviana to the battlefield on this occasion.
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Now, Albert understood. It was all to facilitate his removal.
Viviana, being so kind-hearted, would surely have intervened had she known… hence, the Scarlet Elders had intentionally separated the two of them.
—(Scarlet Family… to think I was devoted to you…!)
—(Now that I am no longer of use, you’re trying to eliminate me because I know too much…!)
—(You shameless lot!!!)
Rage consumed Albert’s heart. His hand, gripping the sword, trembled violently. He would not let the Scarlet Family eliminate him so easily!
“Scum… thank you for telling me all this… now you may die…!”
Albert’s eyes were bloodshot, radiating murderous intent. His rage had thrown his logical thinking into disarray.
At this moment, the youth, with an incredibly mournful tone, offered a reminder to Albert, dousing his murderous intent like a bucket of cold water.