NOVEL WEB Chapter 643: 63
After giving the Cruom City higher-ups a good scare, Ardent decided to let them off, for now. In the end, only Grulnar cause the death of his fellow villagers while the rest barely did anything. Enjoy more content from My Virtual Library Empire
'Then again, it's because of me rather than them not trying to harm the villagers.' the thought process made Ardent wondered if he went to easy with them. If the higher-ups learned of his thought, they would be wailing for the injustice of it.
'Now I need to get them to be assimilated to the village. And blackmail them to send more manpower to turn the village into a city.'
As for why he did not just occupy Cruom City, it was because of two little things called sentimental issue and politic. The former was obvious. As for the latter, turning one of the Main City as a capital would receive backlash from other Main Cities. The inhabitants and their governing forces might think of him favoring that particular city.
For as powerful as he is, he could not be considered invincible. Getting them to accept his ruling would be ideal so not upsetting them is necessary. If he build a new city from scratch, albeit from the location of a village, it, hopefully, receive less flak.
'They will be discontent either way once I conquer their Main City.' Ardent did not have to be a genius to know it would be the most likely thing to happen. Though, how bad it would be depend on his decision.
But, that will all be in the future. For now, he decided to rest. The City Lord offered him a room in his large mansion but Ardent declined. He was not foolish enough to accept. Powerful he might be, he cannot hope to protect himself in his sleep.
So, he slept in the forest. With his Magic, creating shelter is like breathing. Surrounded by earth walls and overgrown vines, he relaxed himself before falling asleep.
-x-
"So, this is where the Mage where." a figure in black exclaimed. Other with similar outfit nodded. They were all Darkness Mage, able to wield shadow and darkness to conceal themselves.
Under the order of their superior, they were asked to find the 5th Circle Mage and if possible, take him down. Normally, it would be suicide, but ambushing him in his sleep is the most effective method in taking down such powerful foe.
Giving a hand signal, the leader of the group order the rest to surround the shelter. One of quickly get close, moving as stealthily while ensuring no one could see them.
However, even with their preparation, they could not hope to hide themselves against something they need to touch.
One of the Darkness Mage brushed their hands against the vine. It struck him like viper, circling around the arms of the Mage before pulling them up. Other vines wrapped itself around the Mage as well, preventing them from escaping.
Seeing one of them being caught, the others panicked before the leader managed to calm them down. However, they knew the plan already failed, as there is no way the 5th Circle Mage would not be awake by now.
Giving a sign to flee, the leader took the lead and about to jump into the shadow when shadowy tendrils grasps his ankle. Not just him, but the remaining Mages as well.
With their ankles caught, they find themselves on the ground, as more tendrils wrapped around the bodies.
Unable to escape, they remain still, fearful of the retaliation of the 5th Circle Mage. Yet, he did not show up. So, the Darkness Mages were forces to remain bound, all while hoping the Mage will show mercy.
-x-
Ardent rubbed his eyes, before sighing. "To think those fools would attempt to assassinate me."
There are no other explanation. Trying to find his sleeping spot is one thing, but to send only Darkness Mage, it spoke volume of how dead the higher-ups of Cruom City wish him to be, which is very.
"Now, give me the name of your Master, or I will flay you alive." his terrifying smile and threat quickly get the Darkness Mage to fold.
-x-
"Now, tell me the truth, or Grulnar will have new companions." Ardent said with a smile. The one he spoke to did not share his smile, to busy eying the captured Mages.
They shared glances, as Ardent continued, "Confess for your crime, or I break your limbs and throw you to a pack of wolves. Or have bandits peel your skin while keeping you alive. Any method of dying painfully really. One you will experience if you did not confess."
"And, if we did?" one of the culprits, Ardent manage to get the name of them all, as well as excellent description, asked.
"I will just make sure you will not think of doing such thing again." Ardent replied, not explaining thing by much.
The culprits shared subtle glances, trying to think if he was bluffing or did he tell the truth. After 5 minutes, one decided to make a leap of faith.
"I'm one of the person who send in the assassin." Ardent nodded, knowing it was the truth. Soon, other followed until every culprit confessed to the assassination attempt.
"Since you are being truthful," Ardent pointed one finger at the closest perpetrator. A thin, long shadow object pierced the man's chest, causing him to choke in surprise.
Hitting his chest, the perpetrator looked at Ardent in shock.
"It won't kill you," Ardent explained first, "But, if you plan another assassination attempt or break out agreement, the Shadow Needle will pierce your heart, killing you instantly.
Hearing the threat, the group nodded vigorously, not planning on testing the Mage. With them, hopefully not causing any trouble, Ardent took his leave, though, he remembered something Merith told him.
"Oh, where is Merith's house?"
-x-
Stella look outside.
"Miss Stella, what are you thinking about?" Agatha asked her young mistress.
"It just, I'm worried about my father. He did not come back yet, and I don't hear anything from his acquaintance so far." she answered, her tone one of worries.
Agatha stood beside her mistress, before gently caressing her head like she was a child.
"Your father is strong. He will not be killed so easily." Stella nodded, though she wondered why her heart beating so fast just now.