"Damn it!" The duke's appearance was funny to an observer but personally, it was an insult to his dignity. "What's the matter Sir duke? If this is all the famous master of arms is capable of I recommend rescinding your title of duke to a more competent person. Your pendant is responsible for your unstable state of mind." Currently, Bradque was taunting the duke while parrying his sword attacks with astounding finesse before they even reached him. 'What amazing reaction time, it's like his agility is inexhaustible. It must be that weird potion and what rubbish is he still spewing about my pendant?' The duke was barely keeping up with Bradque's incessant attacks, causing him to constantly defend himself. 'He really is a cockroach. I thought this would be a piece of cake. The two-minute interval is almost over.' *Gemini potion effects exhausted* Bradque was really getting nervous, without the potion's wondrous effects he could hardly cope fighting the duke. He could use any of his special abilities but that would give him away as a demon which would implicate the Count; who was possessed by a demon. 'I have to cause irreparable damage to even the grounds. Killing him would draw unwanted attention. What a mess.' "You really live up to your name" speaking in a relaxed tone Bradque suddenly stopped his attacks and stood a foot away from the duke. 'What is his game? He must be exhausted from all that swinging' The duke thought Bradque was exhausted when in reality 'System purchase one healing potion' *Confirmed your remaining Exp is 50 points* Looking at the loosened smile on the duke he smirked and then drank the healing potion. "What? Are you a potion master? No wait" 'My MP is enough to use the second stage'. Ignoring the Duke's inability to make sense of the situation he gripped the hades sword tightly before staring at the duke seriously "Phoenix technique, second cycle FUNERAL PYRE." Seeing the ring of fire around Bradque the duke was astonished but quickly regained his wits. The duke knew Bradque was putting everything on the line for this move and also reciprocated by unleashing his special move that made his sword glow blue "Domineering slash." The duke's whole being was giving off a bloodthirsty vibe while Bradque's was an unquenchable red flame. The two contenders clashed covering the 36th floor with a beautiful purple color. "What is happening on the 36th floor" "It must be a battle of rankers above rank6". Unwittingly conscious that they had caused quite a stir outside the outcome of their battle had been decided. The dust brought by the impact of their clash had not settled yet but "I...Blergghhhhh" Bradque's sight was blurry while coughing up blood. "Where is the duke?" trying to gain a sense of his surroundings Bradque could faintly make out the burly figure of the duke flung away about ten feet opposite him in similarly bad shape. "I hardly made it thanks to the healing potion" muttering sadly he was struggling to his feet. Arriving where the duke was, he stretched out his hand towards the duke's forehead. "System...cough cough...DEVOUR" shouting at the top of his lungs Bradque copied the duke's skill. "I guess I should head up and meet the others. Huh, this is?". Noticing the weird pendant on the duke he tasked the system "System scan" *Affirmative*
Item: Cursed Pendant
Alchemic ingredients: Blood steel, Heart of pregnant goblin, Drenched perverse soil.
Attributes: Temporary distortion to one's memories and temperament. Demonic abilities doubles.
"It really is a cursed item, no wonder when I saw his stats it was weird. I should keep it in case." As if recalling the status of the duke he contemplated before asking to the system again. "System reveal duke's status" *Affirmative*
Name: Darius Crown (Weakened state: User is only capable of using 5% of current stats )
Title: Duke of Nodnol , Master of Arms
Level: Level 3 (Level 10)
Bloodline(s): Light god (10% purity)
Abilities: Heal(Level9)
Techniques: Swordsmanship(SS+), Marksmanship(SS), Spearman ship(SS)
Affiliation: Church of Light
MP: 523.4(10468)
Strength: Level 1 (Level 11)
Agility: Level 2 (Level 10)
"What a hassle. I had already set my plan in motion!. System purchase healing potion." complaining with an irritated expression on his face Bradque decided to leave the Duke after curing him. After pouring the content of the healing potion into the duke's mouth he immediately headed to the next floor.
