Space Distortion occurs when an area is distorted, creating another world.
It was usually used for assassination, duel in public, or to showcase the domain of the Archmage.
That's right, only an Archmage could achieve Space Distortion through their domain and mana intent.
That's why I'm puzzled.
How the fuck did this guy managed to summon Space Distortion?
I don't remember him possessing such an artifact, even when the author revealed his appearance.
My eyes chilled as I gazed at him in an awkward position – carried by Sophie on her shoulder.
"Who gave you this mission? To provide you with an artifact of this level just to kill me?"
Viper was in mid-air, watching towards me with an ambiguous expression.
"Well, a noble like you?"
I gazed at him for seconds.
Sophie was frozen in shock, so we made no movement, giving room for me to contemplate.
"It must be someone from an Archduke level, right?"
His eyelids widened.
"You're really smart."
"Let's have a talk."
"What there's no need to?"
A slight motion occurred on his body, and my heart raced.
I couldn't get out of this situation, no matter what, so I must retort with negotiation.
"Do you really think my father wouldn't notice?"
"He wouldn't." He vanished.
My line of thought roared in a millisecond.
I remember now, the Space Distortion wasn't only an artifact.
However, a bundle of artifacts formed to summon an array.
Indeed, with many artifacts and a magic circle drawn on the place, connecting all the ingredients, an array would be summoned.
Therefore, there was no doubt that Viper must have added a concealment artifact, making it difficult for even an Archmage or Warlock to notice unless they would place their whole attention on it or even near it.
However, Regulus must need five minutes, at least, to notice the array.
By then, I'm already dead.
'So, that's why he's so confident, huh?'
I broke into sweats.
At this moment, the Necklace of Uriel Protection's durability could only last three spells from him.
However, I underestimate him.
The moment he appeared before the barrier, seemingly dashing in a mach speed, with the hooded Vijayanagara katar on both hands slashing in a diagonal direction, my eyes widened.
I heard him murmuring, and it was the start of the nightmare.
"Level 6 spell, Aeris Wind Cut."
Aeris Wind Cut was his strongest spell, the highest-level spell in High-Level spells.
Coupled with the Level 2 spells, Wind Platform for an object to provide him with force to dash, and Wind limbs to increase the speed, these single movements of his became his signature sure-kill attack.
As expected, the supposed durability of the Necklace of Uriel's Protection, which could last for three High-Level spells, was instantly cut like tofu.
At this moment, time froze, and Sophie was consumed by fear.
I sensed no movement from her, but it seemed even her heart appeared to halt.
There was no way for us to escape this predicament.
Unless…
"Venomous Lotus Extract."
A shift motioned in his attack, ending only half of my hat to be severed.
I was filled with relief when I finally realized that my hunch worked.
It was actually a gamble.
If he wasn't in search of Venomous Lotus Extract, when it was only revealed in the later volume, then I would surely die.
Although, I assumed that it could be the case, considering the suspicions of the greater lengths he took just to obtain a reward.
It could only be the Venomous Lotus Extract.
"Y-You…"
I heard him stutter behind me.
I moved my body to face him but noticed the shivering in fear Sophie.
I hugged her in my arms, letting her weep silently, as anger rose in my heart.
'I would never forgive this guy for making my Sophie terrified,' I swore to myself.
"Isn't that what you promised to your client?"
"How did you know?" His eyes flashed with killing intent as he positioned himself to attack me at any moment.
One wrong move for me could be the end of my life.
"Venomous Lotus Extract, a poison from the venom of the lotus flower that must be aged a thousand years old. It could only be found in one of the seven forbidden regions, The Venomous Marshlands of Zythar. It's impossible for you to venture to that region, knowing how deadly potent the poison of the Zythar, one of the types of dark forces inhabiting the seven forbidden regions."
I was bidding time in case my negotiations wouldn't work.
Of course, it wouldn't work for a cautious assassin like him.
Nevertheless, I kept trying different methods while I was contemplating how I should proceed onwards.
"I know," he said with a chilling voice, "But I'm asking why you mentioned it and why it seems you know that it is related to me?"
I must proceed with great caution at this moment.
After all, If I reveal too much, I might become a threat to him that must cease with no more reason.
But, If I don't reveal it, I might be considered useless and only buying time.
"I'm giving you a chance. Don't think you can get away by killing me. My father placed a curse once my soul exhausted on the Soul Augmentation Talisman, marking the person who killed me."
I gazed at him with a serious countenance while continuing to rub Sophie's hair to calm her.
She was still sobbing, but I was more conscious of my mind and the circumstances.
"Hence, I'm negotiating with you to obtain what you want without endangering your life."
"Brat!"
Viper was consumed by rage, as he assumed that he was being threatened by some weak aristocrats.
"Are you threatening me?"
"I know you," I quickly replied. "You belonged to the Reaper Guild. You are the son of the Vicemaster. If my father learned the cause of my death, don't you think that the Emperor, who knew all along the headquarters of your guild, as well as all of your activity, will stand by? Knowing that his Admiral might explode in anger if he remained uncooperative to his request?"
His face was concealed by the mask, but his eyes revealed hesitation and shock.
At this moment, he might be thinking that he underestimated my wit.
If he has the upper hand in physical battle, then I have the advantage in mind battle.
"You think I don't know that His Majesty only let you go because of your usefulness?"
I gave him seconds of silence while I continued, sneering internally.
"Now, will you hear me?"