In a dark alley somewhere in the city of Lunaris
Two figures are standing, not looking and not too close to each other. The guy wearing a bowler hattook a piece of paper from his pocket and gave it to a young man that looks like he's in his teens.
"Tonight there will be a banquet and Derrick will be there. It will start around 7 PM."
The young man took the letter and stuffed it in his pocket without looking at it. He's wearing a black hood covering most of his body, only revealing his black bangs.
"Raven, may I ask you something?" the man added. "You're a bounty hunter, but you only pick specific missions. And based on your style when we first met, I'm sure you didn't grow up here in Lunaris. Sometimes I get the feeling that you're not after the money. What exactly are you after?"
The young bounty hunter named Raven clenched his fist before answering. "Do I have to answer that question?"
"No, I'm just curious. You don't have to answer it if you don't want to. Every man has at least one or a hundred secrets." The man smiled and inserted his hand in his pocket before walking deeper into the alley.
Raven silently watched the man's back before it completely disappeared from his line of sight, and he left the area as well, cautiously observing the surroundings as if he's trying to avoid someone or something before his figure disappeared into the crowds.
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Twenty minutes before the banquet starts, Raven is already in the area. The paper he got from the man this noon has the content of the banquet location and some guests he must be wary of. The mansion is located near the forest and is heavily guarded, making it impossible for assassination. If not careful, he will be caught immediately or might lose his life.
But Raven is giving a nonchalant expression as he surveys the surroundings. He is standing in one of the trees in the forest not that far from the mansion. His target is Derrick, a powerful figure serving someone whose master's identity is unknown. Even though he doesn't have a noble status, he is feared and respected by the nobles.
Based on the information Raven has gathered, this gentleman is involved in human trafficking and other illegal activities—reason why Raven set his eye on this man.
"I have to at least get information out of this man. I can't afford to make my sister wait any longer," Raven silently muttered.
Ten minutes before the banquet starts, some guests have already arrived, getting down from their carriages, wearing luxurious gowns and necklaces to announce their status. Some are just wearing a plain dress.
That goes the same for the gentlemen—some dress luxuriously, some are just plain, probably to appear humble or just to not gather attention. But everyone has something in common: they are all wearing a mask.
While watching from a distance, Raven noticed that every guest was showing a piece of paper to the guards before they could enter the mansion, leaving Raven no choice but to look for other means to enter.
Raven cautiously climbed the wall, blending in the shadows. He eventually reached the top without being noticed by the guards. After surveying the surroundings and confirming that the security here is not that tight unlike at the entrance, he jumped down. He swayed his hand, and before he hit the ground, an air-like bubble guided his body before landing without making any sound.
Raven removed his coat, revealing his clothes. They were made from very fine fabric with intricate details and garments. It suited perfectly with his black hair. He took out a half-face mask and put it on his face, covering only part of his eyes and nose. His posture is very well refined; with his current get-up, he truly looked like a legitimate high-ranking noble.
While walking, a guard on patrol notices him. "Sir, why are you here?"
Raven looked at the guard. "I got lost. Can you guide me to where the main hall is? This mansion is not big compared to where I live. How careless of me," Raven answered confidently, showing no sign of nervousness, as if he's already used to the status he is pretending to be at the moment.
The guard looked at Raven suspiciously for a short amount of time, but noticing Raven's expensive clothing and that he mentioned his mansion is "bigger," the guard immediately eliminated the possibility of him being an intruder.Not wanting to offend or get into the bad side of a suspected high-ranking noble, the guard smiled and gestured with his left hand, pointing to where the main hall is.
"I totally get you, sir. I also got lost when I was new here. This way, sir, I'll guide you to where the main hall is."
Raven smiled, and the two of them started walking. After some time, they arrived at the main hall entrance.
"We're already here, sir."
Raven took out 3 gold coins from his pocket. "Thank you. This is for the kindness you showed me." The guard received the gold coins with both of his hands and a smile on his face.
"Thank you very much, sir. You're so generous. Well then, I will take my leave now." Raven nodded, and the guard left and went back to his station.
Three gold coins is not a small amount. It can already support at least two months' worth of food for commoners if they budget it wisely. Under the mask, Raven's eyes showed a slight hint of regret as he watched the guard leave. But by doing that, it added fuel to the guard's imagination of Raven being a high-ranking noble.
He turned his attention to the main hall and entered. The surroundings were so lively. There were people in charge of the music and waitresses serving wine and food to the guests. Everyone was still wearing their mask and just happily chatting around. Raven surveyed the surroundings, but with no luck, he failed to find his target.
The masks made it even harder for Raven, so he went to the second floor to get a better position. No walls shielded the second floor from the first. The space yawned open in the center—a deliberate architectural choice meant to display opulence—and dominance. From the mezzanine, one could see everyone.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," a voice of a man echoed throughout the mansion, getting everyone's attention.
"It is nice to see you all again tonight. I know all of you have been waiting for this!" The crowd cheered, some even toasted to each other, showing their excitement. Raven was dumbfounded at what was going on, but he didn't let it surface on his face; therefore, his appearance remained calm.
While the crowd cheered, the man standing on a place that was designed like a stage spoke once again. "We have many valuables that are worth everyone's attention tonight! So I hope every one of you brought enough money!" The crowd's cheering grew even louder.
"I have a bad feeling about this," Raven muttered, clenching his fist. The curtain behind the man slowly opened, revealing a shirtless tall man. His neck had a collar and his hands were chained. His eyes were lifeless, but his body was very well built and he had a lot of scars all over it.
Raven's eyes widened. At the same time, he clenched his teeth, suppressing his anger. "Captain Lynch!" he let out in a faint voice but full of emotion.
After seeing someone familiar, Raven almost lost control and jumped off the stage to free his former subordinate. Raven did his best to control his emotion and suppress his anger. "Tonight's banquet is only a disguise! This place is where they hold their slave auction," Raven growled quietly.
While Raven was at a loss for words, the man's voice echoed all over the mansion again. "He is a warrior from the North. He was a very skilled swordsman during the war. It's estimated that he killed almost five hundred soldiers and mages combined in just the first week of the war, earning his title 'The Mad Beast of the North.' But he eventually got defeated when their country fell and got captured. And for our first item, starting price is 100 gold!"
After the introduction, no one spoke. Some were showing doubts. Some leaned back in their seats. Others whispered with furrowed brows, eyes narrowed with suspicion. One noble's hand twitched and asked,
"He's from that country that worshiped devils? If so, how can we buy such a dangerous person?"
After hearing that, Raven's face twitched a little.
"Yes! But everyone, look at his collar. It's a magic item that can make everyone submit with full obedience to anyone who drops their blood on it and makes a contract. That's why it's completely safe. This man won't be able to disobey you or harm you because of this magic item. You can freely order him to do whatever you want him to do!"
After giving the explanation, everyone took a glance at the lifeless warrior in front with interest. Then, one after another, the guests gave their bid.
"150 gold!"
"200!"
"230!"
Hearing the prices, Raven closed his eyes slightly, looking down and clenching his fist. After some bidding, someone had finally won. The man on the stage smiled and used his right arm to point to the winner. "The Mad Beast of the North is sold for 500 gold to the gentleman at the right corner."
Raven's gaze followed where the man was pointing his arm. Then he saw the winner of the bid at the right corner. It was Raven's target—"Derrick." Even though Derrick was wearing a mask, Raven was certain that it's his target. After confirming that the winner of the bid for his subordinate is also his target tonight, Raven felt a sign of relief and was able to regain his composure.