Chapter 79
If audio player doesn't work, press Stop then Play button again
Chapter 79
Act 2, Frozen River, was a scenario with clear objectives and defined adversaries.
From the beginning of the scenario, it was given as a commission from the Third Princess, and the commission objective was to collect evidence that the Northern Grand Duke was a member of the Bloodstone Cult.
However, there was one unique aspect to this scenario.
That was, even though it was the main scenario, there were no immediate consequences for failing.
Failing to collect evidence linking the Northern Duke and the Bloodstone Cult didnt immediately result in death.
If faced with the overwhelming power and charisma of the Northern Duke, it was natural for players to consider avoiding confrontation rather than directly opposing him.
Thus, by carefully considering the events that unfolded in Act 2 and prioritizing survival, players could securely fail without antagonizing the Northern Duke.
The result was bittersweet.
Having completed a main scenario without any major incidents, players could delude themselves into thinking they had played smartly.
And the price to be paid for that delusion was harsh.
Players who succumbed to fear and failed to confront the imminent threats were not clever but rather foolish, having failed to properly understand the scenario.
Act 2 expanded the world.
Not only did it expand upon the backdrop of the Academy, but it also significantly expanded the factors players needed to consider.
By failing to collect evidence, players would lose many things.
The plans of the Third Princess Asteria, who would become a future political ally and strong supporter, would crumble, and she would be executed.
As a result, the influence of the First Princess and the Northern Duke would increase, and the alliance of the Second Prince lead by Raymond, aimed at Engelholm, would twist the economy with its network and resources, pressuring them.
The Bloodstone Cult, having lost the support of the Northern Duke, would swallow up the Thirteen Evils one by one, expand its influence, and even corrupt one of the candidates for Saint, reaching into the clergy.
This would escalate the conflict between the Holy Kingdom of Constantine and the Empire, leading to war.
By then, the players would realize.
There can be no paradise where one flees.
Therefore, Act 2 was a kind of test for the players.
Do you have the ability to read the situation enough to navigate through this story, and the mindset to do so?
Herman Pierce.
He, who was hosting this banquet, smiled kindly at Ian Blackangers.
To gain an advantage in the succession, this banquet must be successful.
It was never a small matter when his father entrusted him with the banquet he used to host, Herman thought.
The second was in the borderlands, and the third could already be considered on his side. The fourth could he even call her the fourth?
That b*tch is nothing more than a leech and is completely broken.
The fourth, who once shone brightly with talent at a glance, had completely collapsed at the Academy.
In the end, this banquet meant that Herman Pierce himself could firmly establish himself as the closest successor to the Northern Duke.
In such a situation, the man of the Third Princess appeared.
The man of the Third Princess.
A title that would become the center of attention wherever he appeared.
Already, Herman had laid out a plan to utilize that title.
However, there was some doubt.
It was Herman Pierces nature.
Perhaps, just as Herman himself was sinister, the other party was also adorned with all sorts of pretenses.
Of course, adeptly concealing such emotions, Herman smiled.
My father has been busy with state affairs lately, so I am hosting this banquet. Thank you for coming all this way.
Meanwhile,
Ian lightly nodded in response to Hermans kindness.
Thank you.
Of course, Ian was wary of Herman.
Though Hermans face was smiling, his demeanor was anything but weak.
Hes quite formidable.
Even through the handshake, there was a tremendous force.
Even if he wasnt a mid-boss, as the eldest son of the Pierce family, he was a formidable expert. Moreover, unlike Sharon, who was merely promising, he was nearing completion in his early thirties.
But.
This guy is playing around too.
The handshake was just the beginning.
A tremendous force emanated as Ian withdrew his hand, followed by an eerie sensation creeping through his palm.
Suddenly grabbing and pulling someone like that makes anyone nervous.
Hmm.
A faint sound as if suppressing laughter.
Ians eyes soon adapted to the darkness.
A few rays of light were shining through the cracks in the trees, illuminating the interior.
Karen, dressed in a black dress that complemented her short black hair, smirked slightly.
Ian felt that Karen didnt particularly fancy him.
Since the moment he demanded authority over Karen from the princess, Karen had shown a slight displeasure.
At the same time, Ian knows that Karen is a professional.
She wouldnt resort to such antics just for a laugh.
Ian asked her.
So why prepare such a surprise?
Youre not getting angry.
Were on the same team for now.
Karen glanced at this side with a serious look.
Then she spoke.
Our plan had a flaw. I was worried whether Ian could dance or not.
