Lord of Mysteries: The New Black Emperor

Chapter 117: Battle of the Mid-Sequence

Hobert also thought that it might not be wise to approach Mr. Azik rashly. He decided to leave it to fate—if they met, it meant they were destined to, and if they didn't, there wouldn't be any loss.

Derrick, likely due to his inexperience attending such gatherings for the first time, had shared information about the "Shepherd" without much thought, allowing Alger to gain valuable intelligence without spending a penny.

At this point, everyone had formed an impression of this new member: simple and somewhat reckless.

After finishing the exchange of information about Qilangos, the Tarot Club meeting concluded.

Back in the real world, Hobert estimated the time and realized there were about two weeks left before the Nighthawks team in Tingen City would be attacked.

He aimed to reach Tingen City by the end of this week and make some preparations in advance.

Stretching his body, Hobert returned to the law office to prepare for Bob's trial.

Logically, the defense attorney should have reached out to the plaintiff's lawyer by now to discuss the case, but so far, there had been no contact, indicating that the other side had no intention of negotiating.

"Fine," thought Hobert, "whether we communicate or not, this trial will be a tough battle."

...

Southern Continent, Crowell City.

Late at night, Elliot and his roommate were awakened by a servant and informed that Elder Calvin had requested their presence in the living room.

General Anthony had arranged their accommodations in the suburbs of Crowell City.

It was quiet at this time of night; the sounds of wild beasts in the distant forest and the seemingly nearby chirping of nocturnal insects could be heard.

On the way to the living room, Elliot met his companions from other rooms, and together they made their way to the living room.

Is there a mission tonight? Elliot quickly prepared himself for action.

Not long after arriving in the spacious living room, the other companions gradually gathered, all standing silently on either side of the hall.

"The negotiations have reached their final stage," Calvin began. "No matter the negotiation, strength is always the most important bargaining chip."

He continued, "Tonight is the time to showcase our strength. When we first arrived in Crowell City, I deliberately exposed that we were representatives of the Balk family."

"The 'Rose School of Thought' has been conducting reconnaissance over the past few days. They believe they have figured out our strength and have sent a demigod to eliminate all members of the delegation."

Everyone knew that Calvin was currently Sequence 5, and even with a Sealed Artifact in hand, it would be difficult for him to contend with a demigod who had undergone a fundamental transformation.

However, no one panicked, as Calvin had clearly planned for this in advance.

"Of course, we've made some preparations as well," Calvin continued. "In a moment, I will act as bait and leave the inn immediately. You are not to engage in prolonged battle. Retreat quickly, and once our reinforcements flank the enemy from behind, you will launch a counterattack at the right moment."

"Yes!" everyone responded in unison.

"Alright, return to your rooms."

As they walked back, the group quietly planned their escape routes and discussed fleeing together with companions they had a good rapport with, to avoid being left alone.

Elliot also made plans with a few companions to escape together before returning to his room to wait for the enemy's arrival.

Sitting in his chair, Elliot felt a bit nervous. He had fought members of the "Rose School of Thought" several times, but those were all low-sequence enemies.

Having just become a "Briber," this was his first time participating in a mid-sequence battle, and there was even a demigod involved.

At that moment, he noticed his bedsheet moving as if it had come to life, wrapping itself around the pillow on his bed.

His roommate, sitting on the edge of the bed, was also caught by his bedsheet. Despite struggling, he couldn't break free, and the sheet only tightened further.

Elliot quickly used the dagger in his hand to cut the sheet trapping his companion. He was grateful he hadn't been lying on the bed, or he too would have been ensnared.

He first cut the sheet around his companion's neck to prevent him from suffocating. As he continued cutting, the sheet wriggled like an octopus or jellyfish, extending "tentacles" to grab at Elliot's hands.

Elliot immediately stepped back, but then the coat rack by the door came to life and charged straight at him, as if intent on knocking him over.

Tables, chairs, curtains—everything seemed to have come to life and launched an attack on Elliot.

The worst part was that Elliot could feel his own clothes trying to restrain his movements.

If it had been an ordinary person facing such a scene, they would have passed out in fear, seeing everyday objects spring to life.

But Elliot and his companions had been trained as assassins from a young age. The stranger the situation, the calmer they became.

Elliot dodged the desk's assault and grabbed a cup from the table, throwing it at the animated coat rack to complete the act of "bribery."

"Weaken!"

The objects' movements immediately slowed down, especially the clothes that had been tightening around him—they were now looser.

Next, Elliot entered a "berserk state," kicking away the chair that charged at him.

His companion, now freed from the sheet's weakened grip, tore it apart using his Barbarian strength.

Run!

That was the only thought in Elliot's mind. He grabbed the struggling coat rack, using it to smash through the window.

Unexpectedly, the shattered glass seemed to come to life as well, flying straight at him.

Elliot dodged the rampaging table and crouched behind it, but the glass seemed to have a mind of its own, curving around the table and heading for him.

Elliot raised his arms to protect his face, bracing himself for the incoming shards.

"Disorder!"

Suddenly, Calvin's voice echoed from the direction of the living room.

The glass spun aimlessly in midair like a swarm of insects, as if it had lost its target.

Standing up, Elliot saw Calvin swiftly leaving the inn, with something following him—or perhaps, nothing at all.

Inside the room, the glass fell to the floor, and the furniture that had been struggling moments before was now motionless.

If not for the broken window and the mess everywhere, Elliot might have thought it was all just a bad dream.

So this is a demigod? Without even seeing his figure, we were already exhausted by his abilities.

Sounds of fighting from the courtyard snapped Elliot out of his thoughts and back into battle mode. Members of the "Rose School of Thought," trailing behind the demigod, had launched an attack on the inn.

Elliot and his companions immediately followed the escape route they had planned earlier. They defeated the enemies blocking their way and fled into the forest.

The pursuers were close behind, and Elliot's group, seemingly terrified by the sudden attack, had no thoughts of counterattacking and focused only on fleeing.

After a few minutes of running, a long horn sounded from behind them, and the pursuers immediately halted. This wasn't their first encounter, and they knew well that this was the Balk family's attack signal.

A gust of wind swept through, shaking the trees violently. The Zombies and Werewolves quickly turned to flee.

But they were a step too late. The wind carried a deadly force, cutting off the limbs of the undead and leaving fatal wounds, no matter how tough their bodies were.

This was the Balk family's Sealed Artifact, "Wind Blade."

~~~

Send power stones 🙏!!!

New Fanfic is out: Douluo Dalu: Starting With Worm of Time Martial Spirit

Patreon.com/KeyofStars for 20+ chapters advance