NOVPUBA momentary silence hung over the foundational layer hall of Lichtenstein Castle.
The elegant stone corridors, the grand fireplace, and the paintings suspended on the walls, all had been immersed in the dim light of early morning.
The openness of the rich young master, along with the numerous disclosed details, suggested his identity was probably not in much doubt.
As for the bodyguard twins behind him, they did not seem to have any intention of speaking so soon.
Frey nodded his head and remembered these three as [Young Master and his two hired goons], then turned his eyes to the three women standing at the far corner.
"We come from Cerryti Empire." 𝓷ℴ𝓿𝓹𝓾𝓫.𝓬ℴ𝓶
The girl leading the group, who had an aristocratic air about her, nodded courteously, her demeanor evoking elegance and humility. Her brown hair was as smooth and supple as ribbons.
However, she didn’t plan on saying too much, even when faced with Frey’s stern eyes she didn’t shy away.
The strong and stable fluctuations of magic power emanating from her suggested she was a traditional mage. Flanking her on either side was a tall, spirited female knight with bright eyes and thick brows, and a small, timid, tear-eyed priestess in a white robe.
A very standard magic, fighter, and healer setup.
Since the only words they offered were of introduction, Frey didn’t waste any more time on them. He mentally labeled them as the [Empire Women’s National Team], and moved his gaze to the last three people.
"We are from the Northern Continent, clergy serving under the Lady Saint of the Church of the Goddess of Destiny."
The priest, clad in a pristine robe edged with exquisite gold threaded embroidery, stepped forward with a heartfelt bow and answered. His eyes exuded warmth, radiating kindness and tenderness.
Behind him stood an executioner cloaked in a red mantle over heavy armor, and a Paladin in shining silver armor.
They both wore expressions of staunch determination, their eyes sparkling with resolute conviction, as if aflame with the fire of justice.
"Do you three know Loren?"
Frey casually asked.
The remark suggested he and Loren were on an equal footing, which perplexed the three men who wondered about Frey’s standing within Ichrite Academy.
"Of course, we are well acquainted with the deeds of the Great Priest Loren, even up north."
The priest responded and had his companions each demonstrate a divine art.
From the divine arts of the Priest, they could almost believe that there was no problem with their clergy identities.
But they couldn’t rule out the possibility that members of the Rebirth Church were hiding within the Church of the Goddess of Destiny.
He would call these three [The Retainers of the Saint] for now.
With that, Frey essentially understood the origins of everyone present, even though among the nine people, two were certainly feigning their identities.
For their exact roles, except for those willing to disclose it to everyone, the rest would have to convey it to him individually in writing later.
"You two have anything to say?"
Frey took a step back, positioning himself next to Lanci and Hyperion.
Hyperion hesitated to reveal her own identity, merely used her eyes to signal Lanci and Frey to face the other direction. Then, with the hand behind her back, she delicately traced words in the air to silently convey to them that she was a [Female Actress].
"...I see."
Upon learning her identity, Frey and Lanci suspected that perhaps there were other challengers with similar roles to Hyperion. These roles didn’t lend any advantage in aiding the detective, and divulging them could potentially be suspicious or dangerous.
Thus, the difficulty of Frey’s inference was significantly elevated.
Even if he would question every single person about their identity, the traitor could easily fabricate a flawless identity.
As long as the traitor had enough wisdom, it’s nearly impossible to deduce who the traitor is from their identity. This was part of the mechanism of the Shadow World.
Once Hyperion finished communicating with them, Lanci once again turned to face the main hall.
He stepped forward with ease, raising his palm to everyone.
"Hello, everyone. I’ll keep this brief."
"My position is that of a [Lawyer], well-acquainted with the laws of the Huo Ning Empire. Currently, the Huo Ning Empire wholly worships the Ancestor of the Blood Clan, and any act against the Blood Clan’s rule will be dealt with extreme punishment. Similarly, any human wishing to enter or exit any city must go through strict identity registration."
"Adding to the [Geographer]’s information, here’s a note: the Huo Ning Empire’s National Defense Barrier is now controlled by the Blood Clan—it has an air control effect. Non-Blood Clan members are unable to use any flight magic or tools. I believe this can be corroborated later."
Lanci’s words rippled through the room like a stone tossed into water, inducing everyone in the hall into a deep state of thought and analysis.
Yet another Challenger disclosing his identity. Even more upright and candid.
Moreover, this young man’s bright and sincere emerald eyes, the power of his quiet voice, could dissipate any doubts or worries people might have.
Such an unadulterated gentleness made it hard for anyone to suspect he could be the bad guy.
Or, perhaps—
It would be truly terrifying if someone like this turned out to be the villain.
At this, Lanci let out a resigned sigh:
"If I’m not mistaken, I have some bad news. I’m guessing that the only bridge to the city has already been destroyed. We’re trapped on this cliff edge by both the edges of the National Defense Barrier and the terrain."
"So you’re saying, the Shadow World requires us to correctly deduce the traitor and apprehend them. If we accidentally kill the traitor, we won’t be able to escape when the Count of the Blood Clan arrives?"
Frey smiled and asked Lanci with a hint of mischief.
As his words fell, everyone else’s faces twisted slightly.
A myriad of expressions crossed their faces—surprise, contemplation, seriousness, their eyes flickering incessantly as if they were an ever-changing canvas.
In this enclosed space, everyone appeared to be more alert and sensitive, almost able to sense the anxiety and tension in the air amplifying bit by bit.
The simple matters of geographic constraints, and the Count of the Blood Clan, were enough to change the colors of all the Challengers present.
Even in the real world, they understood that Blood Clan were terrifying creatures. No being at the same hierarchy could contend against them.
The inherent privileges and immortality of the Blood Clan meant that humans have always lost precious high-ranking forces effortlessly when battling against the Blood Clan.
Even theoretically, Blood Clan would be significantly weakened when the sun rises during the day. But combatting them for a whole night without succumbing? It defies possibility.
Even disregarding the suppression brought by their species, the power levels of the Count of the Blood Clan and the fifth-order Challengers present were not at the same level. Anyone would have their head taken by the Count of the Blood Clan in an instant, turning into a plaything for the Count of the Blood Clan’s slaughter and amusement.
"Of course we can’t escape."
Lanci responded to Frey’s question with a calm demeanor, his state of mind resembling a tranquil lake.
Even when faced with a horror like the Blood Clan, he remained unshaken.
After glancing at Lanci, Hyperion felt a little relieved.
As long as Lanci continued to be this composed, she wouldn’t worry.