Come to think of it, all Ian knew about noble parties was from movies. There was no way Ian could dance for socializing purposes.
How did you know?
Womans intuition.
Was she also a woman? Ian barely swallowed the question.
There was no one to help here, and Karen was a top assassin belonging to the elite assassination group, the Black Cat.
I have to be careful.
He definitely wasnt joking. Seriously.
Anyway.
Karen grabbed Ians hand without answering the question.
Outwardly long and beautiful, but rough hands.
As an instructor, she had no finesse.
Extend your left foot forward and move your right foot to the side.
The faint music from the banquet hall could be heard even here.
In response to that, Karen moved Ians body.
And now, reverse the movement you just made.
Like this?
Good. Keep doing it, one, two. One, two.
Karen was skilled.
The warehouse was narrow, but there was no chance of bumping into objects.
Was she also once a noble lady in the past?
Or did she learn it for missions like a spy?
Dancing is ultimately like one-on-one combat. If the opponent is strong, step back, and if not, approach as if youre going to devour them. In the end, its a fight over who will dominate the relationship between the two.
As they moved their bodies, they began to match each others rhythm. Why?
Ian, who had been pondering for a moment, realized.
Come to think of it, that Pongpong guy, he was once the son of a prestigious household.
Surely, he had learned to dance at some point.
So, his body was remembering.
At one point.
Ian noticed an opening in Karens defense.
In the end, its a fight over how to pull the opponent towards you.
Ian pulled her towards him.
Ah.
Karen gasped softly as she was embraced by Ian.
Their eyes met.
Ian saw his own reflection in Karens widened eyes, surprised.
How does it feel now?
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 79
Act 2, Frozen River, was a scenario with clear objectives and defined adversaries.
From the beginning of the scenario, it was given as a commission from the Third Princess, and the commission objective was to collect evidence that the Northern Grand Duke was a member of the Bloodstone Cult.
However, there was one unique aspect to this scenario.
That was, even though it was the main scenario, there were no immediate consequences for failing.
Failing to collect evidence linking the Northern Duke and the Bloodstone Cult didnt immediately result in death.
If faced with the overwhelming power and charisma of the Northern Duke, it was natural for players to consider avoiding confrontation rather than directly opposing him.
Thus, by carefully considering the events that unfolded in Act 2 and prioritizing survival, players could securely fail without antagonizing the Northern Duke.
The result was bittersweet.
Having completed a main scenario without any major incidents, players could delude themselves into thinking they had played smartly.
And the price to be paid for that delusion was harsh.
Players who succumbed to fear and failed to confront the imminent threats were not clever but rather foolish, having failed to properly understand the scenario.
Act 2 expanded the world.
Not only did it expand upon the backdrop of the Academy, but it also significantly expanded the factors players needed to consider.
By failing to collect evidence, players would lose many things.
The plans of the Third Princess Asteria, who would become a future political ally and strong supporter, would crumble, and she would be executed.
As a result, the influence of the First Princess and the Northern Duke would increase, and the alliance of the Second Prince lead by Raymond, aimed at Engelholm, would twist the economy with its network and resources, pressuring them.
The Bloodstone Cult, having lost the support of the Northern Duke, would swallow up the Thirteen Evils one by one, expand its influence, and even corrupt one of the candidates for Saint, reaching into the clergy.
This would escalate the conflict between the Holy Kingdom of Constantine and the Empire, leading to war.
By then, the players would realize.
There can be no paradise where one flees.
Therefore, Act 2 was a kind of test for the players.
Do you have the ability to read the situation enough to navigate through this story, and the mindset to do so?
Herman Pierce.
He, who was hosting this banquet, smiled kindly at Ian Blackangers.
To gain an advantage in the succession, this banquet must be successful.
It was never a small matter when his father entrusted him with the banquet he used to host, Herman thought.
The second was in the borderlands, and the third could already be considered on his side. The fourth could he even call her the fourth?
That b*tch is nothing more than a leech and is completely broken.
The fourth, who once shone brightly with talent at a glance, had completely collapsed at the Academy.
In the end, this banquet meant that Herman Pierce himself could firmly establish himself as the closest successor to the Northern Duke.
In such a situation, the man of the Third Princess appeared.
The man of the Third Princess.
A title that would become the center of attention wherever he appeared.
Already, Herman had laid out a plan to utilize that title.
However, there was some doubt.
It was Herman Pierces nature.
Perhaps, just as Herman himself was sinister, the other party was also adorned with all sorts of pretenses.
