Home THIS BEAST-TAMER IS A LITTLE STRANGE Chapter 121 - 121: Mission DetailsTHIS BEAST-TAMER IS A LITTLE STRANGEChapter 121 - 121: Mission DetailsPrev Chapter Next Chapter
Kain felt as though he was going to throw up.
It felt as though his body was being stretched and then compressed, and then twisted though this tunnel of searing blue light and pulsing energy.
The experience was unsettling and disorienting but thankfully over quickly. Soon the world snapped back into focus and he felt the ground beneath his feet again.
Kain took a moment to reorient himself with his eyes closed since it still felt as though his world was spinning. freёweɓnovel.com
Once he felt more stable he opened his eyes.
He appeared in a room. There was no sigil marking or object to indicate that this was a target for his teleportation. Kain really didn't know anything about teleportation and had no idea how this room had been so accurately pinpointed. He also had no idea of how to make his way back to the college as discretely as he left.
Kain examined his surroundings further. He was in a room—one that appeared even more old and rundown than his room back at the orphanage.
The wooden floorboards were scuffed and worn, marred by deep scratches and stains. The wood has lost its original luster, showing patches of discoloration where years of use have taken their toll.
The walls, a faded, peeling shade of cream, reveal the scars of age and neglect, with cracked paint and strange dried on white stains that Kain really did not want to investigate further.
An open window was partially covered by tattered curtains that let in a meagre amount of sunlight and helped to clear the musty air within the room.
The room was also quite bare with only minimal pieces of furniture—a rickety chair, a sagging mattress on a simple frame, and an old wooden dresser with chipped red paint.
The only thing the room had going for itself was that it was somewhat clean and free of dust and insects.
'I hope that it's not required of my mission to stay here. Based on the suspicious white stains on the walls, I don't want to use any of the furniture in this room.'
Kain went to the safe at the foot of the bed. It stood out in the room due to the obviously expensive spiritual metal it was made out of which contrasted with the decrepit surroundings. He then entered the 6-digit pin that was in the letter left at the teleportation gate.
After the safe popped open with a beep, Kain inspected the insides. There was a black formal suit with a white dress shirt and black tie, a black ornate venetian mask with gold trim and floral design that would cover the top half of the face, a key with a room number on it, an ID card, several papers, and an envelope.
Kain pulled out the envelope hoping that it would provide more instructions.
According to the envelope the formal suit and mask were part of the waiter uniform for Eli Cross—his alias. The ID card and the temporary worker paperwork form were also present within the safe. Additionally, there was also a recent photo of his target—a somewhat chubby and pale man in his late twenties to early thirties with dark hair and cold grey eyes.
"Eli" had been hired to cater an extremely exclusive event tonight attended only by the most affluent members of the capital.
Yes, according to the letter Kain was currently within the Celestial Empire's capital city—Celestial City. Which also is home to the nation's top college, and their biggest rival during the national competition, the First Celestial Academy.
Apparently this event was something many members of high society looked forward to every year and was even attended by those that usually disliked attending social events, such as Kain's target Aric Nightsbane. Aric usually remains within a villa in the city's outskirts all year round, so this is one of the few instances when he appears in public.
The event is to commemorate the day that the first Affinity Ceremony was held—a major turning point in the nation's history and also an achievement credited to the royal family. Although the date is not an official national holiday that all workers can take off work, it is probably the most important sate within the social calendar of those nobles.
Any member of high society, as well as their children above a certain age, that does not attend without good reason will be considered to be personally insulting the royal family. An accusation that would make even the most antisocial individuals not want to deal with the ensuing headache from skipping the social event.
Tomorrow morning at 8 am, another opportunity to teleport back to the school will be provided within this room.
Therefore, although Kain had no intention of spending the night in this room, he will still need to keep the room key and come back here tomorrow morning.
😍 Casual Date is just a click away!Kain put everything in the safe into his space ring and then ventured out of the room, which he discovered was located within an inn, in one of the most poor areas of the capital.
Kain then headed to one of the nicer areas of the city to book a more comfortable hotel room to sleep in, although not too high-end a hotel since he wanted to keep a low profile. It took a while to find a non-sketchy hotel that would accept cash payments since his bank account was attached to his real identity and he made sure to book the room under his alias.
There were still 2 hours left until the event, but Kain figured he should head over there early. So once he had a place to sleep for the night he flagged a cab and made his way over to the event venue.
In the back of the car as the moved towards the more affluent areas, Kain finally took the time to examine the famous city.
Due to its long history, there was a captivating contrast between historic charm and modern additions. However, the well-preserved historical buildings became more plentiful in the direction they were headed.
