"Capture that spy right now, and don't let him get away!" Damian commanded firmly from behind the knight squad. The knights swiftly closed in on the injured spy, ensuring he couldn't escape or pose any further threat.
Rather than trembling with fear, the spy's expression suddenly changed, breaking out in a menacing laugh. He stared back at Damian from a distance away. Damian felt a chill run down his spine as the spy's stare was as intense as it was unnatural, his own heart racing as he tried to determine what the spy was planning.
"Do you think a mere knight and your puny crossbow can stop me?" the spy taunted, unleashing an unknown energy around him that caused a powerful shockwave, knocking the knights away from the roof of the building.
Damian was left in disbelief, using his hand to shield his eyes from the force of the shockwave. While Damian possessed potent demonic energy, he wasn't yet skilled enough to wield it efficiently. Misusing such power could lead to dangerous consequences, even risking his own life.
Realizing the perilous situation, Damian knew it would not be wise to confront the spy alone. This adversary seemed to possess more skill and power than most of the knights, making it a formidable encounter.
With a sly grin, the spy spoke, "It is a pleasure to meet you, young master of the Ornstein family. We will see each other for certain." Then, he swiftly dashed away, using his concealment skills to escape the knights' pursuit. The shockwave had left the knights stunned for a moment, allowing the spy to make his getaway.
Once he felt that the knights were no longer following him, the spy swiftly descended from the roof and disappeared into a dark alley. He was clearly fatigued from using too much energy during the encounter.
"Cough! Cough!" The spy coughed up blood into his black cloth mask.
"I think I used too much power this time... Damn it... The master's going to kill me for sure,"
He cursed himself for failing the mission. He continued to use his concealment skill to move stealthily through the shadows, aware that he needed to get away and recover before reporting back to his master.
The chaotic aftermath of the spy's escape left the knight squad regrouping and checking for injuries among themselves. Damian, filled with worry, quickly made his way down to the alley where Seraphine was sitting, surrounded by concerned knights.
"Seraphine, are you hurt?" Damian rushed toward her, his voice trembling with concern as he examined her carefully.
"I'm fine, young master, just a scratch," Seraphine reassured him with a gentle smile, trying to alleviate his worry. Despite her brave front, Damian's uncanny face persisted, showing the depth of his care for her.
Leaning down, Damian gently held one of Seraphine's hands in his own. His voice softened, laden with concern as he spoke, "I've told you before that this plan was too risky. You must understand how much I care for you, right?"
Seraphine nodded, her eyes meeting his with sincerity, "I'm sorry, young master, but at least now we know that the spy was targeting me and not you. It was a risk we had to take."
Damian sighed softly, realizing the truth in her words. Still, he couldn't help but worry for her safety. "I think you should consider getting some training or a weapon to protect yourself in the future," he suggested, patting her shoulder gently.
Seraphine's smile remained, appreciating his concern and support. "Thank you, young master. I promise I'll work on becoming stronger and being able to protect myself."
Damian and Seraphine, both decided to return to their mansion first. They planned to address the food shortage issue at a later time, recognizing that the spy posed a potential danger to their security.
Damian promised to provide the necessary monetary support to alleviate the food shortage and to return later to check on the town's progress. With the plague under control, they could now focus on the other pressing matters at hand and not to worry about any urgent problem for now
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Deep in the heart of the dense forest, a majestic mansion stood proudly, nestled within the embrace of the surrounding mountain range. Inside the mansion's lavish office, a middle-aged man with striking silver hair and a remarkably slender but powerful physique stood immersed in his book. His demeanor exuded the unmistakable aura of a distinguished noble.
Suddenly, the window creaked open with an eerie silence, and a cloaked figure, hood draped in darkness, slipped into the room. Despite his concealed face, the bandage on his shoulder hinted at a recent struggle. He knelt before the nobleman with deep respect and unwavering loyalty.
"Master, I have come to report on my mission," the man spoke firmly, displaying the resolve and discipline of one who served his lord dutifully.
The middle-aged noble closed his book and returned it gently to its rightful place on the bookshelf. Turning his gaze towards the figure before him, his presence emanated authority that seemed otherworldly.
"Did you complete the mission I ordered you?" the nobleman inquired, his tone tinged with a sense of urgency and expectation.
"I gathered some crucial details, but I deeply regret to inform you that I failed in my attempt to kidnap her," the man responded, his eyes remaining downcast, unable to meet his master's piercing gaze after his mission's failure.
In an instant, the nobleman's anger erupted like a violent storm. He lashed out, hurling a glass from the table at the spy's head, causing a gash that slowly started to bleed. The spy endured the pain, his head bowed low, weighed down by the weight of his failure.
"You pathetic fool! How could you falter in capturing a mere girl? When did you become so utterly incompetent?" The nobleman's voice thundered with rage, echoing through the room. His disappointment and fury were palpable, and the spy knew he had deeply disappointed his master.
The nobleman, still seething with disappointment, took a deep breath to compose himself. He settled into the plush chair in front of his servant, his eyes unwavering as he focused on the information that had been gathered.
"Speak," he commanded with an air of authority. "Tell me everything you've learned. If the information proves valuable, I may yet spare you from the consequences of your failure."
The spy took a moment to gather his thoughts, well aware of the gravity of the situation. He began recounting every piece of information he had managed to acquire during his mission. The details spilled forth, each word carefully chosen to provide a comprehensive account of his findings.