Of course, adeptly concealing such emotions, Herman smiled.
My father has been busy with state affairs lately, so I am hosting this banquet. Thank you for coming all this way.
Meanwhile,
Ian lightly nodded in response to Hermans kindness.
Thank you.
Of course, Ian was wary of Herman.
Though Hermans face was smiling, his demeanor was anything but weak.
Hes quite formidable.
Even through the handshake, there was a tremendous force.
Even if he wasnt a mid-boss, as the eldest son of the Pierce family, he was a formidable expert. Moreover, unlike Sharon, who was merely promising, he was nearing completion in his early thirties.
But.
This guy is playing around too.
The handshake was just the beginning.
A tremendous force emanated as Ian withdrew his hand, followed by an eerie sensation creeping through his palm.
Suddenly grabbing and pulling someone like that makes anyone nervous.
Hmm.
A faint sound as if suppressing laughter.
Ians eyes soon adapted to the darkness.
A few rays of light were shining through the cracks in the trees, illuminating the interior.
Karen, dressed in a black dress that complemented her short black hair, smirked slightly.
Ian felt that Karen didnt particularly fancy him.
Since the moment he demanded authority over Karen from the princess, Karen had shown a slight displeasure.
At the same time, Ian knows that Karen is a professional.
She wouldnt resort to such antics just for a laugh.
Ian asked her.
So why prepare such a surprise?
Youre not getting angry.
Were on the same team for now.
Karen glanced at this side with a serious look.
Then she spoke.
Our plan had a flaw. I was worried whether Ian could dance or not.
Come to think of it, all Ian knew about noble parties was from movies. There was no way Ian could dance for socializing purposes.
How did you know?
Womans intuition.
Was she also a woman? Ian barely swallowed the question.
There was no one to help here, and Karen was a top assassin belonging to the elite assassination group, the Black Cat.
I have to be careful.
He definitely wasnt joking. Seriously.
Anyway.
Karen grabbed Ians hand without answering the question.
Outwardly long and beautiful, but rough hands.
As an instructor, she had no finesse.
Extend your left foot forward and move your right foot to the side.
The faint music from the banquet hall could be heard even here.
In response to that, Karen moved Ians body.
And now, reverse the movement you just made.
Like this?
Good. Keep doing it, one, two. One, two.
Karen was skilled.
The warehouse was narrow, but there was no chance of bumping into objects.
Was she also once a noble lady in the past?
Or did she learn it for missions like a spy?
Dancing is ultimately like one-on-one combat. If the opponent is strong, step back, and if not, approach as if youre going to devour them. In the end, its a fight over who will dominate the relationship between the two.
As they moved their bodies, they began to match each others rhythm. Why?
Ian, who had been pondering for a moment, realized.
Come to think of it, that Pongpong guy, he was once the son of a prestigious household.
Surely, he had learned to dance at some point.
So, his body was remembering.
At one point.
Ian noticed an opening in Karens defense.
In the end, its a fight over how to pull the opponent towards you.
Ian pulled her towards him.
Ah.
Karen gasped softly as she was embraced by Ian.
Their eyes met.
Ian saw his own reflection in Karens widened eyes, surprised.
How does it feel now?