At a certain point, there was a gate blocking the road. Thankfully, Kain's work order allowed him and the cab access to the "aristocratic" area in the city's North.
The modern sleek lines in the newer middle-class area transitioned to be exclusively lined by grand Renaissance-style architecture with ornate designs along the walls, arched windows, intricately carved columns and domed ceilings.
The smooth concrete of the newer areas also transitioned into cobblestone roads that shockingly incorporated precious stones that sparkled under the setting sun, displaying the wealth of local residents in an ostentatious manner.
Every few blocks there were roundabouts at intersections with fountains and statues in the shape of famous spiritual creatures.
He got out of the cab a short 10-minute walk from the venue outside of a restaurant. After paying the staff at the front in cash to turn the other way as he used the washroom, Kain changed into his uniform and made his way over to his worksite.
Just outside of the building, he also put on the black face mask.
The location of the event was held at what appeared to be a Renaissance castle that was cast in a warm amber glow under the setting sun.
Crimson and gold banners—the royal family's colours— decorated the castle's massive grounds. While the royal crest—a magnificent golden dragon on a red background—was featured in a massive banner above the grand entryway.
An entryway the Kain bypassed as he went towards the side door of the castle. Obviously as the help he was completely unqualified to enter through the front door.
After handing over his papers and (fake) ID, Kain was granted entry.
the bustling staff room of the grand castle, the air was thick with anticipation as the chefs and other workers hurried to complete their tasks last-minute.
The wait staff, dressed in crisp black suits and black masks, stood in rows attentively, their expressions a mixture of nervousness and a forced calm professionalism.
At the front of the room, an impeccably dressed stern elderly woman with a tight grey bun, the head of catering, addressed the team with a commanding presence.
"Listen carefully. I will not have any of you tarnishing my business' reputation." She began in a strict tone that promised severe consequences should they cross her. "Tonight's event is of utmost importance. It will be attended by not only the most powerful families of our great Empire, but also members of the royal family—your every action must be perfect."
"Rule number 1. You will NOT speak to or make eye contact with the guests unless spoken to. You are to be an easily ignorable ghost that just happens to be there when needed."
"Rule number 2. Every request by a guest must be addressed promptly. Ideally you anticipate their needs before they voice them. If a guest's glass is almost empty, you are to ensure it is refilled immediately—no guest should ever be seen holding an empty glass."
Her gaze swept over the staff, ensuring they absorb every detail. "Rule number 3. No matter what you hear at this event, it must be immediately deleted from you mind. You do not show any emotional reaction to what you hear, and above all you do not share it with others once you leave—unless you want to die."
"Maintain a calm demeanor, and remember to keep your movements smooth and silent. Any mistake tonight is unacceptable. Your efficiency, discretion, and grace reflect on the reputation of this establishment. Now, get ready and make sure you understand the importance of every action tonight."
The team nodded in unison, their collective focus on the high stakes of the evening ahead.
They then lined up to receive their catering trays.
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Due to Kain's true purpose for being here, Kain made sure to collect a tray only with drinks. However, he did not put Bea into the drinks just yet.
He had no guarantee that Aric has even arrived yet. Not to mention, the level of some of the attendees may be at 6-stars or even higher, while anyone with 4-stars or higher may be able to detect Bea's presence if they had extreme vigilance.
Thankfully, Aric was just an ordinary person. All Kain had to do was find a way to serve him a contaminated drink without any of the more powerful individuals noticing.
Kain entered the ballroom with his tray full of golden spiritual cocktails.
Kain noted that the faint hum of spiritual power within the drinks may also help to conceal Bea's presence from those who were not consciously investigating the liquid.
Therefore, Kain may be able to move his estimation of Bea's effective complete concealment to include those of 4-stars as well—Aric's guards are anticipated to be between 4- and 5-stars. Therefore, he hoped that during a moment of distraction none of them would notice a sudden addition to their charge's glass.
Kain was actually grateful that the overindulgence of the nation's most rich and powerful had caused them to use extremely potent spiritual plants just for party cocktails.
As the door separates the back kitchen from the party, a breathtaking sight unfolded within. The room, a magnificent embodiment of classic opulence was similarly adorned with crimson and gold tapestries and banners around the hall.
The soaring ceilings were covered with realistic paintings of the founders' legendary battles while establishing the kingdom.
Golden chandeliers were dripping with spiritual crystals that had a faint effect of lifting the attendants' moods. Although their effect was ineffective on the more powerful beast-tamers present.
