Exquisite candlesticks and chandeliers hung from the ceiling of the dining hall, illuminating the entire room. Kane and his companions were seated at the dining table, enjoying fine wine and cuisine, engaged in casual conversation.
Only Kane, Catherine, Marcus, Hoster, and a few apprentice supernaturals were invited to this gathering. In contrast to the lively atmosphere in the other banquet hall, Kane's group conversed in hushed tones, creating a somewhat subdued ambiance.
In an attempt to break the quietude, Hoster spoke up, "On the way to the Rijit Territory, I heard rumors that King Andona is seemingly considering declaring war on the orcs."
King Andona Vis, the current ruler of the Dieran Kingdom, had targeted the ancestors of Kane since his ascension to the throne. Despite multiple attempts at reforming, mostly mimicking the orcish empire, his efforts ended in failure. In recent years, he shifted his focus to the orcish empire, vowing to completely conquer their territory. This decision left the nobility in internal turmoil, as it required spending several times the annual military budget.
Sighing, Kane remarked, "Another war so soon? It hasn't even been two years since the last conflict with the orcish empire."
Marcus chimed in, "His Highness Andona's move may face opposition from the council."
Catherine, focused on her meal, remained indifferent to political matters or warfare. In fact, she looked forward to a new war, a chance to hone her sword skills on the battlefield.
Hoster chuckled, "Marcus, you hit the nail on the head. Those old guys from the council did voice their concerns, but unfortunately, they were persuaded by a sixth-tier legend who was brought in."
"What!? Sixth tier!" Catherine exclaimed in surprise.
Hoster nodded, "Indeed, not only a sixth-tier legend, but reportedly also recruited from the Dark Elf Kingdom."
Kane furrowed his brows, sensing that something was amiss. He asked, "Hoster, will this individual participate in the war against the orcs?"
Hoster was uncertain, stating, "Who knows, Kane? King Andona may have his own plans."
Deep in thought, Kane decided to deal with the current enemies first before contemplating the kingdom's affairs. He put down his wine glass and resumed the conversation with Hoster.
The evening continued with quiet discussions, contrasting the lively atmosphere in the other banquet hall. The feast concluded with the servants entering to clean up, and Kane, feeling a bit dizzy, rubbed his forehead.
Having consumed a substantial amount of wine during the banquet with the soldiers and later with Hoster, Marcus, and Catherine, Kane's tolerance was not as high as in his previous life. To counter the effects, he had consumed numerous glasses of sugared water.
The rest of the group, excluding Catherine, who was already sound asleep, managed to maintain their sobriety. Marcus was trying to awaken the sleeping Catherine, while Hoster, his face flushed, conversed animatedly with his attendants.
Suddenly, Hoster called out to Kane, "Kane Gerard."
Despite still feeling dizzy, Kane sensed an abnormality in Hoster's tone. "What's wrong? Uncle Hoster."
"I am arresting you on charges of treason. I hope you'll surrender peacefully."
With those words, a white halo emanated from Hoster, concealing his attendants. The Radiant Aura, an ability unique to second-tier knights, enhanced the strength and speed of the target while forming a temporary armor.
"Why!?" Before Kane could react, the attendants, empowered by the white aura, attacked him and his companions.
Having anticipated the situation, Kane pulled Catherine behind him just as one of the attendants was about to strike her. Catherine, now awake from the fall, was met with a white longsword.
"Clang."
Kane hastily blocked the attack with his own weapon. He ordered Catherine, who was still a bit dazed, "Pick up your weapon; we're under attack."
Marcus, on the other side, had also awakened to the danger, sending a sword energy wave toward the attendants. Unfortunately, Hoster quickly dispelled it.
"Marcus, give up. Following me will lead to a better future for you."
As a knight loyal to the Rijit Territory, Marcus firmly responded, "I'm sorry, Lord Hoster, but I decline your invitation."
Unperturbed, Hoster remarked, "Good, I like your loyal attitude."
With that, Hoster raised his sword to strike Marcus. Meanwhile, Kane and Catherine struggled against the five empowered attendants.
In an unfortunate moment, Kane suffered a cut on his right arm. The golden-red blood stained his sleeve.
The empowered attendants relentlessly attacked, and despite Catherine's efforts to defend, Kane sustained continuous injuries. In an unguarded moment, one of the attendants seized the opportunity, lifting a sword to thrust at Kane's throat.
Unexpectedly, Kane's eyes turned crimson as he met the attacker. A surge of unprecedented exhilaration filled him. Kane's sharp claws, unnoticed until now, pierced into the attendant's body.
In the surprised gaze of his adversary, Kane withdrew his claws, causing blood to splatter.
"Monster..."
The attendant clutched his abdomen, convulsing, and fell to the ground. Red fur rapidly grew on Kane's body, and his two canine teeth reappeared.
Moonlight poured through the dining hall's French windows, illuminating Kane's transformed figure.
A refreshing sensation unlike anything he had felt before surged through Kane's heart. He discarded the decorative longsword and manifested claws coated in Radiant Energy.
"Bored tricks."
Kane, now in control of his actions, advanced towards the remaining four attendants, leaving only afterimages in his wake.
Before the first attendant could react, Kane, with incredible speed, reached out and crushed his skull.
Following that, a platinum-colored gas cut down the second attendant attempting to escape.
Before the third attendant could even register Kane's movement, the sharp claws tore through his body.
The last surviving attendant, realizing resistance was futile, discarded his sword and pleaded, "Don't kill me, I can help you..."
Before he could finish his sentence, Kane sliced him into three pieces.
"Boring tricks."
Kane casually picked up the poisoned dagger hidden behind the attendant.