Chapter 118 — Dandelion [8] - Showing Up

"If this is indeed true, it means that I hold a significant advantage over that guy. Although the Devil may know that the clone he released here has died, he most likely doesn’t know the reason why."

"I’m still in the dark while he is out in the open...", Liora whispered as she tapped lightly on the armrest.

Just when she was about to continue her analysis, her eyes suddenly narrowed.

Her senses, which had been enhanced by Void Whisper, allowed her to detect the arrival of two visitors in the city.

Though she had never met them before, Liora could still sense a familiar aura emanating from their bodies.

"The Necronomicon Sect... has arrived!", she muttered.

She didn’t rush to get out and kill them.

Instead, she focused on her connection with Alpha, and through it, passed her a message.

The next moment, her figure vanished, flashing out of the manor and teleporting into the distance.

--

Jack paced back and forth in a dimly lit room. On the ground before him, a small candle was placed, with faint smoke coming out of it as it burned.

The smoke seeped out of the building through the gaps in the wall and the open window, disappearing in the cloudy blue sky.

Though the candle’s and smoke’s appearance was ordinary, Jack smelled a peculiar smell filling the air, a smell that was sweet yet bitter at the same time.

For this, he wasn’t surprised.

According to his superiors, this was a method that their Sect used to communicate with the Baron.

Although Jack didn’t understand how the Baron could possibly sense that the candle was lit, he knew better than to question his superiors’ orders.

In his opinion, as long as his task was completed successfully, he didn’t mind the method used.

Time slowly passed.

Jack’s index finger trembled as he continuously tapped on the belt around his waist, with each of his taps representing a passing second.

Just when he had almost counted up to 1000—signaling that his mission had failed—he heard the sound of hurried footsteps.

He didn’t relax. If anything, this made him even more nervous as he reached for his trusted dagger.

Jack understood that a person was most vulnerable when they believed that they had accomplished their goal. Using that brief period of time, he had managed to assassinate countless targets, among whom many were stronger than him.

Thus, how could he possibly fall for the same trick?

While Jack was deep in thought, the person outside approached. Until suddenly, they came to an abrupt stop.

The sound of keys jangling could be faintly heard, and following a metal click, the door opened.

From the gap, a figure that Jack had never seen before entered.

Yet, though unfamiliar, Jack instantly recognized this person.

Having seen the images of the target before, he understood that the person before him was Baron Bloodshield—a member of the Necronomicon Sect and the direct subordinate of one of its most powerful members.

Still, Jack didn’t let down his guard.

Glancing at the Baron, he opened his mouth and spoke, his right hand glued to his weapon as if afraid that it would escape his grasp.

"The entire world is a Cage! And we...", he said, his voice hoarse and unrecognizable.

Hearing these words, the Baron paused, as if caught by surprise.

This action alarmed Jack.

Fortunately, just when he was about to take action, the Baron responded:

"...We shall shatter our mortal Cage!"

As soon as these words fell, the white knuckles of Jack relaxed.

Seemingly letting down his guard, he glanced at the Baron and asked the question plaguing his mind:

"What happened? Why did Your Excellency lose contact with the Holy Sect?", he questioned.

In response, the Baron shook his head.

"Didn’t I mention the caravan’s disappearance in my letter? I’m afraid that the mastermind behind everything is the royal family. I suspect that someone might have noticed something amiss."

"It would be stupid of me to do anything out of the ordinary at times like these. If I were to be discovered, the Necronomicon Sect’s plans would go to ruin."

Behind his dark cloak, Jack nodded, seemingly in agreement.

Then, he remembered something.

"The higher-ups have told me to inform Your Excellency that the meeting will be held earlier this month. They said that it’s best if you are there on time."

"I understand. I’ll make sure to be there.", the Baron replied.

"That’s good.", Jack spoke, his voice containing a hint of relief, as well as joy to have completed his task.

Just when it seemed that everything had gone well and the two would part their ways, though, Jack suddenly took action.

The hand that had been clutching the dagger throughout this time rose up, unsheathing the weapon from its sheath during the process.

Then, with a quick movement, Jack appeared before Baron Bloodshield and swung the dagger towards his head.

Without any resistance—perhaps because of Jack’s sudden attack—the dagger penetrated through the Baron’s head and embedded in his skull.

Watching the blood splatter all over the place, Jack didn’t relax.

After kicking the Baron’s body away and removing the bloody dagger from the skull in the process, he jumped to the side and was about to leap out of the window.

Clearly, he had understood that everything was a trap and was hoping to escape as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, before Jack could complete his escape plan, the shadows around the window rippled.

Shooting up, they transformed into a thick layer of darkness that covered the window, completely blocking his way.

Jack adjusted his body and was about to find another route to escape when the sound of clapping hands echoed in his ears.

He turned his head instinctively, only to discover that unbeknownst to him, a crimson-haired woman had appeared in the room.

Looking at the nervous member of the Necronomicon Sect before her, Liora continued clapping her hands as if expressing her admiration.

"I’m actually quite curious. How did you discover that there was something wrong with the Baron?", she couldn’t help but ask, as she took a step forward and approached him.

Liora was merely asking out of habit, never expecting that her question would lead to an answer. However, as if to shatter her expectations, Jack paused.