The polished marble floor stretched beneath the socializing guests' feet. While opulent dining tables draped with red and gold linens were interspersed throughout the room and were set with gold-rimmed dishes and crystal glassware. At the center of each circular table were large spiritual flower arrangements in elaborate vases that cast rich floral scent into the air.
Likely because not all guests had arrived, and it was not yet time for dinner, the guests were all still standing around and conversing.
However, possibly due to the live string quartet's musical instruments being engraved with sigils that had a slight concealment effect, Kain would have to arrive practically right next to the guests in order to eavesdrop on their conversation. All he could hear aside from some vague murmurs was the music.
Kain did his best to blend in and not raise any suspicion. He naturally walked around the room while serving glasses and collecting empty ones. All the while he kept an eye out for his target who seemingly hasn't arrived yet.
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And so for the next 30 minutes, Kain was a completely ordinary waitstaff. He returned to the kitchen to refill his drink tray, and conveyed special requests to the kitchen.
'This is so freaking boring. Why would anyone even want to come to this thing? I understand that some of the mid-level beast-tamers of 5 and 6 stars probably felt pressured to come. Those 7-star and above should be free from any such repercussions. Are these aristocrats just bored and dying for socialization?'
Finally, at the chime of a bell the guests moved to their assigned seats and a hush fell over the grand ballroom.
At the front of the room, a middle-aged man acting as the host in a finely tailored suit took the stage, commanding the room's attention.
A smooth and resonant voice cut through the silence, "Ladies and gentlemen, honored guests, welcome to this illustrious evening where we celebrate the anniversary of our Celestial Empire's first affinity ceremony established by our infinitely blessed and wise royal family."
At his gesture to the side, a spotlight illuminated two distinguished figures sitting at the head table, the guests of honour—a middle-aged woman and teenage boy, the representatives of the royal family.
The room erupted into a wave of applause. Whether the expressions of deep respect and admiration on their faces were genuine, Kain did not know.
With the formalities complete, the host continued, "Tonight, you are invited to indulge in an exquisite banquet prepared by one of our nation's finest chefs, and to partake in an exclusive auction featuring rare and coveted items from both our empire and abroad." The host's tone is enthusiastic, promising an evening of luxury and excitement.
'Auction?! Now that explains why many of these people still came.' Kain himself was also full of anticipation. Although he couldn't participate in the auction himself, nor would he likely be able to afford even the cheapest item if he could, this auction would still serve to broaden his horizons.
At the mention of the auction, applause once again rang out in the room even more enthusiastic than before.
The staff then sprang into action, serving the first course of the lavish meal. Kain made sure to be responsible for the table of a chubby man with cold grey eyes—Aric Nightsbane.
However, he made sure not to give him excessive attention, he kept his eyes away from all individuals at the table as he was instructed and paid attention to ensuring the height of their glass remained at a high level.
All of the guards for these rich and powerful individuals were stood against the walls of the room, keeping an eye on their charges. However, the fact that they weren't hovering right above the shoulder of those they were responsible for was an additional assurance for Kain.
From that distance, he didn't think they'd be able to detect Bea's presence, especially not when in a liquid brimming with spiritual power.
Likely they didn't think anyone would be so bold as to try anything at an even with beast-tamers even above 7-stars. Not to mention, most powerful individuals have extremely effective defensive measures against poisons and sudden attacks. And indeed, no assassination has been launched at this event in the past—at least not successfully. Even when attempted by 6-star assassins in the past.
The sound of cutlery and polite compliments to the chef filled the room. However, Kain could tell it was perfunctory. Everyone's focus was on the first covered item being wheeled on to the stage by a beautiful young girl in a form-hugging sparkling red dress.
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There was an art to the order of auctions. To maximize the enthusiasm of the atmosphere the host would want the first item to be excellent enough to raise the anticipation of the guests. However, the real showstoppers must be left until the end.
Therefore, the first item of an auction is usually appealing enough to rank just within the top 10 of the items being shown, while also being widely desired and usable by majority of the beast-tamers in the room. That way as many individuals are drawn into the auction early as possible.
And once they place their first bid, even if they don't win, their resistance to casting a second, then a third, then a fourth, gradually declines.
The red covering was removed from the covering to reveal I shining gold piece of armor, with 7 intricate designs all around the armour.
"Created by the Grandmaster Blacksmith Ragnar Aegis, I present to you the 6-star amour, the Aegis of Valor. Despite being a 6-star enchanted armor, it has 7 sigils. In order to preserve the cards of its future owner, I will not reveal all of their effects, but I can reveal that this armor has exceptional defensive and offensive abilities.