Around the moment Bradque was dueling the Duke, Anastasia and her retinue were improving their skills. "Are those the targets?" hooded figures were lurking in the shadows while stalking them. A henchman answered his boss "Yes, however, I can't see our client among them." the boss said in a rigid voice " Regardless, we push forward with the plan." "Zack use the potion our client gave us" while surveying their targets from afar the boss ordered one of his henchmen. "Alright Fiona cast a blotting spell, Kras you will be in charge of diverting their attention, the rest of you come with me in kidnapping the target." After giving his precise orders the boss licked his lips in delight before muttering "To your positions". "Princess that is enough practice. You must be hungry and tired" Grace saw that Anastasia was worn out so she suggested she rest. "No I can still...brmmm" as if proving Grace's theory right Anastasia tummy protested in hunger. Both Grace and Emilia laughed lightly at the embarrassed Princess before moving to a safe zone. Under a tree, the three were having lunch when Anastasia asked Grace while munching a sandwich "Grace do you know the reason why Bradque told us to go ahead?". "I have no idea. He must have had something serious to take care of. Stop being picky and eat your onions" At thesame time Grace saw that Anastasia was being picky before reprimanding her. Setting their sights on the only quiet member of the group Anastasia tried to initiate a discussion "Ermmm Emilia you don't need to be so tensed up. We are all-" reaching out her hands while speaking to Emilia in a soft tone; Emilia angrily slapped her hand off her that was going to her shoulder before bawling in a grievous tone. Emilia stood up while covering her face that were filled with tear drops. "Both of you. It was only us...Can't you see he is just using us? And Grace you are nothing but scum betraying the Princess. How can you have any face to be all jolly with us?" disgusted by her friend's ranting Grace frowned and met her gaze before speaking "Yes I am scum. Tell me were you there when I spent days trying to survive the slums with my mum who became a prostitute for my sake? or the time I had to endure the ridicule and degradation at the knight academy because of my sex. No what of the time when I was demoted just because I turned down the captain's romantic intentions." tongue tied by Grace's horrible experience she was about to speak "I underst-" pushing her against the tree before cutting her short Grace angrily remarked "No you don't. Don't give me your empty words that are coated in apathy." refusing to be outdone Emilia gazed at Grace with fiery eyes "You betrayed your loyalty to the princess that alone is enough to revoke your knighthood". Surpised at Emilia's last sentence Grace laughed heartily "Hahhahahhah" displeased by Grace's condescending laughter Emilia retorted "What is funny?" changing her expression in an instant Grace replied curtly "You. Yes you. with your fake righteousness that is even unmatched to the Church's greedy priests." tightening her fists Emilia spoke slowly "What...do...you...mean" responding with a micking smile Grace replied "Your relationship with the Princess, do you think I would not find out?" Emilia was embarassed but was too prideful to back down. "That does not change the fact you betrayed her highness" chuckling at her airhead friend Grace replied "What betrayal do you speak of? I am merely surviving, my relationship with Bradque is merely beneficial. Not like someone from an affluent household can understand." "Stop please you two, there is no need to continue" shifting their attention to Anastasia's sobbing tone Grace and Emilia's chests were heaving up and down continuously after the heated argument. "Hmm do you smell that?" sniffing out of curiosity Emilia and Anastasia confirmed Grace's suspiscion "You are right it truly is...What the?" Anastsia suddenly collapsed "PRINCESS" "ANASTASIA" both knights screamed simultaneously, before they could find the culprit they heard a gently female voice "Blot" before their surroundings had turned pitch black. Emilia was aout to charge blindly she was held back by the shoulder. "Emilia guard the princess do not act rashly. Even our stregth cannot prevail for long. We have to find an escape route quickly." npdding her head hesistantly Emilia instantly cooled down before speaking again " I apologize. I was too rash if only-" frowning in displeasure Grace spoke calmly, bobbing her head in a remoseful manner Grace commented "It's nothing to be worried about. Right now let us survive this otherwise the duke would behead us personally."
At the moment Bradque was speeding towards the 37th floor. "I hope those idiots go according to plan." When he arrived he surveyed the area before contacting his cohorts. "Are they in place?" frowning at the eerie silence for a response he had an ominous premonitions "What went wrong?" stammaring the contractor spoke in a grave tone "One of them is...." frustrated at the half assed reply he shouted "IS WHAT?!" the contractor spoke softly "in a critical condition" "What?????" "Which one of them?" gritting his teeth in annoyance he waited for a response when the other end finally spoke "The princess" silence ensued immediately. 'Hmm? that's perfect' confusing his clients silence for anger the boss profusely apologized "We are honestly sory. It was unintentional. we did not expect she would go far for a subordinate. No we should not shift the blame on ignorance. Sir Demon King we beg your-" Bradque was in a joyous mood "Hahhaha that is good. Infact this is convenient with the plan. Well done." confused at his client's happiness he still replied in a questioning tone "Thank you? no that is not important. She does not have much to live only about twelve hours." Bradque replied in a firm tone "No need to worry. Proceed as planned." Veronica was currently handling the enormous gifts and numerous invitations directed to Bradque when she received a message from Bradque. "Veronica it is time to buy our trust." understanding without further explanation she replied "I will be there shortly master." After cutting the communication circle Bradque was sighing "A pity I have to be frugal with my crystal stones. No teleporting freely."