Chapter 79Act 2, Frozen River, was a scenario with clear objectives and defined adversaries.From the beginning of the scenario, it was given as a commission from the Third Princess, and the commission objective was to collect evidence that the Northern Grand Duke was a member of the Bloodstone Cult.However, there was one unique aspect to this scenario.That was, even though it was the main scenario, there were no immediate consequences for failing.Failing to collect evidence linking the Northern Duke and the Bloodstone Cult didnt immediately result in death.If faced with the overwhelming power and charisma of the Northern Duke, it was natural for players to consider avoiding confrontation rather than directly opposing him.Thus, by carefully considering the events that unfolded in Act 2 and prioritizing survival, players could securely fail without antagonizing the Northern Duke.The result was bittersweet.Having completed a main scenario without any major incidents, players could delude themselves into thinking they had played smartly.And the price to be paid for that delusion was harsh.Players who succumbed to fear and failed to confront the imminent threats were not clever but rather foolish, having failed to properly understand the scenario.Act 2 expanded the world.Not only did it expand upon the backdrop of the Academy, but it also significantly expanded the factors players needed to consider.By failing to collect evidence, players would lose many things.The plans of the Third Princess Asteria, who would become a future political ally and strong supporter, would crumble, and she would be executed.As a result, the influence of the First Princess and the Northern Duke would increase, and the alliance of the Second Prince lead by Raymond, aimed at Engelholm, would twist the economy with its network and resources, pressuring them.The Bloodstone Cult, having lost the support of the Northern Duke, would swallow up the Thirteen Evils one by one, expand its influence, and even corrupt one of the candidates for Saint, reaching into the clergy.This would escalate the conflict between the Holy Kingdom of Constantine and the Empire, leading to war.By then, the players would realize.There can be no paradise where one flees.Therefore, Act 2 was a kind of test for the players.Do you have the ability to read the situation enough to navigate through this story, and the mindset to do so?Herman Pierce.He, who was hosting this banquet, smiled kindly at Ian Blackangers.To gain an advantage in the succession, this banquet must be successful.It was never a small matter when his father entrusted him with the banquet he used to host, Herman thought.The second was in the borderlands, and the third could already be considered on his side. The fourth could he even call her the fourth?That b*tch is nothing more than a leech and is completely broken.The fourth, who once shone brightly with talent at a glance, had completely collapsed at the Academy.In the end, this banquet meant that Herman Pierce himself could firmly establish himself as the closest successor to the Northern Duke.In such a situation, the man of the Third Princess appeared.The man of the Third Princess.A title that would become the center of attention wherever he appeared.Already, Herman had laid out a plan to utilize that title.However, there was some doubt.It was Herman Pierces nature.Perhaps, just as Herman himself was sinister, the other party was also adorned with all sorts of pretenses.Of course, adeptly concealing such emotions, Herman smiled.My father has been busy with state affairs lately, so I am hosting this banquet. Thank you for coming all this way.Meanwhile,Ian lightly nodded in response to Hermans kindness.Thank you.Of course, Ian was wary of Herman.Though Hermans face was smiling, his demeanor was anything but weak.Hes quite formidable.Even through the handshake, there was a tremendous force.Even if he wasnt a mid-boss, as the eldest son of the Pierce family, he was a formidable expert. Moreover, unlike Sharon, who was merely promising, he was nearing completion in his early thirties.But.This guy is playing around too.The handshake was just the beginning.A tremendous force emanated as Ian withdrew his hand, followed by an eerie sensation creeping through his palm.Suddenly grabbing and pulling someone like that makes anyone nervous.Hmm.A faint sound as if suppressing laughter.Ians eyes soon adapted to the darkness.A few rays of light were shining through the cracks in the trees, illuminating the interior.Karen, dressed in a black dress that complemented her short black hair, smirked slightly.Ian felt that Karen didnt particularly fancy him.Since the moment he demanded authority over Karen from the princess, Karen had shown a slight displeasure.At the same time, Ian knows that Karen is a professional.She wouldnt resort to such antics just for a laugh.Ian asked her.So why prepare such a surprise?Youre not getting angry.Were on the same team for now.Karen glanced at this side with a serious look.Then she spoke.Our plan had a flaw. I was worried whether Ian could dance or not.Come to think of it, all Ian knew about noble parties was from movies. There was no way Ian could dance for socializing purposes.How did you know?Womans intuition.Was she also a woman? Ian barely swallowed the question.There was no one to help here, and Karen was a top assassin belonging to the elite assassination group, the Black Cat.I have to be careful.He definitely wasnt joking. Seriously.Anyway.Karen grabbed Ians hand without answering the question.Outwardly long and beautiful, but rough hands.As an instructor, she had no finesse.Extend your left foot forward and move your right foot to the side.The faint music from the banquet hall could be heard even here.In response to that, Karen moved Ians body.And now, reverse the movement you just made.Like this?Good. Keep doing it, one, two. One, two.Karen was skilled.The warehouse was narrow, but there was no chance of bumping into objects.Was she also once a noble lady in the past?Or did she learn it for missions like a spy?Dancing is ultimately like one-on-one combat. If the opponent is strong, step back, and if not, approach as if youre going to devour them. In the end, its a fight over who will dominate the relationship between the two.As they moved their bodies, they began to match each others rhythm. Why?Ian, who had been pondering for a moment, realized.Come to think of it, that Pongpong guy, he was once the son of a prestigious household.Surely, he had learned to dance at some point.So, his body was remembering.At one point.Ian noticed an opening in Karens defense.In the end, its a fight over how to pull the opponent towards you.Ian pulled her towards him.Ah.Karen gasped softly as she was embraced by Ian.Their eyes met.Ian saw his own reflection in Karens widened eyes, surprised.How does it feel now?