And based on Grandmaster Aegis' resounding reputation I'm sure you can imagine how outstanding the effects of the sigils and their combination of effects must be."
Immediately a buzz of anticipation was felt within the room. With each increase in level it becomes harder to create an enchanted piece of equipment, much less one with an additional sigil beyond its level. Many of the individuals within the room were 6-star beast tamers, and they probably did not have a piece of equipment with 7 sigils, despite their many connections.
Additionally, those in the room below 6-stars probably have a relative at the suitable level whether that is an older relative or a junior.
With one eye on his target, Kain could also tell that Aric was tempted by the armor, after all his grandfather was a 6-star beast tamer. As an ordinary individual, everything he currently has and all of his current status despite his lack of strength is completely due to his grandfather's favour of him.
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Otherwise, he would have been long cast aside in favour of one of his father's illegitimate children that have managed to awaken an affinity.
This armour would make an excellent gift for currying favour with the old man.
"We will be starting the bids at 50 million Celestial Dollars!"
The initial bids started to roll in quickly, while Kain was internally still in shock at the startling starting bid. However, the price of the armour quickly went far beyond that.
The host, now auctioneer, was skilled in his handling of the bids and the mounting excitement in the room set off a flurry of raised hands. Each individual making sure to increase the bid by at least 5 million CD. Kain wasn't sure if these high-end auctions had some kind of minimal raise rule.
Eventually there were no more hands in the air.
"115 million CD, going once…"
He paused to give time for a new competitor to interject.
"Going twice…"
Bang Bang Bang
"Sold! To Sir Whistlemore for 115 million CD" The auctioneer said before banging a gavil that suddenly appeared three times on the table.
This early auction item, while not the most extravagant, perfectly succeeded in drawing in a broad array of participants, creating a competitive atmosphere that ensured the evening's subsequent lots would benefit from the heightened anticipation and engaged crowd.
For nearly two hours Kain enthusiastically paid attention to the auction items while also making sure to bring in the subsequent food courses and topping up the drinks of all the guests of the table he was in charge of.
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Kain's horizon's were definitely broadened. He witnessed the sale of ancient artifacts with mysterious effects, powerful weapons, extremely rare spiritual plants and spiritual creatures, spiritual creatures and specialty items from foreign nations, manuals for rare spiritual skills, and more.
"Now we are entering the highlight of tonight's auction. I am sure you have all been waiting in anticipation of tonight's final 3 items."
Dessert had just been served and the night was coming to an end, but Kain still hadn't found an opportunity to infect Aric. Based on this being the last course, Kain had a feeling that this will be the last time Aric will be consuming any beverages. It was now or never.
Moreover, now the more shocking items of the auctions should be appearing. Hopefully, they were surprising enough to distract the guards from watching Aric.
Thankfully, for the dessert the paired beverage had been changed to cut through the sweet richness of the final course. Therefore, he would need to clear away their current glasses and replace it with new ones. One that he can already have spiked with a little something…special.
Kain steadily approached the table with a tray full of red spiritual cocktails, these ones with an even stronger hum of spiritual power—even the kitchen staff were unintentionally helping him!
Kain began to slowly place the glasses down. Taking his time as he made his way to Aric
"I present to you the first item of the grand finale—an Elysian Bloom. Brought back at the sacrifice of numerous lives from the far Verdant Empire. I'm sure many of you already know, but I will still go over its extraordinary effects. The Elysian Bloom can guarantee the success of forming up to the seventh star space. Regardless of any latent injuries, or deficiencies in talent that the user may have.
With this spiritual plant, our great Empire will welcome a new high-level beast tamer."
This was the moment Kain was waiting for. When even the guards were staring at the stage in envy and longing, Kain placed the last glass on the tray down—Aric's.
Kain could understand the appeal of this object. Every 3 levels of beast tamers represented a great divide. The gap in lifespan, strength and abilities between the 3rd (low-level beast-tamer) and 4th (threshold for a mid-level beast-tamer) star is greater than the sum of the strength of the first 3 levels all together.
The difference in strength between the 6th (mid-level) and 7th (high-level) star is even greater. Similarly, the difficulty of breaking through to the 4th and 7th stars is also the hardest.
Therefore, while 6-star beast tamers are the backbone of the country's elite warriors. The number once you get to 7-star beast tamers is drastically reduced. For every 20 6-stars, there may not even be one 7-star.
A family having a 7-star beast-tamer will result in a huge increase in status and strength compared to one headed by a 6-star beast-tamer.
Many individuals in the room practically had fire spitting out of their eyes in greed…including Aric.
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